Submited by Rachel Rose
The Co-op's 40th birthday is coming this summer! Save the date of August 18th so you don't miss out. Watch for more details and reach out to the Social Committee if you would like to help out in any way.
June 1st Fire Pit S'mores & Drinks Night
Submitted by Rachel Rose
The Social Committee will be hosting a Fire Pit S'mores & Drinks night on Friday June 1st at 7pm in the Common. Please come join us for some beer, wine, juice, tea and a good old fashioned marshmallow roast & s'mores weather permitting!
Stampede Breakfast
Submitted by Rachel Rose
Join the Social Committee in this Stampede tradition. Come enjoy pancakes, coffee, and fruit salad July 7th at 10 am beside the garage. We will also be having a pancake toss for the young at heart.
Easy guide to recycling
Planning and Development - What's Up?
Submitted by Phil Cox, Planning & Development Committee
Lots going on… Here is a round up:
April 27th - Sunnyhill has #2 meeting with the City of Calgary to discuss our lease - present were:
- Councillor Druh Farrell and her team - stewards of the process
- Corporate Leasing - current holder of our lease,
- Calgary Housing - carrying the affordable housing mandate for the City
- CMHC - interested party invited by Calgary Housing
- SACHA - already active in affordable housing discussions at the municipal and provincial levels, invited by Sunnyhill
Sunnyhill presented our operating model; how we maintain a subsidy-surcharge system without external funding support. We also showed our housing charge rates for 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms since 2010. With these two pieces of information we demonstrated that we meet the City’s criteria for affordable housing. The way we do it, being a housing cooperative, doesn’t fit the norm, thereby making us something of a curiosity. The City’s message to us: “we are on the path toward a sale or a lease option under the City’s affordable housing program, we are just not sure what that price should be.” They requested that we work with CMHC to assemble a costed concept for the deep energy retrofit and the new development with financing scenarios in place. They want to see that we can develop a formula that keeps us more than 10% under market rents for our part of Calgary and able to provide the subsidy-surcharge program as we do today.
April 30th - Sunnyhill says good bye to its old, expensive, mortgage - We submitted our letter of acceptance to “avail ourselves of the Mortgage Loan Pre-payment Initiative”. We are now permitted to pre-pay our existing mortgage on the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement - and we need to by June 30 or face penalties - but to do this we need to refinance. See below.
In process - Sunnyhill is negotiating a “bridging mortgage” with First Calgary Financial. The loan will allow us to pre-pay our existing mortgage and thereby end our current housing agreement with CMHC. And the loan itself will be at an interest rate that is much lower than what we have been paying - the margin of difference in interest rate, or the saving, will be 5% or approximately $4,000/month.
It’s a “bridging” solution because: a) we don’t yet know exactly what we need to borrow to finance our improvements and, b) we can’t get the best rates until our land security is sorted with the City either through another lease or a sale. What is up in the air right now is the amount we need to borrow in the short run and the term of the loan. We have organized a General Meeting ahead of the June 30th deadline so that we can agree on the best scenario based on options that will be prepared by Planning and Development and the Board.
In process - three bits of research -
a) technical specifications and costs for installing solar panels,
b) a study of the feasibility of replacing hot water tanks with water on demand systems, and
c) an exploration of land trusts as an alternative land security arrangement to the lease or sale options.
More on these as the news comes in…
Helping to keep our bees alive
Submitted by Belle Auld, Education Committee
Neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) have been connected to bee deaths -colony collapse disorder. Here is a list of places in Calgary that sell plants and what they say about neonics:
Golden Acres – they are “pretty sure” their plants do not contain neonics
Greengate – say they do not use neonics
Home Depot – currently using neonics. They say, “we’ve already committed to phasing out the use of neonics on our plants by the end of 2018”
Lowes – currently using them. Will be phasing them out until 2019
Plantation – they say most of their plants have not been treated with neonics
Sunnyside – they are pretty sure their plants do not contain neonics
Walmart – currently using them
Solar Canada Conference 2018
Submitted by Andrea Bergen
Solar Canada Conference June 20-21, 2018 | BMO Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Treaty 7 Territory
Learn about the conference and register to attend. There are 5 spots for Sunnyhill members to attend the Expo only portion of the conference!
There are 2 dates to choose from:
- Entrance to the Expo and Happy Hour June 20th (only if June 20th or both days are selected) - OR –
- Entrance to the Expo and Farewell Dessert Reception June 21st (only if June 21st or both days are selected)
Native Bee Boxes at Sunnyhill
Submitted by Don McCabe on behalf of Grounds Committee
Building bee boxes with Grounds Committee this past weekend (April 28, 2018) got me thinking. Perhaps there are others in Sunnyhill that are fascinated by our native bees, and might not know that:
- bees are the group of insects that are winged as adults, are social, and have short tongues; they differ from wasps in not having a constricted abdomen
- bees evolved about 100 MYA with the emergence of flowering plants
- there are about 25,000 species of bees worldwide
- there are 300-400 species of bees in Alberta and about 800 species in Canada (taxonomy is on-going)
- less than 5% of all species build hives and produce honey
- the well-known honey bee (Apis mellifera) was brought from Europe to North America in 1622
- bees eat/collect flower nectar and pollen, and thereby are key pollinators
- some native bee species are flower-specific
- some of the best plants for native bees: gum weed, potentilla, cinquefoil, vetch, bearberry, prairie clover, crocus, cactus
- like cuckoo birds, there are species of native cuckoo bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other bee species
- most of our native bees nest in ground (old burrows, dens, etc.) or in crevices (even hollow raspberry canes)
In the coming weeks, keep your eye out for little turquoise and purple boxes around the co-op, and your fingers crossed that some queen bees find them homey. Please do not disturb.
We will be checking the boxes in the fall and reporting our findings to the Alberta Native Bee Council. If you would like to be involved, please contact the Grounds Committee.
Rooftops Canada Thanks Sunnyhill Co-op
Submitted by Andrea Bergen
Treaty 7 Land Acknowledgement
Submitted by Mia Rushton
As Sunnyhill looks to the future it makes sense that we also acknowlege the past. The Communications Committee has decided to include on our public website an acknowledgement of the history of the land that we live on.
The text of our acknowledgement is borrowed from the University of Calgary's extended acknowledgement. A short video featuring Elder Reg Crowshoe and a pronunciation guide can be found on the U of C's Territorial Acknowledgements Resources page.
Update from The Member Selection Committee
Submitted by Susan Russell
With Myrtle's recent move, the co-op has had some housing shifts. Member Selection filled unit #768 internally and as of May 1st, Sunnyhill member, Rose Ing, will be moving from unit #763 to #768. The committee is pleased to welcome new members Ben Gruihn, Joleen Edmondson, their young son and "baby on the way" to SHC. The family will be joining the co-op on May 1st and will be moving to unit #763. Welcome Joleen, Ben and family, we look forward to seeing you around!
The one bedroom waitlist is currently open and applications can be made through the SHC website. The member selection committee meets as needed when a unit becomes available. If you are interested in joining the committee contact Susan Russell or Buzz Viberg.
Raise a Glass!
Submitted by Buzz Viberg and Kathleen Shepherd
It is with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to long time resident and much loved local identity Myrtle Lambert who has moved out of Sunnyhill and into the Rosedale Hospice. Myrtle became a resident of Unit 768 in 1981 and has called it home ever since. We have been her Co-op family for 37 years and will I'm sure, raise a glass in memory of her many contributions as we celebrate the Coop's 40th Anniversary this year.
Originally a farm girl from New Zealand, Myrtle has always spoken her mind and been a valiant supporter of the' underdog'. Under her watchful eye Myrtle became 'caretaker' of our community whether it was ensuring the safety of it's residents by reporting any 'suspect goings on' to authorities, cleaning up around the grounds or being vigilant about ensuring our flora and fauna didn't get damaged.
Nature and animals played an important role in Myrtle's life, she was instrumental in having many of our trees we enjoy today planted and gave generously to several causes. We are so grateful for the contribution Myrtle has made to our community during her many years here. She will be missed by many and remembered fondly.
A huge "Thank you!" Myrtle and God Bless you for everything.
Love, the Co-op xo
Jane's Walk- Reading the Bow River
Submitted by Rachel Rose for the Social Committee
There is a unique Jane's Walk happening on Prince's Island Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 am. Join local author Shaun Hunter and special guests for a literary walk along the river. If anyone from Sunnyhill would like to join let's meet in front of the Curling Rink at 9:45 am and head over together!!
More details here....
https://www.janeswalk.calgaryfoundation.org/walks/reading-the-bow-river/
Now is the time to sign up for the Sunnyhill Garage Sale!
Submitted by Rachel Rose for the Social Committee
The Sunnyhill garage sale will take place Saturday, May 12 from 10:00- 4:00 (the busiest day of the CBC Book Sale at the Curling Club!)
The Social Committee will be providing tables as well as signs and balloons to help advertise in the area. There will be two locations for members to set up their tables, the Circle Garden (across from the Little Library) & the Driveway of unit 783 on 3rd street across from the Curling Club.
If you would like to reserve a full table (or part of a table depending on how much stuff you have) please contact Rachel Rose from the Social Committee at 587-433-9386, rachelroseconsulting@gmail.com or drop by unit 807 and she will assign you table!
Once you have your table you will then be responsible for setting up your table and managing sales. Any money made will be for you to keep!
If you have a few quality items that you would like to donate we will be collecting items for a donation table. The proceeds of this table will go towards Sunnyhill’s annual charitable donation towards Rooftops Canada. Donations will be accepted the evening of May 11 from 3-8 pm in unit 807. Please call Rachel if you would like to arrange another time to drop things off.
CHF Canada News
Submitted by Jacky Durrie
Read the latest edition of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada eNews newsletter
Also...
CHF Canada appoints Tim Ross as Executive Director
CHF Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Ross to the position of Executive Director, effective June 11, 2018.
“Tim is a forward-looking leader with an accomplished track record,” said CHF Canada President, Nicole Waldron. “With his appointment, we will push harder, lead change and build on our success in order to serve our members and movement.”
Tim brings years of leadership experience in housing and homelessness focused membership organizations. He joined CHF Canada’s government relations team in 2016 and has served as CHF Canada’s Director, Strategic Affairs since 2017. Prior to moving to Ottawa, Tim worked as the Executive Director of the New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association and as the Interim Executive Director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.
Asked about his new role, Tim commented, “We have all the ingredients for continued success: a vibrant membership, a future-focused board, committed staff and engaged partners. CHF Canada has the credibility, connections and resources needed to respond to opportunities that will lift our movement to new heights.” Tim looks forward to meeting with members and partners in the coming months, and at the upcoming 50th anniversary Annual General Meeting in Victoria, BC.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys travel, skiing, reading and keeping up on current affairs. He is a self-described Trekkie and music fan.
“The board would also like to take this opportunity to thank Karla Skoutajan for serving as our Acting Executive Director since September 2017,” said Nicole Waldron. “We wish Karla the best in her retirement.”
The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include over 900 non-profit housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada. More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops, in every province and territory.
How to contact Tim Ross:
Email: tross@chfcanada.coop
Telephone: 1-800-465-2752, extension 222
Twitter | LinkedIn
Inquiries:
Nicole Waldron, nwaldron@chfcanada.coop
Karla Skoutajan, kskoutajan@chfcanada.coop
News from the SACHA AGM
Submitted by Andrea Bergen
There were 2 exciting announcements made at the SACHA AGM that pertain to Sunnyhill:
1) Telus has been brought on as a bulk purchase partner to SACHA. The deal with SHAW is dead.
a. 50% off each month on any Optic TV and internet product
2) SACHA has a remaining balance from the money that they had fundraised for the 2 Co-ops that were affected by the flood in 2013. It was decided that the money would be split between the 2 Co-ops. Sunnyhill received a cheque for $6,215.50. The Board is considering options to bring to membership.
Grounds Committee Update
Submitted by Cindy Schnee
The Grounds Committee have had two merlin/kestrel houses made and we intend to install them when the snow is gone. We also plan on creating some interpretive signs. We are also having some bat houses made. A representative from the Alberta Community Bat Program attended a Grounds committee meeting to help us decide where to place these houses, again with interpretive signs. Two members of the Grounds committee attended a workshop put on by the Alberta Native Bee Council. Watch for our bumblebee houses to appear on the Grounds. Also watch for a workshop to make more bumblebee houses!
For more information:
Alberta Community Bat Program: http://www.albertabats.ca/
Alberta Native Bee Council: https://www.facebook.com/Alberta-Native-Bee-Council-178029658913775/
Easter Egg Hunt
Submitted by Rachel Rose
The Social Committee invites you to an Easter egg hunt! Children and the young of heart welcome. Chocolate egg's and hot chocolate will be provided. Please bring a mug.
Toys and the Common Area
Submitted by Belle Auld and Rose Ing, Education Committee
At the January General Meeting, the Education Committee hosted a discussion about toys being left in the common area. Keeping the Co-op principals in mind, members decided to not pursue building an enclosure in the common area.
Instead we are asking that members not leave outgrown toys destined for donation in the common area. If you would like to donate a toy, please donate it to a specific parent so that we can avoid orphaned toys and keep our common area tidy.
Thanks
Apply for a Greener Co-op Microgrant
Submitted by Jackie Durrie
I thought the co-op might be interested in dreaming up or realizing a project in order to apply for this grant.
From Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada Website
Think green this spring! Apply for a Greener Co-op Microgrant
Would you like your co-op to have a positive impact on the environment? Want to decrease your consumption of non-renewable resources and save money while doing it?
Maybe you’d like to start a community garden, install a few rain barrels, or explore adding solar panels or a roof garden to your building? Maybe a little extra money could help you move your project forward.
The Greener Co-op Microgrant program was launched in 2016 and CHF Canada is offering it again for a third year. Projects that received funds in the past range from lighting retrofits, gardens, dual flush toilets, e-bike charging stations and bike storage, solar panels for powering gardening tools, and more.
This program will fund small projects – anywhere from $500 to $4,000 – that reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, help co-ops adapt to climate change and inspire others with best practices.
Funds are very limited, so apply early! Download the flyer and application form. Once funds have run out, we will post a message on the program webpage.
Housing co-ops are eager to make their communities more sustainable and many co-ops like Corktown Co-operative Homes in Hamilton, Ontario expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to receive a microgrant: “On behalf of the co-op, thank you for the grant that allowed the co-op to provide security for the members’ bikes somewhere other than their units.”
Cougar Canyon Co-operative in Delta, BC installed exterior LED lights and shared this comment from its members: “Many members have commented on how bright it is and how pleased they are with the extra sense of security as well as the energy savings and lower costs to be seen on the co-op’s hydro bill.”
Rebecca Hunt, the Garden Project Coordinator for Westwood Co-op Place in Niagara Falls, ON spearheaded a community garden that brought more than vegetables. This excerpt from Rebecca’s final report says it all: “In terms of community building, the garden became a space where people gathered almost on a nightly basis. Many people started new friendships and new interactions were made between neighbors.”
You can read more about the community garden and the other 13 projects with this list of 2017 microgrant recipients.
When CHF Canada’s staff, board and council travel across the country to visit our members we generate greenhouse gases. To make up for this, we have set aside funds that offset our carbon emissions – funds that can help green your co-op! With additional contributions from the Agency for Co-operative Housing, CHF BC, Co-op Cost Cutters, and the Housing Services Corporation, CHF Canada’s Greener Co-op Microgrant helps co-ops implement projects that will make communities greener.
The Greener Co-op Microgrant application and reporting process is quick and easy. Qualified applications will be funded on a first-come-first-served basis while funds last. All CHF Canada member co-ops qualify except those that have already received a grant in previous years.
For more information, please contact Julie LaPalme at jlapalme@chfcanada.coop.