FAQ's

1. Is a community association the same as the Residents Association? return to top

No, a community association is a volunteer organization dependent upon sponsorship and fundraising to operate. A Residents Association is a not for profit company incorporated under the Companies Act, and which has mandatory membership of all property owners and an assured source of revenue to fund its operations.

2. Do all Cranston residents currently pay a Residents Association fee? return to top

All residents and property owners have their title encumbered with the Cranston Encumbrance.

3. Is there a rate cap on the Residents Association fee? return to top

The annual fees are capped by virtue of the Encumbrance Agreement at $100.00 plus GST, annually. The $100.00 can be adjusted for inflation. Based on inflation since the Cranston Residents' Association was incorporated in 1999, the equivalent fee is $131.60 plus GST. A special resolution of the members could change the amount.

4. Who collects the Residents Association fee? return to top

The Residents Association fees are collected by the Cranston Residents' Association, which is administered by Carma.

5. How often are the Residents Association fees collected? return to top

The Cranston Residents Association fees will be invoiced annually in April, which is the start of the fiscal year.

6. Will the residents be notified in advance of the upcoming bill? return to top

Residents will be notified directly by mail and through the Cranston newsletter, the Annual General Meeting, www.cranston-connect.com, and or other meetings, as is appropriate.

7. Do the commercial properties planned for Cranston pay the Residents Association fee as well? return to top

Yes, all property owners pay the annual fees, including multi family developments, institutions, churches and commercial sites.

8. Where is the money collected from the Residents Association spent? return to top

Carma will draft a budget for approval of the Cranston Residents Association Board of Directors. The funds are spent to administer and operate the Century Hall Facility, 7.5 acre Park and amenities of Cranston including the windmill, art park, property taxes, Christmas lighting, and utilities. Audited financial statements are sent to every Member prior to the AGM and are posted on www.cranston-connect.com

9. What are the benefits to the resident of Cranston for paying the Residents Association fees? return to top

Residents benefit by having in their community certain amenities and assets which, because of their unique nature, could not otherwise be provided, as the City would not normally accept responsibility for their maintenance As the City is seldom prepared to accept maintenance responsibilities for certain improvements to public parks, the only way to have the improvements is to have the Residents Association assume responsibility for their operation and maintenance. Other benefits include enhanced maintenance of certain public spaces and the ability to enter into contracts with the City to partially fund enhanced maintenance activities. The other benefit is for features or amenities such as the windmill, art park, that is on a private site, which will be given to the Cranston Residents Association by Carma. Other communities who did not have Residents Associations set up by the developer (i.e. Douglasdale, Christie Estates, etc.) have petitioned the City to collect additional taxes through local improvement bylaws to fund enhanced maintenance of open spaces by the City.

10. Is the Residents Association solely funded by the collection of resident's fees? return to top

Not necessarily. In other communities, McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, Tuscany, the City has agreed to contribute funds annually towards the maintenance of certain public spaces based on what they would budget for the normal maintenance. These funds do not usually cover 100% of the maintenance costs but do help offset the costs to the residents. Other potential sources of revenue (rental revenue of the proposed Residents Association building) have not been explored. The Cranston Residents Association, thanks to the assistance of Calgary Shaw MLA Cindy Ady, was the beneficiary of Alberta Lottery Fund funding, for the pathway linking Cranston to Chinook Nature Park and to Fish Creek Provincial Park in 2001.

11. How is the Residents Association governed? return to top

The Residents Association is governed via bylaws and a Board of Directors. The Cranston Residents Association brochure provides all the details including the Memorandum of Association, the Articles of Association, the Encumbrance itself and the Management agreement between the Association and Carma. A Board of 10 Directors were elected at AGM to govern the Cranston Residents Association.

12. Who elects the representatives for the Residents Association and when does that occur? return to top

The Members of the respective associations elect their Board of Directors annually at the Annual General Meeting. Carma has retained the right to appoint three Directors to the Cranston Residents Association, as it is financially responsible for its viability and operation until it is turned over to the residents.

13. Is there a relationship between the Residents Association and the municipal officials? return to top

Not formally, although communications with both elected officials and administration does occur.

14. Are the residents of Cranston able to guide the Residents Association in matters important to the residents? return to top

The mandate of the Residents Association is spelled out in the Memorandum of Association. Members can elect or defeat any Member standing for a Residents Association Directorship, and in that way guide the direction of the association. Ultimately, the association will be run entirely by the residents.

15. How does a resident of Cranston become more involved in the Residents Association? return to top

Glad you asked. Letting Directors know of your interest to stand for and attending the Annual General Meeting is usually the best means.

16. Who should residents contact for further information on the Residents Association? return to top

For more information about Cranston Residents Association, contact by Phone: (403) 781-6614 or email info@cranstonresidents.ca

17. Why do I need a membership card? return to top
As of January 2010, all residents over the age of 12 will be required to have a card for
entry to the park and facility. Membership cards will also allow you to register for
programs offered by the Cranston Residents Association.

18. How do I get a membership card? return to top
Please fill out the membership form

· You must be a Member In Good Standing with the Cranston Residents Association
· If you are the registered owner of the property, you will need to have:

→ A copy of your Certificate of Title
→ A piece of Government issued photo ID

The Certificate of Title can be sent in by way of fax/mail/email – please include this form with
your Title. Certificate of Titles are not kept on file at Century Hall. The Certificate of Title
faxed/mailed/emailed will be shredded after being reviewed.

· Membership cards are eligible to be renewed every three (3) years free of charge, at the members’ request. If a membership card is lost, residents will be charged a $10.00 fee for replacement.
· Children under 12 will not be issued cards and are only allowed to use the facilities when accompanied by an adult.
· Membership cards remain the property of the CRA. CRA will seize cards and suspend access if the holder of the card breaches the rules.

19. What is my Membership Number? return to top

Your membership number is the 8 digit number located on the bottom of your membership card. To get your membership number, you must first obtain your membership card from the office at Century Hall. This number is required to register for programs online.

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