 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is the New Discovery Homeowners' Association?
The NDHA is a community-run, non-profit organization responsible for maintaining green spaces in Discovery Ridge. The NDHA is managed by residents of Discovery Ridge who volunteer their time.
The NDHA maintains the two waterfalls, the extensive parkland within Discovery Ridge, and the trees, grass, and flowerbeds in the road medians. Griffith Woods, its pathways, and the adjacent parking lot are maintained by the City of Calgary.
The NDHA is separate from the Discovery Ridge Community Association. The Community Association is also a volunteer group of community members with many responsibilities including: the planning of sports facilities, the community newsletter, and various social events. The two associations work together to ensure that community concerns are managed efficiently and effectively.
2) What is the annual fee?
Currently the annual fee is $300 per year.
3) What period does the annual fee cover?
The annual fee is from January 1st to December 31st and is due June 29th of each year.
4) When was the fee raised from $150 to $300?
The annual fee was raised during the June 2006 Special Meeting in compliance with the bylaws of the NDHA.
The NDHA was established by the developer, United Communities, which maintained the green spaces prior to June, 2006. At that time, the NDHA was turned over to the residents of Discovery Ridge. A volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NDHA.
6) Who is on the Board of Directors?
The members of the Board of Directors are residents who volunteer their time. They are:
- Gloria Boguslaw, President
- Judy Collins, Past President
- Michael Mercier, Vice-President
- Ron Parisien, Treasurer
- Bob Morrison, Secretary
- Marv Beer
- Ali Asghari
7) How does the NDHA pay for maintenance of the green spaces in Discovery Ridge?
The owners of homes in Discovery Ridge are required to pay an annual fee, called an "annual rent charge" as per the terms of the encumbrance on their property. This fee is used to keep the green spaces within Discovery Ridge healthy and attractive.
Currently, the annual fee is $300 per residence. The $300 annual fee was approved at the June, 2006 Special meeting.
The fee is secured by an encumbrance registered on the homeowner's property at the time the development was created. The NDHA will take the necessary legal actions to collect unpaid fees.
8) What is being done to collect unpaid fees?
The NDHA has established a strict policy for collecting unpaid fees. Homeowners who have not paid their fees are sent a statement listing the amounts owing, including interest and administrative charges. The interest rate charged on outstanding balances is 18% per annum. If payment for outstanding fees is not received, the account will be turned over to the NDHA's lawyer for collection.
Any and all legal costs incurred by the NDHA to recover the outstanding balances become the responsibility of the homeowner. Failure to pay outstanding balances and legal costs may ultimately lead to foreclosure proceedings being commenced in respect of the homeowner's property.
Only a small minority of homeowners have accounts that are in arrears. Updates on the progress in collecting unpaid fees will be reported in the news section of the website and in the Ridge Review.
9) Is the annual fee the same for all residences?
Yes, the annual fee is the same for each residence. This reflects the fact that the common green space areas within Discovery Ridge can be enjoyed by all.
10) How is the NDHA's budget established?
The NDHA Finance Committee develops the budget for approval by the Board of Directors. The budget includes money for items such as landscape maintenance, tree replacement, garbage collection along the pathways, electricity, water supply, insurance, and administrative fees.
Landscaping costs are the largest item in the budget. Because of this, a detailed tendering process for landscape maintenance is used. Organizations interested in landscaping work are contacted and those with the necessary expertise and resources are asked to submit bids. The current landscaping contract is with ULS Maintenance and Landscaping.
11) Does the NDHA receive money from the City of Calgary?
Along with other community groups that have taken on responsibility for green space maintenance, the NDHA receives a rebate from the City of Calgary. The rebate is around $20,000 per year and is based on the amount of green space the City would have provided had it developed the community and the City's basic level of landscape maintenance.
12) Who determines the landscaping needs in Discovery Ridge?
The landscaping needs are identified by the NDHA's Landscaping Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The objective is to maintain and, where feasible, improve the high quality opportunities for recreation and leisure that our green spaces have provided in the past.
Putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer effort, the members of the Landscaping Committee were instrumental in the smooth transition to a community-run organization during 2006 and managed the successful tendering process for the landscape maintenance contract in 2007. They have also identified deficiencies in the areas that the NDHA looks after, met with City officials on what the NDHA responsibilities are, and dealt with a variety of other issues.
The Landscaping Committee wants to hear from members of the community. Your comments and ideas are always appreciated. Contact the Landscaping Committee at:landscaping@ndha.ca
13) Who is responsible for maintaining Griffith Woods?
The City of Calgary is responsible for maintaining all aspects of Griffith Woods.
14) How often does the NDHA Board meet? Can I attend these meetings?
The NDHA Board and its committees meet regularly, typically on a monthly basis.
The meetings are open to NDHA members. However, participation in portions of a meeting may be limited when matters of a confidential nature are discussed. If you are interested in attending a meeting, contact us at general@ndha.ca.
15) DOES THE NDHA HAVE AN annual general meeting?
The annual general meeting of the NDHA is a requirement. Notice of the annual general meeting is mailed to each residence.
16) How can I help the NDHA?
As an organization run by volunteers, the NDHA depends on Discovery Ridge homeowners to provide the time, expertise, and suggestions that keep our green spaces healthy and attractive. Your help is needed. If you would like to volunteer or have comments or questions, call, e-mail, or write to us:
Phone:
(403) 237-9595
E-mail:
Finance Committee: accounts@ndha.ca
Landscape Committee: landscaping@ndha.ca
Mail:
New Discovery Homeowners' Association
Box #2478, 246 Stewart Green SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3H 3C8
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