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Join Extinction Rebellion Calgary

Submitted by Deborah Willis

What is Extinction Rebellion?

Extinction Rebellion a group of concerned and hopeful citizens of the earth who aim to use civil disobedience and non-violent action to protest climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and the real and imminent risk of social and ecological collapse. Extinction Rebellions (XR) is an international movement that began in the U.K. with a declaration of rebellion in May 2018 and is now a global phenomenon that includes Sunnyhill Housing Co-op! Belle Auld, Kris Demeanor and Deborah Willis are members of XR and this article is meant to inform others in Sunnyhill about this organization.

What are XR's goals? 

XR has 3 clear demands:

1) The federal government of Canada must tell the truth about the climate emergency. 

Government must share with citizens a realistic appraisal of the situation based on the latest scientific consensus of the triple threats facing us: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental destruction. Government must clearly state the implications of a failure to address these threats.

2) The federal government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

The Government must enact legally-binding policies that include what individuals, communities and businesses need to do to halt biodiversity loss, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada to net zero by 2025, and remove the excess of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

3) The federal government must create a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

A citizens’ body is needed to hold elected politicians to account for climate action on a day-to-day basis, separately from and in addition to the normal electoral process.


How does XR aim to achieve these goals?

Inspired by grassroots movements such as the suffragettes, Ghandi's Satyagraha, and the civil rights movement in the U.S., XR wants to rally support worldwide around a common sense of urgency to tackle climate breakdown. To do this, a number of activists in the movement accept the possibility of arrest and imprisonment, while others do the work of supporting these activists and ensuring that the movement is sustainable in all ways—environmental, emotional and practical. XR promotes disruption and civil disobedience because we believe it is necessary. However, despite the fact that XR aims to disrupt, we believe that non-violence is always the most effective and moral choice. XR organizes in small groups, and these groups are connected in a complex web that is constantly evolving as we grow and learn. We are working to build a movement that is participatory, decentralized, inclusive and that adheres to our core values:

  1. We have a shared vision of change: to create a world that is fit for generations to come.

  2. We set our mission on what is necessary: we aim to mobilize 3.5% the population, the number necessary to achieve system change. 

  3. We need a regenerative culture, one that is healthy, resilient and adaptable.

  4. We openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system, leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.

  5. We value reflecting and learning, following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. We learn from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.

  6. We welcome everyone and every part of everyone. We work actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.

  7. We actively mitigate for power, breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.

  8. We avoid blaming and shaming—and this is especially important in Calgary. We believe that we live in a toxic system, and no one individual or entity is to blame. We welcome everyone to this movement.

  9. We are a non-violent network and know that non-violent strategies and tactics are the most effective way to bring about change.

  10. We are based on autonomy and decentralisation, collectively creating the structures we need to challenge power. Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.

How can you become involved?

XR Calgary is gearing up for its first action on September 20th, 2019, an event that we hope will be community-oriented and joyful rather than disruptive—a way to introduce XR to the city and other hopeful and concerned citizens. We plan to have music, dancing and art, and anyone in the Sunnyhill community is welcome join us. For more information about this event, which is still in the planning stages, please contact Deborah, Belle or Kris. And to be involved in the planning of this action and others in the future, you are very welcome to attend the ongoing meetings on Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm (location TBA, though often these meetings take place at the Central Library. Please email xr_calgary@protonmail.com or text Deborah at 403-875-5818 for the location). 

Welcome to a hopeful, cooperative, and sustainable future. Welcome to the rebellion!

Board Bytes- August 2019

Submitted by Sarah Reimer

Happy Summer.  I can’t believe it’s nearly September.  

  • We continue to work on formatting the updated Handbook- 

    • expect release prior to September 27 for discussion / approval at the GM

  • We’ll be inviting P&D to provide a status update with Urban Matters at the GM

  • We continue to look at effectiveness of co-op communication and will be exploring ways of developing greater connectedness of membership. 

  • We continue to work with the Finance committee regarding an Asset Management Plan. 

  • We have authorised a business credit card for use by Property Manager and monitored by Board/ Treasurer.

  • We continue to work with Grounds on the food forest project, cleaning of the mud-filled stream bed and tree management.  

  • We have approved Member Selection’s recommendation to fill unit #775 for October 1.

  • We still have one Board vacancy which we are currently seeking to fill.  Please communicate your interest in serving on the board to the office.  

Cooperatively yours, 

Sarah Reimer

On behalf of the Board of Directors


Board Bytes- July 2019

Submitted by Sarah Reimer on behalf of the Board of Directors

We’ve had another busy month and commit to improving our board byte contributions.  

  • We continue to work with the grounds committee with regards to the food forest project, garbage collection/ food waste/ recycling solutions and general co-op grounds maintenance

  • We have agreed a draft buildings policy to be included in the revised handbook 

    • expect to see completed draft document in Autumn 2019 for your approval

  • We have signed the contract with Urban Matters to begin the initial projects

    • time frame is early August until October

  • Goldeye registration- Sarah (unit 30) is currently attending

    • One more spot available for a weekend away – Sept 20-22

  • We welcome new co-op members, Beatrice Konan, Modeste Adje and their daughter Shirley, to unit 763 on 3rd St.

  • We have one board vacancy, which we are working to fill.  

Cooperatively yours, 

Sarah Reimer

On behalf of the Board of Directors


Recycling/composting/garbage tip - paper

From the Education Committee – submitted by Belle Auld


Regular paper and paper products (e.g. brochures, catalogues, magazines, phone books and most flyers) go in the Blue cart for recycling.

Laminated (like some of the flyers we get in the mail) or wax covered paper to go in the Black garbage cart.

Coil or spiral bound books

  • please remove the coils/spirals first (these go in the Black cart)

  •  then the paper, including the cover, goes in the Blue recycling cart.

Paper towels, serviettes, paper plates, and paper bags 

  • soiled with food go in the Green composting cart 

  • if they have cleaning products, chemicals or makeup on them, they go in the Black garbage bin

  • clean paper bags go in the Blue cart.


Check out “what goes where Calgary” for an alphabetic listing

Reminder to watch Planning and Development Presentation

Submitted by Eric Moschopedis

Hello friends,

I am re-posting the presentation that Planning and Development made to the Membership at the June 14th General Meeting because very few have watched it. There were 29 members in attendance across 24 units. It is our expectation that folks from the remaining 42 units familiarize themselves with the presentation as it is the launching off point for the work Sunnyhill is undertaking over the next few months. To have a full and robust conversation about future of Sunnyhill, all members need to be informed and engaged as we undertake the exciting work ahead of us.


This is a video of the Planning and Development presentation that was given to the membership at the June 14th General Meeting. The video runs for about an hour and provides a strong overview, updates, and next steps regarding the lease negotiations with the City, the rehabilitation of our buildings, aging in place, and financing. It is important that those who did not attend the meeting take the time to familiarize themselves with the information as it will be the foundation for future discussions.

You will need to use this password to access the video: Andreaintheoffice

Welcomes and Farewells

Submitted by Buzz Viberg on behalf of Member Selection Committee

On behalf of the Coop, Member Selection would like to bid farewell to Jolleen, Ben and their two sons while wishing them all the very best with their move back East. During your time with us you made many friendships that we hope you can keep. Thank you for your positive contribution towards our community.

In turn we wish to welcome Beatrice, Modeste and their daughter Shirley to their new home in Unit 763. We hope you will enjoy being part of our Coop family, making new friendships and we look forward to seeing you around.


Grounds Committee Report

Submitted by Pamela Boyd on behalf of Grounds Committee

Grounds Report July 4, 2019

On Hedges

The current Grounds Policy, approved in 2008, states:

· Hedges should be trimmed and free of weeds

· Hedges should not overgrow walkways

It is good practice to trim hedges at least once annually, especially as they reestablish themselves following treatment for disease. Trimming, after they flower in early summer, promotes new growth and helps keep the hedges thick and healthy. Tall hedges may improve privacy, but are not great for security. Untrimmed hedges become scraggly and unsightly.

There are clippers in the tool shed along with two containers of bleach wipes. Wipe clipper blades with bleach after each use and when moving between sites to avoid spreading the disease that infected our hedges. Hedge clippings go in the compost bins, not the regular garbage. If the compost bins are full, rake the clippings into a pile and wait until there’s room in a bin. We have asked Blue Planet about getting more or larger compost bins.

NB. A former policy stated that hedges should be no higher than the fences. This requirement was dropped in the last round of policy revisions.

Weed Reminder

While our coop grounds are so lush and green and lovely it is important to remember the weeds.

We have heard that some people have trouble identifying noxious weeds. Our biggest weed issue in the co-op is creeping bellflower.

Bellflower is a perennial, low-growing in spring, growing underneath everything else. You can pull out the heart-shaped leaves in hunks. Later it is a 1-metre tall purple-blue nodding bell in summer with elongated leaves and is much easier to pull out.

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Manitoba Maples are weed trees that infest Sunnyhill. Most of us have them in our yards. Even people who thought they were “clean” find baby maples in their yards. The only way to get rid of them (without herbicides) is to pull them out by hand. Just cutting them down helps, but has to be done each year as new suckers appear. These trees send out water-loving roots that can damage our building foundations and water pipes. Once established, they are very difficult to remove.

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Rocks in the Grass

Submitted by Cindy Schnee on behalf of Grounds Committee

This picture is of Rick's lawnmower blade after it hit a rock hidden in the grass this week. Fortunately the safety system worked on the mower and the only damage was the blade that SHC will be charged for.

We cannot depend on after the fact safety systems. They are the final, final safety feature. This picture should emphasize the danger of stuff that is left and not picked up. Change the situation slightly and we will have property damage. The various stuff left lying around leaves a serious risk of human injury. None of us want that.

At any business this would be called a near miss and escalated to the highest levels. Our highest level is the member parents of our children.

Sunnyhill needs a resolution to this problem. There is no waiting to see what happens next.

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June 14, 2019 - Planning and Development Presentation

Submitted by Eric Moschopedis

Hello friends,
This is a video of the Planning and Development presentation that was given to the membership at the June 14th General Meeting. The video runs for about an hour and provides a strong overview, updates, and next steps regarding the lease negotiations with the City, the rehabilitation of our buildings, aging in place, and financing. It is important that those who did not attend the meeting take the time to familiarize themselves with the information as it will be the foundation for future discussions.

You will need to use this password to access the video: Andreaintheoffice

Food Forest - postponed

June 12, 2019

Sunnyhill Members

With regrets we are writing to inform you that the Food Forest at Sunnyhill that was slated for June 15th has been postponed pending presentation of the plan to Membership. However, Grounds Committee Members will be out and about on the afternoon of Saturday June 15th and/or Sunday June 16th  pruning, weeding and mulching and would be very happy to have you help with this needed work on our property.  We look forward to discussing both the particulars and full scope of this project at a forthcoming general meeting 

Cooperatively

 

The Board of Directors

Sunnyhill Housing Co-op

Water barrels - bulk purchase offer

Submitted by Debbie Willis

The Calgary EcoStore can offer a bulk discount on water barrels, which are normally priced at $85 but will be 10% off if we purchase ten or more as a group. Water barrels are a wonderful way to increase water security and sustainability in the co-op and to source chlorine-free water for your garden. Bonus: the Eco Store's water barrels are made of re-used materials.

Please text or call Debbie at 403-875-5818 or email debmwillis@gmail.com if interested.

News From Grounds

Submitted by Pamela Boyd

Mark Your calendars!!!

On Saturday, June 15th, Sunnyhill will be planting a Food Forest Pilot Project in the south amphitheatre (between walkway and back yards of 744-748). We have been successful in receiving a grant of $3,500 for this project from Tree Canada, a national organization, and its local partner, Pembina Pipeline. The work will be done in collaboration with Sunshine Earth Works, a Calgary permaculture organization “committed to repairing the earth one yard at a time.”

What is a food forest? “Forest gardening is a low-maintenance, sustainable, plant-based food production and agroforestry system based on woodland ecosystems, incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, and perennial vegetables that have yields directly useful to humans.”

Under the guidance of Jeremy Zoller and his crew from Sunshine Earth Works, the Grounds Committee, co-op members, and volunteers from Pembina will be removing sod, preparing the soil, and planting trees and shrubs. This should all be done between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

Although the south amphitheatre is a fairly small space, it will accommodate four new fruit trees, along with a number of taller and smaller edible shrubs, herbs, and other perennials in the mid-level and understory beneath the trees. Mulch walkways will replace the grass, and there will be informational signage.

Lunch will be provided for all workers and likely even a case or two of beer at the end of the day to celebrate completion. Plan to join us in participating with our community in some healthy physical labour to bring this fabulous spring project to fruition (pun intended).

** Sign up for a shift with Andrea in the office.


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