Communities

Building community support networks.

Long term success calls for long term planning. Planet Youth Calgary is currently underway in four initial pilot communities and the Indigenous Parallel, with plans to unroll the model for the rest of the city.

A proud initiative of

Our communities

A first step for better communities for youth.

As much as we’d like to improve youth well-being for the whole city overnight, we are in the first stage of Planet Youth’s implementation in our city. The four pilot communities have been selected for a combination of existing community networks and demographics that are most representative of youth experiences across the Calgary region.

Pilot communities

Where we’re supporting youth today.

We’re implementing Planet Youth in four pilot communities and a city-wide Indigenous Parallel, engaging seven high schools part of the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). Each community is supported by local community actions teams created to build community capacity for supporting youth.

1 Thorncliffe / Huntington Hills (NW)
2 Saddle Ridge (NE)
3 Forest Lawn (SE)
4 Shawnessy (SW)
5 Indigenous Parallel (City Wide)

A map of communities in Calgary marked by different coloured pins.

Community action teams

Strengthening local community connections.

To support Planet Youth’s work in our communities, each coalition area has a dedicated community action team. These teams—made up of parents, caregivers, community members and local partners—work to raise awareness about Planet Youth, strengthen community connections and create spaces where young people can actively engage with their community.

In addition, each community has a designated youth coalition to ensure young people are heard and involved in shaping how they want to be supported. This keeps them informed, engaged, and an active part of Planet Youth initiative.

Our community action teams and youth coalitions are always growing. If you're passionate about making Calgary a better place for young people, we invite you to get involved with Planet Youth in your area.

Young men working together to build a piece of equipment.

Stories of impact

Making a difference in your community.

Planet Youth Calgary is dedicated to making a world of a difference in the lives of young people, helping them access leisure opportunities, strengthen their school life, and build peer and family connection. Find out how we’re impacting Calgary youth, one community at a time.

Importance of the Indigenous Parallel

The Indigenous Parallel is a collaboration between Miskanawah and Planet Youth, designed to support young urban Indigenous peoples in Calgary.

Ceremonial Roads to Reconciliation

This year’s pipe ceremony brought together a diverse group of people — Elders, youth, adults and stakeholders from various walks of life. Creating space for Indigenous peoples to practice ceremony, which was once prohibited, is an act of reconciliation.

Success Story – Creating Supports for Saddle Ridge Youth

The youth employment fair held in February 2024 partnered with Trellis, Community Hubs, Genesis Centre, Calgary Public Library, and YMCA to provide a platform for youth to connect with employment resources, network with organizations, and voice their challenges with finding work. Many international students, in particular, shared difficulties in finding work and expressed the need for practical skills training and support.

View all our stories

Events

See what your community is up to.

Want to stay up to date on youth events and activities happening in your community? Check out our calendar of events for updates on what’s happening.

View events calendar

A group of teenagers smiling at the camera.