CWS Program Listing
The Community Services team offers a variety of programs to meet many different needs.
Below are some we have offered in the past or may be offering down the road but have not yet been scheduled. Call us at (403) 207-7050 or send an email to cssinfo@chestermere.ca to let us know if you’d like to see a specific program offering soon.
- Lets Try It
- Men’s Shed
- Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
- Transit Subsidy
- Connect + Belong
- Community Pop-up
Lets Try it
Join us for The Drop at the Chestermere Rec Centre on the following dates:
- October 29th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- November 26th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Upstairs from the main entrance. After entering, turn left through the red doors, and the room will be on the left side.
For questions contact the Chestermere Community Wellness Services Team at:
(403) 207-7079 or email hmangat@chestermere.ca
Register Now!
Men’s Shed
What is a Men’s Shed?
A Men’s Shed is a casual place for men to meet, socialize, gather and work on rewarding projects. It essentially provides a safe, friendly and welcoming environment where men can engage in hands-on activities, enjoy a cup of coffee and share stories, while they are doing something in the company of other men. It’s a fun and interactive place to work on and build projects, form positive relationships and increase social interaction.
It’s a place where you can learn or teach new skills and find new opportunities and interests. It offers men an alternative way to reach out, increase social connections and to avoid feelings of “isolation”, while doing something enjoyable.
A Men’s Shed is open to men of all ages 18+ and allows for men who are perhaps retired and with time on their hands to have a place to go and socialize. It goes a long way to promote one’s physical and mental health by being involved with others. It’s a place where one can learn, or teach, or just have a coffee, talk and watch.
Here is a partial list of activities that your Shed might include:
- Drop-in: socialize with coffee/tea.
- Bikes and bike repair.
- Woodworking, Metalworking.
- Auto and small engine repair.
- Cooking.
- Gardening.
- Mentoring and skill-sharing.
- Walking or hiking.
- Volunteering.
- Music – listening and playing.
- Workshops with guests.
- Watch topic-specific videos followed by discussion.
- Computers/technology workshops.
- Home repair, painting.
- Health-related discussions and guest speakers
If you are interested in finding out more, contact Craig, Community Social Development Specialist, Community Services. cmcleod@chestermere.ca or call (403)207-7050 Ext: 7094
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Need help preparing your tax return? Community Support Services and its volunteers are trained in assisting individuals and families with a simple tax situation. In order to be eligible for the CVITP, individuals must have a modest income and a simple tax situation.
This may include include:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Housing-insecure individuals
- Indigenous Peoples
- Modest-income individuals
- Newcomers
- Persons with disabilities
- Students
Simple Tax Situation
In general, your tax situation is simple if you have no income or if your income comes from these sources:
- Employment
- Pension
- Benefits such as CPP, disability, CCB, EI, social assistance
- RRSP
- Support payments
- Scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants
- Interest (under $1,000)
Your tax situation is not simple if you:
- Are self-employed or have employment expenses
- Have business or rental income and expenses
- Have capital gains or losses
- File for bankruptcy
- Are completing a tax return for a deceased person
Modest Income Please contact us and we can walk you through guideline that determine if your situation is considered a modest income.
To book an appointment, contact the Chestermere Community Wellness Services Team at (403) 207-7079 or email hmangat@chestermere.ca
Please note:
Volunteers are not employees /volunteers of the Canada Revenue Agency.
Remember to bring all your tax slips with you
Transit Subsidy
WHAT IS IT?
The transit subsidy allows Chestermere residents experiencing affordability
issues to purchase monthly passes at a lower cost up to an individual of $500 subsidy per year. The purchased items can be used in and around Chestermere and Calgary during the specified timeframe.
HOW TO ACCESS
- Complete and submit the online form, Community Support Services-General In-take form above.
- Under the Community Support Services section, select any area of support you need, including “Transit Subsidy”
- Be prepared to have at least 1 proof of identity AND income status to determine financial need for verification:
- Proof of identity: drivers license, passport, Alberta’s registration card, and/or student ID
- Proof of income: notice of assessment, benefits statement from Assured Income for the severely handicapped, learner income support statement, seniors financial assistance statement, a letter from a registered Social worker, or a 3 month bank statement
- Contact Community Support Services (CSS) to book an assessment meeting.
Call 403-207-7079 or email cssinfo@chestermere.ca. - Residents will be contacted within 2 business days to go over program and
eligibility. - Request Process:
- Eligible residents will be approved and provided a transit subsidy. Residents need to request a transit pass by the 15th of each month. Transit passes are available to be picked up at Chestermere’s City Hall reception the last week of each month.
Please Note: Formal in-person intake will determine eligibility based on income levels. The assessment is completed on an annual basis.
Connect + Belong
The Connect + Belong program in Chestermere fosters positive relationships through activities, workshops, and events, addressing the lack of resident participation identified in the 2020 Social Needs Assessment. By providing a safe space and opportunities for connection, the program aims to improve mental health and social well-being, encouraging conversations on social and mental health. The initiative addresses the root causes of social issues by incorporating awareness programs, strengthening connections among community organizations, and promoting opportunities through outreach. By offering these opportunities, individuals can come together in a shared space, fostering connections and a sense of community.
Community Pop-up Events
Community Pop-up Events are our way of reaching community members who may not be aware of certain supports that are available. Through these pop-up events Community Wellness Services (CWS) seeks to help meet needs of the community by reaching those who are struggling but are unsure of where to turn for support. Beyond providing supports, pop-up events promote community engagement with Chestermere citizens and support organizations that they can access.
For upcoming pop up events, see the poster below:
If you are an organization the would like to have a booth at a future pop-up event, please register below.