Over the past year, we’ve heard from many people who believe Vecova is closing. We want to be very clear:

Vecova is not closing.

What is changing is where and how some of our programs are delivered, and these changes are helping us reach more people with disabilities across Calgary.

What’s Actually Changing

Vecova is moving away from operating a single, centralized facility and instead working across multiple community locations and partnerships. This includes closing our outdated building and expanding into new spaces across Calgary.

Offer programs in more accessible spaces across the city
Partner with trusted recreation and community centres
Focus our resources where they have the greatest impact

Our New Central Hub in the Beltline

In January, Vecova will open Vecova Central Hub @ Beltline, which will serve as our downtown administrative and program hub.

The Central Hub will:

Support staff, programs, and community services
Help us stay connected to partners and participants across Calgary

This location strengthens our presence downtown and supports the long-term sustainability of our services.

What About the New NW Location?

Our new Northwest location, Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope, offers a range of community programs, skill-building activities, and support services designed to promote independence, connection, and well-being for people with disabilities.

Together, these locations, along with offsite programs and partnerships, allow Vecova to remain flexible, responsive, and community-based.

Aquatics Programming Has Changed, Not Disappeared

While Vecova no longer operates its own pool, adapted aquatic programming continues through partnerships with local Calgary pools and recreation centres, including Vivo.

This approach allows us to keep offering warm-water aquatic programs for people with disabilities without the barriers of maintaining our own facility.

What Hasn’t Changed

Our mission
Our commitment to people with disabilities
Our focus on inclusive recreation, employment, housing, and community services

Vecova has been part of the Calgary community for over 50 years, and we’re continuing that work in new and more sustainable ways.

👉 New to Vecova? Learn more about who we are on our FAQ Page.

Warm Up Your Winter: Join Vecova’s Social Programs This Season ❄️

Winter in Calgary can feel long, but community, connection, and shared experiences can make it brighter. At Vecova, our winter social programs offer welcoming spaces for adults with disabilities to learn, socialize, build friendships, and enjoy meaningful activities in a supportive environment.

Whether you’re looking for relaxed morning gatherings, creative afternoon programs, or opportunities to stay active and engaged, there’s something for everyone. Explore our full list of programs at Vecova.ca/Programs:
https://vecova.ca/programs/#programs

Here’s what you can look forward to this winter:

☕️ Coffee & Social

Monday–Thursday Mornings | 9:00–11:00 AM
Program details: https://vecova.ca/programs/coffee-and-social/

Start your day with connection, conversation, and a cozy cup of your favourite warm drink! Coffee & Social is a relaxed drop-in style program where participants can enjoy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while taking part in friendly activities like bingo, card games, and other light social fun.

It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, build confidence in a welcoming group setting, and enjoy an uplifting start to your morning.

Participants must come with a support person.

🍳 Creative Kitchen

Monday Afternoons | 1:00–3:00 PM
Program details: https://vecova.ca/programs/creative-kitchen/

No oven? No problem! Creative Kitchen is a new hands-on program where participants explore healthy foods, prepare simple and delicious snacks and meals, and enjoy them together as a group.

In addition to food exploration, the program includes easy movement activities, group games, and plenty of opportunities for social connection. It’s all about learning, sharing, and building confidence in the kitchen one recipe at a time.

Participants must come with a support person.

🎨 Explore Abilities

Tuesday & Thursday Afternoons | 1:00–3:00 PM
Program details: https://vecova.ca/programs/explore-abilities/

Curiosity meets community in Explore Abilities, a fun social-educational program with a new theme each week. From tabletop games to gentle movement to creative expression through arts, crafts, and music, participants get to try a bit of everything.

With built-in time for conversation and teamwork, Explore Abilities encourages people to connect, discover new interests, and grow at their own pace.

Participants must come with a support person.

🎳 Club Vecova

Wednesday Afternoons | 1:00–3:00 PM
Program details: https://vecova.ca/programs/club-vecova/

Looking for mid-week fun? Club Vecova is a participant-guided social club where the group helps choose weekly activities. From bingo to floor bowling to favourite group games, every session offers something new.

It’s a space to play, socialize, try new experiences, and enjoy the supportive community that makes Vecova feel like home.

Participants must come with a support person.

💛 The Early Stage Dementia & Wellness Program

Twice Weekly
Program details: https://vecova.ca/programs/the-early-stage-dementia-wellness-program/

For adults 60+ with a dementia-related condition, this wellness program combines tailored physical exercise, cognitive activities, and social engagement in a safe, supportive environment.

Participants benefit from structured routines, brain-boosting activities, and opportunities to build meaningful connections. A valuable weekly caregiver support group, led by Vecova’s senior clinical psychologist, is included as part of the program.

Join Us This Winter!

Vecova’s social programs are more than just activities; they’re warm, welcoming communities where people can build friendships, try new things, and feel supported all season long.

Explore all programs and register today:
https://vecova.ca/programs/#programs

Vecova is proud to stand alongside our community partners in celebrating a week of connection, accessibility, and inclusion across the Bow Valley. From December 3 to December 10, organizations throughout Banff and Canmore are hosting events that highlight the strength, creativity, and diversity of people of all abilities.

This week of programming aligns with the spirit of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reminding us that inclusive communities aren’t built in a single day, they grow through shared experiences, open dialogue, and accessible spaces where everyone belongs.

Below is a look at what’s happening throughout the week.

Vecova’s Commitment to an Inclusive Future

Vecova is honoured to be part of a network of organizations, including Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Bow Valley Connections Centre, the Alberta World Cup Society, artsPlace, Pride Network, and many others, working to strengthen accessibility and inclusion in our communities.

These events reflect what we believe deeply at Vecova:

Inclusion is an ongoing practice.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility.
Community is strongest when everyone can participate fully.

We invite you to join us throughout this week of learning, celebration, and connection. Together, let’s continue building communities where all people with disabilities can thrive.

Location: Canmore & Banff

Banff

Catharine Robb Whyte Building Pioneer Room

Canmore

Family Gathering Centre
Canmore Civic Centre
Arts Place Canmore

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]June 23, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Statistics Canada has launched a survey on how COVID-19 is impacting Canadians with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions. Share your voice! The survey is open until July 6.

Take the survey here.

More details from Statistic Canada is below:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it is important that we collect information to determine the needs of the population and help decision makers implement appropriate support measures, during and after the pandemic.

The current questionnaire focuses on how the pandemic is affecting people who have a long-term condition or disability.

We are asking about the challenges of living with a long-term condition or disability during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how that has impacted employment, household expenses, and access to health services. Anybody living in Canada who has a long-term condition or disability, including an undiagnosed condition, can participate. Caregivers may also respond on behalf of someone who cannot participate on their own.

Government organizations and other types of organizations will use this information to evaluate the delivery of health and social services and economic support during and after the pandemic.

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