Looking Back at 2025: A Year of Care and Connection
As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to ask our team about the year – not just about what got done, but also what stood out to them, what still matters now, and what made the biggest difference.
Their responses illuminated a story of progress, of meaningful relationships, and of a growing sense of shared responsibility between residents and staff for making our community everything it is.
Here’s what stood out from the year.
What We Built (or Finally Crossed Off the List)
This year brought visible, tangible improvements across our communities (often in seemingly small but impactful ways), and many of our long-standing goals came to life thanks to persistence, collaboration with residents, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
Some highlights:
New bike sheds at most of the buildings. This is a small addition with a big impact on daily ease for residents, and one we’ve been working to solution for years, which makes it feel like a really big win.
New pergolas at Norfolk, Flett, and Bowen. Made possible through grant funding from the Federation of Calgary Communities; they create welcoming outdoor gathering spaces with a little more sun shade for gardening and general enjoyment of the spaces.
Rain barrels and an engaged gardening program, support more sustainability while bringing residents together in a shared goal.
A new maintenance portal, which gives residents clearer, more timely updates and has improved communications around repairs.
Our resident survey. Something we do every 2-3 years because it’s one of the single most impactful ways we can gain invaluable insight into what’s working in our community, what can be improved upon, and where to direct future goals. Read more here.
A wellness strategy update report, which strengthened our commitment to whole-person housing.
A new partnership with Unison at Kerby to better support our residents as they age, ensuring they have access to helpful services and resources that allow them to stay comfortable, independent, and age in place in the home and community they already know.
Our longstanding partnership with Calgary Dollars continues to be an absolute cornerstone of our resident success and connection. We wrote more about that right here.
These projects reflect our ongoing effort to listen, respond, and evolve alongside everyone who makes their home with us, and those who work to keep everything running smoothly.
“Being part of a community that values cleanliness, organization, and respectful communication has improved my overall quality of life. It has also given me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on my personal and professional goals without the stress that can sometimes come with housing concerns.”
Moments That Stayed With Us
Some moments don’t show up on a project plan, but they shape us, nonetheless.
One such moment was a resident appreciation evening with Sinneave Foundation, where our community learned about being neuro-inclusive neighbours. What stood out to staff wasn’t just the learning but how openly residents shared with one another. It created understanding, softened internal conflict, and reminded us how powerful shared education can be.
Another deeply moving moment was the memorial for a beloved resident. We learned that her artwork had been lovingly stored by a neighbour. At the gathering, residents were invited to take a piece home if they wished. It felt like her final gift to the community, and it continues to be felt every day.
Our Work IS Personal
Again and again, our team spoke about moments that reminded them that their role goes far beyond property management.
A resident who won four gift cards at a holiday party and immediately started handing them out to others instead of keeping them.
Seniors coming to staff during difficult transitions, trusting them enough to confide and ask for help.
A new-staff building tour interrupted by a resident who recognized familiar voices, and longtime staff stepping in to help without hesitation, simply because they could.
A resident who jumped into volunteering during a community clean-up day, quietly supporting both staff and neighbours and keeping an eye out for the building year-round.
These are the moments that define NHA: care offered freely, dignity upheld, and community members showing up for one another.
“Living at Norfolk has given me the safety and security of quality and affordable housing. Just as valuable to me has been the social network I have developed and that makes me successful in dealing with mental health issues. The staff at Norfolk have been so understanding and kind. The garden space has really been a great communication space for all residents and we have found connections and the comfort in asking for help from the people we know a little bit better.”
What’s Ahead in 2026
As we grow, we’re focused on strengthening our foundation so we can continue to serve well. In the year ahead, we’re hoping to:
Standardize and improve communications
Improve and clarify insurance options for residents
Strengthen internal organization across software, maintenance, and processes as we scale thoughtfully
Though we do have plans to grow and things will evolve, everyone at NHA is deeply committed to preserving and deepening resident engagement, resident wellness, staff wellbeing, and a positive feedback loop where listening evokes action and ultimately, builds trust and transparency.