NEED TO KNOW

Since its launch in 2021, the Net Zero Pathways program has been on a mission to help Community Leagues trade high energy bills for high-efficiency infrastructure.

It all started with an Alberta Ecotrust grant that funded in-depth energy audits for five pilot Leagues. These audits weren't just paperwork; they served as a roadmap to Net Zero- the point where a building produces as much energy as it consumes.

The Canora Community League is a standout example of this vision in action. Their journey began in 2021, when a dedicated group of volunteers decided to revitalize their beloved hall. Rather than a simple renovation, they chose to lead by example, joining the Net Zero Pathways Project to transform the heart of their community into a model of accessibility and energy efficiency.

By leveraging these energy plans, the EFCL Green Leagues program supported participants in applying for federal funding through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The outcome? Four of the five original Leagues secured major funding and are drastically slashing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Whether you’re looking to lower operating costs or start a major retrofit, we provide one-on-one support for exploring upgrades and mastering grant applications.

Ready to start? Book a meeting with our Climate Resilience Advisor at greenleagues@efcl.org.

Is your League planning a family film night or a cozy indoor screening? The EFCL has negotiated a special discounted rate with Audio Cine Films (ACF) to make movie magic more affordable for our members in 2026!

The Deal:

• Flat Rate: Just $375.00 + GST per League.
• Bonus Discount: If 40+ Leagues sign up, the price drops even further-and is applied automatically!
• What’s Included: Unlimited indoor film showings for League programming.
• Streaming Perk: Every League gets access to ACF’s streaming platform at no extra cost.

The license begins June 15, 2026 (and please note: there is no third-party use permitted). To secure this rate for your League, fill out this form or contact Darlene Dudley at darlene.dudley@efcl.org before the June 10 deadline.

For decades, the partnership between Community Leagues, the City of Edmonton and the EFCL has been the heartbeat of our local neighbourhoods. But as Edmonton grows, our neighbourhood systems need to evolve. We are excited to announce a strategic project dedicated to ensuring the Community League system remains resilient, sustainable, and inclusive for decades to come.

The Community League Governance Framework and Sustainability Project- Why Now? 

This project isn't just a minor update. Our goal is to build a framework that allows Leagues to adapt to the city’s rapid growth and increasing diversity while maintaining their vital role in our daily lives.

We are focusing on three strategic pillars:

• Modernized Governance: Creating a clear, updated policy and agreement framework between the City, EFCL, and individual Leagues.
• Sustainable Funding: Reimagining how the system is resourced  to ensure long-term stability.
• Infrastructure for Everyone: Developing a data-driven plan for CL buildings, addressing everything from current repairs to future needs like life safety and accessibility.

This strategic realignment particularly addresses:

• Infrastructure needs and capacity
• Infrastructure equity and access challenges
• Policy and agreement renewals
• Funding capability and accountability
• Adapting to evolving community needs
• Service delivery capacity and partnerships
• Council motions
• City priorities, goals and financial realities

What This Means for You

We aren't just looking at the "now"; we are looking at the next 50 years and beyond. We want to ensure that whether you’ve lived in your neighborhood for 40 years or 4 days, your Community League is a place where you belong, feel safe, and can connect with others. 

We Need to Hear From You!

A project this important cannot happen in a vacuum. Because Community Leagues are at the heart of this project, your voice is the most important part of the puzzle.

Stay tuned for engagement opportunities in the coming months. We need your perspective to help shape the future of our city’s social fabric. Please feel free to reach out to leaguesupport@efcl.org with any questions. 

FROM OUR PARTNERS

BREATHE EASIER THIS SUMMER WITH HELP FROM THE ALBERTA CAPITAL AIRSHED

With wildfire smoke becoming an almost annual guest in our region, "preparing for the season" now means more than just tuning up the lawnmower. It means understanding the air we breathe.

The Alberta Capital Airshed (ACA) is launching its Air Aware: Wildfire Smoke and Health Workshop- a proactive, one-hour interactive session designed to strip away the confusion surrounding air quality and health.

It’s easy to see the haze, but harder to know exactly how to react. This workshop bridges that gap, offering practical insights into:

• Defining Air Quality: What those numbers actually mean for your lungs.
• Health Impacts: Understanding the short- and long-term effects of smoke exposure.
• Practical Preparedness: Tangible steps to protect yourself and your neighbors when the Air Quality Health Index metric spikes.

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to air safety. The ACA tailors every session to the specific needs of the group. Whether you are managing a childcare facility, coaching a sports team, coordinating outdoor workers, or looking out for seniors, the advice is customized to your unique environment.

Ready to get started? Contact communications@capitalairshed.ca to book your session or visit capitalairshed.ca to learn more about the air in your neighborhood.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 8 - Membership Director Training
• April 16 - New Board Member Orientation
• April 22 - Hall Rentals Quarterly
• April 28 - Where Did All the Volunteers Go? Part 4
• May 7 - What Do We Do With All This Stuff? Record Management Workshop
• May 13 - The Board’s Role in Fraud Prevention: Why We Keep Asking for Audits!

GRANTS

• Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Deadline: April 25, 2026
  

• Deadline: May 15, 2026

• Deadline: May 15, 2026

• Deadline: Rolling Intake

• Deadline: Rolling Intake

ASK AN ADVISOR

Jennie Gurnett

Community Activator

A: Most of your League communication should be digital or centralized because it’s much easier and cheaper. However, we all know the benefit of the occasional paper notice, and it goes beyond having something you can put up on your fridge! To get the word out about your League, I’d recommend budgeting for a neighborhood communication blitz at least 1-2 times a year. This communication should involve a paper notice in every resident’s mailbox.

Any mailout should include the League email and phone number, website and Facebook page, the League’s address, a basic definition of a League and an invitation of some kind: i.e. “attend” the AGM or “complete” this survey, or “celebrate” Community League Day with us! Check out some EFCL-designed examples here. If you’re spending the time and money to communicate to your entire neighborhood, you’ve got to assume at least some of them have never heard of a Community League- that’s why it’s key to explain what the League is and what you do! 

As for how to actually get it out there: if your neighborhood is relatively small and you only have a few multi-family dwellings, you can organize volunteers to deliver door to door.

If your area has only a few apartment buildings, find out who the building manager is and ask them to distribute flyers OR find a resident that lives in the building and ask them to be your connector. For large neighborhoods or neighborhoods with more dense housing, you may want to consider a Canada Post Neighborhood Mail Out. Depending on your neighborhood size, a Canada Post Campaign will cost anywhere from $300-$800, so use it strategically to direct new residents to your online platforms.

EFCL NEWS