By day, Alice Lam works in commercial real estate, managing dozens of buildings in Calgary, but, by night, she’s a community builder. For as long as she can remember, she’s been passionate about making Calgary a greater city — one that’s inclusive and holds opportunities for all. When she sees a gap in services, she tries to fill it. That’s why she’s established so many accessible, low-cost or free programs across the city.
Lam founded one of Calgary’s first community fridges and pantries, and helped create a low-cost ceramics club, a book and gift store that invests in local artists, Calgary’s first non-profit acupuncture clinic, and Canada’s first pay-what-you-want thrift store, Good Neighbour Market. As an avid volunteer, she also created Volly, a website to connect volunteers to city-wide openings. And her work as a volunteer tour guide with Friends of Chinatown earned her a White Hat Award in 2025. To say she’s busy would be an understatement, but her love for Calgary keeps her motivated to do more.
What do you love most about Calgary?
I love Calgary for its beautiful scenery and neighbourhoods. But I also love the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit of the city. I love bragging that Calgary is a city where people show up and lend a hand.
Why are you passionate about community building?
It helps showcase the power that an individual has to build a great city. Community building is all about making people feel successful in the city that they live in — supported and seen — and ensuring that there are opportunities for all to pursue their passions.
Why do accessible resources matter?
Having accessible, low-cost or free activities ensures that [those with lower incomes are] involved in the story of community building. Calgary is not only for people who can afford it, but for everybody who calls it home.
If there was one thing that you would change about the city, what would it be?
Something that we can definitely improve on is making sure that we have more affordable housing across the spectrum.
Events are a great way to build community. What’s your favourite Calgary event to attend?
The annual fundraiser at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre. You get to experience art and nature, and it showcases what amazing contemporary art talent we have in the city.
