On Monday January 29, 2018 the City of Calgary Water Resources – Infrastructure Delivery Team will meet with the HSCA Emergency Preparedness And Response Committee - Infrastructure Group to review the progress of approved and funded flood mitigation projects in Hillhurst-Sunnyside. This meeting will be open to all residents of Hillhurst Sunnyside.
Specifically, the City Representatives will discuss the following projects.
(1) Sunnyside Sanitary Lift Station
(2) Sunnyside Storm Water Pump Station #2
(3) Sunnyside Storm Water Pump Station #1
(4) Upper Plateau Separation Project
(5) Bow River Gravel Bar Micro-Braiding (Centre Street and Louise Bridge gravel bars in particular)
The meeting will be held in the Hearth Room of the Hillhurst – Sunnyside Community Association on Monday January 29, 2018. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 PM and should be over by 8:30 PM.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the progress of approved and funded flood mitigation infrastructure in Hillhurst – Sunnyside. The City representatives invited are responsible for constructing the projects listed above. They are not responsible for designing and approving new projects. Therefore, this meeting is not to advocate for projects not yet approved or funded.
In particular this meeting will not address the height of the riverside berm in Sunnyside. It is anticipated that the City will in the near future host an engagement session focused on this important topic, and we encourage all residents to attend that session. Details tbd.
Additional information will be provided through the HSCA “Flood” mailing list. If you would like to sign up or manage your list subscription please do so here.
January Community & Planning Development Update
The Hillhurst Sunnyside Planning Committee (HSPC) is made up of community residents and works to respond to planning and development applications in the community. HSPC aims to support the Hillhurst Sunnyside Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) and to provide information and engage neighbours throughout the planning process. Visit https://hsca-community-planning.mn.co/ for the latest community planning news.
HSPC meets every second Tuesday at the community centre. Due to timing, please note that our January 9, 2018 meeting has been cancelled. Please join us at our next meeting on Tuesday February 13 from 7-9pm. We are expecting an update from Anthem Properties on the redevelopment of the former CBC/Radio Canada site at 1724 Westmount Boulevard NW. All residents are welcome whether you are a new or existing resident, rent or own your home. Come learn about what’s happening in the community and meet your neighbours! You can find a copy of the agenda and past minutes at www.hsca.ca/meetings.
Royal Bank Site Redevelopment | 413 10th St NW
Graywood Developments has submitted a Land Use Amendment (rezoning) application for the RBC site. This site was allocated the greatest height in the ARP Transit Oriented Development policy (32 metres or 9-10 storeys) and a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 5.0. There is specific policy in the ARP for urban mixed-use development (including ground floor retail and residential). The residential portion could add approximately 100-120 units to the community. The developer will still need to rezone the site to the ARP height/FAR and are seeking a MU-2 (Mixed Use - Active Frontage) zoning designation.
This application will go through the City planning process; residents are invited to submit comments on the rezoning application to the City File Manager at steve.jones2@calgary.ca (please quote LOC2017-0393). This is a Concurrent Application; the Development Permit (plans for the building and site) will be expected in the coming months. Public engagement is also expected in early 2018.
As this is a gateway location, we would strongly expect to see a design that complements and enhances the human scale of the neighbourhood, the public realm around the building and pedestrian experience. Based on preliminary discussions, HSPC believes that the biggest obstacle will be traffic; it is not possible to turn left from Gladstone Road (already a difficult through-road) onto 10th Street and traffic will go through the residential part of the community.
As for coordination with Stonebriar on the neighbouring LifeSport redevelopment project to the north, based on our information, the sale of the building has fallen through and there is no proposal at this time.
Former CBC/Radio-Canada Site | 1724 Westmount Blvd NW
Anthem Properties (also the developer for the condo project at 1134-1160 Memorial Drive NW) is currently in the process of an internal review of the redevelopment. Anthem’s representatives informed us that they have met with the immediate neighbours across the alley from the site to discuss their project. Please join us at the February 13th HSPC meeting at 7pm to hear updates on this project.
Read residents’ aspirations for the site at http://bit.ly/HSCA_CBC_Engagement.
Russell Red “Glo” Project | 916-926 2nd Avenue NW
At the time of writing, amended DP plans responding to the City Detailed Team Review and community input has been received and will have gone through a second-round review from the City. The DP will go forward to Calgary Planning Commission for their final decision.
The development will still need to go through City Council to approve the zoning and to ensure that the amended plans comply with Council’s direction for a building that fits better with the established neighbourhood. While some positive changes were made, and the land use district fits the ARP maximums, it is still a large 5-storey building surrounding by historic houses and multi-family homes.
Read more on the developer’s website at www.2avenw.ca.
Sunnyside Grocery Redevelopment | 802 2nd Avenue NW
Sunnyside Sustainable Living has submitted a rezoning application to allow for a 6-unit townhouse style project; the City will review community comments and will deliver their recommendation to Calgary Planning Commission and City Council in the near future. A DP is expected soon. Visit www.sunnysideliving.ca to see the concept and read more about the proposal.
Truman Condo Project | 922, 926, 928 Memorial Drive
The City approval of the Development Permit for this project was recently appealed by neighbours and supported by the HSCA. While it is an attractive building, the HSPC had several concerns with the approved land use height/FAR so far above the ARP policy and the fact that community input did not influence the final building height.
Due to jurisdiction, the Appeal Board could not hear about the rezoning, ARP amendment and engagement and only that the DP follows the direction of the Direct Control bylaws that were approved by Council in Sept 2017. The DP was partially denied with some compromises:
· Removing the trees from the west side of the site and replacing at the developer’s expense.
· Remove glazing from west side of the main floor to prevent light pollution
· Future consultations with 934 Memorial re: transition at property line
· Removal of light over garage door.
· Addition of access gates on the roof top amenity space to ease privacy concerns to adjacent homes.
Thank you to those involved with this project and for your time writing letters. You can read the decision document at https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/absdab/ and search “SDAB2017-0091”. See www.engagememorial.com to view the developer’s website.
Bow to Bluff Update
Bow to Bluff is a citizen-initiated project to improve the triangular parks and linear space next to the LRT line, improve safety, connections, and create a great public gathering spaces between the Bow River and McHugh Bluff. Click to see the December 2017 B2B Public Realm Plan - Design Update and keep updated at http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/Bow-to-Bluff-Urban-Design-Framework.aspx. Funding is available to implement a part of the project this year.
January 29, 2018 Flood Information Session
The City of Calgary is hosting an event to provide information on flood mitigation projects underway: three pump stations (one under construction, one at DP stage and the last one in design stage) and on the Upper Plateau Separation project.
Please join us on Monday January 29, 2018 from 7-9pm at the HSCA to learn more about the various flood mitigation projects, ask questions, or get involved and volunteer for the HSCA Emergency Planning & Response Committee.
Vendome Socials Planning Session
The Vitalization Committee would like to invite all interested residents to come and help plan monthly neighbour socials for the community. Come out to Vendome Café to be a part of the fun on Thursday January 11 from 6:30pm to 8pm.
What's Happening in the Neighbourhood?
What’s happening in the neighbourhood?
The Hillhurst Sunnyside Planning Committee (HSPC) meeting has a full agenda for our Tuesday December 12, 2017 meeting. All residents are welcome! We will hear from guest presenters on a few major projects:
Daniel E. from the City of Calgary on Bow to Bluff updates (7:00pm to 7:30pm)
Jason A. from Urban Renewal Group on a rezoning proposal to change the zoning from R-C2 to R-CG to allow for a 4-unit rowhousing building at 826 16 Street NW (7:40pm to 8:00pm)
Brian H. from O2 Planning + Design representing Graywood Developments on a proposed rezoning application for the RBC site on 10th Street. This is a discussion on the Land Use Amendment (rezoning) only and they will not have building designs ready at this stage. (8:00pm to 8:30pm)
Please help us spread the word to your neighbours and stop by if you would like to learn more about any of these projects (you don't need to stay for the entire 2 hour meeting). Please also send me an email so we know how many chairs/tables to set up for the Dec 12 meeting, or if you would like to get involved at lisa.c@hsca.ca.
Sunnyside Village Redevelopment Proposal
Sunnyside Sustainable Living is hosting an open house for their redevelopment proposal at 802 2nd Avenue NW (the former Sunnyside Grocery store at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 7th Street). Please bookmark www.sunnysideliving.ca to learn more information as it becomes available. Details below:
Wednesday December 6, 2017
5:00pm to 8:00 pm
Vendome Cafe, 940 2 Avenue NW
containR at 1020 2nd Avenue NW
Springboard Performance has applied for a renewal of the Development Permit to be able to run community events at containR. Please provide any comments to the City planner by Monday December 11, 2017. Click here for details.
Feedback should be sent to: shane.gagnon@calgary.ca.
Please send a copy of your email and any ideas for programming to HSCA Vitalization Committee at hscavitalization@gmail.com and to HSCA Community Planning at lisa.c@hsca.ca.
Images: Google Earth / Lisa Chong
City of Calgary Citizen Engagement on Cannabis Legalization
The City of Calgary is seeking input on the following:
Rules/regulations required for businesses operating within the municipality
Rules/regulations relating to public consumption
Enforcement of municipal, provincial and federal regulation of legalized recreational cannabis
Go to https://engage.calgary.ca/cannabis to give your feedback. The survey is open from November 20 until December 10.
Water for Riley
W4R would like to update neighbours on their progress! Go to http://www.waterforriley.org/blog/ to read about W4R volunteers’ activities.
Heritage Update
As of last month, City Council has approved three heritage buildings as Municipal Heritage Resources (these buildings are now legally protected).
(1) Glenwood Manor on Memorial Drive. All condominium owners voted to designate the building.
(2) Arnell Block (currently Starbucks) and (3) Smith-Cozzubbo Residence (currently Kensington Pub) were also designated as protected municipal heritage buildings. This was a part of a development agreement with the owner of the properties (Dobbin Group) to increase the density of the redevelopment at 1150 Memorial Drive NW (now owned and being developed by Anthem Properties)
Read about these heritage resources and more at https://maps.calgary.ca/DiscoverHistoricCalgary/.
Sunnyside Storm Lift Stations #1 & #2
A new pump station will be constructed east of the Curling Centre near the CPA parking lot (location to be determined) and the existing station at 605 1 Ave (corner of 5A St and 1 Ave) will be upgraded.
Public input on the design of the two buildings closed on November 12. The City of Calgary’s engagement report, of “What We Heard” report has now been released. Read it online at https://www.calgary.ca/engage/Documents/SunnysideStormLiftStations/SunnysideStormLiftStations_WWHR.pdf. Thank you to those who provided feedback and thank you to the HSCA Emergency Planning and Response Committee (EPARC) for all their hard work and advocacy for the community.
The City has submitted a Development Permit (DP2017-5314) or building plans for the upgraded lift station at 605 1 Ave NW for community review and comments. The DP will be reviewed at the next HSCA EPARC meeting on December 4 from 7-9pm at the HSCA.
Community Safety
The HSCA Vitalization Committee was pleased to host a community safety meeting on November 30 with Constable Glenn Pederson from District 3. We heard from residents about challenges in the community and a general increase in activity in communities across the river (in part attributed to the displacement of the homeless population from redevelopment at the East Village). We are still working on the minutes of the meeting to update those who were not able to attend.
Please continue to contact 311 for concerns, or call the police if you witness any issues. Please find more information on “who to call and when” at https://hsca-community-planning.mn.co/posts/1373354. Calls are logged and helps determine budget allocation (such as for police) at City Hall.
Contact hscavitalization@gmail.com and cc: lisa.c@hsca.ca if you would like to get involved with any community safety initiatives.
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market is your one stop shop for holiday cheer this December.
Connect with your community, and support local at the HSCA Farmers' Market 'Holiday Market Series'.
Our Farmers' Market family is happy to host an extended version of our weekly market to bring you the best in holiday cheer this season; for the first three Wednesdays in December, from 3-7pm, find us inside at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association. In addition to your favourite weekly vendors, we will be hosting local artists and crafters to make your holiday shopping unique and convenient. There will also be live music, a community craft, cookie decorating and Storytime for kids, a photobooth, recipe exchange and more! This event is open to everyone and is accessible to all abilities.
Bring the kids down each week at 4:30pm for stories by the fire with Calgary Reads, and stick around to decorate a cookie. Local talent will be performing on The Sweet Beet Stage throughout the series, with a special holiday performance happening December 20th at 5pm. Tell us why you love your community with our communal garland craft, and take a picture at our photo booth for a chance to win 20$ in HSCA Farmers' Market Gift Certificates. Or get inspired with our recipe exchange, where you can discover how your community cooks, and share your own favourite holiday recipes.
Our vendors will have everything you need to make sure your holiday feast is fresh and delicious – from soups to stuffing, turkey to treats and beyond. Or help someone in need have their own feast, and donate to our Fresh Food Drive during the first two weeks of our Holiday Market Series (December 6th and 13th). We will be collecting fresh food products, or Farmers' Market Gift Certificates to be distributed through our ‘Fresh Food Basket’ Program - a weekly drop-in food access program for anyone having difficulty accessing the food that they need for a healthy life.
Whether you're searching for an exceptional gift, seeking out a unique ingredient for that new recipe, or just looking to warm up and have some holiday fun, you will find it at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market 'Holiday Market Series'!
HSCA Has Hired a New Executive Director
Monday October 2, 2017
Message from Tyler Chalmers, President, Board of Directors for Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association:
The HSCA Board of Directors is proud to announce that, after a thorough process, Karen Gallagher-Burt will take over the executive director position. Karen comes to us from the Calgary United Way. With over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Karen holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializes in Community Engagement.
Karen will head the executive department and will be responsible to liaise with our board of directors and various sub committees. She’ll serve as the main public contact and spokesperson for the organization, and will represent the company and all professional business capacities. Karen will also oversee the HSCA administration department managers.
Karen describes herself as a "Social Worker, Social Justice Activist, Political Geek, Voter, Life Partner, Husky Lover, Mum, Canadian, Social Media and Gaming nut, and Nerd". Karen says she is excited for the opportunity to work in a strong and diverse community. We believe that her pasttion and expertise will complement the HSCA team nicely. We also believe that under Karen's leadership the organization will continue to deliver on its mission to preserve and enhance a healthy and vibrant quality of life for the residents of Hillhurst-Sunnyside, as well as members and program participants throughout Calgary.
Anticipate seeing Karen around the office in the next couple of weeks. Her first official day is October 17th. Please join the HSCA board of directors in welcoming Karen to our dynamic organization.
Sincerely,
Tyler Chalmers President, Board or Directors Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association
Message from Tyler Chalmers, President, Board of Directors for Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association:
(This message was orginally posted July 12, 2017)
Message from Tyler Chalmers, President, Board of Directors for Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association:
It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that I announce Quentin Sinclair’s departure as Executive Director of Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association. Effective August 4, 2017, Quentin will leave to take a senior management position with the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
Over the past six years, Quentin has played a pivotal role in numerous new initiatives to improve the lives of Hillhurst Sunnyside residents and those in surrounding Calgary neighbourhoods. His inspiring leadership and dedication to community has not only left a lasting impression on the HSCA staff and Board, but a permanent legacy at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association. I wish to thank him for the years of dedicated service to growing and supporting our mission.
While Quentin’s departure is difficult, I am certain that Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association is in capable hands and will continue to support the HSCA mission of providing a healthy and vibrant quality of life for the residents of Hillhurst Sunnyside. We have a solid, supportive foundation of exceptional team members and are well prepared to maintain program operations for the months and years ahead.
Over the coming weeks, our Board of Directors will focus on this transition and supporting recruitment efforts.
Again, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Quentin for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm and motivation he has provided our organization over the past six years. He will be missed by staff, the Board, volunteers and supporters alike. With Quentin’s assistance HSCA has strengthened its position as a leader in the field of community engagement, childcare and sustainability and our path to continued success over the next few months and years ahead is clear.
Sincerely,
Tyler Chalmers President, Board of Directors Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association