The largest natural disaster in Canadian history led to the declaration of states of emergency in thirty-two local jurisdictions. On June 20, 2013, the flow of the Bow River was at 2,400 cubic metres per second, which is eight times its normal flow rate. The Elbow River, at 1,240 cubic metres per second, was at twelve times its regular flow rate. Approximately 80,000 people were evacuated from their homes.
At the same time, complete strangers opened up their houses for those that didn’t have a place to sleep, cooked dinner for their neighbours who had lost their kitchens, and showed up on the streets worst hit with their sleeves pulled up ready to get to work. When the City of Calgary eventually invited everyone who wanted to help with the clean-up out to McMahon Stadium, with only a few hour’s notice, thousands and thousands of people showed up; united in their desire to help.
While the flooding was beyond belief, the support of Calgarians was 1000 times more incredible. What was lost in property, was gained in community. This was the story of the June 2013 floods. The ability to recover from great disaster came from the generosity and support of everyday people in times of great loss and devastation. This is the story of our city, of our Calgary.
Neighbour Day originated in June 2014 with a simple goal – to celebrate this strong Calgary community spirit.
But today, more often than not, we seem to be living in a world of fragmentation and hatred. Every time you turn on the news, it’s easy to feel disheartened or dispirited. Which is why, it is more important, now, than ever before to get know and support our fellow neighbours. By creating strong, thriving communities, we create strong, thriving individuals.
Neighbour Day can be anything from a block party, to a barbecue in the front yard, or even just spending the day with a neighbour. Calgary has seen sports festivals, music parties, potluck dinners, plant exchanges, community clean-ups, afternoon tea’s, street fairs, movie screenings and even chili cook offs!
You can participate by organizing a yard party, attending an event, or even just enjoying the afternoon outside with friends in your community! At the end of the day, if you have met one neighbour, you didn’t know before, you have achieved something. Neighbour Day started in the aftermath of the Calgary flooding and will hopefully continue for years to come. Perhaps this day serves as not only as a memory of past community resiliency but also as a beacon of hope for future community building.
For more information visit Calgary.ca/NeighbourDay
Happy Neighbour Day!
