Sunnyhill Voice October 2026

Grounds Updates

Submitted by Debbie Willis on behalf of Grounds Committee

Say hello to our new trees! You'll notice some adorable young plants have been planted on our co-op grounds. Thanks to a grant from the Calgary Climate Hub, we were able to plant three berry bushes (two haskap and one Saskatoon) near our fence line, and six trees around the co-op grounds. Choosing trees that are drought-resistant and low-maintenance, as well as ones that will provide shade, beauty and even food, we chose Showy Mountain Ash, D'Artagan Sour Cherry, Trembling Aspen, Autumn Brilliant Serviceberry, Snowbird Hawthorn, and Bur Oak. Next year we plan to plant more trees and shrubs with the remainder of the grant money, and we will also put up hand-painted signs to identify these new plants. Huge thanks to Grounds Committee members Mahlah Hanson, Leslie Sweder, and Matt Young for their help with this project!

Please join us for the second annual Mulch + Pizza Party! Our fall clean-up will be held on Sunday, October 18th, from 3:30 - 6:30pm. We'll be mulching and watering our new trees as well as doing some weeding. All are welcome to help out and have pizza!

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION

Submitted by members of unit 821

We are excited to join the Sunnyhill Community, making unit 821 home. As we slowly settle in, we've loved getting acquainted with our neighbors and we look forward to meeting even more. As for a wee snapshot of us, Dwight works in patient services at the Rockyview and loves a good round of paintball or golf! (He's always eager to include any potential enthusiasts to the paintball field should there be any takers!) Stephanie works in social services and community development and loves weaving and ceramics. She's recently been bitten by the golf bug and is already looking forward to teeing off next season with Dwight. Hippo is our sweet and sassy senior girl, with a big appetite for all the snacks (mom's popcorn being in her top 10 faves). While she's slowed down a wee bit in her 12 years, she still loves a good adventure and isn't afraid to tell you exactly what she thinks (all borks, no bites). We really look forward to getting connected and involved with the Sunnyhill Community!

November Good Food Box Delivery

Submitted by Marion Gauzer

The next Good Food Box delivery date is November 26.  To place an order, email Belle Auld (belleauld@gmail.com) or Marion Gauzer (mgauzer@yahoo.ca) no later than 12:00 noon on November 17. Please include the following information:

• your first/last name & unit number

• your payment method, and the number and size of boxes you are ordering (more information below)

Boxes come in three sizes (*weights are approximate):

Small Box: $35 - 15-20 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

Medium Box: $40 - 25-30 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

Large Box: $45 - 35-40 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

Choose a payment method:

• Pay cash when you pick up your order: in an envelope labelled with your name

OR

• Pay by email transfer before the delivery date: Send your email transfer to Belle Auld (belleauld@gmail.com)

Smoking Policy

Submitted by Buzz Viberg

1. Smoking Policy

1.1. Purpose of this Policy

This Policy states rules and procedures to protect the health, safety, and welfare of members, their households, co-op staff and visitors by restricting smoking on Sunnyhill property. A smoking policy is required as per Sunnyhill Housing Cooperative’s Insurance Policy.

1.2. The relationship to Sunnyhill’s Governing Documents.

This Policy must be read together with Sunnyhill’s By-Laws, Shareholder’s Agreement and other Policies. If there is a conflict, the order of priority in section 2.9 of Sunnyhill’s By-laws

applies.

1.3. Special Meanings

(a) Smoking

Smoking includes carrying, inhaling or exhaling lit tobacco, cannabis or other products that generate smoke. It also includes having those things while they are lit, whether or not they are being carried, inhaled or exhaled.

(b) Traditional Indigenous uses

Smoking does not include using tobacco for traditional Indigenous cultural and spiritual purposes (excluding recreational use).

(c) Vaporizing

Smoking does not include vaporizing or vaping tobacco, cannabis or other substances.

(d) Sunnyhill property

For the purposes of this Policy, Sunnyhill property means all land and buildings owned, leased or controlled by Sunnyhill Housing Co-operative.

2. Smoking Restrictions

2.1. Prohibition

Co-op members must not smoke in units or within 5 meters of any building or play area on Sunnyhill property.

2.2. Acts of Others

Members must make sure that no member of their household or anyone permitted on Sunnyhill property by the co-op member or another member of their household smokes in a unit or within 5 meters of any building or play area.

2.3. Staff and Visitors

The Board of Directors will arrange for staff, contractors and visitors to follow the same rules for smoking that apply to members.

3. Outdoor Smoking

3.1. Permitted Smoking Areas ISC: Protected A

Smoking is permitted outdoors on Sunnyhill property only in areas that are at least 5 meters

from any building or play area.

3.2. Clean-up

Members must dispose of cigarette butts, cannabis waste, vaping materials and other smoking materials appropriately and must not leave them on Sunnyhill property.

4. Application of Policy

4.1. Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with this Policy may result in action under Sunnyhill's governing documents, including the By-laws and, where applicable, Section 9 (Termination of Membership). Any action must follow the procedures set out in Sunnyhill's governing documents and applicable law.

4.2. Accommodation

The Board of Directors will consider requests for accommodation where required by applicable human rights legislation. Any accommodation shall be determined on an individual basis and does not automatically create a right to smoke in an area where it is otherwise prohibited under this Policy.

Any approved accommodation must be authorized by Board motion and recorded in the

confidential minutes, including any conditions that apply. The member receiving the

accommodation should sign a copy of the Board motion or an agreement confirming the

decision.

4.3. Limits of the Policy

The Policy only relates to smoking at the co-op. It does not require members to stop smoking. It does not prohibit smokers from becoming members of the Co-op.

4.4. Starting Date for this Policy

This Policy was approved by members at General meeting September 16 th , 2026 and goes into effect immediately.

Smoking Maps

Submitted by Buzz Viberg

Sunnyhill Voice June 2026

7 Co-Operative Housing Principals

Submitted by Belle Auld

This is a reminder from our Member Involvement committee about our 7 co-op housing

principles:

“The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into

practice” according to The Southern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association (SACHA) –

of which Sunnyhill is a member.

The 7 Principles have been adopted nationally by all housing co-ops operating under the

Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. The Federation produced a guide on how we,

as co-ops and co-op members, need to follow the principles. They say: “It [the guide] was

written for housing co-op members, staff and anyone interested in how to use the co-op

principles to foster a sense of collective ownership, democratic governance, active

engagement and community care. [highlighting my own]

Principle 1

VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP

Membership in a housing co-op is open to all who can use the co-op’s services and accept

the responsibilities of being a member, without discrimination.

Principle 2

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

Housing co-ops are member-controlled. Each member has one vote. Housing co-ops give

members the information they need to make good decisions and take part in the life of the

co-op.

Principle 3

MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

Members contribute financially to the co-op and share in the benefits of membership. The

co-op does not pay a return on the members’ shares or deposits. Instead it sets aside

reserves for the future and charges the members only what it needs to operate soundly.

Principle 4

AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE

Housing co-ops are independent associations. They follow the laws that apply to them and

their agreements with governments or other organizations. But the members control the co-

op.

Principle 5

EDUCATION, TRAINING & INFORMATION

Housing co-ops offer education and training to the members, directors and staff so that

everyone can play a full role in the life of the co-op. Housing co-ops find ways to tell the

public what they are and what they do.

Principle 6

CO-OPERATION AMONG CO-OPS

By organizing together in federations, housing co-ops grow stronger and help to build a

healthy co-op movement. Where they can, housing co-ops use the services of co-op

businesses to meet their needs.

Principle 7

CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

Housing co-ops work to build strong communities inside and outside the co-op. They help to

improve the quality of life for others and they take care to protect the environment.

You can access the guide to following the 7 principles by going to the Co-operative Housing

Federation of Canada:

https://chfcanada.coop/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Getting-Our-Co-op-Principles-Right-2025.pdf

ELECTRICAL PANEL REPLACEMENT

Submitted by Heidi

Our new electrical panels are being installed soon — are you ready?

Later this month, the office will begin sharing the replacement schedule for our electrical

panels. The installation of the new panels is set to proceed one block at a time, and it will

require power be shut of f at the scheduled block for about nine hours, between 8am and

5pm.

Due to replacements happening block by block, there are no chances of rescheduling

once the dates are set.

To ensure that the panel replacements proceed without delay, and minimize disruption,

we’re asking members to clear the area around the electrical panel, water main shutoff

and furnace room. The technicians will need enough space to work around all. While residents don’t

have to be home for the panel installation, pets should be secured.

We’d rather not see your furry ones run loose when Sasha opens the door to your place

that morning!

Lastly, because there will be no power over an extended period of time, you should keep

your fridge and freezer closed to prevent your food spoiling.

FAQ

1. My panel looks fine, does it have to be replaced?

Yes. Installed close to five decades ago, our electrical panels are becoming unsafe.

2. What kind of panels are we getting?

We’re getting 100A Siemens 16/32 CCT residential electrical panels with built in surge

suppression. Additionally, GFCI receptacles for the mechanical room (for future water leak

sensors), 16VA doorbell transformers (powerful enough for doorbell cameras).

3. Will this panel allow for EV charging while using other appliances?

No. The capacity of the panels cannot be increased at this time. If you wish to charge an

electric-vehicle there is an upgrade that can be arranged through the office. The cost is the

responsibility of the Member.

4. Why are we being asked to ensure access to the main water shutoff ?

The copper pipe functions as a conductive surface suitable for grounding, wiring onto it

protects against electrical shock and fires.

5. The labels in my electrical panel are inaccurate, will the technician adjust them

in the new panel?

No, this is a member’s responsibility. Technicians will use existing labels, so it’s up to

members to update them before the new panel is installed.

6. Can I stay home while the technicians work?

Yes. Just keep in mind that there will be no power in your block between 8am and 5pm.

THANK YOU TO UNIT INSPECTORS

Submitted by Mollie

I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who stepped up this year to help

the Buildings Committee complete our unit inspections. Your support has made an

enormous difference. Quite simply, we could not have done it without you.

This year, especially with everything else happening around the co-op, your help has

taken a tremendous burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on other important

building-related projects and challenges. It has also been incredibly inspiring. It's been

wonderful to work alongside such a dedicated and effective team, and to see people step

up, take ownership, and make a real impact in our community. Our unit inspection team consisted of

Sasha, Heidi, JP, Sabine, Ximena, Dave R., Don, Eoin, Buzz, Paul, and Mia. Together, these 11

volunteers contributed at least 230 hours to the inspections themselves. That doesn't include the

many additional hours spent coordinating schedules, uploading photos, and scanning inspection

sheets. It is a tremendous amount of work, and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

Unit inspections play a critical role in maintaining the health of our buildings. They help

us identify issues early, plan repairs proactively, protect our shared assets, and ensure

that our homes remain safe and well-maintained for everyone.

I'd also like to give a special thank you to Rachel J. for spending countless hours

creating our Air table pilot project and uploading data from ever y unit inspection into the

system. Thanks to her efforts, we are now ready to move into Phase Two of the unit

inspection project: reporting and tracking. Rachel is helping ensure that all of those

volunteer hours translate into meaningful, actionable information that will benefit the co-op for years

to come.

To all eleven of you: thank you for your time, your dedication, and your willingness to

contribute to our community. The work you've done this year has had a lasting impact,

and it is deeply appreciated.

Thank you all for helping make our coop stronger.

GOODBYE SWEET MAY TREE

Submitted by Cindy

It was a cooperative effort to deal with the May Tree that fell down last Friday June 5.

Kathleen posted a photo on our Facebook Group which was what brought it to my

attention. I ran over as soon as I saw, and lo and behold, Emma was already there

and so was Kathleen. We decided it would be a good idea to put tape around it, so I

ran home to get the hazard ribbon I’ve had since David B. gave some to me to close

off the playground during COVID.

By that time Leslie was around and so was David S. Leslie and Kathleen rescued the

books from the Little Free Library and Emma, David and I strung the hazard ribbon.

Sean was there on his cell talking to 311 and apparently Debbie and Mahlah from the

Ground Committee got involved too. Great job everyone. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Save the Date - Unit Inspections