Cambrian Heights – Reimagining Our Parks

The Cambrian Heights Community Association (CHCA) is developing an open spaces strategy as part of its “Creating Our Future Together” initiative. This strategy is about ensuring Cambrian Heights is a community with “great open spaces” that serve as natural gathering points in the community and promote the quality of life of residents. Additionally, increased usage of these spaces contributes to building a vibrant community and helps to ensure their preservation for generations to come.

A key aspect of this strategy involves reimagining our open spaces, looking beyond what they currently are to what they could ultimately become. At this point, one area of focus is the park space located at northeast corner of 32nd Avenue NW & 10th Street NW. This space, which is a designated off-leash space, is a destination for pet owners from throughout the area and was the focus of a recent attempt by the City to remove this valuable park from our community for expansion of Queen’s Park Cemetery.

So, how might we reimagine and enhance this off-leash space to create the best possible experience for animals and people alike? If you are interested in getting involved in this conversation, the CHCA is looking for you. Please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

Thank you Community of Cambrian Heights for a great Community Cleanup

On behalf of the City of Calgary, the Community Cleanup Program led by Calgary Community Standards would like to thank the volunteers and the residents for a job well done at the Community Cleanup this year.

Thank you community clean up

Painting in Rotary Park – Free Event

The City of Calgary, in partnership with Crescent Heights Community Association, invites you to enjoy the beautiful view in Rotary Park while Painting in the Park!

Join your neighbours as you paint your own view from Rotary Park!

Channel inspiration from our cities unique landscape while enjoying the beautiful outdoor park atmosphere.

FREE refreshments and cookies will be on hand to get your creative juices flowing!

This is a FREE event for the whole family and we welcome children to help their parents paint.

Registration is limited to 6 tickets per email address. Register Online Now!

Each ticket registered receives a canvas to paint and all paint supplies will be provided.

** Please note:
In the event of inclement weather, the activity may be cancelled.
This event is limited to 75 participants.

Project Participation Opportunity

Alberta Family Perceptions of Neighbourhood Natural Supports

Natural supports are mutual relationships that include close connections, such as family and friends, and broader connections, such as neighbours and coaches.

This project is collecting information on families’ experiences and views of

  1. The connectedness of their home neighbourhood
  2. Current opportunities available within their neighbourhood that can enable the creation of natural supports
  3. Barriers and enablers to participation in these opportunities

Caregivers of families with children currently living in the same household are invited to participate in a survey available at https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. This survey is in English and has 12 questions that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be able to enter into a draw to win one of several gift cards offered.

Background

Natural supports can lessen the effects of stress and difficult experiences by providing opportunities for learning, as well as receiving encouragement and advice. To increase natural support opportunities within Albertan neighbourhoods, we need to know what is happening within neighbourhoods, and what families would like to see developed.

Benefits of Participating

The findings of this project will help inform the use of natural supports in neighbourhoods to enable the creation of more supportive environments for children, youth and families in Alberta.

Next Steps

If you would like to participate and you have children currently in your care, please visit the following link to complete this survey: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please email Jessica‐Lynn Walsh at jlawalsh@ucalgary.ca, or you may also call if preferred at 403‐441‐8464.

This project is being conducted by a Master’s and Policy Fellowship student, Jessica‐Lynn Walsh, and an undergraduate student, Jordan Overwater, at the University of Calgary on behalf of Policy Fellows Nancy Reynolds and Suzanne Tough, PhD. The work is supported by the Max Bell Foundation and the Burns Memorial Fund. This project has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19‐0295 and
REB19-0626).

Residential Parking Permit Review

We want to hear from you.

The City of Calgary is working with Calgarians to update the Residential Parking Permit Policy. Review the possible options and provide input at the open house events below:

Tuesday, June 18 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association – 1320 5 Ave. N.W.

Saturday, June 22 9 a.m. – noon
Cardel Rec South – 333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.

Or participate online at calgary.ca/RPP from June 12-26.

Fire up the fun… again!

Summer is just beginning and we’re already planning the second annual Asado and Open Mic. Save September 14 as a day to come together with your neighbours and friends and enjoy local produce, meat and homegrown talent.

In keeping with the spirit of an Asado, everyone can lend a hand.  Whether you want to participate with the food, music, set up or take down, there’s a role just right for you.  Some of our first tasks will happen over the summer sourcing food, entertainment and overall planning.

Join us over a glass of wine mid-July for early discussions.  Please contact Jodi or Pablo at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com or (403) 284-1175.

Residential Traffic Safety Unit

Over the last three years, the Calgary Police Service has developed a new unit to specifically address
Residential Traffic Safety. This unit has been presenting to each Ward in the City to both provide
and to solicit information on “problem areas” throughout the City to allow more specific and
targeted visibility and enforcement. This unit is specifically interested in Residential TRAFFIC issues.

The strategy has been:

  • Utilize citizen feedback to inform operational response
  • Focus on playground zones, pedestrian-rich locations and other high-risk locations identified
    through collision data analysis
  • Emphasize public awareness and education, and facilitate citizen engagement through Ward Traffic Safety Meetings and to work with City partners to further support traffic calming measures
    outside enforcement

One of the key tools to help Calgary Police Service monitor and track these issues is the Traffic Service
Request (TSR).

IF YOU HAVE A TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERN:

The Residential Traffic Safety Unit, as the next component to their mandate, would like to communicate with community associations to offer the opportunity to present directly to Board Members and discuss problems and solutions in your community. If you are interested in learning more, see below.

Download (PDF, 366KB)

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Jane’s Walk Concours Wet Cool Weather!

Despite wet and cool conditions, the Cambrian Heights Community Jane’s Walk took place Saturday, May 4. After an introduction to the Green Spaces theme, 15 interested residents and non-residents ventured outdoors to visit six existing park areas within a short distance of the Community Hall.

The walk focused on the concepts of identification of the green spaces through naming, how to increase usage through different events or improved access, what changes/additions might be made to tree and shrub design and what facility additions (benches, gardens, picnic facilities, exercise stations, fire pits, community poster boards) might encourage all ages access and usage. Of particular focus was the Off-Leash Dog Park and what additions might make it more useful for all ages of pet owners.

After almost a 2 hour walk and outdoor discussion, the participants retreated to the warmth of the Hall for coffee and treats, and engaged in a session of documenting their thoughts and recording of specific ideas relating to each park space.

This Jane’s Walk was the kick-off to our Community objective of reviewing all our parks and green spaces and deciding, through consultation of community residents of all ages, what might be undertaken to encourage more usage through the day to day access and event inspired attractions. If you want to get involved with this process or have thoughts about these concepts feel free to contact the Community Association through cambrianheights@gmail.com

Participation Builds Your Community: An Interview with Jennifer Manns

What long-time Board Member has to say about volunteering for the Community:

Why did you Volunteer in Cambrian Heights?

I first became a Board Member over 12 years ago at an Annual General Meeting. I was one of the only attendees of the meeting so I was able to get a good sense of what the Board did and the real need for Volunteers.  I was asked if I wanted to help out and I said “Yes!”
 I had a young family at the time and as we had enjoyed many Community functions, I thought it was important to be part of the Association to make sure others were able to enjoy these events as well! I started as the Cambrian Heights School Liason as our kids went to the school and it was a good fit. I then became the Membership Coordinator and continue to hold that position and have helped out and attended many events.
What Benefit do you derive from participation in the Community? 
I have found that being a member of the Community Association has allowed me to be more connected to our neighbourhood. We have lived in Cambrian Heights for over 23 years and being part of the board over stages in our life has been a great way to build friendships, have a voice in your community and how it evolves over time and give back to others.
I found that by volunteering that you really are an important cog in the community, ensuring there are resources to run the facility and events to build and sustain that community. I have a special fondness for the Annual Halloween Party and have been involved in running it for over 10 years.
Why would I recommend that others participate? 
The Community Association is about Building Community and engaging with others. In this age of technology, Netflix and so many activities available outside your community, it’s important to get out of your bubble to make sure that you are an active part of the place you live.
The Community Association is ALL volunteer run! Board members, like other community members, have active busy lives, with kids, work, activities and hobbies and so the more people we get involved, the less effort is required. “Many hands make light work!”
I would encourage all residents that if you have ever attended and enjoyed any community programs or events that you consider volunteering at an event. Even cleaning up after the event is welcomed! I am positive you will meet someone new and have a good time!
 
What is the monthly time commitment? 
In addition to our monthly meetings, my Membership position takes a couple of hours a month.
The rest of the time I volunteer is based on what I can provide to help out with ongoing events. Again, I appreciate the time donated by those who have stepped up to try out a new idea or organize an event, so I will help out when I can. By organizing ticket sales prior to the event, volunteering at the event, or set up or take down. It is really up to you how much time you can provide. And it is always very much appreciated!

Wine Tasting Event 2019 was a success!

The Community held its fifth wine tasting event on Saturday, April 6 at the Community Hall. This years theme was Spring wines and featured selected wines from Italy, France, Canada and Spain. Highlander Wine & Spirits once again provided an informal discussion on each wine’s origins, history and the ability to order bottles by participants at a significant discount to the posted prices. The wines were matched with cheese provided by Springbank Cheese to which were added selected meats accompanied by breads, crackers and dried fruits. Everyone enjoyed meeting with Evan Hopkins from the North Hill Highlander store and requested the Community Association continue to sponsor this excellent evening event.