Community Vitality in Action

Harvie Passage

The Calgary Foundation (TCF)

THE PROJECT
Demonstrating community leadership through effective convening, The Calgary Foundation (TCF) launched Harvie Passage - a significant initiative that would oversee the reconstruction project of the Bow River weir.  Over 100 years ago, the Bow River flowed freely through Calgary. In 1904, a weir across the river was built near Inglewood to divert water for agriculture in the Western Irrigation district. Although the original weir structure was replaced in 1975, it continues to provide the water that is vital for farming.

Unfortunately, the weir has a dangerous side-effect – it creates a lethal hydraulic wave that presents movement up and down stream and has claimed the lives of several people. However, a group of concerned Calgarians established a process for improving the weir area while maintaining its important diverse function.

Building upon the vision of philanthropist Don Harvie, and funding from the Donald Harvie Fund at The Calgary Foundation, the name “Harvie Passage” was given to what is sure to become a spectacular inner-city treasure.  Countless benefits will flow from this project – including a reconfiguration of the river-bed which will result in an aesthetically attractive passage through the centre of the city, while respecting fisheries and the aquatic ecosystem. Naturalization of the area will improve local habitat, movement corridors and riparian functions, allowing all kinds of wildlife to pass freely up and down the river. Perhaps most importantly, the hydraulic roller known as the “drowning machine” will be eliminated, giving safe and unrestricted access to emergency safety patrols, recreational patrols, recreational paddlers and fish.

Through the funding partnerships facilitated by TCF, Calgary will offer residents and visitors a river park in the heart of the city that allows the Bow River to flow freely for the first time in 100 years, and it will commence on July 1, 2011. 

LESSONS LEARNED

  1. Strengthen the brand of community leadership through relationship building.    Through their multiple relationships, community foundations have another opportunity to position themselves as leaders.  Over 55 years, The Calgary Foundation developed its leadership role first operationally as a grant-maker and donor steward.  Its leadership role is now recognized by the community through the development of relationships, partnerships and collaborative efforts.
  2. Increase resources for leadership through strengthening the brand of community leadership.  Through widespread recognition, foundations can have the basis upon which to request support for leadership endeavours. A foundation’s age, relevant milestones (100 grants distributed, $1 million in grant-making, etc.) and maturity can enable the community foundation to market itself and link fundraising to a significant phase and/or project of community leadership.  With that, it is also important to note that a community foundation does not need significant assets or to have existed for a long period of time to be and brand itself as a leader.  A foundation can simply look within its reservoir of accomplishments to build a brand of leadership, as a successful track record is essential in building credibility. 
  3. Articulate the will, vision, and readiness to focus externally on building awareness of leadership initiatives.  First, community foundations can recognize their work as examples of leadership, and then share that with the community through branding.  Giving their leadership the appropriate recognition is vital for stakeholders to assign it any value (and funding).  Next, community foundations can explore whether or not a leadership brand is one that will perform well with potential funders.  Third, a community foundation can evaluate if there is a willingness to expand beyond the well known brand of “Now and Forever” to include a more obvious component of leadership. 

NEXT STEPS
The Calgary Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of Harvie Passage on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The celebration will be open to all Calgarians and include an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Bow River, followed by a gathering at nearby Fort Calgary.