What is the GlenEagles Community Association?

When GlenEagles was developed Ecco Development wanted a community with an above average amount of green space. The Town of Cochrane (TOC) agreed to the additional green space under the condition that the community agreed to take responsibility for maintaining it. The GlenEagles Community Association was created primarily to ensure that landscaping obligation was met, but also to promote a sense of community.  It is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven resident association with its own set of bylaws and only one paid position (book keeper).  To ensure that all of the green areas in GlenEagles were maintained at the same high standards, the GECA was previously under contract with the TOC to maintain all areas with the Town then reimbursing GECA for this service. Effective April 1, 2017, the TOC has assumed responsibility for all four parks within GlenEagles including Fenton, Wearmouth, Murphy Brothers and View…and no annual reimbursements are provided to GECA.  GECA is now responsible for all boulevards, islands and non-park green space in areas not otherwise governed by a condominium association.

 

Which areas of GleneEagles are maintained by the Town of Cochrane and the Links of GlenEagles?

The Town of Cochrane is responsible for all of the Environmental Reserve, Path Systems (excluding golf course paths), as well as all Roads and Sidewalks (not governed by condominium associations). The Links of GlenEagles is a privately owned golf course. They maintain, of course, the golf course (including all golf course paths), as well as some areas attached to the golf course.

 

Why are some of the green areas in GlenEagles landscaped and some not?

GlenEagles is developed around areas of land that are designated ‘Environmental Reserve’ and ‘Urban Reserve’. These areas are the responsibility of the Town of Cochrane and the Links of GlenEagles, not the GECA. The Town’s policy is that these areas are not to be cut or landscaped in any way. Some residents of GlenEagles back onto ‘Environmental Reserve’. These areas will not be maintained by the GECA and should not be cut by residents. If you have any questions about these areas please contact the TOC Operational Services at 403-932-4411.

 

I didn’t sign up for GECA, why am I forced to pay annual fees? 

We have an entire tab devoted to the explanation of the annual GlenEagles Community Association fee.  Please click on this link (embed link here) for more information.

 

Why do I pay condominium fees as well as community association fees?

There are five condominium associations in Gleneagles: The Villas, GlenHaven, The Estates, The Vistas, and The Summit. The amount of condo fees paid by each group varies significantly as do the services they maintain. The fees you pay to the GECA are separate and consistent with the encumbrance (lien) on the titles of all properties within GlenEagles. These fees are used to maintain common areas and promote community spirit.The parks, paths, playgrounds, and common areas in Gleneagles East and West are meant to be for the enjoyment of all residents. However, in recognition of separate condo fees being charged on top of the requisite annual community association fee, the GECA has worked with the condo associations to ensure that the majority of fees collected by GECA are rebated back to the condo associations, with those monies retained by GECA to be utilized in a manner that is fair and equitable for all homeowners in GlenEagles.   For additional information about the annual fee, please click our link (here).

Can I walk on or toboggan on the golf course in the winter?

No, the golf course is private property.  For the same reason you wouldn’t want strangers walking around in your back yard while you’re not home, the fences and private property signs exist for a reason.  Please respect these signs and stick to walking yourself and your dogs to the many kilometers of beautiful accessible paths around GlenEagles and enjoy the fabulous mountain views.

Do I get a GlenEagles golf discount by virtue of being a GECA member and GlenEagles homeowner?

Unfortunately not, however the Links of GlenEagles do have a great program for frequent users called their Platinum Pass system.  While this discount system is available to any member of the public, the fact that the course is in our back yards makes it even more appealing to residents.  The idea is that you pre-load a course card with a certain amount of money, and are then entitled to green fee discounts of up to 35% at certain times as well as other perks.  It makes it super easy to decide last minute to go play a few holes of twilight golf for an extremely reasonable price.

 

My neighbour’s dogs are constantly barking and/or people’s animals are constantly in my yard and/or people aren’t picking up their dog feces on the walking paths, etc. What can GECA do about this?

Like anywhere else in this municipality or others, your Community Association has no jurisdiction over animal control or the various bylaws that govern this.  If a friendly conversation and attempted diplomacy does not resolve your concerns, you will have to contact the Town of Cochrane.  This web link should help point you in the right direction:    https://www.cochrane.ca/127/Animal-Services

 

People are constantly speeding, driving dangerously or parking illegally in my subdivision. Can GECA do anything to help control this?

Unfortunately, as above, the GECA has no jurisdiction over speed limits or jerk drivers.  If you witness repeat offenders on your street you can submit a complaint to the Cochrane RCMP non-emergency line https://www.cochrane.ca/151/Cochrane-RCMP.

 

The wooden fence around GlenEagles is in disrepair/leaning over in several sections. Why isn’t GECA using some of our fees to rectify this?

The wooden cowboy-style fence you see lining most of GlenEagles Drive is the responsibility of the TOC and specifically the Roads Department.  As a Cochrane taxpayer, you are entitled to request satisfactory service from your Council and Administration and a well-penned letter to Mayor and Council, or the Roads Manager https://www.cochrane.ca/248/Roads might help move GlenEagles fence improvements up their priority list as they set the town’s budget each year.

 

The pathways around GlenEagles have become extremely icy and dangerous—who do I contact?

While the TOC owns responsibility for the winter path maintenance and safety, GECA does maintain money in its budget to apply safety salt and remove excess snow if this is required between TOC staff visits.  If you notice a particularly unsafe section of path that requires immediate attention, please e-mail both [email protected] and [email protected] so we may contact our GECA contractor.  Please note these are volunteer staffed positions and e-mails and while we do make every effort to check them on a regular basis, an immediate response may not be received.  If you have not received a response within 24 hours, please contact the TOC with your pathway maintenance request.

When is the GECA Annual General Meeting?

Our AGM is normally held each year in May, at the Links of GlenEagles clubhouse.  Advance notice of the AGM will occur via e-mail and this website, as well as roadside signs along GlenEagles Drive.

Attending the AGM is optional, however we encourage all residents of our community to make the effort to contribute their voice and suggestions to assisting our volunteer boards (both GECA and the Condo Associations) with making our community a better place.  Unless you are a volunteer Board member, it is really the only opportunity you get each year to challenge the status quo and have a say in how your annual fee dollars are being spent.  Plus it’s a great way to meet some of your neighbours over coffee and snacks once the official business is out of the way!

Is there a Blockwatch program in GlenEagles?

One of our local residents has established a Blockwatch page on Facebook to provide a forum for all of us to share with one another any concerns or suspicious activity relevant to GlenEagles, lost & found, etc.  We encourage all  GlenEagles residents to join this group and receive its updates.  You can ask to join this closed group by following this link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/GlenEagles.BlockWatch.Page/

 

Does GECA host any block parties, community garage sales or other type events to promote community spirit?

GECA has largely been a landscaping association for much of its recent existence however we would like that to change.  With the TOC assuming control of our parks and ceasing its annual reimbursement, we are still in unchartered territory with respect to what future income and budgets will look like.  That said, it is very much a priority for the existing Board to promote community and fun and we will be working with the Links of GlenEagles to look for social opportunities that are both timely and budget-conscious throughout the year.  We would love to hear any great ideas for social events and even better—volunteers—to help make these events a reality and a success.  Please contact us at [email protected] with any suggestions and watch the Residents Update tab on this website for future details on planned neighbourhood events and contests.

 

How do I sign up to be a Board member or GECA volunteer?

Simple, just e-mail us at [email protected] and let us know what you’d like to be involved with and what kind of time commitments you can spare.  We’d love to have you aboard!