Community wellbeing and recreation are vital for Calmar
Hello Calmar!
I would like to continue the conversation from last month about Council’s priorities this term, where we discussed the importance of responsible growth and ensuring Calmar is ready to welcome new residents, businesses, and opportunities.
Growth, however, is only part of the story. Equally important is maintaining and enhancing the quality of life that makes Calmar such a great place to call home.
One of the key pillars in Council’s upcoming strategic plan is community wellbeing and recreation. We recognize that healthy, connected communities are built through the planned spaces, recreational programs, and opportunities that bring people together.
Whether it’s at the hockey rink, on the baseball diamond or at a community event, recreation plays a vital role in fostering wellness, belonging and community pride in residents.
A major focus of the community well-being and recreation pillar will be the development of the proposed Calmar Athletic Park. Planned as a multi-use recreation destination, the park can be developed in phases to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
It would provide spaces for sports activities, family recreation, community gatherings and special events while creating a central hub for community connection and activity.
Local non-profits ‘Bike. Play. Run. Calmar’ and the ‘Conjuring Creek Music Society’ are hosting a fundraising event on September 12, 2026, to raise funds for outdoor recreation in the community – in particular a pump track/bike park, which hopefully will be constructed next spring in the Calmar Athletic Park.
Council is also committed to supporting local recreation and cultural organizations, maintaining our recreation infrastructure, and ensuring residents of all ages have opportunities to stay active and engaged within Calmar. As our town grows, investing in recreation and community well-being will help ensure we remain a vibrant, healthy, and connected community for generations to come.
Like many municipalities, we are planning ahead to support responsible long-term infrastructure investment. The Mike Karbonik Arena is aging, and Council is reviewing a full range of options for the years ahead – everything from repairing the current building to upgrading or expanding it, to new uses, replacement, or other changes.
No decisions have been made, and no option has been chosen. Before Council considers any long-term direction, we want to understand what our community needs, how facilities are used today, and what matters most to our residents.
If you haven’t already done so, please fill out the short online survey by September 13, 2026. Your input will be critical in Council’s decision making process.
I am committed to being accessible, transparent, and engaged with you every step of the way. Please reach out via kgardner@calmar.ca if you’d like to ask a question, share an idea, or simply connect.
– Mayor Krista Gardner