Your Braeside Beacon (December 2025)

Happy December.

It’s already shaping up to be a delightfully snowy one.

Let’s kick things off with a little peek into next month — our 2026 AGM! And we’re pretty excited about how this one is coming together.

We’ll take a brief look back at the past year, cover the essential AGM bits, and then open things up for an interactive, relaxed session with music, food and plenty of opportunities to help guide where the BCA goes next.

Please take a moment to check that your membership is active so you can vote at the AGM (you must be a member for 30 days to do so).

It only takes a few minutes. And if you are interested in getting involved as a board or committee member, please email Jenny Mae at president@braesideyyc.ca. BECOME A MEMBER

If you happened to pass by the Community Association recently and thought, “Wait… is that the Grinch?” you weren’t imagining it.

He was absolutely out there, lurking by the doors like he was deciding which handmade goodies to swipe first. We’re pretty sure he had his eye on the knitted animals. Can’t blame him.

Christmas Market Magic

Our Christmas Market was a huge success and it was all thanks to you.

The hall filled up quickly with cheerful clusters of customers, children carrying out detailed reconnaissance between tables and vendors offering everything from art and skincare to earrings, coasters and bags. These were the kind of handmade finds that make you question why you ever default to online shopping in the first place.

It felt like the whole neighbourhood came out and the mood was great, even with one green troublemaker in the mix.

Rink Season Begins

And since we are already talking about winter spirit, our outdoor rink crew is hard at work turning cold nights into perfect skating conditions.

We now have an official Braeside Rink Facebook page posting regular updates about ice making, snow clearing and the ongoing inevitable excitement of Chinook season.

Warm winds may melt our ice (how rude!) but they also give us a small break from shovelling, so we will take the wins where we can.

Give the page a follow to stay in the loop and cheer on the volunteers who make winter in Braeside more fun.

To celebrate our shiny new Braeside Rink Facebook page we are throwing a skating party because winter fun is a team sport.

Every BCA member gets a hot dog and s’more kit which is basically the official fuel of outdoor joy.

Grab your skates, grab your friends and come glide around with us before the Chinook shows up and melts all our hard work.

Not a skater? No problem. You can still be part of the fun by volunteering with our holiday gift wrapping.

Volunteers Needed

​A BCA membership is one of those modest civic gestures that somehow makes everything else work. It supports the programs that keep this corner of Calgary a little more fun, inclusive, engaging and connected. Every program we run grows out of that support and we’d love for you to be part of what comes next.

Join Us This Season

We're launching our first Wine and Whimsy night which is exactly what it sounds like. You come along, sip something nice, paint whatever your heart fancies and socialise with other Braesiders.

WINE & WHIMSY​

This winter’s program line-up reminds us that community life can be warm and bright even when the weather is not.

Programs & Events: What’s Ahead

Registration is now open for Youth Skipping Classes starting in January which promise to keep children both energised and usefully tired.

Line Dancing is back on Mondays and Fridays which means music, laughter and the kind of joyful chaos that makes winter feel a bit less wintery.

And we have Winter Yoga too with a lovely evening flow and a Chair Yoga option for anyone who wants to stretch without accidentally folding in half.

Spaces tend to evaporate faster than good intentions in January, so it is sensible to register early.

Register and check out the full schedule here:

Braeside Programs & Classes

As we wrap up the year it feels like a good moment to reflect on how much has changed in Braeside and how much we have accomplished together. From community events to new programs to the continued growth of the BCA ecosanctuary, we have seen what happens when neighbours step forward with ideas, energy and a bit of determination.

The ecosanctuary was a highlight again this year with flowers planted, mulch moved, birdhouses built and plenty of community grown apples enjoyed. The best part was seeing people stop to rest on the new benches, look around and take in the beautiful space that our incredible volunteers brought to life. That tells us we are on the right track!

There is more to come in 2026 with plans for rainwater collection, pollinator beds, berry bushes and shaded seating to help build a climate resilient corner of Calgary we can all enjoy.

If you would like to shape that future we would love to have you join us.

The garden committee meets monthly and every extra hand or new idea helps. Contact Jim at garden@braesideyyc.ca

Get involved in 2026

Looking ahead to the new year we hope more residents will get involved in whatever way works for them. You can volunteer for an event, join a committee, help run a program or create one of your own. And if you are simply looking for a bright, affordable place to gather your family or celebrate a milestone the community hall is here for you.

We are always open to new ways of building connection offering safe spaces and creating programs that reflect the interests of the people who live here.

Braeside is strongest when more voices are part of the conversation. If you want to learn more please email president@braesideyyc.ca

Happy Holidays!