Are there any winter activities organized for newcomers?

As the fourth most popular destination for immigrants in Canada, Calgary demonstrates an exceptional model for organizing winter events for newcomers. The city does not simply offer support during the most challenging time of the year—the Canadian winter—but creates a comprehensive ecosystem of programs that transforms potential challenges into opportunities for integration and social connection.

Coordination system for supporting newcomers

Calgary Local Immigration Partnership (CLIP)

Calgary Local Immigration Partnership coordinates a systematic approach to integrating newcomers, working with numerous partner organizations to create comprehensive support. The central event of winter preparation was the Calgary Winter Information Fair, which took place for the first time on January 16, 2024, at the Genesis Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event served as the official launch of the specially created “First Winter in Calgary” webpage on the city's official website.

The fair was created in response to identified community needs—many newcomers were unaware of the full range of services and programs available to them, especially regarding preparation for the Canadian winter. Key topics included:

  • Snow removal from roads and sidewalks for safe travel
  • Preparing your home and car for winter conditions
  • What to do if your car gets stuck in cold weather
  • Preventing cold-related illnesses and injuries
  • Understanding the emotional challenges of winter
  • Access to clothing, food, shelter, and transportation if needed
  • Exploring winter activities
  • Knowing who to contact in an emergency

Key organizations and their winter programs

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

As the largest immigrant-serving organization in Western Canada, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) offers a wide range of winter programs. In December 2023, CCIS welcomed 150 participants to the WinSport Newcomers Winter Fun Evening, which included a free night of skiing and snowboarding with a lift ticket, equipment rental, and instruction.

The Newcomer Child & Youth Connections (NCYC) program is especially valuable for young refugees and their families. Through Sport for Settlement (S4S), young people are introduced to a variety of sports opportunities through structured training with qualified coaches.

Special programs for different age groups:

  • English for Seniors: free English classes from October to January for seniors
  • Women's Voices Group: monthly meetings and potluck dinners
  • Espresso English: conversation classes for the Ukrainian community every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

CIWA provides comprehensive support to immigrant women and their families through more than 50 programs. The organization holds weekly mental health and resilience workshops every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on a drop-in basis, which means free access without prior registration.

The Cross-Cultural Singing Group, in partnership with Calgary Opera, creates an intercultural singing project. The Take a Break, Girls program organizes spring celebrations for immigrant girls, and Pathways to Success provides a year-round career mentoring program for girls aged 14 to 21.

Centre for Newcomers

The Centre for Newcomers actively collaborates with WinSport to organize winter activities for hundreds of participants. In March 2022, the organization held a winter activity day for approximately 100 participants from newly arrived families, including those who fled Afghanistan.

WinSport and winter sports programs

WinSport at Canada Olympic Park launched a special program for newcomers in 2017. In the 2023 season, the program served over 400 children and families with disabilities, newcomers, and Indigenous communities. Each year, the organization provides over 50,000 first lessons, and the program covers three main languages after English: Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Tamil.

IPlay Program (Immigrant-focused Physical Literacy for Youth) is an initiative specifically designed for new immigrants and young refugees who have recently settled in the Calgary area.

City initiatives and winter festivals

Chinook Blast - the main winter festival

Chinook Blast, Calgary's main winter festival, is being held for the fifth consecutive year from January 31 to February 17, 2025. The festival takes place in two main locations:

  • Stephen Avenue: evening events with eight new art installations, live performances by local artists in the open air
  • The Confluence: daytime activities, including a free ice rink, sleigh rides, food trucks, beer gardens, and special events such as Skijordue

Calgary Public Library

Calgary Public Library is hosting “Winter at the Library” with a variety of activities:

  • Winter Wonderland throughout December with seasonal entertainment
  • Virtual and in-person programs
  • Book clubs and storytelling
  • Mayor's Holiday Storytime with the mayor
  • Movie screenings and art workshops

Snow Angels — a mutual aid program

Snow Angels is a neighbor-to-neighbor mutual aid campaign that encourages residents to help each other clear snow from sidewalks. Since the program's inception in 2004, nearly 8,500 Calgarians have been recognized for their efforts as Snow Angels in their communities.

Education and Youth Programs

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offers winter programs for youth:

  • Bunnies and Jackrabbits Cross-Country Skiing for children ages 4-14
  • Youth Climbing for children ages 4-17
  • Winter break camps with snowshoeing and skiing in Kananaskis

The university's International Student Services organizes online orientations for international students covering topics such as Calgary weather, housing, and adjustment.

YMCA Calgary

YMCA Calgary, with six health and recreation centres, offers programs for all ages:

  • Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership: free 13-month membership for all Grade 6 students
  • YMAP (YMCA Achievers Program): free after-school program for newcomers to Canada, second-generation students, international students, and refugees
  • LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): English classes at three locations

Cultural and Ethnic Festivals

Calgary Ukrainian Festival

The Calgary Ukrainian Festival is scheduled for June 6-7, 2026, at the Acadia Recreation Complex. The festival offers free admission for newcomers from CUAET on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until closing. Although the festival takes place in the summer, preparation and organizational activities take place throughout the year, including the winter months.

Franco Festival Calgary

Festival d'Hiver Franco Winterfest 2025 takes place February 28-March 1 at The Confluence with free admission for all. The event includes:

  • Indoor and outdoor activities
  • Musical and cultural performances
  • Tire d'érable sur neige (maple syrup on snow)
  • Showcase of Calgary's Francophone culture

Calgary Korean Day Festival

The Calgary Korean Day Festival showcases Korean culture in the fall, although most of the preparation takes place throughout the year. In 2024, the festival attracted over 50,000 Calgarians to learn about Korean culture.

Transportation and technology support

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit provides special services during winter events:

  • Special routes to the CPKC Holiday Train in December
  • Winter service schedule changes beginning December 23
  • Snow removal program with priority stops for newcomers

Technology solutions

Technology solutions are integrated into the newcomer support system:

  • Calgary Transit app: real-time public transit information
  • Alberta 511: up-to-date road and weather information
  • Specially created “First Winter in Calgary” webpage with comprehensive information

Mountain and sports activities

Foothills Nordic Ski Club

Foothills Nordic Ski Club, one of Canada's largest ski clubs with over 1,200 members:

  • Jackrabbit Program: nationally recognized program for children ages 4-17
  • Biathlon programs combining skiing and shooting
  • Ski at School Program: implemented in Calgary elementary schools

Specialized support programs

Cultural Brokerage Program

Cultural Brokerage Program CCIS is an accredited program designed to provide improved culturally responsive services to immigrant families. The program uses cultural brokers who act as a liaison between immigrant families and Children & Family Services.

Land of Dreams Farm

Land of Dreams Farm CCIS is an agricultural integration program that provides plots of land to immigrant and refugee families. Since 2019, over 1,500 clients have participated in the project, particularly from the Yazidi, Congolese, Senegalese, Cameroonian, Ethiopian, Mexican, Guyanese, Iranian, Afghan, and Vietnamese communities.

Language support system

Calgary provides access to services in more than 80 languages through a system of translators and interpreters. Most services are provided free of charge or at low cost, making them accessible to all categories of newcomers.

Economic and social impact

The economic impact of these programs is significant not only for newcomers but also for the entire Calgary community. The successful integration of newcomers contributes to the city's economic growth, enriches cultural life, and strengthens social cohesion.

The Calgary Welcome Centre provides free services every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including English language and life skills training. The Canadian Immigrant Fair, scheduled for August 8, 2025, at the Telus Convention Centre, connects newcomers with information on three pillars: career, education, and settlement.

Conclusions

Calgary demonstrates an exceptional model for organizing winter events for newcomers, combining practical preparation for winter conditions with opportunities for cultural integration, social connection, and personal development. The city has created a support ecosystem that not only helps newcomers survive their first Canadian winter, but also transforms this potentially challenging period into a time of discovery, learning, and connection to their new home.

The system operates on a networked collaboration model, where different organizations complement each other to provide comprehensive support covering everything from basic needs to cultural enrichment. Special attention is given to supporting vulnerable groups, including women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities, making Calgary a true example of an inclusive and welcoming city for newcomers.