Boards, commissions and committees

Boards, commissions and committees

Overview

Boards, commissions, and committees (BCCs) of The City of Calgary strengthen our community. They provide chances to take part in our city's future direction.

Boards, commissions, and committees:

  • provide advice and guidance to Council
  • make recommendations to Council, or
  • hear and decide appeals on City matters.

The City of Calgary supports diverse representation on BCCs. Board members can be public members, Council members, and/or City staff. Most of the positions are unpaid. Some positions offer a small payment.

New for 2024

Indigenous persons who are over 18 and reside outside of Calgary but within the Treaty 7 Region can now apply to be public members on our Boards, Commissions and Committees. 

This includes Indigenous persons who may reside outside of Calgary but are residents of the Calgary surrounding area within the Treaty 7 region, including those Indigenous persons who belong to the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and those persons who are Métis, including citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis government residing in Foothills Métis District 1, Medicine Hat Métis District 2, Red Deer Métis District 3, Rocky View Métis District 4, Calgary Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6.

For more information, see Section 5.9.2 of Council Policy CP2016-03 on the Governance and Appointments of Boards, Commissions and Committees.

Take your seat at the table!

Gain a rewarding experience on a board, commission, or committee by:

  • taking part in the decision-making process,
  • giving back to your community, and
  • providing guidance to Council on local issues.

The City of Calgary supports a variety of perspectives on BCCs, reflecting the diversity of the community and encourages all qualified individuals to apply during the annual recruitment campaign. For more information, see the FAQ. 

Appointment process

  • 1. Apply

    The next recruitment campaign will be in the Summer of 2025.

  • 2. Review

    Applications to each BCC are reviewed for the skills needed within that BCC. Applicants may be asked to participate in a screening process.

  • 3. Nominations

    The Nominations Committee considers the applications received, along with a short list recommended by the BCC.

  • 4. Appointment

    City Council considers the applications received, the BCC short list, and Nominations Committee recommendations. City Council appoints the most qualified individuals.

FAQ - frequently asked questions

What are boards, commissions, and committees (BCCs)?

Boards, commissions, and committees (BCCs) are bodies to which Council makes one or more appointments. BCCs are created based on the municipal and provincial legislation. They can be created as a separate corporation.

The BCCs' membership includes a combination of public members, members of Council and City staff. They address community issues. Members use their experience and expertise and work together to deliver on the work plan and achieve their mandate.

For information on mandates, eligibility requirements and time commitments for each BCC, check out the List of Boards, Commissions and Committees.

Who can apply?

The majority of volunteer positions on boards, commissions, and committees, require that you be:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Resident of Calgary or Indigenous person who resides outside of Calgary but within the Treaty 7 region.*
  • Meet specific eligibility criteria for the BCC, as specified in bylaws, terms of reference, or provincial legislation.

* Indigenous persons who may reside outside of Calgary but are residents of the surrounding area within the Treaty 7 region, including those Indigenous persons who belong to the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and those persons who are Métis, including citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis government residing in Foothills Métis District 1, Medicine Hat Métis District 2, Red Deer Métis District 3, Rocky View Métis District 4, Calgary Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6.

When can I apply?

The next recruitment campaign will be in the Summer of 2025.

How are members selected?

Appointments are made in three steps:

  1. The applications to each BCC are reviewed by the Chair and other members as required. Submissions are compared to the skill gaps within that BCC. Applicants may be asked to participate in a screening process focused on qualifications.
  2. The Nominations Committee considers the applications received, along with a short list recommended by the BCC.
  3. City Council considers the applications received along with the short list submitted by the BCCs, and the recommendations of the Nominations Committee. City Council appoints the most qualified individuals.

Applicants may be selected for an interview by BCC members or the Nominations Committee. Calgary Police Service security checks are required prior to appointment to some Boards, Commissions and Committees.

The Council policy on Governance and Appointments of Boards, Commissions and Committees (CP2016-03) provides more information on the appointment process of public members.

When will Council appoint members?

City Council appoints members at the Organizational Meeting of Council.

How will I know if I am appointed?

The City Clerk's Office notifies successful applicants by email by the end of October. A letter from the Mayor confirms your appointment.

If you are appointed by Council, your contact information is forwarded to the BCC administration for next steps and onboarding procedures.

If you are not selected for an appointment, you will receive a letter from the Mayor. The City Clerk's Office keeps your application for one year. Your application is considered by City Council in case of a mid-term resignation.

Which Council members are on boards, commissions, and committees?

To see what boards, commissions, and committees a Council member sits on, go to the List of Boards, Commissions and Committees.  Use the search bar to type in a Council member name.

    

Contact us

BCC Administration

For questions on boards, commissions, committees (BCC) or member recruitment, contact BCC Administration.

Subscribe to the BCC Newsletter for annual recruitment info and important updates: BCC Newsletter sign up form

Telephone: 403-268-5861

Hours of operation:

Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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