How to Start a Community League in Edmonton
Creating a community league in a new neighborhood is an exciting opportunity to build connections, enhance local amenities, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Now for a litte history
Edmonton has a rich tradition of community leagues dating back to 1917, when the first league was established to give citizens a greater voice in municipal decisions
Today, there are over 150 community leagues across the city, each playing a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and providing a platform for residents to engage with each other and local government
One inspiring example is the Beverly Heights League, which has been serving the Beverly Heights and Rundle Heights areas since 1965. Originally part of the Town of Beverly, Beverly Heights became a part of Edmonton in 1961 when the town amalgamated with the city. The league has a long history of community engagement and revitalization efforts, making it a great model for new leagues.
To illustrate how impactful a community league can be, we’ll look closely at the Beverly Heights Community League—a long-standing and successful example of how dedicated community efforts can make a lasting difference.
By exploring how Beverly Heights has evolved and thrived, you’ll gain insights and practical tips to help start and grow a successful community league in your own neighborhood.

What is a Community League?
These resident-led organizations bring neighbours together to address local issues, organize events, and advocate for improvements. The Beverly Heights Community League, for instance, has been instrumental in revitalizing local parks and organizing community events that bring residents together.One of their most long-standing events is the Beverly Heights Variety Show. This ticketed event created a winning combination of community potluck and amateur theatre that has generated revenue for the league for the last 50 years. Their efforts show how community building activities not only foster friendships but also improve infrastructure and safety.
Step 1: The Moving Parts
Start by reaching out to your neighbors to gauge interest in forming a local community league in Edmonton. Host informal meetings or social gatherings, in your backyard or community spaces like playgrounds and gazebos, to discuss the idea and gather feedback. Use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to invite people – free design tools like Canva can be particularly helpful for that.
Form a Steering Committee. Once you have a group of interested residents, form a steering committee to lead the effort. This committee will be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the establishment of the community league. The Beverly Heights Community League’s success is due in part to its dedicated volunteer board, which manages and maintains the league’s activities. Ensure the committee includes individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds.
Develop Vision and Mission Statements. Work with your steering committee to develop a clear vision and mission statement for your community league. This will guide your activities and help communicate your goals to potential members and stakeholders. For example – the Beverly Heights Community League’s mission has always been to foster community spirit and provide a variety of community activities for residents of all ages

Step 2: Paperwork and Logistics
Register with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL). The EFCL provides support and resources for community leagues in Edmonton. Register your league with the EFCL to access valuable tools, funding opportunities, and guidance. Visit their website for detailed information on the registration process
Secure Funding and Resources. Explore funding options to support your community league’s activities. The City of Edmonton community leagues department offers various grants, including the Community League Operating Grant and the Community League Emerging Grant. Additionally, consider fundraising events and membership fees to generate revenue.
Establish Governance and Bylaws. Develop governance structures and bylaws to ensure your community league operates smoothly and transparently. The EFCL provides templates and resources to help you create effective governance documents. The Beverly Heights Community League’s elected volunteer board is tasked with managing the league’s business, including maintaining their recreation centre and sports building.

Step 3: Finding the Joy
Plan and Promote Activities. Organize events and team building activities that bring residents together and address community needs. Consider hosting social gatherings, workshops, sports leagues, and advocacy campaigns. The Beverly Heights Community League hosts a variety of activities, from sports leagues to community potlucks, fostering a strong sense of community. Use social media, newsletters, and community boards to promote your activities and engage residents.
Build Partnerships. Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and other organizations to enhance your community league’s impact. Building strong partnerships can provide additional resources and support for your initiatives. The Beverly Heights Community League has built partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support their community projects Evaluate and Adapt. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your community league’s activities and make adjustments as needed. Gather feedback from team members and residents to ensure your league continues to meet the evolving needs of the neighborhood. The Beverly Heights Community League continually evaluates their programs and activities to ensure they meet the needs of their diverse community

Build Your Community
Starting a league in a new neighborhood in Edmonton, such as Alces, Glenridding Ravine, or Riverstead at Keswick, is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance the sense of community and quality of life for residents. By following these steps and leveraging the resources available through the EFCL and the City of Edmonton, you can foster teamwork and problem solving within your neighborhood, boost community league memberships and create a vibrant and successful community league with a lasting impact for years to come.
