Dozens of events were held at locations across the city as Calgarians celebrated the second annual Neighbour Day, recognizing the spirit of community.
“It sounds simple but these are the things that make community and make us strong,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi during the festivities at the Glamorgan Community Association, one of his many scheduled Neighbour Day appearances.
In Glamorgan, residents enjoyed a pancake breakfast and children’s activities whiel reacquainting themselves with their neighbours.
“I think it's great for everyone to get together,” said Caroline Tuer. “We've run into tons of people we know from the community, the crescent, the schools.”
Monica Ogdens said the message of Neighbour Day should continue year round.
“You should always talk to your neighbour,” said Ogdens. “A ‘Hi neighbour’, that's what keeps communities together.”
It was two years ago when the notion of neighbours helping neighbours became a rallying cry in Calgary as citizens went out of their way to assist victims of the flooding of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
Destroyed homes were rebuilt and keepsakes were salvaged, in large part, to the contributions of strangers pitching in and lending a helping hand.
In Bowness Park, an historic greenspace that recently reopened following a massive flood related rebuild, the members of Extra Life Calgary organized a free Neighbours Day BBQ to show their appreciation.
Jeff Clemens of Extra Life Calgary says the group’s selected location for the BBQ was a nod to the spirit of Calgary.
“Bowness did flood, it was underwater here,” said Clemens. “I think it showed how the city came together after the flood.”
To make it easier for Calgarians to organize their own Neighbour Day events, the city waived the fees for block party permits and reserving green space.
