Once you decide to move to GlenEagles, take a few minutes to answer the membership questions and join he GlenEagles Block Watch Community Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GlenEagles.BlockWatch.Page
This is a private Facebook site for GlenEagles’ residents only. Currently there are over 600 members who use the page to share information and photos, as well as to post as daily events unfold.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and Best Wishes in 2024 from the GECA Board of Directors!
We are excited to announce the “Go Live” of our new Community Website.
The website has been designed to provide GlenEagles homeowners, prospective buyers, and lawyers with easy access to important information on the device of your choice (phone, iPad, tablet, laptop, computer). It includes:
There is also a community calendar where we can share important dates such as the GECA AGM, community garage sales, the Town of Cochrane emergency services parade, Good Neighbour Week, and any other events that are of interest to the community. Let us know if you have an important event and we will look at adding it to the calendar. Send us an email at [email protected] with information about the event or go to the Contact Tab of the website and complete the online form.
The pictures are courtesy of our community members and our star contributor Gary Kooistra. Special thanks to our local web design partner, Kris Nielson Design.
Going forward, the GECA Board of Directors will use this site to communicate with GlenEagles residents. We would ask that you check for updates on a regular basis by signing onto the website’s home page and scrolling down to the News and Upcoming Events section.
Please take a few minutes to review and provide your feedback to [email protected]. We will consider updating the website based on your recommendations.
We are shutting down the GlenEagles Facebook Page
Our Facebook page was started as a potential alternative to developing a new website. Now that the website is live, we have decided to close the GlenEagles Community Facebook Page.
Fortunately, for those of you who use Facebook, the GlenEagles Cochrane Block Watch Community Page has over 600 members and provides the opportunity for residents to post updates as daily events unfold. This is a private Facebook page for residents only. We encourage anyone who is not yet a member to answer the membership questions and join the GlenEagles Cochrane Block Watch Community Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GlenEagles.BlockWatch.Page
Going forward the GlenEagles website (https://geca.ca) will be the main reference for the GlenEagles Community Association.
Re-starting the water loss reduction program
The Town of Cochrane (the ToC) is restarting their water loss reduction program in Gleneagles over the next few weeks. This involves using water listening devices to detect and repair underground water leaks. Some of the testing will take place in the evenings when reduced traffic noise should increase the reliability and precision of the testing.
What happens if leaks are found?
In discussions with ToC representatives, ToC will pay to fix leaks found in any of the town owned infrastructure. In Gleneagles East and West, residents will be required to pay to fix leaks that run from the curb stop valve at their property line to the water meter entering their house. For condominium owners, responsibility for repairs may vary. Please reach out to your condo Board for detailed information/questions.
Will my house insurance cover repair costs if leaks are found?
Insurance coverage varies depending on the provider. You may want to check your policy or contact your insurance company to see if you are covered. If not, you may be able to add this coverage to your existing policy. Alternatively, there are a few companies that offer stand alone water service line plans.
Murphy Brother’s Park
The ToC will remove dead or overgrown trees and shrubs throughout the park starting the week of July 10th. In some cases, the existing shrub and tree beds will be reshaped to make mowing easier and to reduce the need for whipper snipping. After the removal is complete, the GlenEagles Landscaping Committee will meet with the ToC to determine if/where trees and shrubs will need to be replaced.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
For those of you who missed the AGM, Glenbow Ranch’s Director, Michelle Delorme, shared information on a number of projects that are of interest to residents in GlenEagles. These include the opening of Haskayne Park in 2023 and exploring the possibility of building a pedestrian bridge to connect Glenbow Ranch to Cochrane. While it is anticipated that these projects will significantly increase the number of park visitors, we were assured that the increased traffic will not impact GlenEagles. Also, our residents will continue to have access to the park via the little-known entrance in GlenEagles East.
Of concern, Glenbow Ranch is one of three possible locations for the Bow River Reservoir. If selected, a significant part of the Ranch would be flooded. Check out the following website for updates: https://www.alberta.ca/bow-river-reservoir-options Over the next few months, there may be opportunities to sign a petition or attend public engagement meetings if you are interested.
Over the past year, Glenbow Ranch has introduced a number of new programs. There are also opportunities to volunteer and of course donations are welcomed. You can check these out on the Glenbow Ranch website: https://grpf.ca
Landscaping upgrades coming soon
Now that the flowers have been planted at the entrances from Highway 1A and the boulevard entrances at The Landing and GlenEagles East and West, we can now focus on some upgrades starting with our boulevards.
Next week, after years of looking at mulch covered ground where trees and shrubs used to be on our boulevard entrances, the GECA Landscaping Committee has arranged to have environmentally friendly trees and shrubs planted in these areas.
We are also working jointly with the ToC to re-shape, re-edge and mulch the shrub and tree beds in Wearmouth Park.
Contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments at: [email protected]
GLENEAGLES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 2022 AGM will be held on MAY 31, 2023
at the Links of Gleneagles starting at 7:00 P.M.
It’s your chance to hear about our exciting new landscaping projects, get Town of Cochrane updates that affect our community, and most importantly, ask questions and provide feedback to the Board. Appetizers and cash bar to follow.
Join us for a community planting day – snacks, cold drinks, and pizza available
This summer Gleneagles will convert some of our green spaces to more environmentally friendly plants, shrubs, and trees. Check the attached landscaping map to see locations.
Gleneagles View Park (Area #4) June 3, 2023
Gleneagles Landing Green Space (Area #11) June 10, 2023
(between the trail to the East and The Landing Boulevard)
Rain day June 17, 2023
In addition, TJK will re-shape and mulch tree beds in Wearmouth Park
Town of Cochrane (ToC) grass-cutting
We have been working closely with the new Parks Manager, Trish Klune to address the numerous complaints we have received in the past few years and are hopeful that we will see some improvements this summer.
If, however, you still have concerns, please DO NOT vent your anger on the parks staff. Rather contact us first at [email protected] and we will follow-up with the Town.
ToC’s water loss reduction program
ToC’s goal is to reduce water loss from approximately 18% to the best practice of 10%. They started by doing some preliminary work last year in GlenEagles. This year the ToC teams will focus on detecting and repairing water leaks found on ToC owned infrastructure both here and in other communities throughout Cochrane, prior to actively checking for leaks on residential properties.
The Board is in contact with the ToC and will receive regular updates. As well, Shane Hubl, Director of Operation Services, will be presenting at our AGM. Please forward any questions and/or concerns to [email protected]
Donate some plants
Is your garden over-crowded? We are looking for perennials, shrubs, and small trees that we can plant as we convert to more sustainable landscaping. See the attached list for shrubs and trees that are environmentally friendly. While plants on this list are preferred, we will gladly take all donations. You may also want to refer to this list when making choices for your own gardens.
We encourage you to bring your plants with you when you come to one of our community’s planting days. If you are unable to attend, please email [email protected] with your name, address, and phone number. A member of our Landscaping Committee will arrange for pick-up.
Fence repairs are happening
This spring the Town will repair the split rail fencing in Gleneagles.
Thanks to Paul Smolarchuk for documenting the problem areas.
Jones Estate Update
Meetings with the Concerned Citizens of Gleneagles, the ToC, and Builders Capital (the property owners) to find a permanent solution for the Jones Estate have been unsuccessful to date.
No new applications have been filed with the ToC and talks are on hold.
If planting is not your thing, there are other ways that you can help the community
Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
As mentioned in our April newsletter, the AGM will be held at the Links of GlenEagles on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, starting at 7:00 P.M. We hope that you will attend as your feedback is important!
The AGM provides residents with an opportunity to review last year’s activities, ask questions and discuss issues. Based on feedback from the October 2022 AGM, I have tried to ensure that there are more opportunities for residents to provide input. The meeting is also an opportunity to meet with Board members, all of whom have indicated that they are seeking re-election, and with our neighbours and guest presenters at the social to follow.
Traditional Landscaping
As a reminder, since the ToC eliminated the landscaping subsidy through 2016 and 2017, GECA maintains the boulevards at the entrances at Highway 1A, GlenEagles East and West, and The Landing. The ToC maintains the islands and parks in GlenEagles East and West. While there have been numerous concerns raised about the quality of work that the Town provides, the GECA Landscaping Committee continues to meet with the ToC to address these concerns. In addition, we have augmented the Town’s services with a number of special projects. In 2022, these projects included edging and mulching the shrub and tree beds on the islands in GlenEagles East and weeding the shrub and tree beds throughout GlenEagles East and West. This year, we will be re-edging the islands and the shrub and tree beds in GlenEagles West and Wearmouth Park and will continue to have our landscaper, TJK, do the weeding.
We are also encouraged by commitments made by ToC’s recently hired Parks Manager, Trish Klune. Trish has introduced a training program for her staff to improve service quality. In addition, the ToC will check and prune/remove all Town trees in GlenEagles as necessary and assess, prune, and remove overgrown shrubs in Murphy Brothers Park. It is anticipated that they will similarly assess other parks and islands in GlenEagles over the next few years.
Sustainable Landscaping Initiatives
In our newsletter, we discussed holding community planting days at the View Park on June 3rd and GlenEagles Landing Green space on June 10th. Given our extremely dry spring and some ongoing discussions with the Town, these plans are somewhat in flux. Stay tuned. More information will follow shortly.
Finances
GECA is in a strong financial position and will continue to fund special landscaping and other projects.
The Jones Estate
Throughout 2022, the Concerned Citizens and many of our GlenEagles residents participated in meetings to ensure that the Town Council recognized our concerns and once again voted to turn down a development application. There has been no activity this year.
Remember the May 31st date. We look forward to seeing you there!
Best Regards,
Margaret Blair, President
Minutes of the Meeting of the 2021 Annual General Meeting
of Gleneagles Community Association
(“GECA”)
Minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting of GECA, held at the Links of Gleneagles, Cochrane, Alberta on October 18, 2022 at 7:00 pm (the “Meeting”).
Directors Present: Absent: Guests:
Margaret Blair Codyne Carson Shelley Wood
Joan Fortin Mitchell Hamm
Rodger Grant Shawn Tooth
Norm Peterson Phil Lalonde
Judith Robson
Stephen Simms
Robin Wentzel
With the consent of the meeting, Ms. Blair assumed the Chair and Ms. Robson acted as Secretary. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.
By a show of hands of those present the Agenda as provided was approved. UPON MOTION duly moved, seconded, and unanimously carried it was RESOLVED THAT the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting of October 18, 2022 be and is hereby approved.
By a show of hands of those present the prior Minutes were approved. UPON MOTION duly moved, seconded, and unanimously carried it was RESOLVED THAT the minutes from the Annual General Meeting of May 22, 2019 be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Since distribution of the meeting notification and Proxy, Darren Golec, Vice-President, resigned and Robin Wentzel was appointed to the Board. The current Board has eight members and there were no nominations for further members.
By a show of hands of those present the Board was re-elected. UPON MOTION duly moved, seconded, and unanimously carried it was RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors be and are hereby approved.
Mr. Shawn Tooth, Manager of Water and Wastewater provided information on the current comprehensive water license acquisition strategy.
Mr. Mitch Hamm, Director of Community Services provided an overview of the strategy for parks and pathways.
Ms. Robson provided background on the split of responsibilities between GECA and the Town of Cochrane and the subsequent deterioration of Gleneagles landscaping standards. She explained the RFP process put in place to remedy some of the issues and provided details of improvements made. Photographs of ‘before and after’ some of these enhancements were shown to the meeting.
Going forward, the Landscaping Committee will work with the Town of Cochrane to develop a multi-year plan to include more sustainable landscaping at lower cost.
In response to a resident’s question of why a concrete pathway had been repaired using tarmac, Mr. Tooth advised that concrete is currently very difficult to procure and this was likely a temporary fix.
Ms. Blair thanked The Concerned Citizens of GlenEagles for so successfully representing our community’s interests over the past several years.
Mr. Phil Lalonde, chair of the group, provided a detailed history of this area and noted that there had been three re-zoning applications in each of 2016, 2017 and 2018. A further application was put forward and in late June 2022, Cochrane Council unanimously refused to pass the Rezoning Bylaw that would have allowed the applicant to build sixteen semi-detached homes on the Jones Estate Lands.
Since that time, discussions have been held with Builders Capital (the owner of the land) and the Town of Cochrane to find a permanent resolution for the Estate. At this point Builders Capital has a $700,000 lien on the property and needs $1.3 million to take care of that amount plus interest and other out-of-pocket expenses. Talks are still on-going and further updates will be provided when available.
In the absence of the Treasurer, Ms. Blair advised the meeting that GECA is designated as a society and is governed by the Society’s Act of Alberta. As such, there is a requirement to review year-end financial statements and approve these at the AGM. Since there has not been an official AGM since 2019, the above 3 year’s statements were to be reviewed at this meeting and Ms. Blair provided brief details of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses.
By a show of hands of those present the Financial Statements were approved. UPON MOTION duly moved, seconded and unanimously carried it was RESOLVED THAT the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Financial Statements be and are hereby approved.
The following items were discussed
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting terminated at 9:01 pm.
_________________________ _________________________
Chairman Secretary
It has been over 3 years since our last Annual General Meeting (May 22, 2019). Last year we sent out a Power Point Presentation and Financial Statements in lieu of the 2019 and 2020 Annual General Meetings, followed by a recap of the feedback that the Board received. This year we are holding an in person 2021 AGM at the Links of GlenEagles on October 18, 2022.
The upcoming AGM provides us with an opportunity to review the activities that took place last year and to ask questions and discuss issues. It also is an opportunity to meet with Board members, all of whom have indicated that they are seeking re-election, and most of whom will be in attendance at the social gathering following the AGM.
Landscaping
Since the ToC eliminated the landscaping subsidy through 2016 and 2017, GECA maintains the boulevards at the entrances at Highway 1A, GlenEagles East and West, and The Landing. ToC maintains the islands and parks in GlenEagles East and West, albeit at levels far below those that were in place when Gleneagles serviced these areas. Based on resident feedback, the Landscaping Committee identified a number of projects to augment Town services. These included fixing up the signage and boulevard at the entrance to Highway 1A in 2020 and weeding and mulching shrub and tree beds on the islands in GlenEagles East and West in 2021. Irrigation remains an outstanding issue.
Finances
The reduction in landscaping responsibilities initially resulted in budget surpluses and an increase in total net assets (2019, 2020, and 2021 Financial Statements attached). More recently, some of the annual surpluses have been used to fund the special landscaping projects.
Jones Estate
There have been three re-zoning applications to council in each of 2016, 2017, and 2018; all of which were unanimously rejected. A fourth application was filed in June 2020 but was put on hold. As a result, 2021 was largely a year of watching and waiting to see what if anything would happen. The fourth application was resurrected in 2022 for which Council again, unanimously, rejected the rezoning of the land. We are grateful to the Concerned Citizens of Gleneagles for so successfully representing our community’s interests over the past several years.
Communications
The Board is committed to keeping residents up to date about issues that may impact our community. In 2021, we set up a GECA Facebook Page which now has 250 followers. We also occasionally post on the GlenEagles Block Watch Facebook page. We started sending emails directly to those residents for whom we have email addresses on file and continue to respond to inquiries sent to [email protected] or [email protected].
Best Regards,
Margaret Blair, President
During this time of unprecedented concern, as we collectively navigate the impact of COVID-19, Gleneagles Community Association (“GECA”) considers the safety and health of our members and community paramount. We will continue to support the initiatives and directives that have been set by the federal, provincial and municipal governments and to do what we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you to help slow the spread of this virus by washing your hands often, wearing a mask when in public, practicing social distancing and staying home when sick.
Due to COVID-19 we are postponing the GECA Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) originally scheduled for May 27, 2020 until further notice. In the interim, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions and/or concerns.
We have an annual maintenance contract with the Town of Cochrane (the “Town”) for the park spaces in Gleneagles. We supplement that service with our own contracted landscaping company to better showcase our community and to improve the landscaping for the enjoyment of all residents. Specifically, GECA’s contractor is responsible for the Highway 1A entrance and the medians at Gleneagles Gate, Gleneagles Boulevard and Gleneagles Landing. We will be planting annuals in June and will be upgrading with cedar mulch and edging. We will also be significantly upgrading the Gleneagles signage area at the Highway 1A entrance. Please note that our contractor has confirmed that they will be abiding by all Covid-19 regulations.
Neighbours helping Neighbours! GECA is partnering with the Cochrane Activettes and Helping Hands with a food drive on Saturday, June 13 from 10am to 1pm to help the Town kick-off Good Neighbour’s Week. We ask that you leave your donation in a bag at the end of your driveway by 10am on June 13. Volunteers from GECA and the community will then collect from a safe distance and will deliver to the local Activettes site where their volunteers will then unload the trucks. While all donations are welcome, we have included a “wish list” provided by the Cochrane Food Bank. If you would like to volunteer for this event please contact our Events coordinator, Margaret Blair, at [email protected].
The Town is planning several virtual Canada Day events from 12pm – 6pm, followed by an online dance party from 6pm – 9pm. There are also rumors that an outdoor drive-in may be operational by then. Fingers Crossed! Look for updates on the Town’s website www.cochrane.ca or check inserts in the local newspapers closer to that time.
For those who are not aware – GECA does have a website – www.geca.ca
The current website is dated but we are working on the launch of our new website for late July 2020. The new website will allow us all to better connect with each other and with the greater community. Stay tuned!
Stay safe and take care of each other!
Kathy Estey,
President, Gleneagles Community Association
[email protected]
COCHRANE FOOD BANK WISHLIST
THANK YOU, GLENEAGLES!
After reading the update from January of last year, I was dismayed to see that the serving president & secretary at that time would be stepping down with no one “stepping up” to take on the reins. After several weeks of consideration and lots of discussion with my spouse, I put my name forward, and voila’ several months later here we are. And what an interesting few months it’s been!
Here’s a brief review of 2018!
Jones Estate
First off out of the gate after AGM last spring was the Jones Estate (again). I have to extend my thanks & appreciation to all of the residents that volunteered their expertise and many hours of effort over 5-6 months which resulted in our current elected Town Council rejecting the Proponents proposal.
However, that being said Council on November 26 instructed Town Administration “to explore land use, density and regulatory options for the Jones Estates in order to address opportunities for future development that recognize the unique development constraints of this property.” Town staff has since contacted GECA requesting a meeting for staff to begin to understand what would to be “acceptable to Gleneagles”. These meetings should be happening in Q1 in 2019, and thankfully the same group of volunteers is amenable to stepping up again.
The feedback that I’ve been getting from residents during my open houses in Gleneagles is that they are happy that council ruled the way they did, and they are very thankful with many folks taking the extra time to express their gratitude for all of the volunteers and their many hours of efforts!
Gravel Pit
As everyone on the lower level of of Gleneagles View realized in the late summer, the Gravel pit operations on the south side of the river relocated from their previous location down to the bottom of the river valley. With the terrain acting like an auditorium this has led to increased noice levels for many homeowners. In some cases increased dust levels have also been noticed. The unfortunate reality is that this area was zoned for these operations before the Town annexed the lands. We urge residents to contact the town with noise and/or dust complaints, especially if the pit is operating outside of its approved hours of operations. Another option for those homeowners that are affected by increased noise and/or dust is to challenge your property taxes. This is coming up soon and the more homeowners that speak-up, the greater the chances are for a successful challenge.
2018 Budget vs Actuals
For the first time since 2015 it looks like we’ll finish the year above water, this is good news and is primarily a result of changing out our Landscaping & Irrigation contractor. The numbers are currently being finalized, and it will be good to not to have draw down on our reserves this year! GECA cannot continue to operate the way it has been and the changes made last year which drove these results are a positive first step.
Other encouraging signs include that it looks like there are only a few homes haven’t paid their 2018 fees. As well, there were a number of examples where we were also able to collect on past due accounts from previous years – which is great news! We have to thank our volunteers for their tenacity & diligence on this. Unfortunately if the last few homes don’t remit their 2018 fees, we may have to send these accounts for collection.
Speeding
An ongoing issue over the last several years has been speeding. With the warm weather speeding seems to be on the rise again. Your Board of Directors and myself are considering establishing a committee to work with the Town, Bylaw Enforcement, the RCMP as well as hopefully the traffic planners & the Roads division from the Town of Cochrane. While GECA cannot and will not take part in any type enforcement, we can help spread the word and educate ourselves, our residents as well as our guests.
GECA 2.0
Residents have asked for “more” from their community association. In discussion with the board, GECA is open to supporting any event, activity, etc as long as two basic criteria are fulfilled – 1) there must be volunteer leaders to drive/run the activity and 2) it must be self funding. Example – our landscape contractor last year mentioned that he’d be willing to sponsor either donate the hotdogs (or the funds) for some type of “kids in the park” or “meet your neighbours” day.
So far this year we had a number of volunteers stepped forward to organize a community wide garage sale in September, and now there’s a book club for Gleneagles residents as well. What would you like?
2019 GECA FEES & BUDGET
It’s that time again…GECA fees for 2019 are now due and we would appreciate payment by no later than April 30th. Reminder that you can pay on our website via the PayPal link. The good news is that we not proposing a fee increase for 2019, and the fees will remain the same at $125 (incl GST).
In other 2019 budget news
Myself and the Board of Directors wish everyone the best in 2019! Slow down & enjoy it!
Thank You
Ron Douglas
587-586-7485
We welcome any and all of your suggestions or comments at [email protected] or [email protected]
Parks
In our continuing efforts to manage our expenditures it’s been decided to have removed 5 GECA maintained garbage cans in & around the Gleneagles Landing green spaces as well as one island on Gleneagles View. The cans around Gleneagles landing will be replaced by a single bin of a style that the Town is currently using and the town will be responsible for emptying and maintaining the bin going forward. This change should be occurring within the next 4-6 weeks which allows the Town time to obtain and install the new bin before removing all of the old ones.
The benefits of this include:
In other conversations with the Town Parks department some of the discussions currently underway include: Grinding the stumps on Gleneagles View in the traffic calming island and replacing with grasses or shrubbery, adopt-a-park options, self watering flower islands/pots to reduce future irrigation costs, as well as potentially returning some of the maintenance of other green space areas back to the Town (subject to community approval).
Jones Estate
It’s almost over. Maybe. At a recent Council meeting Town Council instructed staff to rewrite Bylaw 25/2018 to allow only a single residence on the Jones Estate lands. Once that comes back to council for 2nd and 3rd reading this issue should not come up again. The reality is that we will have to be vigilant and diligent until this is passed. The developer’s proponent that brought the latest proposal forward has issued a strict “no comment” to the media regarding the matter. A “Tip of the Hat” needs to go to Councillor Patrick Wilson for proposing the idea and Councillor Alex Reed for withdrawing his motion which enabled the current approach to move forward.
As always, if anyone has any questions or ideas, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or my work email at [email protected] .
Ron Douglas
President
Gleneagles Community Association