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01) What is the New Discovery Homeowners' Association (NDHA)? 01) What is the New Discovery Homeowners' Association (NDHA)?The NDHA is a community-run, non-profit organization responsible for maintaining green spaces in Discovery Ridge. The NDHA is managed by residents of Discovery Ridge who volunteer their time. The NDHA maintains the two waterfalls, the extensive parkland within Discovery Ridge, and the trees, grass, and flowerbeds in the road medians. Griffith Woods, its pathways, and the adjacent parking lot are maintained by the City of Calgary . The NDHA is separate from the Discovery Ridge Community Association. The Community Association has a number of responsibilities related to enhancing a family-oriented lifestyle and the value of our homes and community. These include the community newsletter, annual gala, the family barbecue, transportation, community facilities, and environmental issues. The two associations work together to ensure that community concerns are managed efficiently and effectively.
02) Who created the NDHA?The NDHA was established by the developer, United Communities, which maintained the green spaces prior to June, 2006. At that time, the NDHA was turned over to the residents of Discovery Ridge. A ten-member, volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NDHA.
03) Who is on the Board of Directors?The members of the Board of Directors are residents who volunteer their time. click here to view the current boasrd members: http://www.discoveryridge.com/hoa_contacts.html
04) How does the NDHA pay for maintenance of the green spaces in Discovery Ridge?Each home in Discovery Ridge is required to pay an annual fee, called an “annual rent charge.” This fee is used to keep the green spaces within Discovery Ridge attractive and free from weeds and litter and pay other expenses related to managing green spaces to provide the greatest benefit to all residents. Currently, the annual fee is $300 per residence. The $300 annual fee was approved at the June, 2006 annual general meeting and is based on the expenses the developer incurred for landscaping prior to that time. The fee is an encumbrance on the property that each homeowner agreed to when they purchased their residence. Unpaid fees are a lien on the homeowner's property and, if necessary, will require legal action to collect.
05) Is the annual fee the same for all residences?Yes, the annual fee is the same for each residence. This reflects the fact that the common green space areas within Discovery Ridge can be enjoyed by all.
06) How is the NDHA's budget established?The NDHA Finance Committee develops the budget for approval by the Board of Directors. The first budget was approved in March, 2007. The budget includes money for items such as landscape maintenance, tree replacement, garbage collection along the pathways, electricity and water supply, insurance, and administrative fees. Landscaping costs are the key item in the budget. Because of this, a detailed tender for the landscape maintenance was sent to several organizations interested in landscaping work. Four bids were received. Based on total value to the community, the successful bidder was ULS Maintenance and Landscaping.
07) Does the NDHA receive money from the City of Calgary?Along with other community groups that have taken on responsibility for green space maintenance, the NDHA receives a rebate that reflects the level of maintenance the City would have provided. In 2007, this rebate will be around $17,000. The rebate is based on the amount of green space the City would have provided had it developed the community and the City's basic level of landscape maintenance.
08) Who determines the landscaping needs in Discovery Ridge?The needs for landscaping are identified by the NDHA's Landscaping Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The objective is to maintain and, where feasible, improve the high quality opportunities for recreation and leisure that our green spaces have provided in the past. Putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer effort, the members of the Landscaping Committee were instrumental in the smooth transition to a community-run organization during 2006 and managed the successful tendering process for the landscape maintenance contract in 2007. They have also identified deficiencies in the areas that the NDHA looks after, met with City officials on what the NDHA responsibilities are, and dealt with a variety of other issues. The Landscaping Committee wants to hear from members of the community. Your comments and ideas are always appreciated.
09) Who is responsible for maintaining Griffith Woods?The City of Calgary is responsible for maintaining all aspects of Griffith Woods.
10) How often does the NDHA Board meet? Can I attend these meetings?The NDHA Board and its committees meet regularly, typically on a monthly basis. The meetings are open to NDHA members. However, participation in portions of a meeting may be limited when matters of a confidential nature are discussed. If you are interested in attending a meeting, contact the President at hoa_president@discoveryridge.com .
11) When will the NDHA's annual general meeting be held?The next annual general meeting of the NDHA will be in September, 2008. Notice of the annual general meeting will be mailed to each residence.
12) How can I help the NDHA?If you would like to volunteer or have comments or questions, call, e-mail, or write to us: Phone: E-mail: Mail:
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