Fence Policy Update

Clarifying the Facts regarding the Proposed Community Fence Repair Project
Monday, November 17, 2025

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We appreciate the engagement from our community members regarding the recent flyer distributed about the proposed fence repair project. The CRRA Board values transparency and open dialogue and takes this opportunity to address these concerns head-on. Our goal is to ensure all residents have accurate information as we approach our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Calgary Waldorf School.

As a non-profit organization, the CRRA is committed to using our funds responsibly to enhance and maintain our community for the benefit of all members. We currently hold surplus funds that, per non-profit guidelines, should be deployed meaningfully rather than left idle. This project stems from discussions with other Ward 6 homeowners associations facing similar challenges: aging infrastructure, the need to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and property values, unsupported by the City of Calgary.

Here are the key facts about the project to correct any misinformation:

• Scope of the Project: The proposal focuses on repairing, capping and painting the public-facing (exterior) side of the community's perimeter fence. This does involve repairs-only of the interior walls, interior fence painting remains the responsibility of the private homeowner. The work is limited to essential repairs, minor structural fixes, sealing, and painting to prevent further decay. No "secret projects" or additional elements are involved.‍
• Ownership and Policy: The perimeter fence is owned by the City of Calgary, which has no plans to repair or maintain it. To address this, the CRRA developed a fence policy in 2023 after consulting with neighbouring communities who created such policies, and obtaining a professional legal opinion (via DBH Law). This policy allows us to repair and maintain the fence to uphold community standards, similar to our maintenance of landscaping, the community rink, and signage. Homeowners remain responsible for their own internal property, beyond necessary repairs. Note: the CRRA board aims to carry a reserve fund for ongoing fence maintenance within the current fee structure.
• Eligibility: Repairs are exclusively for sections adjacent to CRRA member properties. Non-CRRA members are not included, and the project does not cover over 1 km of non-member fences as suggested. Efforts to incorporate the non-CRRA portion have been outlined in the CRRA board minutes, supported with DBH’s advice, once the fence repairs are underway.‍
• Decision-Making Process: This initiative was unanimously voted on and approved by the full Board in spring 2023 (as recorded in our May 9, 2023, meeting minutes). It was shared with residents at the 2023 AGM and both 2024 AGM meetings. Project delays are due to documentation needs and high account receivables. The project is not driven by "just a few Board members" but reflects a collective decision to benefit the entire community.
• Costs and Benefits: This uses our surplus funds to prevent the accelerating dilapidation, which could negatively impact everyone's property values. By maintaining the fence that encircles our community, we're preserving its overall appeal and safety—much like our investments in landscaping and other shared amenities.
  Importantly, this does not shift legal liability to members, or expose the association to lawsuits, liens, or higher fees, as confirmed by our legal review.‍
• Compliance: The project aligns with our Articles of Association, which allow community funds to be used for shared benefits that enhance the neighborhood. It does not provide private benefits to individuals but supports the community as a whole.

We encourage all residents to review our full community documents, including bylaws, meeting minutes, and the fence policy, available on our website at https://www.cougarridgeresidentsassociation.com/agm.

This matter is on the agenda at the upcoming AGM, where we will discuss and vote on it as a community. If you can't attend, please submit a proxy vote to First Service, or a neighbour you know and trust, to ensure your voice is heard. Let's work together to keep Cougar Ridge a vibrant and well-maintained place we call home.

Thank you for your involvement. The CRRA Board

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