Forest Lawn Park

Revitalization Project
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
Grant Proposal

March 9, 2021
Table of Contents
Application Form 1
Section 1 9
Organization Information
About Our Organization
Project Leadership
Project Team
Community Engagement

Section 2 12
About Our Project
Why What We’re Doing is Important
Project Leadership
Project Design, Workplan + Timeline
Project Site
Project Outreach Strategy
Permits & approvals.
Project Documents

Section 3 19
Project Budget

Appendix
A - Certificate of Incorporation
B - Proof of Non-Profit Status
C - Conceptual Design Drawings
D - Site Evaluation
E - Initial Concept Development
F - Letters of Support
G - Engagement Report
H - Demographics Engagement
Application Form

Funded by
Application Instructions & Eligibility Confirmation
Our goal is to make this application simple and easy to complete. The Applicant Guide provides
more guidance and specific examples.

Projects funded by the Healthy Communities Initiative will:

• respond to identified needs arising from impacts of COVID-19;

• create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces in the public interest;
• demonstrate consideration of and connections with the community;
• serve the general public or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 listed in the
Applicant Guide; and,
• fall within the three Healthy Communities Initiative theme areas described in the Applicant Guide.

The information you provide in this document will be used by local reviewers in their evaluation as they
make funding decisions according to the criteria above.

What type of eligible organization are you: Federally or provincially incorporated not for profits

If you selected municipalities If you selected Indigenous If you selected federally or provincially incorporated
and municipal bodies are you: governing body are you: not for profit are you:
Municipalities and local or A band council local economic development not-for-profit residents
regional governments group (inc BIAs) associations
established by or under A First Nation, Inuit or Métis
provincial or territorial statute federally or provincially post-secondary
government or authority educational institutions
incorporated community, non-
Municipally-owned corporation profit, voluntary organization;
Tribal councils, provincial/
registered charity;
Other territorial bodies Indigenous development
corporations
research institutes;
Note: If you select "Other community-led organizations and grassroots relevant not-for-profit
groups" you must apply with another organization that is listed as professional associations
eligible using an Intermediary Agreement.

Section 1: About Your Organization

1. Lead Applicant Information

Name

Elizabeth Daniels
First Last

Email: [email protected] Preferred Language: English | Anglais

Phone Number: 403-669-8522

1
2. Organization Information
If you are applying as a community-led organization or group with another eligible organization using an Intermediary Agreement
please attach contact information for both organizations.

Organization Name: Forest Lawn Community Association

Organization Website: https://myforestlawn.ca/

Organization Address: 4020 26 Avenue SE

Street Address

Calgary T2B0C9 AB

City / Town / First Nation Postal Code Province / Territory

Year Established: 1952 Social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook

3. Tell us about your organizations background, mission, and mandate.

Located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, the Forest Lawn Community Association (FLCA) is committed
to the creation and provision of inclusive spaces to engage, inspire and empower our community. Defined by its resiliency, diversity, and creativity, Forest
Lawn has a rich history dating back to 1910, resulting in a diversity of homes, people and businesses. Established in 1952, the FLCA was established to
support the growing town of Forest Lawn, prior to the community’s annexation by The City of Calgary in 1961. It is our goal to elevate the value of Forest Lawn
in the eyes of our community and beyond through values and qualities already inherent to its character: inclusivity, perseverance, integrity, and authenticity.
Our Mission: Our organization aspires to provide opportunities for community members to realize their dreams through positive, effective action. We seek
to empower, engage and inspire our community members through the creation and provision of resources. By working in collaboration with other community
organizations we endeavor to harness the diversity, resiliency and creativity of our community members to enact individual and collective change and provide
rich opportunities for arts, recreation, and community action.

Please describe the mission, mandate and main activities of your organization. Who do you serve? How do they benefit?

4. Community engagement
Today, Forest Lawn is a strong community inherently tied to its cultural and economic diversity and devoted labour force. The residents engage in a wide
range of languages, including but not limited to English, French, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tagalog, Spanish, Ilocano, Blackfoot and Cree. The FLCA facilitates
community-led initiatives to support and serve all people in creating safe and equitable neighbourhoods, while also connecting diverse stories and
experiences within our neighbourhood.
We believe in a collective creative approach as those who will eventually be served by the engagement process are given the position of experts of their
experience and play a large role in producing knowledge, generating ideas, and envisioning a future for their community. We strive to integrate communities
and people that preceded these systems, including the First Nation populations within our community. All citizens play a critical role in shaping visions for
their communities, and developing ownership over these spaces will be key to the success of future programming and utilization of this project.
On-going engagement meetings for this project will identify points of commonality and differences that strengthen the design strategy to reflect diverse
voices and opinions. Our engagement and consultation toolkit contain digital, in-person, and on-site strategies.
Please describe relationships with your community (including equity seeking groups and those with specific
socioeconomic needs) and how community engagement is integrated into your work (See Equity Guidance)

5. Are you applying as an individual organization or as a group of organizations?

Individual Organization

If group, please describe the group.

How did the collaboration form? Who is participating in the collaborative? Are grassroots/community collaborators part of the
project? If so, what are their roles within it and have you fairly budgeted to reflect their contributions to the project? How will each
collaborator be publicly recognized for their contributions?1

6. How did you hear about CHCI? Other

Section 2: About Your Project
Resources: Applicant Guide | Equity Guidance

7. Project Title: Forest Lawn Park Revitalization

8. Which Healthy Communities Initiative theme does your project primarily focus on?
Please refer to the Applicant Guide for a list of examples under each theme

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Does your project focus on any other Healthy Communities Initiative themes?

� Safe and vibrant public spaces Improved mobility options Digital solutions

9. Tell us about your project.

In light of COVID-19, more than ever, people continue to desire more outdoor gathering spaces that facilitate a sense of belonging. Public spaces are
foundational to communities aiming to connect diverse groups together, creating new experiences and relationships. There is no other time like the present
to suggest what we are witnessing is a drastic shift to how we understand the role of public spaces in unifying and gathering at a human scale. These spaces
in between homes, businesses and schools can act as a catalyst for social gatherings, allowing people to converse and learn from one another in the spirit of
civic engagement.
The selected site, bounded by 26th Avenue on the South, is adjacent to the FLCA’s community hall which serves as the heart of the community.
Surrounded by public schools, tall trees, and dedicated residents, the existing green space offers no clear programming and fails to positively energize the
neighbourhood. With the added context of a global pandemic, the FLCA is striving towards reclaiming this underutilized green space to deliver upon the
community’s need for an equitable public space that promotes community pride, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship.
The concept of this revitalization project embodies the notion of community spirit and pride through collective care, reconciliation, and equity. At the heart
of this project resides a firepit and harvest table, symbolizing our inherent connection with each other and the land that celebrates our cultural diversity and
further explores socio-spatial dynamics, encouraging the inclusion of people from marginalized backgrounds.
Please describe your project. How does your project address the CHCI theme(s) and benefit the public during COVID-19?
What are the project’s desired outcomes? Please let us know if your project has any continued community benefits.

10. Tell us why this project is important and how you’ve engaged your community in it’s design.
By revitalizing an abandoned green space situated in the heart of the neighbourhood, the FLCA aspires to reconnect the community to the untouched
prairies, celebrate our diverse cultural identities, and to reveal our community’s historic roots.
The FLCA collaborates with the community to explore the value embedded in our neighbourhood. It is at the heart of how we work. This translates into a
respect for our team and for our community, and into an ability to collaborate with other communities who share our values. Through the development of an
engagement strategy to thoroughly engage with stakeholders in our community in a constructive and open way, we will develop a greater understanding of
the ways the various public spaces of Forest Lawn exist, operate, and interact.
Based upon the discussions organized by the FLCA, we recognize that our community shares a common interest in embracing in reconciliation with our
neighbours and this land we call home. The overwhelming response to our project proposal indicates a desire for outdoor spaces that promote a sense of
belonging for all people in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The people of Forest Lawn express the need for a space that is warm and comforting,
where diverse perspectives come together to create vibrant gathering spaces.

What was the inspiration or need that led to this project idea? Please describe how your community has shaped your project
proposal. Have you considered any unintended, adverse outcomes for your community, including equity-seeking groups?

11. Tell us about your project leadership.

Are individuals representative of the community(ies) you're seeking to serve involved in the decision
making and delivery of your project?

Yes No

If yes, please give further details:

As an organization that represents the community of Forest Lawn, we are initiating and leading the project.
Please see attached Appendix G: Engagement Report for how our organization engaged the larger community and the community leaders of other
organizations.
12. Tell us about your project design, work plan & timeline.
As we currently wrap up our engagement phase, we are beginning our design phase. O2 Planning + Design, through the insight gathered through
our engagement, will provide the overall site design to meet the goals of improving the park’s functionality, providing a place for safe gathering and
interactions, creating a sense of place, and representing the community’s cultural and ecological narratives.
Following, the design will be used to procure funding through grants and donations for construction. Though this will be throughout the project, we
plan for the majority of grant work to occur between May and September 2021.
To ensure we are prepared for permitting, we have allowed for October to November 2021 to focus on the creation and preparation of application
documents and coordination with The City. We have confirmed with The City that Development Permit approval will take 8-10 weeks. During the
Development Permit review, we will be tendering the project.
We have planned for construction to begin February 2022. Focus will be directed on the items within this application (site furniture, firepit, and paved
surfaces) during the first three months so these features can be utilized throughout the rest of construction for celebrations and work surfaces.

Please describe your project design, details of your work plan, and any important timelines. How will you gather stories and
lessons throughout the duration of your project?

13. Attach up to five photos of your project site(s) to your application, if possible. Add disclaimer if
faces are in photo.
14. Tell us about your outreach strategy once the project begins.

your project reach the communities that you wish to serve? Please speak to specific outreach strategies.

A key part of this project is the relationship building that came from our engagement, we see this project as a manifestation of those relationships. All
stakeholders engaged have indicated the desire to remain involved in project actualization and use. This will result in continued engagement throughout
the upcoming project phases, especially in design and construction.
As the design iterations develop, we will follow up with our community stakeholders to receive their feedback virtually. Our social media presence will
allow for us to engage effectively through Facebook and Instagram. Through which, we will utilize online quizzes and platforms such as Miro to engage
the surrounding neighbours and our community members. As not all neighbours are connected to us through social media, we will distribute flyers
communicating our project goals and how to provide feedback.
Our goal is for project construction to be a community event, where stakeholders, neighbours, and general community members come and help
create the space. We will work with partners, such as The Alex, and local businesses to provide food and drink for our volunteers and for the celebration
of our community’s hard work

15. If you've selected digital solutions as your Healthy Communities theme, tell us how you will use
inclusive digital design and manage data responsibly.

Please describe how your project addresses user accessibility, data security & privacy of personal information, data
management, technology procurement & vendor selection, open data plan.

16. Possible Mentor Opportunity

If your application is successful , this information will be used to inform potential mentoring opportunities.
If the project being proposed is new to your organization in terms of activity and/or scope or integrating an equity lens is new,
do you think your project could benefit from a mentor?

Yes If yes, in what area? Cross-cultural communication

17. Communities Served. Is your project serving the general public or a community disproportionately
affected by COVID-19, including historically marginalized communities?

General public Communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19

 If you selected communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19, select the primary community
requiring specific support, community of origin and age group your project will serve, if applicable:
Community requiring specific support: Community of origin: Age group:

People experiencing low income or livingIndigenous:

in poverty First Nations N/A

Other communities served: People experiencing homelessness � Indigenous: First Nations People of Latin
American descent
Members of LGBTQ2S+ community People experiencing low income or Indigenous: Inuit
� People of Middle
living in poverty
Women, girls & non-binary people Indigenous: Metis Eastern descent
People living in group homes or
Official Language Minority Communities Indigenous: All Other communities
supportive care
�
of origin
Newcomers, temporary foreign workers
� People living with mental illness � People of African descent
and refugees � Children and youth
People living with addiction People of Asian descent
People experiencing domestic or
� Seniors
gender-based violence People with different abilities

18. Permits & approvals. Have you secured the proper permits or approvals to successfully carry out this
project? We strongly encourage you to visit your local government authorities for relevant permits and approvals
Not started (we have not secured the permits/approvals)
Based on your answer above, please describe what permits or approvals are required to deliver the
projects. Applicants who receive funding will be required to submit proof of these documents prior to
funds being distributed.
We have confirmed with The City of Calgary that a Development Permit is required as part of this project. We have allocated for this requirement in
both our project budget and our project schedule. Additionally, our project team will engage with our Councillor and The City of Calgary throughout the
design and documentation phases to ensure project requirements are both met by our design and communicated effectively.

19. Project Documents. You can attach additional documentation to support your application. Supporting
document examples: Project proposal, design drawings, consultation documentation, letters of support,
certificate of insurance, site photos, etc

Section 3: Location, Budget and Timing

20. Funding Request Range

$5,000 to $100,000 Over $100,000 up to $250,000

21. Funding Request

Will your project continue if you
$171,611 are awarded a smaller amount?
Yes No
How much are you applying for?

21. Project Region(s)

Check the region map to determine in which region(s) your project takes place using the search tool
available on our website.
Does your project take place in one region or more than one region?

one region more than one region

5
Please select the region(s) where your project takes place:
ON - South Western QC - Boreal
Alberta North BC South
ON - Golden QC - Central and
� Alberta South Manitoba Horseshoe Eastern
Northern Canada & ON - Toronto, York QC - Montreal, Laval
Atlantic Canada Quebec & Durham and Montérégie

ON - Northern ON - Central Eastern QC - Lanaudière,

BC North & Island Laurentides, Outaouais

Saskatchewan
22. Is your project located at a single site or multiple sites?

Single site Multiple sites

23. Start and End Dates. What are the start and end dates of your project activities?

Start date: 9/30/20 End date: 9/30/22

Note: Project activities must be completed and
project expenses must be spent by June 30, 2022

23. Project Budget Attach your project budget using the budget template
• Ensure that your budget accounts for the full amount you have requested.
• Please visit budget equity checklist: Download budget template
• All budget items must be project-related and must be incurred between April 1, 2020 - June 30, 2022.
• Eligible expenditures include: wages and benefits, professional fees, travel and accommodations, materials and
supplies, printing and communication, equipment rental/lease/maintenance, administration costs, and disability
support for staff. See the Applicant Guide for more details about eligible expenses.

Budget Notes. Please add any budget notes or commentary, if needed.

The costing provided in this application represents a schematic cost analysis based on our understanding of the project’s base requirements. Within
our project budget, we have allowed for the continued services of our design consultants, general requirement fees of a General Contractor, and
honouraria for the expertise and cultural wisdom provided by local cultural elders.
As final funding for all project items has not been fully secured, our project priorities are organized to allow for, and align with, different future funding
scenarios. For the Canadian Healthy Community Initiative funding, we are selecting portions of our project that we see as critical to project actualization
and to the success in achieving our goal of creating a safe and inclusive public space that celebrates our community and its members. These are the
items that are central to the function of the space (the fire pit and site furniture), central to the team (fees and honouraria for professional expertise), and
central to the process (site demo and preparation). Having these critical items covered not only ensures the larger project’s actualization, it allows the rest
of the budget to align to the available funding and provides a built-in plan for any funding changes.
 Section 4: Declarations and Authorizations
Money owed to Government of Canada Does the organization owe any amount to the Government
of Canada?
No Yes

Money owed to Government of Canada disclosure.

What is the name of the program through which you have secured Government of Canada funding (loans
or otherwise), what amount of funding was secured and what is the repayment plan?

Conflict of Interest Declaration. Will there be involvement of former public servants who are subject to
the Post-employment Measures of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service, the Conflict of
Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders, the Conflict of Interest Act, the Parliament
of Canada Act and the Lobbying Act.
No Yes

Conflict of Interest disclosure

Please describe who these individuals are, their roles and responsibilities as public servants as well as the
ways in which they will be working on the project.

Organizational Status Documentation. Please provide at least one piece of documentation confirming
your organizational status as an eligible organization. This can include, but is not limited to Articles of
Incorporation, Business Number Registration Charitable Status, etc.

Authorizations

By completing this section, the applicant confirms that they are an eligible organization or eligible applicant.
• We declare our interest in submitting this application for consideration of the Canada Healthy
Communities Initiative
• We confirm that the information provided in this application is accurate, and that it may be shared
and used in the work of Community Foundations of Canada, community foundation network,
Canadian Urban Institute, technical partners and the Government of Canada
• I have appropriate signing authority to submit this proposal on behalf of the organization/
collaborative
• I agree that our application will be shared with your selected regional hub for review.
• I understand that, if our application is approved, electronic payment will speed up the
disbursement process by approximately two weeks. (If your organization is not set up to receive
Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT), you may wish to set that up now. If you prefer, you can receive a
cheque via mail.)

I accept the authorizations and confirmations

Date: 3/9/21
Section 1
Organization Information
Organization Name:
Forest Lawn Community Association
Organization Website:
https://myforestlawn.ca/
Organization Address:
4020 26 Avenue SE,
Calgary, Ab
T2B 0C9
Year established:
1952
Social Media Platforms:
Instagram
Facebook
About Our Organization
Located on the traditional territories of the people of
the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, the Forest
Lawn Community Association (FLCA) is committed
to the creation and provision of inclusive spaces
to engage, inspire and empower our community.
Defined by its resiliency, diversity, and creativity,
Forest Lawn has a rich history dating back to
1910, resulting in a diversity of homes, people and
businesses. Established in 1952, the FLCA was
established to support the growing town of Forest
Lawn, prior to the community’s annexation by The
City of Calgary in 1961. It is our goal to elevate the
value of Forest Lawn in the eyes of our community
and beyond through values and qualities already
inherent to its character: inclusivity, perseverance,
integrity, and authenticity.

Our Mission:
Our organization aspires to provide opportunities for
community members to realize their dreams through
positive, effective action. We seek to empower,
engage and inspire our community members through
the creation and provision of resources. By working
in collaboration with other community organizations
we endeavor to harness the diversity, resiliency
and creativity of our community members to enact
individual and collective change and provide rich
opportunities for arts, recreation, and community
action.

9 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Project Leadership
As an organization that represents the community of Forest Lawn, we are initiating and leading the project.
The FLCA acknowledges our community is seeking to reclaim its identity in resistance to the commonly held
negative perceptions by highlighting the community’s diversity and resilient heritage. Through development
and design, we hope to aid in those goals by providing spaces that the community can take pride in. We are
harnessing the pride we feel as residents of this community and using it to create a place that reflects this
pride. Through initiatives such as the Community Design Principles and the Stella Conceptual Drawing Grant,
we are working to create safe and inclusive spaces for everyone in our community.

Project Team
Internal Project Manager
Angat Desai Landscape Designer, MLArch
Director of Planning and Development
A recent graduate from the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the School
of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (University of Calgary), Angat is a skilled and
ambitious designer. He will provide internal leadership for the project, including the
coordination between the FLCA and the landscape architect, ensuring the feedback
from the community is thoroughly integrated into the design.

Project Support and Oversight

Elizabeth Daniels Architect, AAA, MArch, MRAIC
Vice President
As the Vice President, Elizabeth will provide the project her professional experience
and oversight. With a diverse range experience as an Architect, from site master
planning to commercial and institutional design, she will provide the project not only
the feasibility and practicality necessary, but the insight needed to actualize it.

Grant Lead
Erika Van Boxmeer
Director of Grants
Erika’s extensive understanding of municipal affairs provides a large amount
of knowledge and experience to the FLCA. With 12 years of experience as a
communications and public relations professional, her ability to evaluate and create
thoughtful grant applications will provide quality assurance and oversight. As an
individual who loves spending time outdoors and exploring her community, she is
interested in building a community that is as welcoming to everyone as it is for her.

10 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Organization Lead
Caitlin Flegel
President
Caitlin is an experienced leader skilled in overseeing not only project teams, but
initiatives and general operations. Her involvement with any initiative starts at the
beginning, allowing for her to deeply understand not only the initiative’s vision and
goals, but those of the community.

O2 Planning + Design, Project Lead

Zoe Wimmer AALA, OALA, CSLA, BLA
Project Landscape Architect
Zoe is a registered Landscape Architect with a Bachelor Degree from the University
of Guelph, where her undergraduate thesis focused on issues of food security and
accessibility for homeless youth in Toronto. Zoe brings her enthusiasm and strong work
ethic to O2 and is passionate about designing equitable and just spaces by prioritizing
place-based design that is socially and physically accessible for all.

Student Volunteer
Jason Ip Kang Shui
School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape
As a Masters of Architecture student from the University of Calgary, Jason is part of the
conceptualization and design development phase of the project. With a background
in civil engineering from the University of Calgary and professional experience as
a student intern working in a local Calgary design firm, Jason will contribute his
comprehensive education and interest in community service to realize the success of
the park

Student Volunteer
Lilian Wang
School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape
As a Masters of Architecture student from the University of Calgary, Lilian is part of the
conceptualization and design development phase. With a Bachelor of Architecture
degree from the UK and experience as an intern architect both in Uruguay and Canada
on residential and commercial projects, she provides her unique perspective and
international exposure to design.

11 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Community Engagement
Today, Forest Lawn is a strong community inherently
Section 2
About Our Project
tied to its cultural and economic diversity and
devoted labour force. The residents engage in a
wide range of languages, including but not limited In light of COVID-19, more than ever, people
to English, French, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tagalog, continue to desire more outdoor gathering spaces
Spanish, Ilocano, Blackfoot and Cree. The FLCA that facilitate a sense of belonging. Public spaces
facilitates community-led initiatives to support and are foundational to communities aiming to connect
serve all people in creating safe and equitable diverse groups together, creating new experiences
neighbourhoods, while also connecting diverse and relationships. There is no other time like the
stories and experiences within our neighbourhood. present to suggest what we are witnessing is a drastic
We believe in a collective creative approach as those shift to how we understand the role of public spaces
who will eventually be served by the engagement in unifying and gathering at a human scale. These
process are given the position of experts of their spaces in between homes, businesses and schools
experience and play a large role in producing can act as a catalyst for social gatherings, allowing
knowledge, generating ideas, and envisioning a people to converse and learn from one another in the
future for their community. We strive to integrate spirit of civic engagement.
communities and people that preceded these The selected site, bounded by 26th Avenue on the
systems, including the First Nation populations within South, is adjacent to the FLCA’s community hall which
our community. All citizens play a critical role in serves as the heart of the community. Surrounded
shaping visions for their communities, and developing by public schools, tall trees, and dedicated
ownership over these spaces will be key to the residents, the existing green space offers no clear
success of future programming and utilization of this programming and fails to positively energize the
project. neighbourhood. With the added context of a global
On-going engagement meetings for this project pandemic, the FLCA is striving towards reclaiming
will identify points of commonality and differences this underutilized green space to deliver upon the
that strengthen the design strategy to reflect community’s need for an equitable public space that
diverse voices and opinions. Our engagement and promotes community pride, cultural diversity, and
consultation toolkit contain digital, in-person, and on- environmental stewardship.
site strategies. The concept of this revitalization project embodies
the notion of community spirit and pride through
collective care, reconciliation, and equity. At the heart
of this project resides a firepit and harvest table,
symbolizing our inherent connection with each other
and the land that celebrates our cultural diversity and
further explores socio-spatial dynamics, encouraging
the inclusion of people from marginalized
backgrounds.

12 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Why What We’re Doing is
Important
By revitalizing an abandoned green space situated in
the heart of the neighbourhood, the FLCA aspires to
reconnect the community to the untouched prairies,
celebrate our diverse cultural identities, and to reveal
our community’s historic roots.
The FLCA collaborates with the community to explore
the value embedded in our neighbourhood. It is
at the heart of how we work. This translates into a
respect for our team and for our community, and
into an ability to collaborate with other communities
who share our values. Through the development of
an engagement strategy to thoroughly engage with
stakeholders in our community in a constructive and
open way, we will develop a greater understanding
of the ways the various public spaces of Forest Lawn
exist, operate, and interact.
Based upon the discussions organized by the
FLCA, we recognize that our community shares a
common interest in embracing in reconciliation with
our neighbours and this land we call home. The
overwhelming response to our project proposal
indicates a desire for outdoor spaces that promote
a sense of belonging for all people in a welcoming
and inclusive environment. The people of Forest
Lawn express the need for a space that is warm
and comforting, where diverse perspectives come Our community values design that enhances public space.
together to create vibrant gathering spaces. East Calgary Pump House

Project Leadership
As an organization that represents the community of
Forest Lawn, we are initiating and leading the project.

Existing site conditions, including space for existing ice

rink and existing electrical infrastructure

13 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

 Project Design, Workplan +
Timeline
As we currently wrap up our engagement phase,
we are beginning our design phase. O2 Planning +
Design, through the insight gathered through our
engagement, will provide the overall site design to
meet the goals of improving the park’s functionality,
providing a place for safe gathering and interactions,
creating a sense of place, and representing the
community’s cultural and ecological narratives.
Following, the design will be used to procure funding
through grants and donations for construction.
Though this will be throughout the project, we plan
for the majority of grant work to occur between May
and September 2021.
To ensure we are prepared for permitting, we have
allowed for October to November 2021 to focus
on the creation and preparation of application
documents and coordination with The City. We
have confirmed with The City that Development
Permit approval will take 8-10 weeks. During the
Development Permit review, we will be tendering the
project.
We have planned for construction to begin February
2022. Focus will be directed on the items within this
application (site furniture, firepit, and paved surfaces)
during the first three months so these features can
be utilized throughout the rest of construction for
celebrations and work surfaces.

14 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

 SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER 2022
NOVEMBER 2021
DECEMBER 2021

FEBRUARY 2022
JANUARY 2022
OCTOBER 2021
AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2022
MARCH 2021

MARCH 2022
APRIL 2021

APRIL 2022
JUNE 2021

JUNE 2022
JULY 2021

JULY 2022
MAY 2021

MAY 2022
Project Design
First Draft of Concept by O2
CHCI Application Due
Stakeholder Engagement
Virtual Design Open House
Conceptual Design Final Draft Due
Funding Procurement
Design Reveal to Community
Grant Procurement and Writing
Authority Having Jurisdiction Coordination
Parks Foundation Calgary Coordination
Contract Documents
Prepare Permit Application Documents
Tender and Permitting
DP Submission
Tender Open
Tender Support/Evaluation
Tender Award
Project Construction Administration
Construction Start-up / Partnering Workshop
Bench and Fire Pit Construction
Community Engagement
Ground Breaking Celebration and Feast
Community Planting Weekend
Site Construction and Planting
Maintenance Workshops
Deficiency Coordination
Project Completion Celebration

15 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Project Site
The revitalization of our existing park presents
many incredible opportunities to build community
infrastructure to service the neighbourhood of
Forest Lawn. It’s essentially a blank slate! The new
design will feature elements that facilitate community
engagement and events, as well as act as a catalyst to
positively energize the space and community beyond.
At the core of this project is the drive to create a
space that facilitates an open dialogue about the
neighbourhood’s history and cultures within it.
Drawing on the initial concept of tracing inspiration
from the prairie landscape, CPR and planning
systems, we hope to capture the history of our unique
community, while looking to its future.

16 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

17 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization
Project Outreach Strategy
A key part of this project is the relationship building
that came from our engagement, we see this
project as a manifestation of those relationships. All
stakeholders engaged have indicated the desire to
remain involved in project actualization and use. This
will result in continued engagement throughout the
upcoming project phases, especially in design and
construction.
As the design iterations develop, we will follow up
with our community stakeholders to receive their
feedback virtually. Our social media presence will
allow for us to engage effectively through Facebook
and Instagram. Through which, we will utilize online
quizzes and platforms such as Miro to engage
the surrounding neighbours and our community
members. As not all neighbours are connected to
us through social media, we will distribute flyers
communicating our project goals and how to provide
All helpers welcome at our community clean-ups!
feedback.
Our goal is for project construction to be a
community event, where stakeholders, neighbours,
Permits & approvals.
and general community members come and help We have confirmed with The City of Calgary that
create the space. We will work with partners, such as a Development Permit is required as part of this
The Alex, and local businesses to provide food and project. We have allocated for this requirement in
drink for our volunteers and for the celebration of our both our project budget and our project schedule.
community’s hard work Additionally, our project team will engage with our
Councillor and The City of Calgary throughout the
design and documentation phases to ensure project
requirements are both met by our design and
communicated effectively.

18 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Project Documents
Please see the Appendix B for the following Project
Section 3
Project Budget
Documents:
• Conceptual Design Drawings
• Site Evaluation The costing provided in this application represents a
• Initial Concept Development schematic cost analysis based on our understanding
• Letters of Support of the project’s base requirements. Within our project
• Engagement Report budget, we have allowed for the continued services
of our design consultants, general requirement fees
of a General Contractor, and honouraria for the
expertise and cultural wisdom provided by local
cultural elders.
As final funding for all project items has not been fully
secured, our project priorities are organized to allow
for, and align with, different future funding scenarios.
For the Canadian Healthy Community Initiative
funding, we are selecting portions of our project that
we see as critical to project actualization and to the
success in achieving our goal of creating a safe and
inclusive public space that celebrates our community
and its members. These are the items that are central
to the function of the space (the fire pit and site
furniture), central to the team (fees and honouraria
for professional expertise), and central to the process
(site demo and preparation). Having these critical
items covered not only ensures the larger project’s
actualization, it allows the rest of the budget to align
to the available funding and provides a built-in plan
for any funding changes.

19 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

SCHEMATIC PROJECT BUDGET

DIVISION DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT COST EXTENDED DIVISION CHCI GRANT

TOTALS APPLICATION
02 - Sitework & Demo $53,680
Demo and Relocation of Light Poles 8 each $2,000 $16,000
Demo Fence 1 allow $27,000 $27,000
Site Prep 1,600 m2 $6 $9,600 $9,600
Place existing stripped topsoil from on-site strockpile
90 m3 $12 $1,080 $1,080
26-31 - Electrical $36,000
Lightpoles 6 each $6,000 $36,000
32-33 - Landscape $270,075
Hardscape
Paved Hard Surfaces 480 m2 $150 $72,000 $72,000
Feature Concrete 169 m2 $275 $46,475
Granular Soft Surfaces 320 m2 $80 $25,600
Softscape
Trees 20 each $600 $12,000
Native Planting 600 m2 $45 $27,000
Imported Topsoil 180 m3 $30 $5,400
Bark Mulch 30 m3 $70 $2,100
Reseed disturbed areas 500 m2 $5 $2,500
Furniture and Misc.
Fire Pit 1 allow $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Fire Pit Site Furniture 1 allow $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Harvest Table on Track 3 each $6,000 $18,000 $18,000
Benches 7 each $1,500 $10,500
Picnic Tables 3 each $1,500 $4,500
Harvest Tables 1 each $4,500 $4,500
Notice Board 1 each $1,000 $1,000
Charcoal BBQ's 3 each $1,500 $4,500
Stage 1 allow $10,000 $10,000
Forest Lawn Sign 1 allow $2,000 $2,000
Sculpture 1 allow $2,000 $2,000
Subtotal - Divisions $359,755 $120,680
Contractor Mobilization and Demobilization 1 allow $20,000 $20,000
Opinion of Probable Tender Cost $379,755 $140,680
Contingency (Design development, changes,
escalation) 15% $56,963 $21,102
Honourarium for Cultural Enders 2 allow $1,500 $3,000 $3,000
Development Permit 1 allow 1829 $1,829
Landscape Design, Engineering Consultant, and
Project Managment (inc Disbursements) $5,000 $5,000
Total Project Budget $446,547 $171,611

20 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Appendix
A - Certificate of
Incorporation
B - Proof of Non-
Profit Status
C - Conceptual
Design Drawings

Prepared for
The Forest Lawn
Community Association

Prepared by
O2 Planning + Design

FOREST LAWN PARK REVITALIZATION

CONCEPT PRESENTATION
Character Areas
Legend

8 1 Programmable parking lot area

5
2 Enhanced community hall entrance areas

3 Feature garden - native plantings + kitchen plaza

7
4 Dynamic harvest table track
6
4
5 Children’s play space upgrades
7

6 Outdoor community gathering space

3 7 Site Perimeter enhancements

9 8 Residential buffer

9 Stage area
2 1

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

Landscape Program
Landscape Program Legend

Legend
Central Fire Pit Feature
Perennial Planting Beds

Perennial Planting
Granular Path Beds
Surface

Granular Path
Paved Path Surface
Surface

Paved
ParkingPath
Lot Surface
Mural

Parking Lot Mural

Feature Sign

Feature Sign
Picnic Tables

Picnic Tables
Additional Trees

Additional Trees
Shade Structures

SEST SE
39 ST 3S9E S T S E

808388

Shade Structures

4 0 ST 40
Perimeter Art Enhancements
808388

Perimeter Art Enhancements

Seating Boulders

Seating Boulders

Movable Planters

Natural Play
Movable Logs
Planters

26 AVE S E
Safety
NaturalLighting
Play Logs

26 AVE S E
Safety Lighting

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

1 Forecourt
• Re-activate the existing parking lot
by adding colourful elements such as
benches and movable planters at the
corner of 40th and 26th Ave
808388
• Enhanced planting at community
hall entrance to help clarify correct
entryway NE W PATHWAY CO NNEC TING
• Engage community artists to activate PARK ING LOT AND K ITCHEN
western facade with a painted mural PL AZ A
telling stories about the community
• Potential to activate parking lot with food
truck and market events oriented towards b
new park pathway for spill out into the
green space

FLC A CO MMUNIT Y
HAL L
Legend
c
Perennial Planting Beds Shade Structures

a
Granular Path Surface
Perimeter Art Enhancements

Paved Path Surface

Seating Boulders
c
Parking Lot Mural

Feature Sign
Movable Planters

Picnic Tables
Natural Play Logs

Additional Trees Safety Lighting

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

2 Community Hall Plaza
• Plaza created at the back of the
community hall to facilitate community
and private events (could be bookable)
• Includes small gathering area for activities
such as team building exercises, break-out
space from indoor events, and outdoor
dinning + cooking areas
• The surrounding ‘International
Garden’ is intended to be planted by
SEATING AREA`
community members with medicinal
and edible plants that have cultural HAR V E ST TA B L E
significance and can be used as an
initial park engagement event, building b
relationships between the community
and their new park facility
• Picnic benches will have open ends to
allow for wheel chair access and concrete b
paving will make the space accessible to all

a
b
Legend

Perennial Planting Beds Shade Structures

Granular Path Surface

Movable Planters

Paved Path Surface

Safety Lighting

Picnic Tables

Additional Trees

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

3 Open Space
• Maintain existing lawn for flexible
programing, sports, market events etc.
• New central pathway can be used for food
truck access while the lawn holds adjacent
temporary events
• Stage platform situated in SE corner with
existing group of trees as a backdrop
• Picnic tables and charcoal BBQ have
been added across site to add passive
programming for multiple groups at once C ANO PY TREES

40 S T S E
Legend Central Fire Pit Feature

c 808388
Perennial Planting Beds Shade Structures

PICNIC TAB L ES + B B Q
Granular Path Surface
Perimeter Art Enhancements

Paved Path Surface

Seating Boulders
b
Parking Lot Mural

Picnic Tables
Movable Planters

Additional Trees Safety Lighting

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

4 Community Gathering Space S E ATING W/ INTEGR ATED
• Central plaza space situated at the STO R AGE FO R
heart of the park providing a space COMMUNIT Y GAMES
to facilitate a range of year-round
community activities and events
• Space creates the opportunity for both c
informal and formal gathering around the b
fire pit and harvest tables
• The lawn provides space to host a variety
of events and ceremonies in flexible and
FL EXIB L E L AWN
non-prescriptive ways
SPACE e
• Harvest tables set on tracks can be PE R E N N I A L
pushed together to create a long PL A N TI N G
harvest table for community gathering
or apart for individual groups
• The pavilion provides shade and a
backdrop to ceremony. Integrated
SHA DE STR U C TU R E
benches can hold community games a
such as chess and jenga

Legend SITE L I GH TI N G

Shade Structures
Perennial Planting Beds POTENT I A L STAGE
d LO C ATI O N
Granular Path Surface
Perimeter Enhancements
CO MM U N I T Y N OTI C E
B OA R D
Paved Path Surface

Seating Boulders
HAR VEST TABL ES O N
Additional Trees
TR ACK S
Central Fire Pit Feature

Safety Lighting

Forest Lawn Community Association Park Revitalization 02 Planning + Design 2021.03.05

D - Site
Evaluation

SITE IMPRESSIONS

52 Street SE
N
36 Street SE

International Avenu
e Base
Aerial

Roads

Land-Use

Low Density Residential

Medium Density Residential

Community Parks & Schools

Direct Control
Green/Open
Mixed Pedestrian/Car-Oriented Commercial Corridor
Spaces
Pedestrian Oriented Commercial Corridor

Large Scale Health/Religious/Educational Institution

The following axonometric

diagram transcribes the existing
morphological systems in Forest
Lawn (Prepared by FLCA)

k | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

 SITE PERCEPTIONS
Pattern Matrix Schools Cultural Hub

I
Parks Transect SE
eet
Str 8A
36 ve
Playgrounds nu
eS Forest Lawn
I E
Community
Park
Sport Fields
Forest Lawn

0 + Public Library
I

Religious 0 +

I
Institutions
I

+ +
I
I

SE

*
et
I

0 4S
tre

0 4
pavement

14
Av
et
SE
0 e nu
eS
+
e
I

Str
+
E
39
I

0 0
+
I

I
23
Av
0 enu

Forest Lawn
eS
E
+ Str
eet
SE Forest Lawn
DGC
52
I

I
Community 26
Av
0
I

Association enu

I
eS
E
language

17
SE Av

I
eet enu
Str
N

eS
47 E

* + 0

I
HIGH- Sites associated NEUTRAL- Sites that LOW- Sites that had
with high levels of comfort had neutral levels of low levels of comfort
generally included comfort had less human were dirty, contained
Comfort Levels

vegetation, human scale scale elements and unattractive visual

elements and buildings, spaces, subpar lighting, elements such as chainlink
Lost Spaces

efficient lighting, site poor walkability, and fences, vast expanses of

view lines and active less attention to quality car-centric programming.
vegetation

programming. They were materials. Some of these These sites also had lower
also quiet and did not sites also had higher traffic connectivity and gave
contain fast moving traffic. flows. feelings of isolation.

The map documents our initial

perceptions during a site visit in
search of possible opportunities
for an intervention (Prepared by
FLCA)
E - Initial Concept
Development

{ }
Garden
PROJECT Plaza
TYPOLOGIES: Streetscape
Community Rainwater harvesting
umbrella captures
water to reduce the
pressure on city
water supply

DITION
CON
E EDGE
Facilitating programs that ACTIV
INTER
provide educational value on
natural ecosystems

Pollinators prefer
native plant
ENT species
M
AVE
B LE P
EA
RM
PE

CONCEPT STRATEGY
The conceptual render illustrates
the community association’s
vision for this project (Prepared
by FLCA)
The inspiration was derived from
Piet Oudolf, who creates four-
season gardens that embrace
all elements of life (Prepared by
FLCA)
F - Letters of
Support
G - Engagement
Report
Forest Lawn Park
Revitalization Project
Engagement Report
December 15, 2020
Table of Contents
Engagement Methodology 1

Identified Stakeholders 2

Interview Notes 3

SAPL Engagement 13

Instagram Engagement 14

Next Steps and Upcoming Engagement 15

Appendix
Engagement
Methodology
The best way to identify feasible design options
is to work through a structured engagement and
consultation process to fully define a project’s
requirements. The Forest Lawn Community
Association collaborates with the community to
explore the value embedded in our neighbourhood.
It is at the heart of how we work. This translates into a
respect for our team and for our community, and into
an ability to collaborate with other communities who
share our values.
By developing and executing an engagement
strategy to thoroughly engage with stakeholders in
our community in a constructive and open way, we
will develop a greater understanding of the ways the
various public space of Forest Lawn exist, operate, Community Volunteering
and interact. Using our familiar tools, such as the
SMART Start process and design charettes, our large
group of stakeholders will allow us to illuminate the Current Engagement Work
path to an exceptional park design.
Plan
This park project is fundamentally about the
connections between people and their community.
In order to develop a clear understanding of these
relationships, our project team has undertaken
significant engagement and relationship building to
help inform the development of our park:
• Interviews: We have conducted interviews
with community partners, stakeholders and
Indigenous groups. These interviews allowed
for in-depth discussion and/or conversation
which do not necessarily fit within a larger group
context.
• Surveys: Done by our partners at the School of
Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, online
surveys were sent out through social media and
community partners to gather general interest
and understanding on how the park should
evolve.
• Social Media: Through Instagram and Facebook
we directly engaged with our community
members and communicated the coming project,
as well as build excitement around the project.

1 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Identified
Stakeholders
The list of stakeholders and stakeholder groups
below illustrates the key stakeholders being
engaged throughout the conceptual design phase
(and the future design and construction of the park
space).
In our workplan, engagement is built into the
schedule of the project, while some groups on this
list have been, and will continue to be, engaged
throughout the initial phases of the project.
• Residents of Forest Lawn
• Bear Clan Patrol
• Adrian Stimson - First Nation Artist
• Urban Society For Aboriginal Youth (USAY)
• Métis Calgary Family Services
• The Alex: Evans Yellow Old Woman, Associate
Director Of Indigenous Relations The Alex
• Nitstiistapii School
• Métis Local 87
• Siksika Family Services
• Four Directions Foster Parent Association Of
Calgary
• Ingenious Reliance In Music
• Dreezus - FN Rap Artist In Calgary
• Riel Institute For Education & Learning
• United Way Elders - Through USAY
• Nitstiistapii Elders
• 12 Community Safety Initiative
• International Avenue BRZ
• Antyx Community Art
• Ian Bazalgette School
• Valley View School
• Holy Cross Elementary Junior High
• Forest Lawn High School
• Action Dignity
• The Immigrant Education Society

2 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Interview Notes
Below are brief notes from our direct engagement
with potential partners, stakeholders and
Indigenous audiences to communicate the intention
of the project and gain insight into the needs of the
community.

Questions Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth

Date/Attendees • November 12, 2020
• LeeAnne Ireland
Please tell us about your • The USAY aims to strengthen + connect + support indigenous youth
organization and what you in finding paths towards healing
do in the community? • The USAY is focused on enriching the lives of indigenous youth
• Three areas of focus: Healing + Successful transition to adulthood
What is your, and • Provide Traditional Indigenous Values & Cultures and integrate these
your organization’s, teachings with high technology solutions
connection(s) to the local • Programs such as backpack giveaways, lunch programs, graphic
novels, Indigenous tales
Indigenous community?
• Incorporation of virtual reality + 3d scanning
• Integrate learning and teachings from an Indigenous perspective
• Over 40% of their participants come from Forest Lawn High School
& Annie Gale School
• Focus on the positive by treating youth as youth; Embracing
contemporary view of being Indigenous; Questioning what it means
to be Indigenous in Calgary; Furthering engaging to have better
conversations with non-Indigenous
Do you know of any need • Lack of Indigenous artwork on International Avenue; the existing
that exists in the community artwork is not representative of the existing Indigenous presence in
which could better highlight the community
• Forest Lawn is known for embracing diversity and is cognizant of
Indigenous culture? Is there
exclusivity; we put in a good effort
something missing? • However, the naming of International avenue is strange/weird and
problematic because it implies that recent migrants occupied/
settled this land prior to Indigenous people; Multiculturalism can be
problematic because it excludes Indigenous people & history
• Continue the work of being inclusive
As we mentioned, we are • Library (with Indigenous teachings & traditions)
trying to define what our • Art projects - provide opportunities for Indigenous artists; an
Park revitalization project opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous people and groups,
while also providing them space to fairly represent Treaty 7 nations
could be.
• Provide a gathering space for Indigenous people and families;
mindset to be permeable, to be accepting of Indigenous men and
What do you believe would women, not to be fearful of Indigenous people; erasing the us vs
be part of this project? them mindset
• Avoid gestures of tokenism
• Allow for use of space - truly welcoming and inclusive

3 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Is there anything specific • Talk to people and elders from Treaty 7 Nations - they can provide
that you think could ensure insightful knowledge on forms and planting strategy
the project is culturally safe • Tobacco - gift offering (actually based colonial history)
• Opening of the park ceremony
and meaningful?
• Proper orientation of the programming/functions of the space
• Facilitate consistent opportunities for ceremonies & rituals to
recognize stewards of the land
• Space for free activities; flexible space with no strict programming or
prescribed programming
• Avoid insensitive representations of cultures
• Flexible programming that can facilitate connections authentically
• Avoid inauthentic tokenism
• Land Acknowledgment - avoid monumental gestures, avoid plaques;
these representations move away from their oral traditions
• Example: Traditional grass dancer - their role of naturally patting
down grass to set up for camp; a traditional and unique way of
maintaining/curating/cultivating space for use that can be interested;
also enables a sense of welcoming for Indigenous people
Do you have important or • Marlborough Mall Incident where they were escorted by security to
meaningful stories of the leave the premise for no valid reason
neighbourhood? • There is a need to change the perception of people that Forest Lawn
as a poor income neighbourhood
• Forest Lawn continues to be very welcoming based on relationship
building; home to diverse people - open and receptive of diversity;
very safe community; intergenerational/multi-generational
• Value everyone’s experience - representing themselves authentically
• New Tribe Magazine - a must checkout! - uses augmented reality to
tell the story of the land; Indigenous people embracing technology
and bridging oral tradition with technology; embedding traditional
beliefs and traditions with new processes that are innovative
Other • LeeAnne had acknowledged that she was a member of Treaty 1,
and it was important for us to further look into engaging with Treaty
7 members

Recommendations •
•
Create a plan that is flexible that is welcoming of change
Include indigenous people in meaningful roles
• Elder circle
• Youth perspective - Focus group with indigenous youth – vision
board?
• Comfortable, protective, safe
• Nostalgia effect
• Incorporate different ideas of uses
• Ownership of the space – our park, we need to protect it, but
is welcoming of different people and experience; building
connections; giving neighbours their dignity and perceived control
• Protocols to follow when reaching out to people and elders
• Niitsitapi learning center – outdoor space + woodburning fireplace
• Winter utilization – winter friendly space; element of warmth;
winter gathering space; winter solstice ceremony – provide such
opportunities for free
• Creating exclusivity - changing people’s perceptions
• Avoid gentrification
• Integrate stories of forest lawn

4 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Questions Bear Clan Patrol
Date/Attendees • November 12, 2020

Please tell us about your • Indigenous led patrol - traditional responsiblility to provide security
organization and what you to Indigenous community; help marginalized population
do in the community? • First established in Winnipeg; resurged after the passing of their key
membee; the task force opened a chapter in different regions
• Serve the Forest Lawn community with patrol walks & donations;
help without judgment; focus on building relationships with the
community; humanity mission - helping people on the street; belief
of friendship and not further marginalizing people by handing out
handshakes, handing out food, and clean up services
What is your, and • In Calgary, the Bear Clan Patrol track people from different countries
your organization’s, and provinces settled in city facing homelessness and undergoing
connection(s) to the local personal struggles - helping family-oriented people looking to build
relationships and families
Indigenous community?
• Mohkinstsis
Do you know of any need • International Ave. is lacking indigenous operated business
that exists in the community • A need for specific liaison with the police in order to build positive
which could better highlight relationships; a space of trust with the police
Indigenous culture? Is there
something missing?
As we mentioned, we are • Good lighting + needle drop boxes that no kids can access (crime
trying to define what our prevention design)
Park revitalization project • A space for squatters
• A space for indigenous people to gather at; example: outdoor fire
could be.
pit
• A space for homeless people to gather at; try to create a solution as
What do you believe would opposed to driving them out and passing the buck
be part of this project? • A safe environment; example: help phone
• free little library that can acts as a donation box
• Grass dance – need an elder to tell the story – need to do it the right
away – work with treaty 7 elders
• Specific space dedicated to a ceremonial aspect
• In specific to the community hall – proper cooking facilities for
Indigenous Siksika community events
• Deaths – open space for the process of mourning which could be
part of the celebration/ceremonial programming; dependent on
the season; funeral for inside tipi - accommodate ourselves for each
season; provide a dedicated space
• Heather – medicine wheel with different plant species at each
direction
• Medicine wheel for Blackfoot people; Elders and community would
come together to put it together; Be cautious of colonial directional
interpretation; Would be cool to have elders facilitate a medicine
wheel; Keep in mind: different from cree nation

5 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

What kind of considerations • Bringing an elder to give a blessing – include in the conversation
would you like to see be • Giving land back – beyond land acknowledgement
taken when developing on • Offer tobacco when disturbing the land – apologizing to the
elements that are being disturbed - also provide monetary
the land?
donations which are often redistributed by the elders

Is there anything specific • Follow elders advice and abide by traditional protocols
that you think could ensure • Actively trying to engage with the community and Indigenous
the project is culturally safe nations: Stoney-Nakoda, Kainai, Siksika, Tsuut’ina nation, Piikani
(Peigan); creating relationships
and meaningful?
• Avoid organizations that can’t tell you the names of the nations;
Avoid organizations trying to sell/ask for money; should know
something about the nations and arn’t afraid to admit not knowing
• Watch for Society members, and how they present themselves
• Dec 26-31st – giving away from the money
• Taking your hat off – post colonial tradition – carried over

Do you have important or • Forest Lawn recieves a bad rep; However we have a sense of
meaningful stories of the community despite these preconcieved notions;
neighbourhood? • Strong connection between businesses and bear clan
• Friendly gesture – feel safer because of their presence
• Patrol once a week – to check on homeless population – one day a
week – need more volunteers
• Last patrol on International Ave – mobile patrol donating jackets
• Expanding the Bear Clan organization

Would you like to remain • Yes - Bear clan would like to also offer patrols near and around the
involved or informed of the park space
project as it progresses?
Other • People/Organizations to Contact: Niitsitapi learning center + the
Alex + safeworks + Blackfoot Confederacy + Carlon & Ina

6 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Questions Action Dignity
Date/Attendees • November 26, 2020
• Linh Bui, Widad Eltahir, Sukhwant Parmar, Joseph Kuol
Please tell us about your • Action Dignity brings issues of diversity, human rights, racial
organization and what you inequailities, and public participation to the forefront.
do in the community? • Support local networks + work with community members and
neighbours + work alongside Greater Forest Lawn area (Greater
Forest Lawn Community Initiative)
• Facilitate leadership meetings
• Develop action plans
• Collaborate with other organizations
• Support parents in having a postive experience + Assess services for
parenting skills
What is your, and • Leadership Training for community members who identify as
your organization’s, indigenous groups
connection(s) to the local • Healing Circle – example of a recent initiative
Indigenous community?
Do you know of any need • Forest Lawn is known to be a diverse community – but people
that exists in the community continue to associate with their own subcultures/community/ethnic
which could better highlight background; need to further bridge connections and provide an
opportunity to understand other cultural aspects/dynamics; provide
Indigenous culture? Is there
more inclusive opportunities for people to access diverse cultures
something missing? • Missing diversity in the committee – but glad to see Angat
representing a different background in the board
• Need to facilitate a welcoming atmosphere
• A desire to be part of community; migrants feel excluded; a need to
be part of activities that help build pride
• Diversity is manifested in many ways:
• i. arts + murals – more permanent representations of their culture
• ii. trust in the community – bringing people together and build
better trust
• iii. need for communal space; for celebrations and festivals; inclusive
of all languages
• Taking appropriate steps to represent each individual cultural
tradition
• Keep it busy – have more events - keep the momentum - each week
different cultural representations

As we mentioned, we are • Circle benches for larger group gatherings

trying to define what our • Event Stage – outdoor performances
Park revitalization project • Flowers – planting strategy – planting sacred plants to indigenous
• Statue – representing different culture – telling the greater story of
could be.
forest lawn
• Park space – go to park to make us feel happy/good
What do you believe would • Areas for food trucks and local vendors
be part of this project?

7 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

What kind of considerations • Ceremonies/ritual for different backgrounds
would you like to see be • Buddhism – asking earth to make alterations
taken when developing on • Islam – read verses from the quran and slaughter before entering
home – but no obligation for the land
the land?
• Sudanese cultural tradition – offer prayer
Is there anything specific • Plants + Benches + Art – finding commonality in different cultures
that you think could ensure • Board from the CA should be made accessible to all community
the project is culturally safe members
• Using different language in the welcoming/entry gateways
and meaningful?
• When driving through26th ave the parking lot should not be the
first things you see – park should be the focus – from a visibility
standpoint of view
Would you like to remain • Yes - Can involve the Action Dignity Program Coordinator, who can
involved or informed of the redistribute Poster/Flyers for community engagement sessions;
project as it progresses? Script to share information

Recommendations •
•
*January/February – coordinating workshops
Collaborative meeting – December 18th
• Art commons
• Greater forest lawn social worker

8 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Questions Immigrant Education Society
Date/Attendees • December 3, 3030
• Robert Toth, Director of Communications Engagement
Please tell us about your • Been around since 1988, founded by Pakistani immigrant
organization and what you • Difficult time following his previous career
do in the community? • Credentials not recognized
• Noticed many struggled with the same issue
• IES started in Forest Lawn
• Built the building and owned since +/- 1995
• Other location in Whitehorn in 2012
• Leases in Westwinds
• Been a part of forest lawn since its founding
• Identified need in this community, happy to be there and provide
and serve for this community
• Work very hard to bridge gap in employment language, and
settlement
• People feel comfortable and feel like they are able to progress in
their careers that suits them best
• Serve 1400 people every week
• 3-6 month programs
• Everything is currently online struggle to move people to that space
• Demographics
• Serves immigrants mostly, greater need for them
• Employment training does extend to other populations
• “There just has to be a need”
• Youth employment training options
• Funding comes from all three governments (F, P, M)

What is your, and • Forest lawn = wide variety of cultures interwoven within the
your organization’s, community
connection(s) to the local • What’s missing are the facilities and places to connect
• Genesis Centre works to connect the community
Indigenous community?
• All cultures and events in one space, fosters this diverse sense of
community and kinship
• This is what is needed in Forest Lawn
• FL has bigger spaces where these facilities can exists
• FL is pockets of space
• So much variety, but feels
• Misses ethnocultural hub
• Struggles with Parking
• Opportunities to take part on other cultures
• The more people are housebound, it does not promote connecting
and culture and different backgrounds

9 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Do you know of any need • Park spaces struggle with cold months of the year
that exists in the community • Lets look at how we promote gathering spaces for people who
which could better highlight NEED outdoor spaces
• Outdoor markets and outdoor programming once a week to
Indigenous culture? Is there
promote enthno cultural discovery
something missing? • IES likes to promote talents, but how do you share this with your new
community?
• Its having spaces and resources to make it available
• Congregate, gather, relax, take time to see and do things
• Creating regular activities to bring people to the community
• Helps us understand each other
• White avenue, Edmonton
• Re-purpose old things (bus shelters)
• Forest Lawn has life, but its so spread out
• EXAMPLES:
• Eu Claire, initially had a lot of life
• Struggle to understand why places like that are struggling now
• Market anchor combined with Princess Island, Shakespeare in the
Park
• Bring retail and park stuff in one location
• Festivals, white ave fringe festivals
• Granville Island, conversion of old buildings for creative purposes
As we mentioned, we are • Park spaces complimented by community activities like FUSE
trying to define what our (partnership)
Park revitalization project • We need to facilitate activities, make it easy to rent and use
• Summer festival every year IES
could be.
• Wanted to expand it out and make it bigger
• Make it a big multi-cultural festival, have a tough time finding the
What do you believe would space in and around forest lawn
be part of this project? • No space to build a stage and opportunities for different businesses
to set up
• How to do we entice stakeholders to help support and bring life
• How do we help immigrants make a living off their talents
• Starts out as a nice place, but it needs to be utilized
• How do you envision life in these spaces in the winter?
• Is there something going on in the park during the winter
What kind of considerations • Not sure if he can speak on land sensitive to cultural groups
would you like to see be • Developed in a way that everyone takes ownership, then space more
taken when developing on likely to have life
• How do you communicate that this is YOUR space
the land?
• And we want you use the space
• Give opportunities to groups to help make that space their own and
bring activities into that space
• We want to continue to evolve the space, the space is a process over
time,
• Respecting the land, respecting the space, this is going to continue
to evolve, it is going to continue to take shape
• How do we ensure it keeps evolving after us?
• Live work play in your community
• Parks need support and community involvement and engagement
• You need to have a diverse group of people to ensure people feel
welcomed and continue to feel welcome

10 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Is there anything specific • How does it capture life throughout the year, even in winter?
that you think could ensure
the project is culturally safe
and meaningful?
Do you have important or • Antyx arts location, there are huge issues with drugs and
meaningful stories of the homelessness
neighbourhood? • Fostering a safe space
• Making sure people feel safe to bring their families into the
community
• Feel like they can walk around
• Calgary is very quadrant centric in terms of ints communities
Would you like to remain • Yes. Would like to stay involved, both personally and organization
involved or informed of the wise
project as it progresses?

Questions Holy Cross Elementary School

Date/Attendees • December 10, 2020
• Jessica Thomas, Principal
Please tell us about your • Students come from Dover, Forest Lawn, Erin Woods
organization and what you • All kids are walking distance, no buses
do in the community? • 365 kids, pre-kindergarten to grade 9
• Very diverse
• Linkages with 55+
• Leadership initiative
• Moving forward:
• When we are kind in classroom, create a kinder community in our
neighbourhood
• Connected with the City of Calgary to run basketball
• N-step, Deb Hiners
• Produce donated and families could pick it
• Connect with outside of community
• Holy trinity parish
• 3rd generation families
Do you know of any need • Gaps in supporting diversity
that exists in the community • Not enough after school opportunities for youth (grade 5-9)
which could better highlight • Nowhere for them to go for mentorship/supervision
• Gaps in time where kids don’t have a safe place to be
Indigenous culture? Is there
• Kids on wrong path recruiting younger kids
something missing? • Our kids have unrealistic expectations of future, no options to try
other things
• Alternative activities outside of basketball
• “lack of spaces” dedicated and attainable

11 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

As we mentioned, we are • What do kids want: play ball, but that’s at ian baz
trying to define what our • Some sort of space for creativity, not playground
Park revitalization project • Victoria park, space in front of transalta performing arts
• Generic space “flexible space”
could be.
• Chess tables
• Multi-generational
What do you believe would
be part of this project?
What kind of considerations • Lighting and openness
would you like to see be • Accessibility
taken when developing on • “Know when they need help its available”
• Stronger community association connection
the land?
Would you like to remain • Yess!
involved or informed of the • Bring into newsletter
project as it progresses? • Strategies for reaching out to parents:
• More design charettes
• Best way through newsletter
• Virtual, higher attendance, for parent council
• Bring food
Other • What do you love about forest lawn:
• Used to be vp at father lacombe
• She wanted to be here
• The diversity is what makes the area rich and fantastic
• Despite the challenges the families may face, they are so loving and
community oriented
• This school is the heart of Calgary Catholic

12 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

 survey
community needs & wants

SAPL
Engagement
Jason LP and Lilian Wang, current students at SAPL,
collaborated with the FLCA as part of the park
revitalization project. They not only contributed with
revolving their pavilion studio project around Forest
Lawn, but helped gather public opinions about the
potential projects. survey
Below is acommunity
brief summary needs
and highlights
& wants of their
findings. Please refer to the appendix for a full
breakdown of the survey results.

survey
community needs & wants

13 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

What would you like to see
in the design of a pavilion?
• “I’ve lived in GFL for 40 years. That area needs “Make it quality... bring in diversity...”
development with a space to attract people.”
“.... please consider how many school are
• “Functional design pieces with art element
integrated”
survey
in the area and bring something that those
kids will be attracted too. The community
• “Interactive” community needs & wants
association needs a way to attracted
• “Something open with a roof or partial roof”
• “Accessibility and user friendly” “Lights” members by offering something more than
• “Adult and child friendly” just a hall. We need families to want to settle
down and make forest lawn their home and
What amenities would drive out all the social issues that forest
lawn is faced with.
you like to see in the
redeveloped park?
• “Pieces that promote gathering.”
• “Lots of seating spaces/ shaded seating/
benches.”
• “Picnic areas.”
• “Clean and constructive play areas where
learning can occur naturally”
• “Covered or indoor meeting space. Landscaping
to include wind breaks”
• “Art that is “picture-worthy”

Instagram
Engagement
Instagram provided an opportunity to connect
with the residents and visitors of Forest Lawn, and
inform the community of our future initiatives. This
virtual platform assisted in conveying potential
design precedents as a way to develop people’s
understanding for architecture, landscape
architecture and urban design, while providing
feedback on potential programming suggestions for
the conceptual design.

14 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

Next Steps
and Upcoming
Engagement
Our aspiration is that our park will be for
everyone. It will be a safe place that bridges the
distance between the many varying cultures of
our community, and it will meet the community’s
physical and cultural needs through the creation of
Ethical Space.
We continue to conduct interviews with various
stakeholder groups. We also continue to engage
with our community partners regarding the project.
As we continue to build relationships, our
understanding of not only what this park can be, but
what our organization can be evolves.
This park design is our first step.

15 | Forest Lawn Community Association | Forest Lawn Community Park Revitalization

H - Demographics

1% OCEANIA

IN G
RI O
59% ASIA

OF
Engagement

20% AFRICA

T N
NE
11% EUROPE

I T
O N
9% AMERICAS

C
27% IMMIGRANTS

AT NT
US
ST IDE
S
RE
3% NON-PERMANENT RESIDENTS
 1% ILOCANO

AL
IC S
F GE
I
2% SPANISH

A
F
U
4% TAGALOG

O
NO NG
N -

LA
5% VIETNAMESE
5% ARABIC
3% MULTIPLE RESPONSES
26% NON-OFFCIAL LANGUAGE

UE
NGER
TO H
2% FRENCH

OT
M
69% ENGLISH
10% ABORIGINAL IDENTITY
90% NON-ABORIGINAL IDENTITY
 34% VISIBLE MINORITY
66% NOT A VISIBLE MINORITY