Our 8th annual Polar Party kicked off the month of February with skating activities, hot chocolate, snacks and a fire pit. Always the center of activity during the winter, our two ice rinks were filled with family fun provided by the tireless work of our rink maintenance volunteers. We encourage residents and friends to utilize these ice surfaces for exercise and enjoyment throughout the winter months while being courteous to others, especially young children and new skaters.

Additional social events planned over the next few months include a Career Coaching afternoon on February 8, a Volunteer Appreciation evening and Dog Park awareness event once spring arrives in Calgary. Check our website (cambrianheightscommunity.com) for notices and details of upcoming events. Also consider volunteering to help out with event activities and meet fellow residents while contributing ideas for future programs.

At the writing of this message there have been two local multi family developments proposed taking advantage of the new zoning rules in our city. A recent court decision confirmed the City Council’s authority to legislate the change. These developments propose the construction of four units each with a basement suite thus accommodating eight families on what previously was a single family residence. With each development permit application, our planning group submits comments on infrastructure, parking and architectural issues. Future applications will be impacted by existing Restrictive Covenants in certain areas of Cambrian Heights. Contact our planning group and reference our website for further information.

We continue to work on organizing a Tuesday Farmers Market at the community hall grounds, through the May to September period, building on the success of our fall market last year. Plans are underway to bring the same vendors plus some others to this market. As we progress with this project we will be releasing more details in the newsletter and social media.

A Cambrian Heights resident has initiated a fundraising program focused on replacing the playground facilities on 39th Avenue. Should you wish to get involved please contact the organizer Ila Faye Dale at ila_faye_dale@yahoo.ca.

Also, remember 100% of your 2025 membership fees go into supporting social activities within Cambrian Heights. Information on how to become a member is detailed in this newsletter.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

January is a new year and the heart of the winter season. Opportunities in nearby Nose Hill Park, Confederation Park and all our community parks provide opportunities for outside winter activities to wear off the holiday calories are a community advantage. Our outdoor ice rinks will be in full use and we now have a new coordinator, Brent Else. Who will relieve Scott Jacobson after 11 years of extraordinary service, of this responsibility. Scott may still be found helping out the Rink Rats maintain our two ice rinks and he, like Brent, welcome any offer to help out the existing dedicated crew. If you want to help out, please contact Brent at belse@calgary.ca 

On November 30 we held our 5th annual Lego Contest at the Community Hall. This event attracted contestants of all ages from surrounding communities and has proven very popular with participating children and adult viewers. This year was no exception. A few pictures of the entries are attached. Many more are on our website (https://cambrianheightscommunity.com/events/lego-contest-2024). We want to thank Nancy Else and Noah Sonnenberg for the difficult task of judging the entries in all age categories. We also wish to thank Superstore for their donations for prizes and both Noah and Ben for their incredible creations that were put on display. On December 13 we held a Christmas Wreath making event. Tickets were limited to the first 35 purchasers and were sold out in November. We thank all those volunteers involved in planning and making these events successful. A Volunteer Appreciation evening is in the plans for early 2025. 

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We are happy to welcome another new Board member in January. Wendi Elaschuk, a long-term resident, who will be focusing on community finance for Cambrian Heights as the new Treasurer. New Board members are welcome and are encouraged to bring their own experience and perspective to issues impacting our community. Consider attending a Board meeting to learn and perhaps participate in future issue discussions or event planning.  

On January 25, we are offering for the first time a free Career Coaching session at the Community Hall hosted by one of our Board members experienced in this field. See our website and poster in this issue for more information and to register. Plus, join us for our annual Polar Party that will be held on our outdoor ice rinks behind the Community Hall on February 1. Hot chocolate, games, snacks and a warming fire pit will support the on-ice activities. 

Please involve yourself in community activities through 2025 and continue to send us comments you may have to expand or improve our programs or add to community services. Our last Board meeting featured  discussions with Jeff Davison, a candidate for mayor in the 2025 municipal election, a representative from MLA Calgary Klein Lizette Tejada’s office and a resident Ila Faye Dale wanting to start a funding raising program to replace the playground facilities on 39th Avenue.  

Also, remember 100% of your 2025 membership fees go into supporting social activities within Cambrian Heights. Information on how to become a member can be found within this newsletter and on our website. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

December brings with it winter weather but also the warmth and good cheer of the Christmas and holiday season. Our outdoor ice rinks will be in full use thanks to the efforts of our rink rats headed up for so many years by Scott Jacobson. If you are able to help out this year please contact Scott at scottcollleenj@gmail.com as our two rinks provide a hugh recreational benefit to young and old through the winter season. 

November witnessed successful staffing with volunteers for our casino dates at the beginning of the month. We owe a great thanks to those volunteers who made this most important fund raising activity a success. We are planning an Appreciation event for these volunteers and those that help out at events throughout the year this spring. Volunteering is a great way to meet your neighbours and enjoy the social activities sponsored by the Community Association. If you would like to register as a volunteer please contact us at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com . In that regard we are happy to welcome a new Board member in November, Stephanie Melville, who will be focusing on community communications for Cambrian Heights. In addition, a long time community resident, Wendy Elaschuk, has agreed to take on the Treasurer role starting in January and will join the Board in December. Both will also contribute by bringing their own perspective to issues impacting our community. 

With the city wide decision to allow R-CG zoning throughout the City many communities have responded by establishing restrictive covenants to challenge certain multi family developments. There is currently an original Restrictive Covenant (7778HB) on homes south of Northmount Drive within Cambrian Heights. These existing covenants may provide a mechanism through the Courts to restrict what structures may be built on those properties. We have discussed this particular covenant and the existence of some Builders covenants in other areas of the community with legal counsel. We reference you to our website (www.cambrianheightscommunity.com for a more detailed review including a legal counsel reference. 

On November 30 we held our 5th annual Lego Contest at the Community Hall. These events attract contestants of all ages from surrounding communities and have proven very popular with children and adult viewers. On December 13 we will be holding a Christmas Wreath making event. Tickets may be obtained through the website although attendance is limited to the first 35 purchasers. We again thank those volunteers involved in planning and making these events successful. 

We have scheduled for January 25 a first ever free Career Coaching session at the Community Hall that will be hosted by one of our Board members experienced in this field. See our website and poster in this issue for more information. Plus save the date of February 1 for our annual Polar Party that will be held on our outdoor ice rinks behind the Community Hall.

Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for a family focused Holiday season and start to 2025 from all of us involved with the Community Association. Please consider involving yourself in community activities through 2025 and always feel free to send us comments you may have to expand or improve our programs. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

September witnessed our first Farmers Market each Tuesday from September 3 to October 1 in the community hall parking lot. Total of 14 merchants registered to participate over the month as a test towards making this a full summer market in 2025 running June through September. We were excited with the initial turnout and neighbourly vibe created with the market. At the writing of this letter we and the venders have not fully evaluated this trial but early indications are positive towards 2025. The market offered fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, various jams, bake goods, Ukrainian and Mexican food products, sausages, mustards, mead beverages, fresh honey and even ice cream. Updates on the result of this program will be provided on social media as well as our website (www.cambrianheightscommunity.com). 

For those who have following the progress on the community sign project we are awaiting cost estimates from two suppliers whose sign designs were the most popular in our survey. When we finalize the selection process a development permit will be applied for which allows for further community input. So everyone is aware we are also looking at our other park spaces and where we can contribute with the City on developing new or updated playground facilities that enhance our community.

The Community has been confirmed with Casino dates of November 4 and 5 this year. The funds accruing from the volunteers provided, in our case to Pure Casino Calgary for those two days, provides the major funding supporting the Community Association Hall upkeep and social activities. Should you be able to help out this year at our Casino dates please contact our Casino Coordinator at david@babich.ca . We provide a meal during your Casino daytime or evening shift and also reimburse for transportation to and from as well as babysitting if required. You will also be invited to attend a Volunteer Appreciation Night to be put on by the Community.  

Social activities are being planned by the Board for the fall/winter season which includes our annual Halloween Pumpkin Giveaway scheduled for October 26. We are attempting to organize further activities around this event at the community hall. A repeat of our Lego Contest is also scheduled for November 30th. Other events into 2025 include our annual Polar party (February 1), a Volunteer Appreciation Night and a Dog Park Event. If you  wish to get involved with community social programs contact us at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com. Please read the newsletter or consult with our website for details of all future activities. 

We remain without a full time volunteer Treasurer on the Board. Please consider volunteering if you have any accounting background. Contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com with any questions or to discuss the level of accounting knowledge required. 

Stay safe and find a reason to talk with your neighbours. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

September brings with it a new year feeling as schools resume and the summers activities begin to wind down as mother nature starts a change in outdoor colours and temperatures in Alberta. It is also the beginning of a new activity schedule for the Community Association. This year I am pleased to announce we will be running a Farmers Market every Tuesday from September 3 to October 1 as a test towards making this a full summer market in 2025. The market will take place in the community hall parking lot and will be open from 3:00 – 7:00pm. We anticipate providing vegetables, fruits, berries, preserves, baking, Ukrainian foods, meats and more as vendors are confirmed. Updates will be provided on social media as well as our website. 

We would like to thank all those who participated in the community newsletter survey concerning the signage design being considered for the park at the intersection of Cambrian and Northmount Drives. The Board will now review the results of the survey and proceed with final cost and design selection. A City development permit process will have to be initiated allowing further comments from residents.

While we will be maintaining our Yoga Programs this fall (see poster in this newsletter) we have cancelled our long term Fitness program due to lack of live local participation. This was a long standing program that never seemed to recover from the Covid years. We will remain open for new ideas to replace this program in the future.

The Community has been confirmed with Casino dates of November 4 and 5 this year. The funds accruing from the volunteers provided, in our case to Pure Casino Calgary for those two days, provides the major funding supporting the Community Association Hall upkeep and social activities. Should you be able to help out this year at our Casino dates please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com. We provide a meal during your Casino daytime or evening shift and also reimburse for transportation to and from as well as babysitting if required.

Social activities are being planned by the Board for the fall/winter season which include an early October Trivia Night at the community hall. If you have any suggestions or wish to get involved with community social programs please contact us at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com. Please read the newsletter or consult with our website for future activities. We also encourage your involvement with Cambrian Heights community and its activities and programs by contacting us at cambrianheights@gmail.com . 

We remain without a full time volunteer Treasurer on the Board. This is a key position and without a resident coming forward as a volunteer will necessitate funds being expended to hire for this part time position. Please consider volunteering if you have any accounting background. Contact us at President@cambrianheightscommunity with any questions. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

I hope everyone enjoyed the 10 days of Calgary Stampede as I know our family did. Sunny skies also provided ample opportunity to enjoy both nearby Confederation and Nose Hill Parks. We held our third annual Die Volksmesse car show featuring Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche autos on July 13. Plans are being made by our Social Committee for events this fall. If you have ideas for community events utilizing our Hall and grounds feel free to contact us at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com. A review of past events and general plans for the future can be found in the slide presentation from our AGM on our website.  

Our survey of community signage designs was included in the July newsletter and is repeated in this issue. At the time of writing this message we had over 60 replies selecting general signage design including comments detailing design features and questions as to community finances and longer term plans for our many park spaces. The Board in August will review all this feedback and incorporate those comments when making a final decision and applying for final City approvals. To date the City has indicated no issues with our signage size and location and funding is in place for the project. As always, the final design will be subject to cost considerations as we explore other park additions and community ice rink equipment storage options. 

As indicated in the July newsletter, the Community has been confirmed with Casino dates of November 4 and 5 this year. The funds accruing from the volunteers provided, in our case to Pure Casino Calgary for those two days, provides the major funding supporting the Community Association Hall upkeep and social activities. Should you be able to help out this year at our Casino dates please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com. We provide a meal during your Casino daytime or evening shift and also reimburse for transportation to and from as well as babysitting if required.

We continue to wish all residents a safe and enjoyable summer. Please read the newsletter or consult with our website (cambrianheightscommunity.com ) for activities this fall and winter. We also encourage your involvement with the Community through attending one of our Board meetings at the Hall by contacting us at cambrianheights@gmail.com. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

With the start of June Summer focuses everyone on outdoor activities. Neighbour Day is celebrated in Calgary on June 17 with the City sponsoring events as well as encouraging Block parties and other social activities through free permits and access to first responders and City officials through calgary.ca/NeighbourDay. Cambrian Heights Community also encourages block events with a $100 subsidy to organizers for non alcoholic beverages or food. For information on this program contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

There are also two gardening projects in our Community. One is the planting of flowers at the park space bordering Cambrian and Northmount Drives, and the new demonstration garden sponsored by the Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership. (“ALIDP”) at the rear of the Community Hall. While the first garden is a beautification project this Hall garden project identifies low maintenance natural plants designed for Alberta weather conditions as an alternative to high water demand grass lawns.  Should you wish to volunteer a small amount of your time for either of these gardening projects please contact us. 

We held our 2nd annual Bike Day Saturday May 27. This provided tune-up clinics, bike swaps, raffle prizes and a bike wash  that was so successful last year. There were activities for the young bikers as well as an ice cream stand. If you found this valuable or have suggestions for next year let the organizers know with comments directed to social@cambrianheightscommunity.com . 

We continue to pursue future enhancements to the Off Leash Park on 32nd Avenue and 10th Street. Progress has been slowed by a limited volunteer base. Our committee remains dedicated to development of a central feature as well as obstacle courses for dogs in this park space. This development will require volunteer labour and ultimately, tax deductible donations to complete. The City Parks department has been supportive of this development and will be adding more trees to the area this year as well as potentially adding additional benches and landscaping features for the park. We need community involvement to bring this project to active development. Please consult our website (cambrianheightscommunity.com) and attend our AGM for updates and discover how you may contribute to this process.

We have scheduled our Annual General Meeting for Tuesday June 27 at 7:30PM at our Community Hall. This is a chance to discover how the community association may help you appreciate the social opportunities in Cambrian Heights as well as better understand the development issues we are seeing within our neighbourhood. In addition we will be looking for new ideas to enhance all our parks so they might better serve resident needs.

Their is an urgent need for Cambrian Heights residents to come forward if we are to continue to provide events like the recent Celtic dance, outdoor summer concerts, fall BBQ’s, wine tastings, Halloween and Polar parties for the kids, pumpkin give-aways and newer events such as Bike Day and Language classes. The Community is most importantly in need of a volunteer to replace our Treasurer and our Social Media Director, both of whom are retiring this year These are critical positions for the Community Association controlling our finance and communications activities. This is an opportunity to join an experienced team and help develop the programs, events and development planning for Cambrian Heights. To discuss these volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA