September 24, 2021

Honourable Travis Toews

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Office of the Minister
Treasury Board and Finance
208 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Email: tbf.minister@gov.ab.ca

Dear Honourable Travis Toews,

RE: Proposed Changes to the Alberta Gaming Model

Through 302 community associations and leagues, volunteers in Calgary and Edmonton have
built and maintained more than $750-million in community-based infrastructure over the last
100 years. Halls, ice rinks, arenas, water parks, playgrounds, parks and outdoor pools are just
some examples. While much of the building and maintenance of these amenities is supported
by government grants, ongoing volunteer labour and fundraising has saved taxpayers millions.
In fact, through their public amenities, these organizations deliver services and programs that
otherwise would be the responsibility of government.

We are the federations for our respective cities and we believe our member organizations now
face additional uncertainty because of proposed changes to the Alberta gaming model,
especially around disbursements. As service and program providers, our members need
certainty and the chance to succeed – and you can ensure they do.

First, the problem: Potential changes to the casino model and how revenue is dispersed across
Alberta would significantly hurt the ability of community associations and leagues in Calgary
and Edmonton to build and operate their public amenities. This would in turn hurt the public
infrastructure that residents in these cities depend on for physical activity, social cohesion and
even childcare. Without sustained gaming proceeds this infrastructure will deteriorate and,
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Federation of Calgary Communities
7103 105 Street NW 110 720 28th Street NE
Edmonton, AB T6E 4G8 Calgary, AB T2A 6R3
eventually, cost taxpayers and governments. Many of the major amenities we’re responsible
for were built between 1960 and 1980 with provincial grant funding. Life cycling and
improvements to this infrastructure, like roofs, structural repairs, ventilation upgrades and
replacements are expensive but critical to ensure safety. Grants sought to complete this work
often requires matching of funds. In many cases, gaming funds are leveraged as these matching
funds.

This is why we need your help.

We’re asking you to understand that there are thousands of volunteers in both our cities who
rely on gaming revenue to ensure that public spaces stay safe and open. Gaming revenue has
been vital to leverage grants provided by all levels of government. If you choose to disperse
gaming revenue differently across Alberta, you will be negatively affecting critical programs,
services and spaces in our most densely populated communities.

We’re participants in the consultation process and AGLC representatives have told us that
ultimately the decision will be yours. We’re asking you to not reduce gaming proceeds to our
community associations and leagues. As community service and amenity providers, our
members need continued gaming contributions to succeed. Having safe and accessible
community public amenities is in the best interest of all Albertans.

We trust that you see the financial benefit in our request. We look forward to you stepping up
for volunteers and their cost-savings work and for Alberta taxpayers.

Laura Cunningham-Shpeley Leslie Evans

Executive Director, EFCL Executive Director, Federation

Enclosures
CC: All MLAs
Edmonton Community Leagues Presidents
Calgary Community Associations Presidents

Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Federation of Calgary Communities

7103 105 Street NW 110 720 28th Street NE
Edmonton, AB T6E 4G8 Calgary, AB T2A 6R3
More about our organizations:

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) supports and advocates for the
interests of our 162 Community Leagues (community-based independent
organizations) across the City of Edmonton. Our organization was founded 100 years ago, in 1921, and
has built incredible community gathering spaces and recreational amenities that benefit our community
health, local business and the economy. Our organization is representative of all Edmontonians as each
neighbourhood in the city is part of a community league.

The Federation of Calgary Communities (The Federation) is a member-based support organization for
over 220 not-for-profits in Calgary, including the 152 community associations. We work to support
board members and volunteers who improve neighbourhood life in Calgary by providing programs
and services that help them build their organization’s capacity to support and mobilize residents, and
to be on the front lines of important issues affecting their community.

We are a recognized voice for community and advocate for small non-profits. Along with our city’s
community associations we make up the largest collective volunteer movement in Calgary, with more
than 20,000 volunteers strong!

Edmonton Community Leagues Calgary Community Associations

126 Community League halls 102 Community Association halls
250 Playgrounds 201 Playgrounds
119 Outdoor Community Ice Rinks 91 Outdoor Community Ice Rinks/ 12 Indoor Rinks
55 Water Spray Parks 6 Outdoor Pools
46 Basketball Court Facilities 37 Sports Courts
25 Community Gardens 42 Community Gardens
24 Outdoor Tennis Court Facilities 89 Sports or Playfields
10 BMX/Skateboard Tracks

Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Federation of Calgary Communities

7103 105 Street NW 110 720 28th Street NE
Edmonton, AB T6E 4G8 Calgary, AB T2A 6R3