Presidents Message

By Maxine Morrison

Over the years we have had many civic issues and development projects presented to the HCA Board for approval, comments and improvement suggestions.  Although these issues affect all Haysboro residents the Haysboro Community Association Board, as per the Bylaws, is responsible to HCA members and not the community at large.  We are a volunteer run organization with only one employee and limited resources. 

It is not in our mandate to approve or disapprove of what the city does, but rather educate the community, receive feedback, and encourage the city to take into account the views and needs of Haysboro Community Association Members.  As concerned volunteers living in Haysboro our questions are the same as yours and we are asking them!  

When calling for volunteers within the community and/members we can barely get enough volunteers to do our own membership drive, program, services and events, let alone canvassing for civic issues.   Right now the resources are just not there.  Typically for civic issues and development projects there is a quick deadline that just does not allow for the time it takes to recruit volunteers.  

We are aspiring to get membership up to a level that we can email timely surveys to our members and have confidence that we represent the community as a whole.  Right now we range from 450–550 members on average from year to year in a community of over 3500 households.  We need 1750 members to represent 50% of our community.  The average voting for Civic elections typically gets only 25% of the population.  We are currently at 17% for members within our community.  This can change only with you: so get your membership, share your emails, and let us keep you informed and engaged faster and more often. 

We realize that not all members have emails, so how can we reach them better.  That is again where you can help - sign up on our volunteer sign up form to be available to canvas through out the year.  Having a prepared and ready volunteer contact list of hundreds will help us react quickly to getting our Haysboro residents informed and doing surveys that will help us lead the City of Calgary representatives better.

Until membership and volunteerism greatly improve, we are doing the best we can with the resources available to us.  This starts with you, so get a membership and renew yearly, share your email, sign-up to volunteer and ask your neighbours and friends to do the same!

HOT Topic:

There have been numerous materials being delivered to your doors that are simply untrue.  So I want to shed some light on the issue.

Recap on what HCA Board has been doing since 2010 to currently, in regards to the SW Bus Rapid Transit project:

• Projected transit project proposed in 2009, Brian Pincott and the YYC team informed us of this possible project.  At this stage it was just an idea, he advised us that once they get some initial surveys and assessments done on the need, they will then need to apply for funding.
• 2010 the idea got approval to do the initial needs assessment.  Brian Pincott and the YYC team kept us informed along the way.  This was a 20 year old project that the city was trying to bring back to life after the success of other BRTs throughout the city. The SW was a forgotten about quadrant with transit improvements.
• Until the project and budget is approved, there are no funds to create detailed design concepts and planning schedules.     
• he project got quiet for a couple of years, since there was nothing we or the city could do until a budget was approved.   Since Brian Pincott and/or one of his team always attends our Board meeting we did ask on a regular basis where the project was at and if there were any updates. 
• 2015 Budget approved for $40 million.  As soon as the budget was approved Brian Pincott and the YYC team informed the Board and asked for comments and suggestions on design.  With 4+ meetings, over a 2 month  period, they kept us in formed of design changes and updates.  We shared our concerns as a Board, which are:
• • Safety for pedestrians, with only one existing bridge in the design.  We collaborated with the YYC team and Brian for how can we add 2 bridges to the design within the budget.  Each bridge costs 6-8 million each, in a recession this is a major challenge.
  • We advocated for a sound wall for all of Haysboro, as high as on the west side sound wall of 14^th street.
• 2016 Brian Pincott and his team continue to collaborate and work with our HCA Board to find the best possible solutions working within the city transit outlook and transit needs for all YYC citizens.

The SW Bus Rapid Transit  is a transit development project that affects not only HCA, but the residents of all communities along the proposed route.  The most effective way to have your voice heard regarding this project is to contact your Councillor, Brian Pincott, and to participate in the City of Calgary's online forum. 

We as a board are, and will, continue to work collaboratively with Brian Pincott and the YYC team to ensure successful and proactive development projects that move YYC into the next half-century.  The one constant is change, so instead of fighting it, work with it and lead it towards best results possible.  

War On Debt Classes

Learn how to pay off all of your debt in 5–7 years without making more money. 

 Debt is like quicksand, the faster you struggle the faster you sink, but once you grab a hold of the principles in Dani Johnson’s War On Debt course, you’ll never get sucked into the cycle of debt and overspending again. 

 The easy steps and rock solid strategies in this program have helped tens of thousands of people to pay off millions in debt. 

 Come learn step by step instructions to bring your account balances to zero.   Learn the difference between wise and foolish spending and so much more...

 Tuesdays at 7:00pm at the Haysboro Community Center. 

 Classes are completely FREE to members of the community association.  Anyone can become a member and use the community center facilities.  Memberships cost $15/singles, $30/families.  Membership can be purchased at the War on Debt Class. 

For more information or to register please send email to karla@mayfieldrenovations.com

 Looking forward to seeing you grow and get that heavy burden off of your back!