This is the
VOICE OF SUNNYHILL
Submitted by Marion Gauzer
Urban Matters will be doing a presentation on recommended next steps in co-op planning and development at an important meeting:
Monday, December 16th, 2019 7:00pm – 9:00pm Calgary Curling Club 720 3 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N9
Please let Andrea know in advance if you need babysitting.
Submitted by Peter Clyne on behalf of the Education Committee
Recycle plastic food storage containers marked with recycling symbol 1-7:
In your blue cart
At a community recycling depot
Community recycling depot locations listed at this website: https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Plastic-tupperware-food-storage.aspx
For more recycling tips, and specific directions for almost every consumer good, check out the city's what goes where listing at: https://www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/What-goes-where/Default.aspx
-The Education Committee
Submitted by Eric Moschopedis
I had the excellent opportunity to attend the Opening Doors Conference on November 6. The Opening Doors Conference was organized by The Community Housing Affordability Collective and was held on National Housing Day. The conference brought “together all professions in the affordable housing sector as well as related stakeholders from across Alberta and beyond to discuss new and emerging trends and topics to further not only the success of individual organizations but the sector as a whole”.
The keynote address was given by Zain Velji. Some might recognize his name as a commentator on CBC or because of his role in Barak Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and Mayor Nenshi’s political campaigns. Zain spoke on the “Future of Advocacy and Influence”. More specifically he discussed ways of engaging with government(s) in our current political climate. His suggestion was to not be antagonistic towards government, but instead to work to help government understand issues in housing and to work towards solutions. A strategy he recommended was understanding how an organizations particular need connects to a broader theme or social need. For example, how does Sunnyhill’s unique (re)development, financing, and lease negotiations act as a case study for the challanges that other affordable housing or co-operatives are facing. Put another way, Zain said that advocacy should not be tied exclusively to an “ask,” but that an organization should be an advocate because they want to be an access point—a place governments can go to for further sector information. Zain’s approach was very social media heavy, going so far as to suggest that “local media is eroding”. Instead, he recommended organizations become “influencers” that can be “explainers of the news” by first looking at their staff and immediate membership and then asking them to move the branded message out and attract new supporters.
I attended two different breakout sessions during the morning. One on social innovation and a second about Indigenous Housing. The social innovation session was asking “what about social innovation and what does it offer the Affordable Housing sector?” The session was basically an overview of what social innovation is. It was led by James Stauch—a professor at Mount Royal University in the Institute for Community Prosperity. The session wasn’t that informative, but James did mention the work of Cheryl Rose and her idea that innovation is a continuum. I did some digging around when I got home and found this article that felt more informative. It is worth a quick read.
The discussion about Indigenous Housing spoke to “respecting tradition, rebuilding community & reframing research approaches”. It was led by Charla Huber from M’Akola Housing in BC and Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom from Mount Royal University. Indigenous Housing is a priority within the National Housing Strategy, so it was excellent to hear from experts working in the field. Both Charla and Gabrielle spoke about the importance of demonstrating authenticity when non-Indigenous folks seek relationships with Indigenous communities. As they explained, Indigenous communities have historically been in distrusting relationships with settler culture and that working with Indigenous communities for the purposes of organizational advancement is not appropriate. Instead, there needs to be a genuine and authentic purpose for a relationship. There needs to be transparency. They also suggested identifying the ingrained colonial practices that exist in a workplace—the same could be said for housing co-operatives. What operations at Sunnyhill are rooted in a colonialists framework and are these practices unintentionally keeping Indigenous folks away? How can we do better, they asked. An important part of Dr. Lindstrom’s presentation was talking about research around affordable housing and how power imbalances are replicated in different processes. She indicated that typical approaches were policy, data, and solutions driven. She then framed how research is conducted within an Indigenous paradigm: it is community driven, relationally oriented, and critical and emancipatory.
There was an afternoon Keynote address and it was given by the CEO of BC Housing, Shayne Ramsey. Shane spoke about “innovative advances being made in BC on the affordable housing front and how his organization is looking towards the future and sustainability of our sector”. He really emphasized that affordable housing needed to begin utilizing young people and/or emerging residents as a valuable resource for innovating how affordable and co-operative housing could be delivered. We have been discussing similar themes at the Planning and Development level and so it was excellent to have our assumptions verified. I also learned of the Housing Investment Corporation’s fund that provides “long-term, low-cost financing to housing non-profits and cooperatives to build more affordable housing and regenerate Canadian community housing portfolios”. Planning and Development will explore this funding further with Urban Matters.
Anyhow, if you further information, please be in touch.
Eric
Submitted by Sarah Reimer
A recent conversation (with a non-co-op member) reminded me of the importance of community living. On one hand, society tells us it is much easier (and better) to simply worry about our own concerns and to do our own thing, but at the same time, it became apparent that such an attitude creates division, isolation, resentment and erodes respect for others. I feel so fortunate to live counter-culturally in a co-op with neighbours who also want to engage with the harder work of community living with benefit for all… it’s not always pretty or easy, but here’s hoping that we all feel more connected to each other and that we experience the benefits of working together. That’s enough waxing philosophical, I think.
Here is a synopsis of the work undertaken at our meeting on November 13, 2019.
We fielded a request from the Education committee to present an environmental crisis workshop event.
We continue to update the policy handbook based on member feedback as presented at the GM and via email.
Further member feedback is welcomed until Dec 1, 2019.
Expect re-issue of the handbook before the January 2020 GM. We aim for a late December distribution to allow for a close reading of this working document.
We continue to be challenged by the gap between our written guidelines and the corporate memory of how things have “always been done”. We understand that the board mandate requires us to respect the decisions made by the collective membership as represented in policy and by-law motions that have been voted in, and to ensure that our current and evolving practices reflect those stated decisions. This change isn’t always easy, and we hope to apply and receive grace and understanding as we all do our best to live cooperatively and in community.
We are working on the development of a procedural template for committees to follow when undertaking projects that affect the community as a whole.
Reminder that the lane between 3 St and 4 St blocks is an emergency vehicle access and turning lane and therefore is not available for member parking. We will engage the city to see if appropriate signs can be posted.
Work is underway to develop operating budgets proposals for 2020 and we reviewed these documents.
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
Submitted by Chris Taylor
Submitted by Brenda Willman
Goats are not the first domesticated livestock to visit our bluff.
Once upon a time (very early 1990s) a small herd of llamas appeared next to our garage on Saturday morning, with side packs loaded with small evergreen trees.
These trees were planted beside the path and scattered along the bluff more or less between 5A Street and Centre Street. Some of them did not make it, but many of them are now stately evergreens, providing shelter from wind and snow and rain to animals and people alike.
I recently bumped into an old friend whose parents were highly involved in the preservation of the bluff during the 1980s and 1990s. In fact, my friend sent me a photo of “llama day” featuring his mom and dad, and a fellow from Alberta Forest Service who supervised the planting – along with 3 llamas wearing red packs – so I know this actually happened and wasn’t a dream. I haven’t got their permission to show their faces, so I’ve crossed out their eyes, but I do have permission to submit a brief announcement in the Sunnyhill Coop Newsletter, and so I am.
He also told me that a memorial bench, honouring his mom and dad (the Paulings), has been installed on the lower path near 5th Street. If you come across that bench be sure to give a silent thanks to those who came before us to save the bluff and all of its natural beauty.
Since then many more asphalt paths have been installed, a house has been demolished (and there is absolutely no trace of its having stood except for a rogue lilac bush growing just to the east of the path near our dumpster) and some paths have been widened or re-paved, but the area largely remains a natural space. We should do all we can to keep it that way. Momma and baby deer certainly appreciated (and might still) the venue this summer.
Submitted by Kiarra Spenst
Submitted by Sarah Reimer
‘Tis the season for duct and dryer vent cleaning! I recently had Fagnan's come for this purpose, and thought I'd share the pricing structure for members of the co-op. Because Fagnans's maintains our furnaces, they will charge co-op members only $10/ vent and $25 for the dryer vent cleaning. This is a significant savings, but they did say that the cleaning (and this pricing) makes the most sense very nearly after our furnace maintenance. They suggest that dryer vents be cleaned every 2 years to ensure peak performance and lowest fire-risk, but that duct/ heating vents can be on a 3-5 year rotation depending on personal preference. The best person to speak to is Fred Holgate at 403-272-0443.
Hope we can all breathe easier this winter!
Submitted by Rachel Rose on behalf of the Social Committee
Submitted by Belle Auld on behalf of the Education Committee
The next Education Committee meeting will take place on November 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Sarah Reimer on behalf of the Board
Happy Autumn. The weather is crisp and clear as we all begin to hunker down for a long winter’s hibernation. Hopefully, we’ll still have opportunities to connect through-out the cold months.
We continue to update the policy handbook based on member feedback as presented at the GM and via email.
Further member feedback is welcomed until Dec 1, 2019.
Expect re-issue of the handbook before the January 2020 GM.
We met with Grounds committee to begin a process of clarifying communication expectations and procedure regarding future projects, membership decisions and on-going project maintenance.
We signed the Curbside Contract and will be enjoying snow removal services for the rest of the winter.
We welcome Sarah Stephens onto the board.
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
Submitted by Chris Taylor on behalf of the Education Committee
Submitted by Jacky Durrie
Submitted by Pamela Boyd on behalf of Grounds
The fall rake-a-thon cleanup starts 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, and continues over the weekend
Bob will meet people at the tool shed to get things going
We can send out for pizza and/or beer if sufficient interest and participation
Tasks
Rake leaves and spread in mulch areas, especially under spruce trees
Sweep leaves, cones, dirt etc off walkways and driveways
Cut low-hanging branches over walkways
Reasons
Members told us they did not want leaf blowers used unnecessarily (noisy and polluting, but may be necessary for snow clearing)
It saves money by doing it ourselves—no contractors and disposal fees
Better environmentally and for tree health to mulch as much as possible
Chance to get people together and do something for the environment and the community
Submitted by Peter Clyne on behalf of the Education Committee
Wondering where to get rid of your old polystyrene foam (aka styrofoam)?
Even if it has a recyclable symbol on it, it goes into the trash!
Polystyrene foam is too lightweight for the recycling sorting machines, and is not compostable!
Please put the foam coffee cups, meat trays, shipping padding, etc. into the garbage, and put it into a bag if it might get blown away!
For more recycling tips, check out the city of Calgary's list What Goes Where
Submitted by Susan Russell on behalf of the Member Selection Committee
As of September 30th, SHC will bid a fond farewell to longtime member Chris Hibbert from #775 3rd Street. All the best to you Chris!
Member Selection would like to extend a warm welcome to new member Meagan Synnott and her two children who will be moving into the unit. Welcome Meagan and family!
Submitted by Belle Auld on behalf of the Education Committee
The next Education Committee meeting will be held on October 9.
Submitted by Jacky Durrie
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:
We have a shared vision of change: to create a world that is fit for generations to come.
We set our mission on what is necessary: we aim to mobilize 3.5% the population, the number necessary to achieve system change.
We need a regenerative culture, one that is healthy, resilient and adaptable.
We openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system, leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.
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.
We welcome everyone and every part of everyone. We work actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.
We actively mitigate for power, breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.
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.
We are a non-violent network and know that non-violent strategies and tactics are the most effective way to bring about change.
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!
Submitted by Pamela Boyd
From now on, please email all queries and comments to the grounds committee to shcgrounds@gmail.com
