The 2026 Annual General Meeting Recap

On May 26, we held our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the United Church in Kincora. This event brought together community members to review progress, share updates on funding and development, and discuss the future of Symons Valley Park.

As we look ahead, we are pleased to share that the park project continues to move forward, with site development now underway and several important milestones on the horizon.

What’s an AGM?

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a formal, yearly gathering where an organization shares updates on its progress, finances, and key activities with stakeholders and the community. It is an opportunity to present achievements, outline priorities for the year ahead, and provide transparency around decision-making and governance.

For projects like Symons Valley Park, the AGM also plays an important role in community engagement. It gives residents, partners, and stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and stay involved in shaping the direction of the project.

Key Achievements and Forward Priorities

We have achieved important milestones over the past year. These include the approval of a 15-year License of Occupation, $800,000 in committed funding from partners, City support-in-principle for the project, and the completion of our first phase site design and cost estimation.

Additional successes include an active and engaged Board of Directors and the Society remaining in good standing. These governance strengths continue to support our project’s stability and long-term direction.

At the same time, we acknowledge the need to secure additional funding to advance construction and the importance of increasing community-wide engagement across Symons Valley to build broader awareness and support.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, our focus will remain on pursuing matching grants from provincial and other funding sources, expanding fund development efforts through new partnerships, and continuing to advance the project toward a shovel-ready state.

Park Development Moves Forward – Updates on Funding and Progress

To date, $810,000 in funding has been confirmed, including $310,000 in cash contributions. Approximately $190,000 has been spent on project development work so far.

Pre-construction work is now underway, thanks to this secured funding. This includes key site preparation activities such as geotechnical assessments and design work. The goal is to complete pre-construction by the end of 2026 and move into the first phase of  construction as soon as additional funding is secured.

Our first phase of construction includes:

• Site preparation of the entire site, including earthworks, grading, utilities, stormwater management, and retaining walls, 

• Construction of the SW entry and parking lot,

• Construction of the multi-sport skating rink,

• Construction of naturalized bike trails.

Completing full-site preparation at the beginning will ensure the land is properly prepared for future amenities and can be built out efficiently as additional funding is secured.

The total funding target for our initial construction phase is $5.3 million, leaving a remaining funding gap of approximately $4.5 million. We estimate spending $376,000 in 2026, which includes a 10% contingency and GST to ensure accurate cost planning.

As of year-to-date in 2026, $2.75 million in funding applications have been submitted. Continued success in securing grants, partnerships, and community support will be essential in closing the funding gap and moving the project into construction.

Financial Stewardship and Governance

During the meeting, participants reviewed and approved the Society’s 2025 financial statements and supported the continued practice of having community volunteers conduct the annual financial review for 2026.

The minutes from the previous AGM were also approved, along with other governance matters that ensure the Society remains transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the community.

Welcoming Our 2026 Board of Directors

At the AGM, we confirmed the Board of Directors who will guide the Society through the next stage of the park’s development.

We are pleased to welcome the 2026 Board:

• Kris McPherson, President 

• Sarah Kromm, Vice-President 

• Jarret Miller, Treasurer 

• Moncy Abraham, Secretary 

• Peggy Tse, Director of Communications 

• Kevin Matieshin, Director 

• Braden Swab, Director 

• Tik Tycholaz, Director 

We are pleased to see Sarah Kromm step into the role of Vice-President after previously serving as a Director, and we look forward to her continued leadership.

We also welcome Tik Tycholaz to the board and look forward to the experience and perspective he brings to the team.

We are grateful for the continued support of Arthur Versiane, serving in Digital Marketing & Communications, and Matthew Ireland, supporting Project Development & Funding.

There are still two directors at large board position vacancies. These positions are a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help lead a project that will benefit the entire community for years to come. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, send an email to hello@symonsvalleypark.ca

Thank You for Your Support

As the project moves forward and momentum continues to build, we are excited about what lies ahead for Symons Valley Park.

None of this progress would be possible without the support of residents, volunteers, community partners, donors, and advocates. Thank you to the Kincora Residents Association for the donation of $300,000 and the City of Calgary for the council community fund approval of $500,000. Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM and to all those who continue to support this project.

Our next Annual General Meeting is anticipated to take place in May 2027. We look forward to seeing you there.

Together, we are creating a vibrant community space that will serve residents for generations to come.