Community Events

Doors Open Alberta is a celebration of Alberta’s rich architectural heritage as communities showcase domestic, commercial, industrial, religious, educational, cultural and institutional buildings—both publicly and privately owned.  But it is not just about the celebration of our built heritage and significant landscapes.  Doors Open Alberta is about communities reflecting on their past and present and making that vital link between people, buildings, stories and natural landscapes.  Heritage buildings, whether modern or old, reinforce community identity and pride.  They turn "space" into "place."   Revitalization projects such as Main Street Program initiatives are not just beautification projects tied to economic development.  They are about re-instilling in communities that pride in public spaces that makes communities more liveable and also attracts visitors. 

• Doors Open Alberta 2003 saw the establishment of a Doors Open Alberta Steering Committee led by the Heritage Community Foundation. The Foundation brought various local, regional and provincial representatives from the heritage community together to envision and launch Doors Open Alberta in the communities of Calgary and Fort Macleod. 
   

• Doors Open Alberta 2004 grew to include the communities of Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Macleod, Lethbridge and Wainwright.  Between May and September, these 6 Doors Open communities showcased 135 buildings to more than 6,200 visitors.

• Doors Open 2005 presented a significant centennial celebratory opportunity to communities across our province and the Hon. Gary Mar, MLA, Minister of Alberta Community Development provided centennial certificated to participating communities.
   

• Doors Open 2006 sees new communities including Chipman, Irma, Lacombe, Lamont Country and St. Albert participating to expand the geographic range of events.