Calgary 
Events Description
What actually built Calgary? Oil and gas gets most of the credit, but this city runs on bake sales, bingo shifts, casino fundraisers, volunteer boards, coaching duties, and people saying “yes” one too many times.
At this edition of Hot Dogs & Hot Takes on History, Josh Traptow takes a look at Calgary’s long history of volunteerism and why the model that helped build the city may be starting to crack under its own weight.
Calgary spent decades relying on passionate people to step up and fill the gaps — and for a long time, they did. But what happens when the same people are doing more with less support, less time, and less capacity to keep going?
Part history lesson, part civic reality check, this conversation explores how volunteerism became one of Calgary’s defining characteristics and whether we’ve started treating community spirit as an unlimited resource.
Burnout isn’t just a nonprofit issue anymore. It’s becoming a city issue.
Come for the hot dogs, stay for the realization that half of Calgary is being held together by committee meetings and someone’s very overworked calendar.
Who is it for?
13+
HOW MUCH
Tickets : $15
How to get tickets?
At the door: Subject to availability
WHEN & WHERE
Date:
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Doors open 6:30 PM
Venue & Address
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5E1
Wheelchair accessible
Paid Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
