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Get to know Robert Perry

Submitted by Don McCabe

Last year, the Comminucations Committee published an interview with board members with the intention of introducing them to the Co-op members. We would like to continue with the idea of publishing Board and Member profiles, but in a slightly different way. 

10 Questions for Robert Perry

How long have you lived at SunnyHill?  Over ten years this time. I lived here in the 90s for a three years as well.  And a coop in Montreal.

What do you like best about living here? Getting to know neighbours. I like the south facing balcony… 

What do you like best (and least ?) about being on the Board? Best about being on the board.  Best interest of the coop.  Keeping that target in mind and in action.  Least, the writing of policy is soul destroying.  Fortunately we on the board are merely reviewing and commenting on the real work done at committee level.

Have you / do you work/career outside the home? If so, in what, and for how long? I am working for a charity at a senior director level.  Setting strategy, budgeting, reporting, etc.  Been here for over 10 years.

What are you reading and watching these days? I have about 5 books on the go.  From gardening, philosophy, travel.   And I read twitter.  I think the 100 character limit on twitter is destroying my ability to sit a read for an extended period of time.  Watching shows on the Netflix.  Its great, have not watched tv for years now.  And only to pull on some sports games.  This usually during the final.  i.e. game 7 of the world series. 

Where did you go to elementary school? Brentwood Elementary school in Calgary.

What was your favourite subject in high school? High School was an endless series of awfulness.  My favorite high school moment was leaving and realizing that I never had to go again.  Favorite was social studies.

What was the scariest thing you’ve ever done? That kept me awake and on edge, sleeping next to a stream entering a river.  The banks were shifting all night long making super loud noises, that really freaked me out as there was a grizzly bear feeding on a moose about 1km upriver.   Each splash sent my heart a flutter.

What is your favourite out-of-city destination/activity, and why? The national parks. Close, easy and always beautiful

What is your favourite in-city destination/activity, and why? Walking through Prince’s Island Park, or boating on the bow.  Close, easy and always beautiful

Biological Diversity in the Co-op

Submitted by Robert Bott

Biological Diversity in the Co-op

7 p.m. Friday, June 1 (meet by the office)

Walk-around followed by discussion with Katrina Jansen, biologist at Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation

Katrina runs the Education and Volunteer programs at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation. She has received a BSc. in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta, along with a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Toronto. Katrina has been involved with conservation in a wide variety of ways over the past 9 years, including working as an environmental educator and as an endangered species biologist.  At AIWC, Katrina focuses on increasing public knowledge and interest in a wide variety of Alberta wildlife, including bats, owls, and her personal favourite, skunks! She hopes that better understanding of these and other animals will lead people to better protect their local wildlife species. https://www.aiwc.ca/  

The Grounds Committee invited her to help us answer questions raised recently about wildlife in the co-op – specifically the erection of two merlin-kestrel boxes (which have so far not been occupied).

A walk-around will be followed by a discussion in the common area (or office if it rains). Short introductory remarks, then Q and A. Here is s a preliminary listof questions:

·         Are the boxes properly located?

·         How would it affect our other bird populations if the boxes are occupied by merlins or kestrels?

·         What attracts magpies to 837-839 (and possibly other areas), and what can be done to discourage them?

·         Based on our location in the valley beside the bluff, what species would be most beneficial ecologically? How can they be attracted?

·         What species have negative effects? How can they be discouraged?

·         Any comments on the bat and bee boxes we’ve been putting up?

·         Any comments on cats?

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

Bee Box.jpg

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.

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!)

Garage Sale.png

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

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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

Telus sign up flyer-1.jpg

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.

Flood fund money-1.jpg

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/

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