COVID-19 cases, as of the writing of this note, have been rising with the variant strains increasing dramatically causing hospitalizations. As a result, the province on April 7 tightened lockdown measures restricting all indoor social gatherings and that effectively eliminates normal usage of the Community Hall. We continue to monitor these developments and will remain focused on health and safety due to the children’s preparatory school’s usage of these facilities during the weekdays. Updates will be provided on our website. We are accepting summer or fall rental inquiries and reservations, subject to COVID protocols, at CHCA_Hall@telus.net or at 403-284-1175.

Our weekly yoga and our fitness programs continue to be offered online. Both Lorene Hughes (fitness, scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair (yoga, kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs. Please consult the advertisement posters in this issue or our website for further details. We hope to resume these programs at the Community Hall in September.

McKnight Soccer is planning to run their programs for boys and girls ages 3-13 using the Cambrian Heights playing fields from April 27 to June 24. Further information is available on their website.

Our Parks Committee continues to develop ideas to enhance the inclusivity, enjoyment and social gathering aspects of the Cambrian Heights Off-Leash Park. This issue contains a conceptual diagram of the development envisioned. We want to hear from residents in establishing priorities for this multi-year program. Your involvement is vital as the realization of these improvements will depend upon donations and volunteers. Please review the poster in the Newsletter for more details on how you may contribute our ideas and participate to ensure the best possible development of this recreational space.

On another park like issue, the Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership is planning this spring to create a “rain garden” beside the Community Hall, demonstrating plants that will flourish in southern Alberta under natural conditions. This program is designed to showcase plant species that will thrive under stormwater management. For more information, please access their website. We are excited about this garden addition and will be providing updates through our website and community social media platforms.

I want to remind everyone that a Block Party subsidy of $100 is available to support such events in the community. This hopefully will provide stimulus for these valuable outdoor social gatherings as we come out of public gathering restrictions. Applications may be made to cambrianheights@gmail.com .

The next meetings of the Board are scheduled for May 3 and June 7. With the pandemic protocols we have been holding these meetings online. If you wish to bring some issue forward to the Board, please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com in advance of any meeting. We may then make arrangements for you to attend in person or through video conferencing.

We have scheduled our Annual General Meeting for June 15 in anticipation of such gatherings being permitted by provincial government health regulations. Included in the Newsletter is the notice and agenda for this meeting outlining the presentations and discussion items. Also shown are residents standing for first time or re-election to the Board of Directors. Residents considering involvement with the Association in any capacity should contact the undersigned or any existing director. At this point we are unsure of the COVID-19 protocols that may be in place, so we encourage everyone to monitor developments on our website. We will be inviting our MLA, Jeremy Nixon, and our Ward 4 Councillor, Sean Chu, to review provincial and city issues relevant to community members.

Stay Safe But Remain Active.
Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

COVID-19 cases have been lowering and vaccination programs have advanced, such that on March 8 the Province announced an easing on COVID-19 restrictions, including the opening of all Calgary’s community halls.  Continuing capacity restrictions will continue to preclude event size consistent with the type of events generally hosted at our community hall. The earliest the next round of possible easing of COVID protocols is scheduled for March 22.  We will be monitoring this progress but will remain focused on health safety first due to the children’s preparatory school usage of these facilities during the weekdays. Updates will be provided on our website. We are however accepting limited rental inquiries and reservations, subject to COVID protocols, at CHCA_Hall@telus.net or at 403-284-1175.

The end of March generally brings an end to the outdoor ice due to daytime temperatures. We sincerely thank Scott Jacobson and his crew of rink rats for their volunteer efforts this winter which was greatly appreciated and invaluable during this pandemic. A generally mild winter allowed both our ice sheets to be well enjoyed and helped provide valuable recreational opportunity for our residents and children during a difficult period. We will continue to maintain these ice rinks as long as possible.

Our weekly Yoga Program and our Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online.  Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs. Please consult the advertisement posters in this issue or our website for further details. We plan to have these programs return to the Community Hall in September.

We are continuing to develop our Parks Committee plans to design and fundraise to enhance the inclusivity, enjoyment and social gathering aspects of the Cambrian Heights Off Leash Park. Published in this issue is the conceptual diagram of the development envisioned for this Park included in the March community newsletter. This design concept will be finalized after consultations with residents from both Cambrian Heights and Rosemont communities. Several Mount Royal University students continue to coordinate this consultation process as we look to engage and encourage residents in both communities to get involved in this multi year project. Please see the Cambrian Heights Off Leash Park announcement in this newsletter for more details on how you may input your ideas, participation or donations to achieve the best possible development of this recreational park space.

I want to remind everyone that a Block Party subsidy of $100 is available to support such events in the community. This hopefully will provide stimulus for these valuable social gatherings as we come out of outdoor public gathering restrictions. Applications may be made to cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The next meetings of the Board are scheduled for April 5  and May 3.  With the pandemic protocols we have been holding these meetings online. If you wish to bring some issue forward to the Board please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com in advance of any meeting. We may then make arrangements for you to attend in person or through video conferencing if necessary.

We have scheduled our Annual General Meeting for June 15 in anticipation of such gatherings being permitted by provincial government health regulations.

Stay Safe But Remain Active.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

At the writing of this message the Provincial government as of February 8 started to ease COVID-19 restrictions on a gradual basis with targeted hospitalization numbers. Restrictions are scheduled to be eased for Community Hall activities in Step-2, when COVID hospitalizations are sustained below 450 in Alberta. This will be no sooner than March 1. Step 3 proposes to ease restrictions on social gatherings when we sustain less than 300 hospitalizations, but again no sooner than March 22. The last phase, Step 4 occurs at less than 150 hospitalizations with a currently scheduled earliest date of April 12. At all stages we still anticipate some restrictions due to the slower than anticipated rollout of vaccinations across Canada. Based upon all these uncertainties we continue to remain in a hold pattern for social events until full clarity and protocols are published and understood.

We sympathize with the local businesses that had to shut down or restrict service during these pandemic times. We, like all communities in Calgary, value the contribution of such businesses to the well being of our neighborhoods and encourage support of these stores and facilities once restrictions are removed. We also continue to recognize the sacrifices of our health care workers and those continuing to provide essential services throughout this crisis.

At Cambrian Heights we will continue, subject to weather, to maintain our two ice rinks to support outdoor activity. We also encourage residents to utilize Confederation Park for sliding and walking during this winter season. If you are not aware, Nordic skiing is available at Confederation Golf Course thanks to volunteers from various organizations grooming trails. Nordic trails are also available at Bowness Park, Shaganappi Golf course and South Glenmore Park. As well we are fortunate to have Nose Hill Park for snow shoeing after fresh snow falls and walks on warmer winter days.

Our weekly Yoga Program and our Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online.  Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from their experiences since COVID-19 forced this change in March. Please consult the advertisement posters in this issue or our website for further details. At this point it is unlikely these programs will return to the Community Hall before September.

In the past community newsletter issues we have reported on the efforts of the Parks Committee to advance the planning and fundraising to improve the Cambrian Heights Dog Park located at 10th Street and 32 Avenue next to Queen’s Park Cemetery. Published in this issue is a preliminary diagram of the development envisioned for the Dog Park. This concept was developed during 2020 by volunteer committee residents  from both Cambrian Heights and Rosemont communities. A team of Mount Royal students have joined us as we look to engage and encourage residents in both communities to get involved in this multi year project. Please see the Cambrian Heights Dog Park announcement in this newsletter for more details.

I want to remind everyone that we continue to support an award winning Edelweiss Preparatory School for Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students at the Community Hall. The Edelweiss School has served this Community for well over 30 years since its inception in 1988. Obviously parents concerns with COVID-19 has substantially reduced enrollment. However, Edelweiss re-opened in September 2020 with strict health safety protocols in place. We reference you to their website at epschool.ca to check on the program so many of us as parents have experienced. They are currently taking registrations for September 2021.

The next meetings of the Board are scheduled for March 1 and April 5 .  With the Hall closure mandate these meetings are being conducted online. If you wish to bring some issue forward to the Board please contact me in advance of any meeting. We can then make arrangements for you to attend  through video conferencing if necessary.

We have scheduled our Annual general Meeting for June 15 in anticipation of such gatherings being permitted by Provincial government health regulations.

Stay Safe But Remain Active.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

At the writing of this message, the Provincial government has extended social restrictive measures in an attempt to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This announcement continues the closure of the Community Hall until at least January 21. We sympathize with the local businesses that had to shut down or restrict service during these pandemic times. Like all communities in Calgary, we value such businesses’ contribution to the well being of our neighbourhoods and encourage support of these stores and facilities once restrictions are removed. We also continue to recognize our health care workers’ sacrifices and those continuing to provide essential services throughout this crisis.

At Cambrian Heights, we will continue to provide our two ice rinks to support outdoor activity. If you are available to help out with the rink’s maintenance, please contact the team headed by Scott at scottcolleenj@gmail.com to offer some hours of worthwhile effort for the kids. We also encourage residents to utilize Confederation Park for sliding and walking during this winter season. If you are not aware, Nordic skiing is available at Confederation Golf Course, thanks to volunteers from various organizations grooming trails. Nordic trails are also available at Bowness Park, Shaganappi Golf course and South Glenmore Park. We are also fortunate to have Nose Hill Park for snowshoeing after fresh snowfalls and walks on warmer winter days.

We will continue to explore options for online programs focusing on informational and social activities. In this regard, we organized a Mealtime Cooking demonstration online for January 28 and have scheduled a three-part Community Waste Exploration for February 10, 17 and 24th. Details of this may be found in a poster within the Newsletter. If you have ideas for additional online activities, please feel free to contact us at CHCA_hall@telus.net.

While the COVID -19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of social events, our weekly drop-in Yoga Program and our general Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online into 2021. Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from their experience when COVID-19 forced this change in March. Please consult the advertisement posters on this site for further details. A review will be made in the first quarter of 2021 towards returning to Community Hall sessions starting in April.

The Community Association continues to look for residents interested in volunteering to help develop programs and activities for adults and children living in Cambrian Heights. Of particular interest to many residents is the amount of development activity occurring within Cambrian Heights. There are also ongoing changes to regulation guidelines being proposed by City officials to encourage such development. Joining the Planning Committee for your Community will open up opportunities to impact such developmental changes on the ground floor. To get involved or for more information, please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com.

The Planning Committee continues to work on both near term responses to Development Permits and the longer-term issue involving such City projects as the Green Line LRT and the changes coming in development planning detailed in the updated Guidebook for Great Communities available on the City website (www.calgary.ca). As a recent City of Calgary initiative, we remind everyone that concerned residents may now view online proposed development permits after completing a Viewing Authorization form. Simply email PropertyResearch@calgary.ca to start the process. Previously, a resident had to view the downtown Municipal Building plans or by contacting the Community Association. Cambrian Heights will reference residents wishing henceforth to view such plans for this new online service.

A volunteer committee, made up of residents both in Cambrian Heights and Rosemont, is planning enhancements of the 32nd Avenue Dog Park space for residents and their dogs. We are currently working with Calgary Parks on this initiative, which has recently committed to planting some small trees in the space during 2021. We have also recently partnered with a Mount Royal student program to develop an effective resident communication platform and fundraising effort. You will hear more about that program in the near future. The Committee now expects to have a preliminary design concept and procedures for comments posted on a bulletin board at the 32nd Avenue Dog Park and on this site in February. It is imperative we have effective consultations before project initiation during the spring/summer of 2021. It is further expected that this will be a multi-year process as funds need to be raised for each stage of development. Critical to this process is that residents come forward and involve themselves with all design, fundraising, and implementation stages. It is hoped that this will be the first step in our program to enhance all the parks in the community to make them more useful as green spaces for community area residents. If you wish to be part of this process, working with other volunteers in a partnered effort, please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 1.  With the Hall closure mandate, these meetings are being conducted online. If you wish to bring some issue forward to the Board, please contact me in advance of any meeting. We can then make arrangements for you to attend through video conferencing if necessary.

Stay Healthy and Safe.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

At the writing of this message, the Provincial government has announced new restrictive measures to reduce social interactions in an attempt to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While the Community Hall had been ordered to be closed in November, this announcement continues such closure into 2021. We sympathize with all the community residents, particularly our seniors, who had to forgo the traditional family gatherings that provide the true meaning of Christmas and the Holiday Season. We also sympathize with the local businesses that had to shut down or restrict entry at this critical time to their continued operations. We, like all communities in Calgary, value the contribution of such businesses to the well being of our neighbourhoods and encourage support of these stores and facilities.

At Cambrian Heights, we will continue to provide our two ice rinks to support outdoor activity. If you are available to help out with the maintenance of the rink please contact the team headed by Scott at scottcolleenj@gmail.com to offer some hours of worthwhile effort for the kids. We also encourage residents to utilize Confederation Park for sliding and walking during this winter season. If you are not aware, Nordic skiing is available at Confederation Golf Course thanks to volunteers from various organizations grooming trails. Nordic trails are also available at Bowness Park, Shaganappi Golf course and South Glenmore Park. As well we are fortunate to have Nose Hill Park for snowshoeing after fresh snowfalls or walks on warmer winter days.

The annual children’s Lego Contest was not held live this year for safety reasons. We did however sponsor an online virtual contest which was judged on November 21. Some pictures from that contest are shown here with the remainder being available on our website.

We will continue to explore options for online programs focusing on informational and social activities. If you have ideas in this regard please feel free to contact us at one of the email addresses provided in this Newsletter.

While the COVID -19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of social events our weekly drop-in Yoga Program and our general Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online into 2021. Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from their experience when COVID-19 forced this change in March. Please consult the advertisement posters in this issue or our website for further details. A review will be made in the first quarter of 2021 towards returning to in Community Hall sessions starting in April.

Our first 12-week language class was concluded in December. It was a great success involving in-person classes until late November when it was switched to online due to Provincial orders to close Community Centres. We would like to hear your thoughts on conducting another such class in early 2021 focusing on Spanish, French, German or Mandarin. Class size is restricted to 6-8 to maintain maximum individual attention, with a cost of $120. If you are interested in either online or in-person lessons please let us know by emailing cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The Community Association continues to look for residents interested in volunteering to help develop programs and activities for adults and children living in Cambrian Heights. Currently, we are actively looking to recruit someone to replace our current Secretary later in 2021. This is an opportunity to join the Board of Directors and learn the job from the current Secretary and contribute to the successful running of the Cambrian Heights Community Association.  To get involved or for more information please contact us at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com.

The Planning Committee continues to work on both near term responses to Development Permits and the longer-term issue involving such City projects as the Green Line LRT and the changes coming in development planning detailed in the updated Guidebook for Great Communities available on the City website (www.calgary.ca) in late December. As a recent City of Calgary initiative, concerned residents can now view online proposed development permits after filling out a Viewing Authorization form. Simply email PropertyResearch@calgary.ca to start the process. Previously, a resident had to view the plans at the downtown Municipal Building or by contacting the Community Association. Residents wishing henceforth to view such plans will be referenced by Cambrian Heights to this new online service.

While interrupted with the pandemic early in 2020 a Committee, looking into enhancements of the 32nd Avenue Dog Park, has refocused and is exploring various designs and concepts to enhance the space for residents and their dogs. We are currently working with Calgary Parks in this initiative. We have also recently partnered with a Mount Royal student program to develop an effective resident communication platform and fundraising effort. The Committee, made up of resident volunteers from Cambrian Heights and Rosemont communities, expects to have a preliminary design concept for comments posted on a bulletin board at the 32nd Avenue Dog Park and on our website in late January or early February. It is imperative we have effective consultations before project initiation during the spring/summer of 2021. It is further expected that this will be a multi-year process as funds need to be raised for each stage of development. Critical to this process is that residents come forward and involve themselves with all stages of design, fundraising and implementation. It is hoped that this will be the first step in our program to enhance all the parks in the community to make them more useful as green spaces for community area residents. If you wish to be part of this process, working with other volunteers in a partnered effort, please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for January 4.  With the Hall closure mandate, these meetings are being conducted online. If you wish to bring some issue forward to the Board please contact me in advance of any meeting. We can then make arrangements for you to attend through video conferencing.

Stay Healthy, Safe and Best Wishes for You and Your Family in 2021.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

The Community Hall remains open for rentals and the Edelweiss Preparatory School resumed classes in September. Obviously, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the provincial and City regulations rentals and normal social and fitness programs have been impacted. Recent levels of COVID infections have resulted in a Provincial mandate of a 15 person maximum for private social events, which in fact are being discouraged. As a consequence, our yoga and fitness programs have been switched to online broadcasts and will continue into 2021 with this format.

As a new initiative in these restrictive times, the Community Association sponsored a free pumpkin patch giveaway on Saturday, October 3. Over 160 pumpkins were distributed to families in Cambrian Heights. In addition, during the rest of October, an online contest was held for best costumes in adult, children and pet categories. A best decorated front yard and house award was also judged. Some of the pictures from Halloween are shown here but a full catalogue may be found on our website.

The annual children’s Lego Contest will not be held live this year for safety reasons. We did however sponsor an online virtual contest which was judged on November 21. Pictures from that contest are not available at the publication deadline of this issue but will be placed on the website and highlighted in the January Newsletter.

We will continue to explore options for online programs focusing on informational and social activities. If you have ideas in this regard please feel free to contact us at one of the email addresses provided in this update.

As indicated our weekly drop-in Yoga Program and our general Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online into 2021. Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from their experience when COVID-19 forced this change in March. Please consult the advertisement posters in this issue for further details.

The introductory 12-week Spanish language class at the Community Hall was concluded on December 8. It was a great success from the participants’ viewpoint of which I was one. We would like to hear your thoughts on conducting another such class in early 2021 focusing on Spanish, French, German or Mandarin. Class size is restricted to 6-8 to maintain maximum individual attention. If you are interested please let us know by emailing cambrianheights@gmail.com.

On the positive side, with the advent of winter, our two outdoor ice rinks will once again provide a first-class recreational activity for young and old. Enjoy the outdoors and our rinks either in the light of day or the artificial lights illuminating the evening behind the Hall. Once again volunteers make this possible. If you are available to help out please contact the team headed by Scott at scottcolleenj@gmail.com to offer some hours of worthwhile effort for the kids.

The Community Association is also looking for a volunteer to undertake the job of Secretary for the 2021 year. There remains an opportunity to join the Board of Directors and learn the job from the current Secretary and contribute to the successful running of the Cambrian Heights Community while contributing new ideas and joining an active group of volunteers that are your neighbours. Please contact me at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com for more information.

While interrupted with the pandemic early in 2020, the Committee, looking into enhancements of the 32nd Avenue Dog Park, has refocused and is exploring various designs and concepts with the support of Calgary Parks. They expect to have a preliminary design concept for resident comments late this year. It is imperative we have effective consultations, particularly with those residents most impacted on 32nd Avenue, before project initiation. It is further expected that this will be a multi-year process as funds need to be raised for each stage of development. Critical to this process is that volunteers come forward and involve themselves with all stages of design, fundraising and implementation. It is hoped that this will be the start of our program to enhance all the parks in the community to make them more useful as green spaces for Cambrian Heights. If you wish to be part of this process, working with other volunteers in a partnered effort, please contact the Community at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for January 4.  While these meetings normally take place at the Georgina Thomson City building on 14th Street and Northmount Drive, recent City guidelines have restricted that buildings use and for the near term all Board meetings will be held either at the Community Hall or via Zoom online. These meetings occur at 6:30 PM and residents are normally welcome to attend. At this point, we are not encouraging community residents to attend due to health safety concerns. If you do wish to bring some issue forward to the Board please contact cambrianheights@gmail.com in advance of any meeting. We can then make arrangements for you to attend in person, or through video conferencing, when required for health and safety reasons.

Stay Healthy, Safe and Best Wishes for You and Your Family This Holiday Season.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

The Community Hall opened up for rentals and the Edelweiss Preparatory School began classes on September 8. New COVID-19 protocols are in place as recommended by Alberta Health Services (“AHS”). The City of Calgary has also implemented the requirement for face masks in all public indoor spaces. The Community Hall has a license of occupation with the City and is thus considered a public indoor space. However, private rental functions are excluded from the mask requirements although social distancing and the voluntary use of masks is encouraged. The need for Hall rental income and community social events has now to be balanced by the risks associated with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As such strict sanitization procedures have been put in place and only all day Saturday rentals will be initially allowed due to risks associated with the Edelweiss School children.

As a new initiative in these restrictive times, the Community Association sponsored a free pumpkin patch giveaway on Saturday, October 3. Over 160 pumpkins were distributed to families in Cam-brian Heights. Our Social Director Jodi Dixon organized the purchase of these pumpkins from a local farmer and enlisted volunteers such as Mary Hopkins and her twin boys Robert and Michael to distribute the pumpkins. At the end of the day, other volunteers agreed to distribute by individual delivery to seniors in the neighbourhood and those unable to pick up the pumpkins that day. I have included a few pictures from the event here. Other online contests helped replace our annual Halloween month end party.

Our usual Fall indoor events, such as the Halloween Party and our Fall Wine Event have been cancelled due to safety concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual children’s Lego Contest will not be held live this year for safety reasons. We are however sponsoring an online virtual contest in November. The event will be judged on November 21. Details are included in this Newsletter and on our website. Updates and reminders will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out to you via an email blast if you are registered with the Community. Registration details are provided on the website. We encourage all residents to register, especially in these unusual times, for updates on all Community activities and initiatives.

In the same vein, our weekly drop-in Yoga Program and our general Fitness Programs will continue to be offered online through the end of the year. Both Lorene Hughes – Fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – Yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from their experience when COVID-19 forced this change in March. As we approach the end of 2020 we will be monitoring AHS guidelines as to planning any return to actual community hall sessions.

The introductory Spanish language classes are continuing at the Community Hall. This entry lev-el course runs for 12 weeks ending December 8. It is provided through Azren the Language Nerd staff. We hope this will be the first of many such language course curriculums. Watch for information on 2021 language courses in the December Community Newsletter and our Website.

The beginning of November also serves as the start of a Calgary winter. This is offset by the installation of our two ice rinks behind the community hall. These rinks provide an annual winter focus for the community due to the hard work of the rink rats. Once again volunteers make this possible. If you are available to help out please contact the team headed by Scott at scottcol-leenj@gmail.com to offer some hours of worthwhile effort for the kids.

The Community Association is also looking for a volunteer to undertake the job of Secretary for the 2021 year. There remains an opportunity to join the Board of Directors and learn the job from the current Secretary and contribute to the successful running of the Cambrian Heights Community while contributing new ideas and joining an active group of volunteers that are your neighbours. Please contact me at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com for more information.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for December 7. While these meetings normally take place at the Georgina Thomson City building on 14th Street and Northmount Drive, recent City guidelines have restricted that buildings use and for the near term all Board meetings will be held at the Community Hall. These meetings occur at 6:30 PM and residents are normally welcome to attend. At this point, we are not encouraging community residents to attend due to health safety concerns. If you do wish to bring some issues forward to the Board please contact cambri-anheights@gmail.com in advance of any meeting. Should you wish to attend the Board meeting please follow the COVID safety protocols posted on the Hall entrance and on the website.

Stay Safe.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

As at September 1 the Community Hall opened up for rentals and the Edelweiss Preparatory School began classes September 8. New COVID-19 protocols are in place as recommended by Alberta Health Services (“AHS”). The City of Calgary has also implemented the requirement for face masks in all public indoor spaces. The Community Hall has a license of occupation with the City and is thus considered a public indoor space. However, private rental functions are excluded from the mask requirements although social distancing and the voluntary use of masks is encouraged. The need for Hall rental income and community social events has now to be balanced by the risks associated with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As such strict sanitization procedures have been put in place and only all day Saturday rentals will be initially allowed due to risks associated with the Edelweiss School children.

Our usual Fall indoor events, such as the Halloween Party, the Wine Event and the Lego Contest will, with the risks associated with public gatherings especially involving children or alcoholic beverage services, are considered too risky while we remain in this pandemic mode. Virtual events will be considered as replacements for these event themes. Please watch our website (https://cambrianheightscommunity.com) or, if you have registered for email updates, for notice of future event happenings.

In the same vein our weekly drop-in yoga program and our general fitness programs will continue to be offered online through the end of the year. Both Lorene Hughes – fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) will operate these programs, gaining from the experience gathered since COVID-19 forced this change in March. Please review the posters on these programs located in the Newsletter or our website for registration and timing details. As we approach the end of 2020 we will be monitoring AHS guidelines as to planning any return to actual community hall sessions.

In our September report we highlighted the closing of a “drug house” in our community utilizing direct neighbourhood resident initiation and the Provincial Government’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (“SCAN”) program expedited through the efforts of the Calgary Police Service (“CPS”) and the Alberta Sheriffs Branch. We have now published in our website a guide to “Dealing with a Problem Property” that explains the procedures and programs utilized in this effort. Should you witness similar continuous unusual and suspicious activity on your streets please review the insights in this document and feel free to contact the community association at cambrianheights@gmail.com for further information and guidance.

We are excited with the start of the Spanish language lessons in September at the Community Hall. This entry level course will run for 12 weeks ending December 1. It will be provided through Azren the Language Nerd staff. Attendance will be limited to eight participants this first time to provide an intimate and active experience. We hope this will be the first of many such language course curriculums. Watch for information on 2021 language courses in the Community Newsletter and Website.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 5.  While these meetings normally take place at the Georgina Thomson City building on 14th Street and Northmount Drive, recent City guidelines have restricted that buildings use and for the near term all Board meetings will be held at the Community Hall. These meetings occur at 6:30 PM and residents are normally welcome to attend. At this point we are not encouraging community residents to attend due to health safety concerns. If you do wish to bring some issue forward to the Board please contact president@cambrianheightscommunity.com in advance of any meeting.

Remember Participation Builds Your Community’s Value.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

Upcoming Events

At the writing of this message, the City of Calgary has implemented the requirement for face masks in all public indoor spaces. The Community Hall has a license of occupation with the City and is thus considered a public indoor space. However, private rental functions are excluded from the mask requirements. This and other announcements from the Provincial government has prompted us to consider re-opening the Community Hall in September to evening rentals. Such rentals will however have increased requirements as outlined by Alberta Health Services (“AHS”) to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19.

Over the summer an upgrade of the Community Halls Fire Alarm System was completed. We thank the City of Calgary through the Capital Conservation Grant Program and the Province through their Community Facility Enhancement Program for their financial assistance with this project.

Currently, the Edelweiss Preparatory School is reviewing their plans to either open fully in September or continue online classes until January 2021. To move slowly on our re-opening plan we will continue to offer our Fitness and Yoga Programs online until at least November. We will make a decision on returning these programs to the Community Hall as we progress into the Fall. Our special indoor events, such as the Halloween Party, our Annual General Meeting, the planned fall Wine Event and the Lego Contest will be individually analyzed for health/social issues before confirmation. In that process, we elected to cancel our September Asado BBQ this year due to AHS regulations in regards to food service and public gatherings of this size and design at this time. We hope to renew this event in 2021. Further updates will be published in our website (cambrianheightscommunity.com) or with email blasts to those registered through our website and on our Facebook page.

I am sure everyone recognizes the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and respects the Provincial guidelines with regard to social distancing and hygiene. We wish everyone in our community good health and encourage patience as we together work through a devastating period both emotionally and for many of us financially. We have made progress in controlling the spread of the disease in Alberta and at the publication of this Newsletter, we are continuing to progress out of this health crisis.

Some of you may have noticed a press release and news report detailing the closing of a “drug house” on Cardiff Drive August 4. This was the result of sustained effort by residents in proximity to this house through their vigilance and supported by the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (“SCAN”) program expedited through the efforts of the Calgary Police Service (“CPS”) and the Alberta Sheriffs Branch. This was also the location of a shooting in June. The Community Association formed a committee to assist in communications with governmental officials and the residents made up of local homeowners. This experience is available to any residents who identify continuous unusual and suspicious activity on their streets.  Contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com for further information and guidance.

As indicated our weekly drop-in yoga program and our general fitness programs (Body-Lift, Kettlebell Kickboxing, New Cardio-Barre Fusion and New Barre Above) were forced to adjust in regards to their physical presence at the Community Hall with the City closures in March. Both Lorene Hughes – fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) moved these programs online. The Yoga Program was suspended for the summer while two fitness programs continued. Both will be in operation online starting in September. If you wish details of either program please contact them if you would like to participate from home or to get updates as to when the programs will be allowed to safely return to the Community Hall. You may also monitor our website for updates on these programs and timing.

We are planning to start a new program in September at the Community Hall – language lessons. We are starting with Spanish and this is an entry-level course. It will run for 12 weeks starting September 15. It will be provided through Azren the Language Nerd staff. Attendance will be limited to eight participants this first time to provide an intimate and active experience. We will only run this program if participants pre register and appropriate health safety guidelines are able to be met. Please check for registration details in the September Newsletter or on our website. We hope this will be the first of many such language course curriculums.

The Community is sponsoring a 3-week free webinar series detailing the ins and outs of waste, recycling and compost in Calgary starting September 22. Please reference the poster in the Newsletter or website for information and registration details.

On June 22 The Pathway Church, supported by the Community Association, undertook a food drive for the Calgary Food Bank. We thank the volunteers, who passed out plastic donation bags the week before and collected door to door on the day, for their effort. Unfortunately, participation was low perhaps reflecting communication.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for September 14.  While these meetings normally take place at the Georgina Thomson City building on 14th Street and Northmount Drive, recent City guidelines have restricted that buildings use and for the near term any Board meetings will be held at the Community Hall. These meetings occur at 6:30 PM and residents are normally welcome to attend. Over the past three months, these meetings have been either cancelled or held utilizing online technology. At this point we are not encouraging community residents to attend due to health safety concerns and at this point uncertainty as to whether “live” meetings will be held. If you do wish to attend please contact president@cambrianheightscommunity.com in advance of the meeting.

Remember Participation Builds Your Community’s Value.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

Upcoming Events at Cambrian Heights Hall

At the writing of this message, the Provincial Government has announced that Community Halls may re-open starting June 12. The March closure of Community Halls had resulted in the deferrals of many scheduled events including our Annual General Meeting and social events originally scheduled for April, May and June. This had also impacted the Edelweiss Preparatory School which elected not to open on June 1 due to the short notice, new health safety guidelines involving student teaching and the eminent summer recess. Edelweiss will however be opening up for their regular fall sessions. As for our Community Hall, we will be undertaking an upgrade to our fire alarm system in July and before opening for rentals and events in September will put in place the required health safety guidelines as outlined by Alberta Health Services (“AHS”). Further updates will be published on our website or with email blasts to those registered through our website and on our Facebook page.

I am sure everyone recognizes the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and respects the Provincial guidelines with regard to social distancing and hygiene. We wish everyone in our community good health and encourage patience as we together work through a devastating period both emotionally and for many of us financially. We have made progress in controlling the spread of the disease in Alberta and at the publication of this Newsletter, we are continuing to progress out of this health crisis.

Our Annual General Meeting was scheduled to be held June 25. However, due to the COVID-19 virus and the resultant uncertainty as to when the City Community Halls would reopen and the limit on assemblies of people, the AGM has been postponed to October 22. Please check the October Newsletter or our website for details of the meeting Agenda. We have also elected to cancel our September Asado BBQ this year due to the uncertainty of the new health safety regulations associated with foodservice and public gatherings of this size and design at this time. We hope to continue this event in 2021.

We always encourage new participation at the Board level to maintain the programs, events, ideas and fiscal strength of our community. In particular, we are especially looking for residents with a financial background to either assume or help in the Treasurer role. Please contact the President at president@cambrianheightscommunity.com if you are interested in participating at any capacity in the Community or at a Board level.

Our weekly drop-in yoga program and our general fitness programs (Body-Lift, Kettlebell Kickboxing, New Cardio-Barre Fusion and New Barre Above) were forced to adjust in regards to their physical presence at the Community Hall with the City mandated closures over the past few months. Both Lorene Hughes – fitness (scarybunnybefit@gmail.com) and Kyrsten Blair – yoga (kyrstenblair@icloud.com) have moved these programs online. The Yoga Program has been suspended for the summer while two fitness programs will continue. If you wish details of either program please contact them if you would like to participate from home or to get updates as to when the programs will be allowed to safely return to the Community Hall. You may also monitor our website for updates on these programs and timing.

We are planning to start a new program in September at the Community Hall – language lessons. We are starting with Spanish and this is an entry-level course. It will run for 12 weeks starting September 15. It will be provided through Azren the Language Nerd staff. Attendance will be limited to eight participants this first time to keep an intimate and active experience. We will only run this program if appropriate health safety guidelines are able to be met. Please watch for registration details in the August Newsletter or on our website. We hope this will be the first of many such language course curriculums.

After 25 years supporting thousands of vulnerable children, youth and families through its West Central Family Resource Centre, Closer to Home Community Services has opened a new Family Resource Network in Beddington to service North Central Calgary.

Closer to Home’s North Central Family Resource Network (FRN) builds family resiliency by partnering with families to identify challenges, strengths, goals and desired outcomes, and helping families to access community resources, providing information about programs, and removing any barriers to access. Information on these programs may be obtained at their website (www.closertohome.com) or by emailing familyresourcenetwork@closertohome.com.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for September 14.  These meetings normally take place at the Georgina Thomson City building on 14th Street and Northmount Drive at 6:30 PM and residents are welcome to attend. Over the past three months, these meetings have been either cancelled or held utilizing internet technology. At this point, we are uncertain as to the method of meeting for this Board meeting.

Remember Participation Builds Your Community’s Value.

Daryl Connolly, President CHCA

Upcoming Events at Cambrian Heights Hall