Homeowners’ Association (NDHA) News
We hope that you and your family remain well. It has been a long haul since Covid started, but we believe there is finally light at the end of this long tunnel! With each day getting longer and warmer, venturing outside becomes more pleasant and we are incredibly grateful for the abundance of greenspaces and pathways right outside our door. It has been great to see so many residents taking advantage of these spaces over the past year; we really do think it has helped us all get through this just a bit better.
You will soon be seeing an increased presence of our contractor (ULS), on site doing their spring cleanup. Work on our green spaces, parks and medians will get underway as conditions permit and we will identify areas that need a bit of extra attention due to winterkill or overgrowth. Some of our plants will need to “leaf out” to see if remediation is required, but hopefully most of the foliage in the community has wintered well and will be in great shape for the growing season. The NDHA works hard to maintain all pathways and greenspaces in the community, but it is a big area and sometimes we might miss a spot. Do let us know if you see something in need of attention. *Please note that the NDHA is not responsible for landscape maintenance in the new “The Pointe at Discovery Ridge” development.
Drainage Swales – Spring rains are on their way! For those residents with a concrete drainage swale in your yard, please remember that it is you, the homeowner, who is responsible for ensuring the swale is kept clear of debris. This is a City of Calgary Bylaw (Drainage Bylaw 37M2005). Rain and runoff must be allowed to easily drain into the storm sewer system via the swale, so please have a look to ensure yours is clean and unobstructed. You do not want to be made responsible for flood damage caused by backup on your property!
General Clean-Up – It is surprising how much yard debris can be collected after a long winter! Many residents will soon be outside cleaning up their yards, getting ready for another patio season. Please ensure that what is collected is disposed of appropriately in your own bins and bags. Do not use the public trash bins scattered along the park & pathway system for this purpose; it is not what they are intended for. The neighborhood thanks you.
Telus Lawn Damage? Telus has installed their new fibre optic cable throughout the neighborhood. If you feel that the contractor has not repaired your property to the standard promised, we would like to remind you for best turf repair results, now is the time to call Telus to ask that they return to assess your complaint and make it right. Take photos to support your claim.
Street Sweeping – the city has scheduled sweeping in our community for June 10th, but this date is weather dependent. Please look for signs that will be posted to notify you of the actual date. Vehicles must be moved from the street during this operation, subject to fines or towing. Please remove your vehicle and trash bins so that the gravel and grime of winter can be swept away!
Voles and Mice – Thousands of voles and mice have been disturbed due to the ring road construction and have “moved” into our community. Warmer temperatures will get them active again. Voles dig, mice do not. If you see loonie-sized holes along your sidewalks, driveway or patios, you probably have voles living underneath. If you have what looks like small gopher holes in your lawn, you definitely have voles. To avoid a mouse infestation, eliminate debris piles from around your property. This includes spare landscaping material, planter pots, old eavestroughs, used tires and any other items that are piled up for the long term. Consult a pest control specialist for the best advice on how to manage these rodents.
Black/Blue/Green Carts – Unless you have space to put them in your garage, most of us must keep one or more of these bins outside. Now that the carts do not have to be dragged through the snow to get to the curb, please endeavor to place them at the side of your house rather than on the driveway. Everyone can agree that they are not pretty yard art, nor a landscaping feature. Let’s face it, they are kind of an eyesore. Tuck them away and show off your house instead! Your neighbors will thank you for making your carts less noticeable.
Trailers on Driveways – With yard projects and camping season upon us, please be reminded that parking a utility trailer or RV of any kind on or around your property is subject to City of Calgary Bylaws and Parking Authority rules. Detached trailers cannot be parked on city streets at any time. RV’s and attached trailers can be parked on the street immediately adjacent to your home for maximum of 36 hours. It is illegal to park your RV distant from your home. RV’s, boats, and trailers can be parked in a private front driveway for maximum 24 hours. Parked RV’s, boats and trailers cannot protrude over a sidewalk or roadway, obstruct access to a neighbor’s driveway or garage, or block the view of intersections, crosswalks, playgrounds, or signs. Complaints for infractions on private property can be made to 311. Complaints for infractions on public property (on the street) can be made to the Calgary Parking Authority.
We are always happy to hear from our NDHA members; please access our website at www.ndha.ca for NDHA News updates or to send an email. You can also call us at 403-237-9595.