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

Our Annual General Meeting was held on June 18 and witnessed the addition of two new directors for the 2024-25 term. After a review of the financials and programs being undertaken by the community association, a reception took place for gathering ideas and feedback from residents who also had the opportunity to discuss broader issues with our MLA Lizette Tejada and our Ward 4 Councillor Sean Chu. 

The month of May witnessed a very successful May 19 Community Spring Cleanup Event in partnership with Rosemont and the City of Calgary at our Hall grounds. A total of 8,345 kg of waste was collected as well as significant electronics for recycle purposes. We also held a well attended Bicycle Tuneup and Event day on the Hall grounds with DJ Jordan Hoch providing music for the participants June 1. We thank all the volunteers who help organize events such as these and welcome suggestions for new programs. 

This summer the hall grounds will welcome for the third year the Die Volksmesse car show on July 13.  The Hall also welcomes back the Between Friends summer camp. We are also pleased to report a full compliment of 10 gardeners on our community plots this year. We do however continue to need a full time treasurer for the Community Association. If you have accounting experience or background please consider volunteering some of your time for this most important position.

Preparations for a community sign will continue over the summer as we analyze feedback from our survey and deal with City approvals. Similarly, we will progress at the 32nd Avenue Dog Park with tree planting and costing of a central park identification structure as posted in the park bulletin board. 

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 wish all residents an enjoyable summer as the Board takes a recess from activities in preparation for another active fall and winter. Read the newsletter or consult with our website (cambrianheightscommunity.com ) for activities in September and October at the Hall. 

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

President’s Message – June 2024

The month of May witnessed a very successful Volunteer appreciation evening which was well attended
by our community residents and a visit by our MLA. On May 19 we held a Community Spring Cleanup
Event in partnership with Rosemont and the City of Calgary at our Hall grounds. We thank all the
volunteers who help organize events like these.

On June 1 we will have held our third annual Family Bike Day at the Community Hall. This year the event
is being held in association with similar bicycle maintenance clinics and bike skill courses with Rosemont,
Capital Hill and Banff Trail. We hope the weather cooperated with this all ages program. We also will be
holding our AGM on June 18 with invited guests Lizette Tejada our MLA and Sean Chu, Councillor for
Ward 4. So please attend to review community plans as well as talk with your City and Provincial
representatives on issues of concern. An informal reception will follow the election of directors and review
of 2023 audited financials.

While we have no community wide plans for Calgary Neighbour Day on June 15 this year, we do continue
to encourage block parties within the community by providing a $100 fund to defer the costs of organizing
and running a block party in your neighbourhood any time of year. Simply email
cambrianheights@gmail.com for details.

This summer the hall grounds will welcome for the third year the Die Volksmesse car show on July 13.
The Hall also welcomes back for its third year the Between Friends summer camp.

Unfortunately the Hall experienced an act of extreme vandalism in May when the locked roof ladder was
scaled and damage and graffiti willfully inflicted on the exposed HVAC systems. This activity probably
occurred May 4 over night. While reported to CPS little can be done without eye witnesses. Fortunately,
no internal damage was done to the Hall itself.

In past newsletter issues we have highlighted our intention to place a community identification sign in the
park that is bounded by Cambrian and Northmount Drives. While development in Cambrian Heights
started in 1956, there has never to our knowledge been a community identification sign. We are
continuing our process of designing alternatives and in fact have designed a survey program to allow
input on the sign design. You will find the survey connection in a poster within this newsletter issue. We
hope you will consider participating in the survey.

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 or any other of our activities, please contact us at
president@cambrianheightscommunity.com.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

President’s Message – May 2024

On April 12 we held our first Volunteer Appreciation Event since before Covid. It recognized those in the Community who had volunteered their time for social events, facility improvements and our Casino fund raisers. In addition those interested in future volunteer opportunities were invited to join the group for a social evening at a local pub Moose’s Beanery & Bar Room. During May we have joined with Rosemont Community to hold a Spring Cleanup Day on Sunday May 19 at the Cambrian Community Hall. All are invited to bring yard cleanup materials, discarded electronics and tools for disposal and recycling. Please check the website (www.cambrianheightscommunity.com) or the poster in this newsletter for more details. Beyond that event we have plans to host our third annual Bicycle Day Saturday June 1 which will involve other NW communities and our AGM is scheduled for June 18 with invited guests Lizette Tejada our MLA and Sean Chu Councillor for Ward 4. So save the dates. 

While we have no community wide plans for Calgary Neighbour Day on June 15 this year, we do encourage block parties within the community by providing a $100 fund to defer the costs of organizing and running a block party in your neighbourhood. Simply email cambrianheights@gmail.com for details.

This summer the hall grounds will welcome for the third year the Die Volksmesse car show on July 13.  The Hall also welcomes back for its third year the Between Friends summer camp. They plan to hold an open house for parents at the Hall June 27 for those who might be interested in enrolling their children this summer. See betweenfriends.ab.ca for details.

We still have garden plots available this summer for those interested in growing their own produce. If you are interested please contact us for more information.

There remains some confusion about the use of the park and playground space on 39th Avenue and 10th Street boarding QPC. Despite the unlawful removal of City signage by someone, it is not designated an off leash dog park and should not be so utilized. 

In past newsletter issues we have highlighted our intention to place a community identification sign in the park that is bounded by Cambrian and Northmount Drives. While development in Cambrian Heights started in 1956, there has never to our knowledge been a community identification sign. We are continuing our  process of designing alternatives for consideration. A development permit will ultimately be required. Our community certainly qualified in original construction design as “mid century modern” but like all inner City neighbourhoods is undergoing change with infill development. If you have any signage design thoughts feel free to comment through email to president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

The Community continues to encourage resident participation at the Board or event volunteer level. The Treasurer position remains our most urgent need. Accounting or financial expertise will certainly be required. Involvement at a Board level offers an opportunity to help develop the programs, events and residential planning for Cambrian Heights. Help us improve our community resources by volunteering. To discuss any opportunities for participation please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

President’s Message – April 2024

We held our second Celtic (Ceilidh) social and dance evening was held March 9 with over 65 participants enjoying the Mercat Cross band and Leslie Gotfrit as the dance caller. It was a lively affair enjoyed by all. In addition a Volunteer Appreciation night is planned for April 12 at Moose McGuires. As well as giving thanks to volunteers for their efforts over the last 12 months, we also encourage residents to attend who may wish to explore volunteering in the future in support of our community events. Details are available on our website and Facebook page. Beyond that we have plans to host our third annual Bicycle Day in May and have applied to the City with Rosemont for a Community Cleanup date in May or June. Our AGM is scheduled for June 18 so save the date. 

While we have no community wide plans for Calgary Neighbour Day on June 15 this year, we do encourage block parties within the community by providing a $100 fund to defer the costs of organizing and running such an event. Simply email cambrianheights@gmail.com for details.

This summer the hall grounds will welcome for the third year the Die Volksmesse car show on July 13.  The Hall also welcomes back for its third year the Between Friends summer camp. They plan to hold an open house for parents at the Hall June 27 for those who might be interested in enrolling their children this summer. See betweenfriends.ab.ca for details.

It is never too early to consider joining the garden group on the Hall grounds. We have plots available this summer for residents who are interested in growing their own vegetables. If you are interested please contact us for more information.

In our February issue we outlined a proposal to place a community identification sign in the park that is bounded by Cambrian and Northmount Drives. We are currently in the process of identifying a theme and ultimately some designs to consider. The Board feels that our community identifies  as a mid century modern inner City housing design with its park space and proximity to Confederation and Nose Hill Parks being our main attributes. If you have some theme related or design thoughts feel free to comment through email or phone call to any Board member.

With anticipated changes this year to zoning bylaws by City Council establishing a City wide RC-G designation, we will witness more multi family housing construction in the future with the corresponding issues of increased density and street parking. This densification will be impacted by the removal of all parking restrictions on new developments and the permitting of both secondary suites and back yard suites on a single parcel of land. This program promises an easing to the housing crisis over time supported by a promise of Federal funding. We encourage individuals to follow developments on the City website (calgary.ca) as these bylaw amendments are promoted. A recent development by 5 City Councillors is a motion calling for a plebiscite on this issue of blanket re-zoning. The last chance to file comments on this issue will be a public hearing with City Council April 22. Cambrian Heights has joined a number of Calgary communities in submitting a letter outlining our opposition to the blanket re-zoning.

The Community continues to need resident participation at the Board level. The Treasurer and Social Media director positions remain our most urgent need. Involvement as a Board member offers an opportunity to help develop the programs, events and residential planning for Cambrian Heights. Help us improve our community resources by volunteering. To discuss any opportunities to participate please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

President’s Message – March 2024

While March generally signals the end of the outdoor ice we did enjoy our eighth annual Polar Party on January 27 featuring hot beverages provided by Tim Hortons and the Bullet Coffee Shop along with pastries sourced through Ola Luna Bakeshop on 40th Avenue. The weather was surprisingly warm for the ice surface by the afternoon but music provided by Moontide Agency, a resident DJ, kept everyone entertained. Over 100 residents and visitors enjoyed the skating, fire pit and the impromptu snowmen building. The enclosed pictures highlight the Rink Rat crew that make both ice sheets available and the popular goodies table during the event. We thank the ice rink volunteers for another successful season.
We are planning our second Celtic Dancing evening March 9 (see the website for tickets and details cambrianheightscommunity.com ). Attendance will be restricted so we urge you to obtain tickets to avoid disappointment. In addition a Volunteer Appreciation night is planned for April 12. We also encourage res-idents to attend who may wish to explore volunteering in the future in support of our community. Details will be available on our website and Facebook page. Beyond that we have plans to host our third annual Bicycle Day in May and have applied to the City with Rosemont for a Community Cleanup date in May or June.

It is never too early to consider joining the garden group on the Hall grounds. We have plots available this summer for residents who are interested in growing your own vegetables. If you are interested contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com for more information.

This summer the hall grounds will welcome for the third year Die Volksmesse car show on July 13.
Also the Hall welcomes back for its third year the Between Friends summer camp. They plan to hold an open house for Parents at the Hall June 27 for those who might be interested in enrolling their children this summer. See betweenfriends.ab.ca for details.

Re-development within Cambrian Heights will continue in 2024. With anticipated changes this year to zoning bylaws by City Council establishing a City wide RC-G designation, we will witness more multi family housing construction in the future with the corresponding issues of increased density and street parking. This densification will be further impacted by the potential removal of all parking restrictions on new developments and the permitting of both secondary suites and back yard suites on a single parcel of land. This program promises an easing to the housing crisis over time supported by a promise of Federal funding. We encourage individuals to follow developments on the City website (calgary.ca) as these bylaw amendments are explained. The last chance to file comments will be a public hearing with City Council April 22.

The Community continues to need volunteers to replace our interim Treasurer and Social Media volunteer. These positions provide the Community Association financial controls and coordinate our social media communications activities. They both offer an opportunity to join an experienced team and the opportunity to help develop the programs, events and residential planning for Cambrian Heights. It is your community. Help make it better for your family by volunteering even on a limited basis. To discuss any volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com.
Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

President’s Message – February 2024

January provided the onset of winter which was celebrated by our eighth annual Polar Party January 27 with hot beverages, cookies and music for all. While the date for writing of this letter does not allow me to summarize the events of that day we hope the weather cooperated and was an event enjoyed by all participants. We are planning a Volunteer Appreciation evening in Q2 for all those who helped organize and run social events as well as those who make the Casino funding for the Community possible. We are also planning a repeat of the highly successful Ceili Dance social for March 9. Check our website for dates and details (cambrianheightscommunity.com). Our Yoga and Fitness programs also are continuing with details in this newsletter.

We encourage residents to utilize our excellent outdoor ice surfaces behind the community hall and serviced by a dedicated group of volunteers. It is never too late to volunteer some time to help out our Rink Rats. See contact information for Scott Jacobson in our list of community volunteers. Fabrication of a fire pit is complete and by the reading of this newsletter will have been in operation. Look to the website for advanced scheduling of this ice rink feature as we test its usage with safety considerations.

Re-development within Cambrian Heights will continue into 2024. With anticipated changes in Q2 of this year to zoning bylaws by City Council, establishing a City wide RC-G designation, we will witness more multi family housing construction in the future with the corresponding issues of increased density and street parking. This densification will be further impacted by the removal of all parking restrictions on new developments and the permitting of both secondary suites and back yard suites on a single parcel of land. We encourage individuals to follow developments on the City website (calgary.ca) as these bylaw amendments are approved to appreciate the limits in our ability to modify such new development designs. Our Planning committee will continue to monitor these changes and comment to the City planners and our Ward 4 Councillor where concerns exist. 

As part of our program to work with Calgary Parks to improve our community green spaces, we have decided to add a Cambrian Heights community sign in the park bordering Northmount and Cambrian Drives this year. While preliminary sign designs are being discussed at the Board level we welcome any suggestions for the sign design from community residents. If you have a comment or ideas please forward them to us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The Community continues to need volunteers to replace our interim Treasurer and Social Media Director. These positions provide the Community Association financial controls  and coordinate our social media communications activities. They both offer an opportunity to join an experienced team and the opportunity to help develop the programs, events and residential planning for Cambrian Heights. It is your community. Help make it better for your family by volunteering even on a limited basis. To discuss any volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

With a new year upon us the Board extends best wishes to all our community residents for 2024. We continue to offer social events designed to appeal to the cross section of our residents. For 2024 we plan to continue with our annual Polar Party this winter and are also planning a volunteer appreciation evening early in the new year for all those who help design, organize and run events as well as those who make the Casino funding for the Community possible. Check our website for dates and details. Our Yoga and Fitness programs will continue for those looking to fulfill their New Years resolutions. 

A hearty shout out goes to our Social Committee for two very successful events closing out our 2023 activity. The Lego Contest was reintroduced after a COVID caused suspension and drew 56 entries in 6 age categories. Everyone enjoyed the contest and sponsors were found contributing to the prizes and special thanks to Noah Sonnenburg, Stephen Joe (Season 3 Lego Masters NA contestant), Mike Allan and Nancy Else for judging. I have attached a picture from the event but reference you to our website for additional photos. 

On December 8 the Community held its first ever Movie Night with pizza, popcorn and a Christmas movie. There were over 85 participants which made the evening a complete success for kids and adults alike.  I have attached a picture from the event below. 

We encourage residents to utilize our excellent outdoor ice surfaces behind the community hall and serviced by a dedicated group of volunteers. Plans have been made to add a fireplace some evenings to afford a warmup opportunity. Look to the website for advanced scheduling of this ice rink feature.

Re-development within Cambrian Heights is anticipated to continue into 2024. With anticipated changes to zoning bylaws by City Council it will be more difficult to restrict multi family housing construction with the corresponding issues of density and traffic. We encourage individuals to follow developments on the City website (calgary.ca) as these rules change to understand the limits in our ability to modify such new development designs. Our Planning committee will continue to monitor such developments and comment to the City planners and our Ward 4 Councillor where concerns exist.

We continue to work with Calgary Parks to improve our community green spaces. The addition of two new picnic tables and the promise of more trees in 2024 to the Cambrian Off Leash Park on 32nd Avenue was very welcome as was the new bench in the park bordering Northmount and Cambrian Drives. Some preliminary discussions are also underway concerning the park on 39th Ave. and 10th Street. If you have ideas for any of our park spaces please let us know (cambrianheights@gmail.com). 

The Community continues to need volunteers to replace our interim Treasurer and Social Media Director. These positions provide the Community Association financial controls  and coordinate our social media communications activities. These both are opportunities to join an experienced team with systems in place and help develop the programs, events and planning for Cambrian Heights. It is your community. Help make it better for your family by volunteering even on a limited basis. To discuss any volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

At the writing of this report October has brought us bright colours and mild fall temperatures. This has allowed for continued use of our many park spaces including adjoining Confederation Park and nearby Nose Hill. November will bring the potential of snow and colder temperatures. Our two outdoor rinks have always been well maintained and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Their maintenance is dependent upon volunteers and we ask if you wish to lend any assistance to the Rink rats it will be well received. Especially this winter with plans for a fire pit to enjoy. Please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com to offer your help even on a limited basis. 

We held our annual Pumpkin Event this year on October 21. We distributed free pumpkins to all those who visited us at the Community Hall steps. We plan to add an additional Christmas themed event before year end and kick off 2024 with another outdoor Polar Skating party in January. 

Recently City Council passed a resolution approving a motion that will eliminate all R-C1 zoning (single family detached) in Calgary in favour of re-zoning to R-CG for all residential areas, enabling multi family structures on existing single housing lots plus permitting secondary suites and backyard suites on one parcel of land, and eliminating parking requirements. This process is of course being driven in the name of the reported housing cost and availability crisis. There are still some regulatory steps to complete before the Bylaws are changed but expect to see such development accelerate into 2024. We will continue to monitor the changes as they occur. If you have questions on these planning development issues or the process please reference the City website at calgary.ca .

The previously reported garden project at the park space bordering Cambrian and Northmount Drives continues to progress thanks to a group of resident volunteers and contributions from Calgary Parks. We have initiated a signage design to provide a visible entrance to our community at this location. 

The Community continues to need volunteers to replace our Treasurer and our Social Media Director. These are critical positions for the Community Association controlling our finance and communications activities. We also are looking for volunteer Directors to enhance our ability to plan events and programs. This is an opportunity to join an experienced team and help develop the programs, events and planning for Cambrian Heights. It is your community. Help make it better for your family by volunteering even on a limited basis. To discuss any volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

October brings the chill of fall and the bright colours with the potential of a blanket of white. The outdoor Rink Rates will be planning for another great skating season and this year we will introduce a fire pit at the rinks behind the hall on a trial basis. Details will be provided on our website as the ice rinks are flooded. 

September was highlighted by our outdoor concert featuring the southern Alberta Six Corners country band supported by a food truck and beer garden. This is the third such outdoor concert to start the fall/winter schedule of social programs. We hope to add an additional event before year end and kick off 2024 with another outdoor Polar Skating party in January. 

With the increase in construction and development permit applications, including the recent land use application change from R-C2 to the new R-CG designation we want to remind everyone that your comments to City Planning representatives as identified in any application is important. Equally are comments to your City Councillor Sean Chu (sean.chu@calgary.ca). While the Community attempts to comment on these applications, particularly in the areas of parking, setback and mixed zoning use, your direct participation where you live in close proximity, are taken into account by the City planners.  At this point there is a resolution before City Council that will eliminate all R-C1 zoning (single family detached) in favour of re-zoning to R-CG for all residential areas, enabling secondary suites and backyard suites on one parcel of land, and eliminating parking requirements. This process is of course being driven in the name of the reported housing cost and availability crisis. If you have questions on developments or the process please reference the City website at calgary.ca or contact our Planning Committee at planning@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

We encourage everyone to participate in our Fitness (Monday) and Yoga (Wednesday) programs. Details are available in the Newsletter. New this year are the twice a week (Tuesday/Thursday) Scottish Country Dancing lessons and evening socials. Enjoy the music, camaraderie and exercise afforded by qualified instructors and Scottish music. Details are found on the website and in this newsletter. 

The previously reported garden project at the park space bordering Cambrian and Northmount Drives continues to progress thanks to a group of resident volunteers and contributions from Calgary Parks. This fall we will initiate a signage design to provide a visible entrance to our community at this location. 

The Community continues to need volunteers to replace our Treasurer and our Social Media Director. These are critical positions for the Community Association controlling our finance and communications activities. We also are looking for volunteer Directors to enhance our ability to plan events and programs. This is an opportunity to join an experienced team and help develop the programs, events and planning for Cambrian Heights. It is your community. Help make it better for your family by volunteering even on a limited basis. To discuss any volunteer opportunities please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com .

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA