Aligning Tourism, Parks, and Community Vision: Strategies from Across Alberta

10/24/2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Empowering your team: Creating Community and well-being in Fitness and Exercise Spaces

10/24/2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Presenter: Katherine MacKeigan

The fitness and exercise team is the gateway to your community. From program manager, to part-time group exercise or personal training consultant, your team is on the front lines, supporting your community with innovative programs and supportive environments to foster a strong sense of community and well-being. This session will offer ideas through examples and evidence-based information about how to create and support fitness and exercise teams that will thrive, and in turn, keep your community thriving. We’ll discuss frameworks to train and empower your frontline fitness facility teams to thrive in their careers. You’ll learn how a consistent standard for education and professional development as fitness and exercise practitioners builds trust, community, and respect among your team. Then they can, in turn, raise the bar in the fitness and exercise environments and programs they offer to Alberta communities.

From Plan to Reality - Part 2

10/24/2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Presenter: Conor O'Loughlin & Andrew Jones

In 2022, From Plan to Reality – Part 1 was presented at the ARPA Conference. Part 1 introduced how municipalities can integrate community enhancement as part of capital infrastructure implementation. Through the development of an Urban Framework Master Plan, the Town of Ponoka was able to establish an integrated infrastructure approach to fund and implement public realm improvements (e.g., parks, open/green space, trails, wayfinding, outdoor civic facilities and spaces, etc.) with typical municipal infrastructure components (e.g., roads, utilities, civic buildings, etc.) through an integrated Council-supported planning, capital, and operating priority budgeting approach. Part 2 will provide an update on how the Urban Framework Master Plan has been utilized to guide recently completed, on-going, and future projects that support community enhancement and sense of place, resident quality of life and pride, community sustainability, regional partnerships, and local tourism. Towns are structured and shaped by various components: The Town as a whole; its’ distinct districts; and people and their activities. The visual quality or legibility of these components dictates the recognition and organization of a coherent Town pattern. Legibility is a crucial concept in the structuring of a coherent Town pattern. A legible Town would be one whose districts (recognizable and common character), landmarks (reference points), nodes (focal points), edges (natural and built boundaries), and corridors (urban channels – roads, walkways, public transit, trails, etc.) are easily identified and grouped into an overall pattern. Throughout history, these elements have been used to structure, identify, and characterize the urban environment and establish clear patterns of entry, movement, visual reference, character, social life, and experience – in short – a sense of place. As the Town of Ponoka continues to grow, the community has faced the challenge of planning and integrating growth in a coherent and well-defined manner. Through the development of an Urban Framework Master Plan (UFMP), an integrated planning and design approach was established to accomplish multiple goals: - Assess and define current patterns of physical, cultural, and social community use. - Establish a shared vision with the community for placemaking planning and design initiatives. - Provide Town Administration and Council with a statutory planning document and guide for future community growth, development, and redevelopment. - Deliver an implementation tool for the continued assessment and application of priority-based community enhancement integration with capital and operational infrastructure initiatives and budgeting, potential project partnership and grant funding development, and joint infrastructure (e.g., facilities, transportation, utility services, open space, and other amenity) improvement projects. - Establish an outline to measure how progress and results should be managed and measured. Since the Council adoption in 2020, the UFMP has provided the inspiration and basis for the completion of four (4) new / upgraded park spaces; the planning of three (3) new / upgraded parks; the planning / development of six (6) new civic projects; numerous downtown / community transportation improvement projects; over 1km of new trail development; a community wayfinding program; and the development of an interactive community UFMP mapping tool. From Plan to Reality – Part 2 will provide conference delegates an overview of the benefits and objectives of community framework development; the key components and tasks in developing an UFMP; what were the key components and tasks applied to the Town of Ponoka UFMP and how they addressed specific community aspects of quality of life and sense of place; the importance and key mechanisms of a UFMP implementation strategy; and an update on how the UFMP and implementation strategy has been used to establish a priority driven planning and application process with Town Administration, Council, key stakeholders, and the community; and an overview of the community-based projects that have either been completed or are being planned and how they were generated and shaped through the UFMP to support community enhancement and sense of place, resident quality of life and pride, community sustainability, regional partnerships, and local tourism.

Introducing the Municipal Guide to Promising and Best Practices for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity

10/24/2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Presenter: Taryn Barry

People living with disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without disabilities. Yet even low levels of physical activity have significant positive health effects. Moreover, best practices are not readily available for municipalities across Canada to refer to when developing non-structured and structured physical activity and recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Therefore, the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability and the Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) 2.0 consulted with municipal leaders, persons with disabilities, caregivers, researchers, and reviewed academic and grey literature to identify 8 areas of promising and best practices. For the first half of this session, an overview of the municipal guide content and how to use the guide will be presented to participants, while in the second half, participants will be guided through a thoughtful group discussion on what challenges they have encountered in disability inclusion at the municipal level and the ways in which they could use the guide to make systemic change.

Beyond the Games: Realizing the Legacy & Value of Sport Tourism

10/24/2025 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

From Vision to Vibrancy: 40 Years of Building Parks Through Partnerships

10/24/2025 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Presenter: Junette Huynh & Joe Rau

For over four decades, Parks Foundation Calgary has transformed ideas into vibrant public spaces through collaborative, community-driven park development. This session explores the power of partnerships in creating inclusive, accessible, and active spaces that reflect evolving community values. Participants will gain insight into signature park projects, the design principles behind them, and the lessons learned over 40 years of building civic spaces that inspire movement, pride, and connection.

Procurement and Policy: Best Practices for a Shifting Economy

10/24/2025 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Presenter: Tyler Hannemann

Economic conditions are shifting rapidly, and governments are adapting to meet new challenges. This session explores current legislation and how it shapes government operations across Canada. Canoe will also share practical strategies and examples of best practices from members nationwide.

Tourism & Community Vitality: Measuring Impact and Unlocking Place-Based Potential

10/24/2025 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Walking Edmonton’s Chinatown: Discovering tourism opportunities

This presentation shares results from a year-long collaborative project to develop a sustainable tourism strategy for Edmonton’s Chinatown. Using interviews, focus groups, and walking tours, we explored visitor experiences and community perspectives to create authentic offerings, foster pride, bridge divides, and strengthen Chinatown’s vibrancy through regenerative tourism principles.

Presenter: Elizabeth Halpenny, University of Alberta, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation

Activating Places & Spaces: Measuring the True Impact of Parks and Public Spaces

This session explores how data-driven storytelling transforms parks, trails, and public spaces into hubs of pride and vitality. Using technology and nontraditional data, learn to track engagement, reveal trends, and demonstrate impact—empowering you to inspire support, secure funding, boost tourism, and strengthen community connections.

Presenter: Chris Patterson, ActiveXchange

Budget Beyond Boundaries: Partnering to Engage Elected Officials Across the Political Spectrum

10/24/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: Alieen Burke, Taneen Rudyk & Reginald Warkentin

Community & Tourism in Unpredictable Times: Planning for Climate, Crisis, and Risk

10/24/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Reforesting for Change: Providing Opportunities for Reconciliation

10/24/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: Kyle Wright, Lindsay Vander Hoek, Chancy Black Water

In amiskwacîwâskahikan | ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ | Papaschase Cree First Nation & Treaty Six Territory | Métis Homelands, Root for Trees and the Indigenous Relations Office have been on a journey together- creating opportunities for citizens to learn and connect with people and land. In this ""case study"" presentation, we will share our learnings from different tree planting and give-away events that have grown out of this collaboration.

Root for Trees is a well established, award winning and unique municipal program that empowers citizens to take action on climate change through native tree and shrub plantings. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together to help reforest naturalized areas across the City of Edmonton. Root for Trees offers various and inclusive opportunities for community connection and education. The program’s sites and species are carefully selected to create a resilient, lasting and biodiverse urban forest for future generations.

 

Tips for Winning Grants

10/24/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: Sandi Stewart

Join us to learn essential tips for securing funding through effective grant writing. This session will cover the do’s and don’ts, common pitfalls, and what funders are truly looking for in a successful application. Set yourself up for success by understanding how to maintain positive relationships with your funders, recognizing that a well-written grant is just one component of your overall success strategy. Elevate your grant-seeking efforts and enhance your chances of winning support for your projects!

At the Table Together: Roundtables on Community Building Through Recreation, Tourism & Parks

10/24/2025 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Indigenous Sports Circle: Northern Games Demonstrations

10/24/2025 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Women in Recreation: Peer Support Power Hour

10/24/2025 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Presenter: Maren Tryon

Peer mentorship is incredibly valuable—and something we can offer each other. This Peer Support Power Hour session invites participants to come together and collaborate on creative solutions to real-world challenges. Guided by the Appreciative Inquiry problem-solving framework, we’ll explore strengths and opportunities through positive, empowering questions. Together, we'll support one another and work through real-life issues in a collaborative and affirming space.

Communities ChooseWell Reception

10/24/2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Communities ChooseWell Reception, is an invite-only reception to celebrate your dedication and outstanding contributions to promoting healthy, active communities.

ChooseWell Champions will be invited to join an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Enjoy delicious refreshments and connect with fellow champions who share your passion for fostering wellness and community engagement. This reception is our way of saying thank you for your exceptional efforts and commitment to the ChooseWell initiative.

University of Alberta Alumni Reception

10/24/2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

University of Alberta Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Alumni Reception

Reconnect, reminisce, and reimagine the future of our field at the University of Alberta Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Alumni Reception. Whether you graduated under the banner of the Faculty of Physical Education, the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, or the current Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, this event is for you.

Join Dean Kyra Pyke, fellow alumni, faculty members, and friends for an evening of celebration, conversation, and community. This informal gathering is your chance to catch up with former classmates and professors, make new connections, and hear exciting updates about the Faculty’s direction and accomplishments.

Enjoy light refreshments, a welcoming atmosphere, and grab green + gold swag as we honour the legacy of our alumni and the ongoing impact they make in recreation, sport, health, and wellness across Alberta and beyond.

We look forward to seeing you there—come share your story and reconnect with the community that helped shape your journey.

Beyond the Trailhead: Measuring Community and Tourism Returns on Trail Investments

10/25/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Danny Page

E1 Description

Building Together: Indigenous Partnerships in Park Planning & Construction

10/25/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

This session will explore the City of St. Albert's current process and learnings into collaborating with Indigenous and Metis partners in the park planning process. The City has undergone recent projects in the Red Willow Park system that have acted as some of the earliest steps in building a better path together with Indigenous partners City-wide.  These pilots have informed and changed City initiatives and capital park projects processes. Manda Wilde and Benjamin Jonah will walk through those processes used in recent capital park projects and the learnings from them.

Hidden Hazards: The Critical Assessment of Campground Safety Beyond the Obvious

10/25/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenter: Jason Simituk

Campgrounds offer visitors cherished connections to nature, but often conceal safety risks that go unnoticed until incidents occur. This practical presentation equips recreation professionals with a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating hidden campground dangers—from deteriorating infrastructure and environmental hazards to regulatory compliance gaps. Learn our proven methodology for comprehensive risk assessments that protect visitors while enhancing the overall camping experience and destination appeal.

Recreation Futures: AI, Cultural Storytelling, and the Commercialization of Youth Sport

10/25/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Artificial Intelligence usage in Alberta Recreation

This presentation shares findings from a research project exploring AI use in Alberta’s recreation sector, examining benefits, challenges, and concerns. Attendees will gain insights, exchange ideas, and discuss how AI could shape the future of recreation, parks, and community tourism in the province.

Presenter: Julie Booke, Mount Royal University

Ski Like a Girl Podcast: Connecting with Community History and Alberta Heritage in Recreation, Parks and Tourism

This case study examines the Ski Like a Girl podcast, sharing stories of Alberta women skiers to connect heritage, recreation, parks, and tourism. Featuring archival research and oral histories, it fosters community vitality, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation while inspiring tourism, public engagement, and collaboration through storytelling and knowledge mobilization.

Presenters: Charlotte Mitchell, Lyndsay Conrad and PearlAnn Reichwein, University of Alberta, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation

The Commercialization of Youth Sports in Canada

This presentation will examine how the commercialization of youth sports in Canada heightens competition, costs, and family strain. It explores financial barriers, shifting family priorities, and psychological impacts on athletes, highlighting effects on siblings and overall family dynamics. Qualitative data reveals broader well-being challenges in ultra-competitive youth sport culture.

Presenters: Jessie Leon, Kortney Stanley, Ellie Mayer, Ashley Wallace, Mount Royal University

Active Outdoor Play: Cultivating Climate Resilience and Stewardship for Parks and Recreation Communities

10/25/2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Presenter: Eun-Young Lee, Louise de Lannoy

Choose your own adventure: Exploring the Healthy Communities Framework

10/25/2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Presenter: Maddison Drader & Mackenzie Golden

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the Healthy Communities Framework (HCF), a free online community development tool created by Communities ChooseWell to help you build a healthier future! The Framework has seven key areas: Policy, Places, People, Partnerships, Programs, Promotions, and Participation. Together, they offer practical, actionable ways to support wellness in your community. In this session, you’ll be guided step-by-step using the Framework and applying it to your current work with opportunities for collaboration, group work, and peer learning. Come with your idea, project, or goal, and we’ll work through real challenges together in this interactive session. Whether you're deep into your project or just getting started, this resource utilizes interactive video, PDF materials, and web based content built to meet you where you are and help you take the next step forward. You’ll leave with an understanding of how to use the Healthy Communities Framework, a clear next step for your current project or goal and tools you can apply right away to support wellness in your community! Come ready to connect, reflect, and discover new ways to move your community work forward

Meaningful Collaboration with Youth

10/25/2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Presenter: Chynne Floriano & Lorelee Marin

The Lloydminster Youth Council was established 10 years ago through the Lloydminster Area Drug Strategy. Over the past ten years, we’ve built a strong foundation that connects youth with leadership opportunities, community-building initiatives, and a genuine voice in shaping our city’s future. This session will be co-led by passionate representatives of the three partners – the City, the Community, and the Youth. We will provide an overview of the framework of the Lloydminster Youth Council including the unique partnership with the City of Lloydminster. From a municipal perspective, we will share the value and opportunity the partnership presents for our community. Some real-life examples include youth-informed decisions in the design of the new event centre, the co-creation of the 2022 Youth Needs Assessment, and representation on the Community Services Advisory Committee. The Community partner will unpack the core principles embedded in our partnership — grounded in the Tamarack Institute’s "Guide for Meaningfully Engaging Youth." This will include examples of how the council is youth-led and mentor supported in its design, including the development and delivery of activities for youth, advocacy on youth identified issues, and how youth invest in creating a community where they can grow up great. The Youth representative will tell the story of how youth are meaningfully engaged and how the model prioritizes youth voice, inclusion, and belonging. Through their lens, you'll hear firsthand how this collaboration empowers young people to influence decisions that affect their lives, shape community initiatives, and take on leadership roles with confidence. They will share examples of their leadership in An Influential Generation, advocacy, education, and volunteerism. Their story will highlight the transformative power of being truly heard — and how this model not only supports youth development but also strengthens the fabric of the entire community.