An article published in the November 9th edition of the National Post highlighted the use of cardboard sewer pipes (marketed under the Orangeburg name) in the housing boom after WW II to accommodate the “baby boomers”. This was reflective of the shortage of metal in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. This article, by Tristin Hopper may be found at the National Post website www.nationalpost.com and searching cardboard pipes. Alternatively Googling “Orangeburg” will indicate a number of sites discussing the problems now being encountered with this piping in many houses. This can be a major expense to the homeowner as they are responsible for the connection from the residence to the City main lines.

After reviewing this article we requested from the City a synopsis of the use of this piping in Cambrian Heights. We have published their response below for your information.

“I’ve looked into your request regarding Orangeburg sanitary mains in the Cambrian Heights community. I would like to first point out that the City only keeps database records of the publicly owned portion of each water/sanitary/storm service connection that runs from the mains in the street to the property line of each private home or establishment. The portion of each service connection on private property is generally unknown to us, unless we’ve had a trouble crew investigate a service and they noted the material as part of the investigation.

That being said I can assure you that none of the sanitary mains in the City use this material. We do keep track of the material of each service connection for the city-owned portion of the service. Our records do not track these Orangeburg pipes specifically, although we do have a
material group called “Other” which captures the material of services that are either unknown or not in one of our standard material groups.
Here is the breakdown of sanitary services broken down by material for your community:

The most common sanitary service connection materials used in this community when it was originally developed were Cast Iron and Transite (also known as Asbestos Cement). On the public side of the service, there are only 69 in the community that could potentially be Orangeburg or what we tend to call tar and paper wrapped pipes. Although, I can’t say for sure there are not more or less on the public side of the service connection. In general, the material is likely to be the same on both sides of the service connection, but I can’t say with 100% certainty. I know the tar and paper wrapped pipes exist in other communities because I’ve handled calls about them in the past. The majority of issues with service connections are caused by roots getting into the service, and tend to happen the most with damaged clay tile pipe or these tar/paper wrapped pipes you were asking about.

If you have any further questions, I would be happy to help. Thank you for your 311 service request.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Hastings, P.Eng.
Infrastructure Engineer, Infrastructure Planning
Water Resources
The City of Calgary | Mail code: #418
T 403.268.1196 | F 403.268.8263 |

Once again we have witnessed after Calgary’s first snowfall some off road vehicular traffic in our Community Parks. This picture is from the parkland on Cardiff Place.

Please, if you witness this irresponsible behaviour please contact the Calgary Police department at 911 if such activity is ongoing, or the non emergency line at 403-266-1234 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if you have information as to the identity of the vehicle or person(s) responsible.

You may also report such activity to the Community Association at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The CHCA Board has approved up to a $100 contribution for any block party within the community. This grant is being made to encourage such neighbourhood gathering to further develop community spirit. For further information and pre-party approval please contact Daryl Connolly at cambrianheights@gmail.com

On behalf of the NOT4RZ Committee, the following is an update. Please read it and note its implications.
After a marathon City Council session on May 12, 2015, council members gave First Reading to an amended Motion. The issue was sent back to city administration for further details and amendments, and will be voted on again on June 29, 2015.
There will be no further public debate, but your opinions still count!
All 14 City Councillors will vote on this issue, so your letters are more important now than ever before. If this passes on June 29, our communities will be changed forever, so it is important that you are aware of all aspects of the current proposal: if you are not happy with it, then make your opinion known.
It’s a complicated issue. Our group, NOT4RZ (Not 4 Rezoning), has been formed in an attempt to let ward residents know what this blanket rezoning really means. We have found that few residents actually even know about it, and if they do, they do not realize how the changes might affect their communities.

For further information consult website.

The Cambrian Heights Community Association would like to express their sincere thanks to Shell Canada Community Service Fund for their generous contribution of $500 towards the purchase of new hockey goal nets for the outdoor Community skating rink. These nets have been purchased and will be ready for the 2015-16 winter skating season. We also wish to express our appreciation to the Ice Rink Coordinator Scott Jacobson and all his ice crew including Ryan Bowen who coordinated the Shell grant application. Their tireless efforts during the winter months provided hours of recreational fun to the residents of Cambrian Heights.

The City of Calgary is hosting an Information Session on this topic for the residents of Ward 7 (which includes Cambrian Heights) on Wednesday, March 4th at Fort Calgary

Additional information can be found on the City of Calgary website.

We encourage all Cambrian Heights residents to become familiar with this issue and attend the information session.

The Cambrian Heights Community Association is working to address an issue brought forth by several residents: vehicles driving off road in our green spaces. This is not a new activity to our community or to the city in general. What brings this activity to our attention is an escalation of the damage and disrespect for public safety and parks. In the January newsletter we reported the surprising destruction that took place in November. We wish to follow up that report with the following:

1. What to do when you see this crime occurring; and
2. Results of discussions with City representatives.

Reporting a crime in progress:

Driving through parks is a crime.

Any crime in progress can be reported to 911 or directly to the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 (and press “0” to speak to someone immediately).

It is recommended that:

• You keep the police non-emergency number handy for quick reporting (e.g., program it into your cell phone; post it on your fridge);
• You call as soon as safely possible;
• You do not approach these people or their vehicles; and
• You do not assume that someone else has made the call to the police.

Be prepared to give the location (i.e., a house address nearby) and a description of the vehicle.   A licence plate number and/or pictures are helpful if they can safely attained, but they are not necessary.

Reporting a crime that has already occurred:

Any damage to our parks should be reported as soon as possible to 311. Do not assume that someone else has made the call.

If you notice that someone has driven through the parks please contact the Community Association at 403-284-1175 or cambrianheights@gmail.com with the location, approximate date and time of the crime, and any damage noted. The Community Association is tracking this information and sharing it with the Police and other City departments.

You may also report any damage or criminal behaviour anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://calgarycrimestoppers.org/home.

Discussions with Parks and Police:

Deterring this activity is very difficult for Parks and Police.

Parks has had many ideas proposed over the years and some solutions have been implemented in other communities. Unfortunately, most have failed to fully stop the behavior. For example, fencing and obstacles merely shifted the activity to other parks. In other cases, the drivers found new entrances to access the area causing more damage.

Police have temporarily increased patrols in our area and officers respond as quickly as possible to calls.

Community involvement:

After our initial discussions, it appears the best solution for deterring this activity is public awareness, education and action. We can start by taking individual responsibility for our green spaces. If we see this activity in progress, we can report it to 911 or 403-266-1234 (press “0). If damage is done to our parks we can call 311. At the community level, the Community Association can review its programs and services to see if we can increase respect, stewardship and positive use of our green spaces. We can continue to work with City representatives to consider physical deterrents at strategic locations within Cambrian Heights.

We encourage you to contact the Community Association to learn more about this issue. You can leave a message at 403-284-1175 or email: cambrianheights@gmail.com. Board members will be available to chat at our upcoming Winter Party on February 14^th from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the rink behind the Community Hall. Please come out to enjoy our great skating rink, free skates, hot chocolate and camaraderie of neighbours.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and solving this issue together to keep Cambrian Heights a vibrant and strong community.

Our new rink coordinator, Scott, has been busy prepping the rink for the skating season. If you need a great reason for getting outside this winter, perhaps you’d like to help out with maintaining our ice? You can contact Scott at 403-284-1175.

The rink is available to everyone on a first come first serve basis; however, if a group wanted to establish a regular game of shinny or regular drop in skating party, etc., you could advertise in the newsletter or on our community outdoor sign.

Newsletter articles need to be submitted before the 10th of each month and emailed to Barb at blmilne@shaw.ca.

For advertising on our outdoor sign contact Lora at CHCA_Hall@telus.net, 403-284-1175.

Parks is updating and removing sign clutter, but The City’s bylaws aren’t changing.

City parks are for everyone to enjoy; it’s up to pet owners to get familiar with their responsibilities of dog ownership.

The City may be visiting your neighbourhood this summer and streamlining signage within parks. Some of the signs being removed are those that remind dog owners of the rules around playgrounds, pathways and sport fields.

Please remember that the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw is still in effect, and pets must remain on-leash and at least five metres from all playgrounds, pathways and sports fields. Pet owners must pick up after their pooch, too!

Parks strives to provide and maintain high-quality parks and pathways, which includes streamlining signage to enhance the park environment. Should you identify a trouble spot in your community, please notify 311.

Keep our parks and green spaces safe and healthy for all people, pets and wildlife by knowing your responsibilities as a pet owner and reviewing the Responsible Pet Owner Bylaw.