Business Partner
Code Ninjas Willow Park
Preparing Kids for the Future That Doesn’t Exist Yet: Inside Code Ninjas Willow Park
In the heart of Calgary’s southeast, Code Ninjas Willow Park is on a mission to equip the next generation with one of the most powerful skills of the 21st century: coding.
Locally owned and operated, this Code Ninjas location was opened with a clear purpose — to give back by preparing kids for a future that is constantly evolving. “We believe coding is one of the most important languages a child can learn — right alongside English,” the owners share. “It’s the language of innovation, opportunity, and possibility.”
As part of the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, Code Ninjas Willow Park combines global expertise with local heart, as each center is independently owned and deeply connected to its community.
What They Do
At Code Ninjas Willow Park, kids ages 5–14 learn to code by building video games, programming robots, designing 3D models, and exploring artificial intelligence — all in a fun, high-energy environment.
Programs include:
Year-Round Coding Programs (Create & Junior Programs) – Flexible, skill-based learning paths where kids progress through belts while mastering real coding languages and game development concepts.
Clubs & Academies – Including 3D Modelling, Robotics Academy, Minecraft Modding, Roblox CodeCombat Worlds, and AI Academy.
Camps (PD Days, Spring, Summer & Specialty Camps) – Hands-on STEM experiences featuring robotics, stop-motion animation, game design, engineering challenges, and more.
Community Events & Workshops – Bringing interactive tech experiences to local schools, festivals, and family events.
Code Ninjas’ proprietary curriculum is what sets the program apart. Designed by education and technology experts, it transforms coding into an exciting, game-based learning journey for kids ages 5–14.
Students develop:
- Problem-solving abilities
- Logical and computational thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Confidence and resilience
- Collaboration and communication skills
More Than a Coding Center
Code Ninjas Willow Park isn’t just about teaching technology — it’s about empowering children.
The leadership team believes that kids are capable of far more than they are often given credit for. By introducing coding and STEM concepts at an early age, the center helps students build confidence in tackling complex challenges. The goal is to create an environment where children feel capable, supported, and excited to learn.
“One of our favorite moments is when students upload their games to the arcade machine in the lobby and proudly show their parents something they built completely from scratch. Over the years, we’ve seen 5-year-olds join our Junior program and grow into confident JavaScript coders. Some children arrive shy and unsure — and then find friendships here in the dojo. Watching them laugh together while trying to beat a game one of them created is always a highlight. Seeing that confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
“We want children in our community to know they can build things. They can solve problems. They can create the future — not just consume it.”
Investing in Future Generations
As technology continues to shape every industry — from energy and healthcare to entertainment and artificial intelligence — coding literacy is becoming foundational. Code Ninjas Willow Park exists to ensure local families have access to high-quality STEM education close to home.
To further support neighboring families, Canyon Meadows community members receive an exclusive 10% discount on all programs and camps using code CANYON10 at registration.
By combining educational leadership, strong organization, analytical thinking, and a deep commitment to community, Code Ninjas Willow Park is helping shape a generation of confident, capable young innovators.
Because the future isn’t just something that happens — it’s something our kids can build.
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Over the past year, the Canyon Meadows Yard & Garden Club has gathered ideas and shaped a shared vision for our community garden and landscape enhancements. Ted Bahr of Prairie Sage Permaculture thoughtfully synthesized this input into a comprehensive Irrigation and Landscape Design. We’re excited to share the plan with the community. Please check back here for updates.Sign up here if you can lend a hand!
New Garden Beds
After carefully considering sunlight, accessibility, and visual impact, the new garden beds will be located in the treed area along the back of the parking lot. By rotating the sea can, the space will receive full sun, creating ideal growing conditions.
We are planning to install wicking garden beds designed for efficient, low-maintenance watering. These systems filter moisture upward from below, preventing overwatering while supporting strong root development. Netted covers will protect young plants from deer. The initial intention is for the Yard + Garden Club to steward these beds, with harvests shared communally for the benefit of the neighbourhood.
Planning for Sustainable Watering
The first phase will involve adjusting the eavestrough system to fill five 1,000-litre water tanks equipped with pumps and timers. Select downspouts will be redirected into a swale system, which is comprised of underground perforated pipes installed within a newly excavated trench, allowing water to irrigate plantings at the root level.
Excavated areas will be backfilled and topped with gravel, creating an accessible walking path through the grounds. At the front of the hall, water basins will be incorporated into the existing flower beds to capture rainwater and nourish surrounding plants before runoff flows downhill.
All plant selections have been chosen for their drought tolerance and native characteristics, supporting long-term sustainability and climate resilience.
Ted Bahr of Prairie Sage Permaculture and General Manager Colleen Griffin
Landscaping Upgrades
The broader landscape plan includes the creation of a Food Forest in the park behind the hall. This will introduce fruit trees, edible shrubs, and native understory plants designed for communal harvest and ecological diversity.
A Kid’s Sensory Garden will also be established in the same park space, featuring plants with varied textures, colours, and forms to spark curiosity and engagement.
The front flower beds will transition into a Rain Garden, designed to manage stormwater while incorporating edible shrubs — including haskaps, a hardy prairie favourite and this year’s trivia answer.
Grants, Fundraising & 2026 Build
This project has been supported through the ClimateReadyYYC and Good Places grants administered by the Federation of Calgary Communities. An additional funding application has been submitted to the City of Calgary’s Inspiring Neighbourhoods Grant.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed time, funding, or expertise. Every contribution strengthens this shared vision.
Our goal is to break ground and begin construction on April 7, 2026.
This is a community-driven project, and your ideas, feedback, and support are always welcome. Sign up here if you can lend a hand!
📬 gm@cmca.ca
🌱 Let’s grow something amazing together!
As we wrap up 2025, I would like to share a snapshot of the incredible activity and progress at our community hall this past year. None of this happened in isolation. Thanks to the generosity, encouragement, and hands-on support of so many community members, our Hall Manager, Bonnie Treavor, and I were able to help move a wide range of initiatives forward.
Here are a few highlights from the year:
- Employed six students through the Canada Summer Jobs grant, along with three skate instructors
- Successfully secured eight grants
- Volunteered at several Bingos, thanks to Bingo Director Johanne Smith, and supported a Casino fundraiser
- Hosted 20 events with the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers
- Delivered nine community programs: Kids Summer Drop-In, Good Food Box, Hip Hop, Ice Rink Concession, Ice Skate Lessons, Kids Afternoon Camp, Movie in the Park, Seniors’ Coffee, and the Yard & Garden Club
- Replaced aging A/C units, smoke detectors, and the drywell through the CCG grant
- Installed a sea can, tractor, and implements through Parks Foundation and CFEP grants, as well as a Disc Golf Pitch and Putt course funded by the Federation of Calgary Communities Exploring Communities Grant
- Built a new wood shed thanks to board member Frank A. and his sons
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary support of our CMCA volunteers, members, Business Partners, and Board of Directors. Your time, ideas, encouragement, and belief in this community are the foundation that makes everything we do possible. Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and caring so deeply about our shared spaces.
As we look ahead to 2026, our goal is to continue building on this momentum, refine what our community values most, and tackle a few long-awaited housekeeping projects.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful year ahead. I hope to see you around the hall, the ice rinks, and the fire pit.
Warm regards,
Colleen Griffin
General Manager
Business Partner
Anna’s Home Check Services Inc.
From quick trips to extended vacations, Anna’s Home Check Service would be happy to take care of your home while you are away.
Everyone loves to travel. But what happens with your house while you’re away?
- Are you worried about ice build up on your outdoor furnace exhaust?
- Do you have a fish tank that needs tending to every few days?
- What about those gross toilet rings that start growing out of control after a few weeks?!
That’s where Anna comes in. Each Home Check Service is customized to you and your needs. Anna offers a complimentary home walk through, where you tour your home and show all the areas of concern that only the homeowner could know best. You will go through a comprehensive checklist and decide which services you need and which ones you would like to add. Anna wants you to feel 100% confident. Trusting that your home is in good hands and providing you with documented home visits and regular communication is the highest priority.
Business Partnership:
HeIp support your business. Help support your community.
Address: 2114, 380 Canyon Meadows Dr SE T2J 7C3 (In the location of the former Soffritto’s)
Contact: (403) 700-6312
Email: sierra.sherman@hotworx.net
A New Kind of Strength is Coming to the Neighborhood
Owner Sierra Sherman is a Calgary entrepreneur and mom of two (soon to be three!). As Sierra prepares to open her HOTWORX studio, she brings a clear philosophy to life: movement is a reflection of the mind. She believes strength begins at the center, through breath, control, and the ability to stay present even when challenged.
Sierra has woven that idea into her mission for the studio: fitness isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about building an inner foundation that helps us show up stronger in every part of life.
She is joined by her mother, Sheila Sherman, a Certified Sugar Detox and Health Coach. Sheila works with women to restore energy, reconnect with the body, and reignite confidence. Together, they aim to create a supportive space where progress feels empowering, personal, and sustainable.
What Makes HOTWORX Different?
HOTWORX combines three
powerful elements:
1. Infrared Heat
2. Guided Workouts
3. 24/7 Flexibility
Workouts take place inside a semi-private infrared sauna, where virtual trainers lead sessions like Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Cycling and more. The infrared heat helps:
🔥 Improve circulation and mobility
🔥 Reduce inflammation and pain
🔥 Enhance recovery and detoxification
🔥 Increase focus and mental clarity
It’s designed for anyone who wants more results in less time, especially busy women balancing family, work, and wellness.
A New Wellness Hub for Canyon Meadows Sierra and Sheila are building more than a gym. They are building a community space that encourages growth, resilience, and connection. A place where neighbors can support one another, discover their personal strength, and take back a little time for themselves.
Canyon Meadows will soon have a wellness experience that pushes the body, engages the mind, and strengthens daily life from the inside out.
Business Partnership:
HeIp support your business. Help support your community.
If you own or operate a business in or near Canyon Meadows and would like to be featured here, please visit the Business Partnership page.
Our Business Partner Mauri Loyer is providing seasonal articles to help us declutter!
Spring is finally here, and after a long Calgary winter, it’s the perfect time to give your home a fresh start. Decluttering and organizing your space not only helps you feel more in control but also brings a sense of calm and balance — or what I like to call, “copacetic.”
Here’s how to get there this spring in Calgary:
1. Start with a Game Plan
Before diving in, take a few minutes to assess your space. Are your closets packed with clothes you never wear? Is your garage overflowing with winter gear? Identify the areas that need the most attention and prioritize them. Having a plan keeps the task manageable and helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. One Room at a Time
It’s tempting to tackle everything at once, but that often leads to burnout. Instead, choose one room — maybe the kitchen or living room — and give it your full attention. In Calgary, now’s the time to transition your garage: put away skis and snowshoes, and bring out gardening gear or bikes. Taking it step by step makes it easier to see progress and stay motivated.
3. Sort Through Seasonal Items
Calgary’s weather is famously unpredictable, so take stock of your seasonal items. Are there winter coats or boots you no longer wear? Donate them or pack them away neatly until next season. While you’re at it, swap out heavy winter décor for lighter spring accents. It makes a big difference in how your home feels.
4. Organize with Purpose
Organizing isn’t just about tidying — it’s about setting up systems that work for your lifestyle. Especially in smaller spaces like condos, smart storage is key. Think vertical shelves, under-bed containers, or labeled bins. The goal is to make items easy to access while keeping clutter at bay.
5. Donate or Sell
Decluttering is a great chance to give your items a second life. Calgary has excellent donation options like the Drop-In Centre, Goodwill, and Women in Need Society (WINS). Want to make a little money? Try Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. You’ll free up space and help someone else at the same time.
6. Shop Intentionally
After decluttering, resist the urge to refill the empty space. Calgary has many tempting shops, but before buying, ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. Choose quality over quantity and focus on items that serve a real purpose in your home. Thoughtful shopping keeps your home balanced and clutter-free.
7. Set Realistic Goals
You don’t have to do it all in one day. Set small, manageable goals — maybe just one drawer or one shelf at a time. Turn it into a fun weekend project with the family when the sun’s out. The key is consistency over intensity.
8. Embrace the Copacetic Vibe
Once your space is organized, take a moment to enjoy it. A tidy, well-balanced home feels lighter, calmer, and more inviting. Spring is all about renewal, and creating a peaceful environment sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
Spring is Calgary’s perfect reset button. By decluttering with intention and creating functional systems, you’ll make your space feel not just organized — but truly copacetic. Take it one step at a time, donate or sell what you no longer need, and enjoy the fresh start.
Mauri Loyer
Retired Professional Organizer
Business Partnership:
HeIp support your business. Help support your community.
Address: 3125, 380 Canyon Meadows Dr SE (Beside 403 Local Bar, next to the Esso gas station)
Contact: (587) 585-2535
You don’t have to go far to take some time for yourself this year and support a local business! This month we are pleased to introduce you to a new Business Partner Parkview Massage + Wellness. Here’s what you need to know.
How long have you been at the current location?
Parkview Massage + Wellness has been a trusted part of the Canyon Meadows community for the past five years. As the new owner, I took over in November 2024 and am excited to continue its legacy of providing exceptional care while bringing fresh ideas and energy to the clinic.
Why did you chose the current location?
Canyon Meadows stood out to me because of the wonderful people who make this community so welcoming. The positivity and warmth of the area make it an ideal place to grow a wellness practice, and I’m eager to contribute to the well-being of my neighbors here.
What is the vision/mission behind your business?
My vision for Parkview Massage + Wellness is simple: to provide top-quality care at affordable prices, ensuring that everyone has access to services that improve their health and happiness. To support this, we offer specials like a first visit for only $90, which includes services like massage, acupuncture, or manual osteopathy. Additionally, I’ve introduced a free membership program exclusively for Canyon Meadows residents, offering discounted prices on all clinic services. My mission is to make wellness accessible and rewarding for our community.
What are the membership details?
We are delighted to offer free membership signups—there are no charges to join! With our free membership, you simply come in, enjoy your chosen services (Massage, Acupuncture and Manual Osteopathy), and receive a discounted rate based on a 6 or 12 month membership. You must commit to come once a month for any services in our clinic, with no other obligation. Members can add family members while signing and family members will get the same pricing without the monthly commitment!
We also offer direct billing for your insurance, making your experience seamless and hassle-free.
At Parkview, our membership isn’t just about discounts; it’s about building a lasting relationship. We treat every client like family, ensuring you receive the highest quality care at affordable rates.
What is Manual Osteopathy?
A manual osteopath is a healthcare professional who uses hands-on techniques to relieve pain, improve movement, and support overall health. They focus on treating the whole body, including muscles, joints, and tissues, to restore balance and help the body heal naturally.
What They Do:
- Assess and Diagnose: Identify areas of pain, tension, or imbalance in the body.
- Hands-On Treatment: Use gentle techniques like stretching, massage, joint adjustments, and tissue work to relieve discomfort and improve function.
- Holistic Care: Offer advice on lifestyle, posture, and exercise to support recovery and overall health.
- Common Issues Treated:
Back, neck, and joint pain.
Headaches, muscle tension, and stress.
Posture problems and sports injuries. - Reproductive Health: Support for pelvic pain, menstrual issues, pregnancy discomfort, and postnatal recovery.
Business Partnership:
HeIp support your business. Help support your community.
If you own or operate a business in or near Canyon Meadows and would like to be featured here, please visit the Business Partnership page.
News
Stuff a Sock Thank You
December 2024
We received a mention in a kind article written by the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre. Thanks to all who donated to the Stuff a Sock, Warm a Heart program we hosted at the Children’s Christmas Party Nov 29, 2024.
“As the Annual Street Feet drive ends and Christmas time draws near, we have been overwhelmed by the response that we received. Donations poured in and we were able to gather over 600 socks stuffed with a variety of useful items, all of which will be donated to The Alpha House Society.
All of this would not be possible without the help of the following groups and individuals.
- Families and staff of St. Francis High School
- The St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy
- Canyon Meadows Community Association”
Community Member
of the Month
The Griffin Family
August 2021
Congratulations to our Community Members of the Month for August: Colleen, Devin, Jasper and Olivia Griffin.
Ever since moving to Canyon Meadows ten years ago, the Griffins have been involved in countless ways. They have shown great community spirit by participating enthusiastically at community events and lending a hand. The whole family has pitched in, and as their family grew, so did the number of volunteers in Canyon Meadows – lucky us! It is wonderful to see kids helping and growing up with the notion that volunteering is a way of life, and a way to connect with the community around you.
Colleen served on the CMCA Board for two years starting in 2017 and is excited to see the community and the Community Association continue to develop. “I’m happy to see new board members joining up. I think it’s good to see a multitude of people getting that experience and connecting with the community. I joined the board because it’s a way of finding out what’s going on in the community, and how things work. How does managing the hall work? How does a Community Association function as a non-profit?” While learning, Colleen found a way to contribute from her own unique perspective. She had studied fine art in university, so she helped organize a successful Christmas craft fair. “That’s sort of my jam. It was something that I always wanted to see in every community: more local artisans and craftspeople. I really hope that event continues.”
Through her work on the Community Association, Colleen built up her interest in Community Development. She recently completed a course through the Community Development Learning Institute and is now working with her neighbor to brainstorm ways to revitalize the Rexall Business Plaza. They are trying to think of ways to make it a more community-friendly space. This Spring they put up balloons and signs to celebrate the graduates from E.P. Scarlett, and they are thinking up more projects, from picnic tables to community art hives. “There is no shortage of ideas!”
Devin, a graphic designer by trade, was selected to redesign the CMCA website to give it an updated look and more functionality. “I was looking for ways that I could contribute to the neighborhood”. Devin also redesigned the Community Association logo, helped facilitate the online membership feature, and has contributed his design talents to many event posters and other community promotional materials. He is always a phone call away and willing to lend a hand when the CMCA Board needs direction with the website. Devin is an asset in today’s modern world.
Colleen says she got involved in the community for her kids and her family. She wanted them to feel a sense of belonging. “Being human is needing connection, and community is connection. If you’re new to Calgary, or new to Canada, or new to parenting, or whether you are a senior, or if your family is far away… I think community is always important and it increases your quality of life. That’s why I like getting involved and encouraging others to get involved.”
We couldn’t agree more – and are super grateful for the Griffins’ contributions to the collective quality of life in Canyon Meadows over the years! If you have ideas to revitalize the Rexall Business Plaza, please email Colleen at letsgrowcm@gmail.com.
Article by Dina Katsnelson
Community Member
of the Month
The Shanks Family
July 2021
The Community Member of the Month for July is not one, but four wonderful and caring community members! We are pleased to feature the Shanks family: Roxan, Dave and their two kids Adeline and Lawson.
We have their generous efforts to thank for the lovely garden at the entrance to Babbling Brook Park, on the corner of Canterbury Dr. and Cannington Way. Vibrant flowers grow beneath the sign into the park, an assortment of spring and summer blooms that greet visitors to one of the community’s most popular green spaces.
The little garden is not new to the neighborhood. “It’s been there for many years,” said Roxan. “The lady who used to look after it, she was a lovely retired lady who moved away.” Last April, Roxan noticed the garden was in disrepair and decided to do something about it. “I took it over because I thought, we can’t have this disrepair, it doesn’t look very attractive.” The Shanks family lives nearby, and they decided to whip the little garden back into shape. Roxan thought it would be a nice way to spend some time outdoors while doing a service for the community, especially during a summer of COVID-19 restrictions.
Roxan says the kids have enjoyed the outdoor play time and it has helped them gain an appreciation for nature and Babbling Brook Park. They spend plenty of time running around in the sunshine, but they also help with the gardening. Even six-year-old Lawson carries the watering can. The whole family can be seen taking care of the garden several days a week. They deadhead the flowers, rake, weed and water. Especially in this hot weather, the plants need watering every day. Most of the flowers are well-established perennials which bloom year-to-year. There are all sorts: marigolds, petunias, day lilies, cornflowers, columbines, and more. This year, there was also a donation of annuals for the border-edging plants.
Since the Shanks began tending the garden, other neighbours have started getting involved as well. Most of the volunteerism has spread through word-of-mouth: people walking by who want to lend a hand. Some have even donated flowers to the little garden. “They came over and just planted some, and someone else came over with some succulents, and they planted those. Lots of people are welcome to donate if they want, and to put their touch on it. Everybody can contribute.” Roxan said that anyone can help, whether to donate their time or their plants. Their contribution is always appreciated. She has also spent some time training others to care for the flowers, and promises it’s not difficult to do, even for those without much experience.
The little garden is becoming a community hub at the gateway to one of our neighborhood’s loveliest rambles. A big thank you goes out to the Shanks family for spreading your enthusiasm and bring so much beauty to our neighborhood!
Article by Dina Katsnelson
