Monday, December 13, 2010

Fire Safety - Checklist

With the New Year just around the corner, it’s important to ensure that safety habits are not being neglected. Here’s an essential fire safety checklist:

Because smoke rises, be sure you have smoke detectors on or near the ceilings of every level in your home (but not too close to cooking areas), outside bedroom areas and in any other rooms where someone might fall asleep (ex. TV room).

Test your alarms regularly and replace batteries every six months (ex. first day of summer, winter) or annually if using long-life batteries.

Check and record expiry dates of fire extinguishers, alarms, batteries and replace them as indicated.

Have a family meeting to review the locations and use of fire extinguishers, identify what needs to be done in an emergency and determine a safe place to meet outside.

Remind everyone that if a fire is out of control, alert everyone to get out and call 911 immediately.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Extension cords

Please keep all extension cords from hanging across or laying on the sidewalk. They can cause electrical shock if caught in snow removal equipment and hanging cords can catch around the necks of walkers who don’t see them in the dark.

Phase 1 - New back lights & unit numbers

New outside lights and house numbers will be installed at the back of each unit in Phase 1 within the next couple weeks. Please keep posted for further information.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Black Bin Garbage Collection

Our black bins have arrived. The bins were delivered to the front of your home which is a city policy when delivering the bins for address vertification.

As per my conversation with the city today (311) - The bins are to be placed in the same area where you previously left your garbage (behind your home). Please do not leave the bins near the poles (as previously requested by the board) as this could cause congestion in this area.

The Board will review black bin placement at our next meeting on December 8, 2010 as we are aware that the bins pose a problem to many homeowners with hills behind their homes.

Thanks for you patience.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

New Roofs starting the week of Nov. 15, 2010 (weather permitting)

Our roofs are in need of replacement and all will be replaced in the next 5 years as per the guidelines of the Reserve Study. The Board has chosen to replace the roofs on 6 additional building this year with the remaining roofs being replaced in the future years. The roofs chosen were based on the "need to do basis" (condition of the roof as per the Roof Study). The roofs on 4 buildings were replaced early this year.

If you live in one of the selected buildings you should receive a notice from the roofing company outlining the project.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Black Cart Garbage Collection

The City has begun rolling out Black Cart Garbage Collection to households across Calgary. Expected delivery date - Winston Heights/Mountview November 15 - 28, 2010.

The City of Calgary has provided the following information on their web site.

Black Cart Garbage Collection uses trucks with mechanical arms to collect garbage from wheeled carts. Homes that currently have garbage collected by hand will receive a black cart. Residents will put their regular household garbage in the cart instead of in a trash bag or can. Black carts will improve garbage collection in a number of ways:
The carts keep garbage from getting scattered by animals or wind, and keeps neighbourhoods cleaner. Garbage stays in and pests stay out.
Black Cart Garbage Collection is more efficient, because it is collected using one-person trucks instead of two person crews.
The carts are safer for residents and collectors, because they reduce heavy lifting and contact with sharp objects.
There is no extra fee for Black Cart Garbage Collection, and additional bags will still be collected. The City encourages home owners to reduce and recycle as much material as possible. However, garbage that does not fit in the cart can be put in bags or cans and set next to it.

What's the Plan for your Old Garbage Can?

If you have garbage cans, you may want to keep them for times when you can't lift all your trash in your black cart. Or, here are some other options:

Reuse it!
Garbage cans make great storage for things like sports equipment, tools, or extra soil for your garden. If you have a great idea on how to reuse your garbage can, share it on our facebook page .

Recycle your old garbage cans for free!
Unwanted metal and plastic garbage cans will be accepted for recycling free of charge until Dec. 31, 2010* in east Calgary, and again when black carts are delivered to the northwest and southwest this spring.

Take your old cans to the Throw 'n' Go facilities at either the Shepard Landfill (68 St. and 114 Ave. SE) or the East Calgary Landfill (68 St. and 17 Ave. SE). Please note: All metal parts and wheels must be removed from plastic cans before they can be brought to the Throw 'n' Go.

Throw your can away!
If you can't reuse or recycle your can, you can put it out for garbage collection. Do not try to put the can in your blue or black cart. Instead, clearly mark the can FOR DISPOSAL and leave it out for garbage collection.

*There will be no charge for dropping off garbage cans at Throw 'n' Go locations unless you are bringing other materials for disposal at the same time.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Suggestions for Winter Preparations

1) Furnace Inspection

•Call a professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
•Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
•Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
•Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready

•Call a professional to inspect your fireplace.

3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows

•Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
•Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
•Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.

4) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

•Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
•Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
•Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
•Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

5) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

•Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
•Drain all garden hoses.
•Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
•If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

Fall Walk-around

A fall walk-around to inspect our buildings, landscape, and any work done over the summer was conducted on October 17, 2010. The results of the walk around allows the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

Work continues on the retaining wall. Unforunately, more work was needed than was originally thought due to the continued heavy rains.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the retaining wall.

October 20, 2010
Work continues on the retaining wall. The contractor has assured the Board that the work will be completed soon. Thank you for your co-operation during this time.

Sidewalk Replacement

Work has began on replacing some of the sidewalks in our community.

The Board has approve replacement of some sidewalks in both Phases. The sidewalks chosen were based on a "need to do basis" for safety reasons. Sidewalk replacements are expected expenses as outlined in the reserve study.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have questions or concerns.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

Work will start early next week (July 27 or 28) on repairing the damaged section of the Phase 2 retaining wall. Other areas behind the wall will be re-graded in order to prevent failure of the wall.

The contractor has requested that all vehicles be removed from the parking area on Thursday July 29 for the re-grading.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concern.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Stolen Items

It has been brought to the Board's attention that some homeowners have experienced thief from their privacy area (bedding plants, bbq tank, etc.).

The Board would like to recommend that people keep an eye out for any suspicious activities and call the authorities if necessary.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Blog Spam Comments

The blog has received several spam comments in the past few days (up to 4 a day). In order to eliminate this problem I have enabled comment word verification. Therefore, when anyone leaves a comment on the blog they will be required to complete a word verification step.

What this does - prevents automated systems from adding comments to the blog, since it takes a human being to read the word and pass this step. We have received several comments that looked like an advertisement or a random link to an unrelated site which is comment spam. A lot of this is done automatically by software which can't pass the word verification, so by enabling the word verification option this should prevent many such unwanted comments.

Please continue to leave your comments on the Blog. It is checked regularly and a way for the Board to keep in touch with everyone.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Location Of Bins - Recycling Update

I talked to Condo Recycling Solutions today (Wed. July 14) and they would like to have the bins left at the curb in front of your unit not on the front porch.

They are aware that our notices stated the bins were to be left on the front porch and will collect the bins from both places in the next few weeks.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Reminder to dog owners


Our bylaws state you must take your animal off the property to do it's business, if your dog happens to do it's business on the property while going for walks is extremely important you collect the poo immediately and dispose of it.

If any of the lawn around your unit is damaged from your animal is it mandatory you purchase grass seed and apply it to the areas according to the directions on the package. This will keep the exterior of your unit looking nice and will also please your neighbors. Please do not let your animal do it’s business on your neighbour’s lawn or in common areas. Not all owners have dogs and they should not have to be exposed to it on the property.

Thank you for understanding and compliance!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Recycling - Update

Condo Recycling will drop off one bin per unit during the week of July 5th. Where ever they leave your bin (i.e. front sidewalk or back alley) is where they will pick it up. Please put your recycling out between 7 pm and 7 am for pick up every Thursday beginning July 15. All recycling must be contained within the bin and please be mindful of the wind. You may need to place a heavier object (i.e. rock) on top of papers so that they do not blow away.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Household recycling

Household recycling will be coming to our community in the near future.

This was voted on at the Annual General Meeting and passed for both phases. Recycling will be collected weekly. Bins will be provided and may be kept on your back deck. Initial fees will be absorbed by the Condo Association. Future fees will be included in next year's budget.

More information will be provided when available.

Phase 2 Retaining Wall

The Board is aware there has been slippage of soil from the retaining wall in Phase 2 and is looking at options to fix the problem. An engineer has done a visual site review and does not believe an immediate concern is present. However, he as has advised that vehicles do not park in this area. No parking signs have been posted in areas where the ground may be unstable.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for attending the AGM

The Board would like to thank everyone who attended the AGM last week.

We always welcome feedback from you to ensure we are making the right decisions to ensure our property is maintained according to the Bylaws and has a uniform look and function.

All Board members volunteered to serve another year on the Board. There were no additional volunteers or nominations.

A summer newsletter will be coming out shortly outlining what's happening in our community.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Reminder - Annual General Meeting Monday June 21 at 7 pm

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 21, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Winston Heights Community Centre on 520 - 27th Ave. NE

It is important for owners to attend this meeting. If you can not attend, then we ask that you sign your proxy and give it to a neighbour, a board member or fax it to Ultimate Property Management so that your voice can be heard. It is also necessary in order to establish a quorum.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Spring Clean Up

Two large garbage bins are being provided to help facilitate your spring cleaning – May 20 to May 31, 2010. The bins are located on the cement pad in the alley between Merrill Drive and in the parking area between 32nd and 33rd Street.

Please place your items inside the bin. No large items (furniture, appliances).

Please think of the environment before throwing out items. What you consider garbage may be useful to someone else. There are many centres that are looking for used furniture such as the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Clothing and light household items can be donated to thrift shops such as Value Village.

Household chemicals (antifreeze, automotive batteries, glues, nail polish and remover, propane tanks, fertilizer, ant, rodent or week killer, bleach, cleaning solvents, etc. can be dropped off at Household Chemical Drop-Off locations (selected fire stations or landfill site). Our closest fire department is Fire Station # 4 at 1991 – 18th Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Electronics (computers, laptops, monitors, TV, printers, keyboards, etc) can be dropped off at the city electronic recycling depots. Our closest electronic recycling depot is Staples on 32nd Ave. NE. Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

Plastics, glass, paper, metal and cardboard can be dropped off at any of the city recycling depots. Our neighborhood recycling depot is in Renfrew 16 Ave. and Russet Rd. N.E. (Renfrew Athletic Park). Please check out the City of Calgary’s web site for acceptable items and other locations.

These are all extra steps for us but a better solution for a healthy environment.

Friday, May 14, 2010

What's happening in your community

New roofs

Our roofs are in need of replacement and all will be replaced in the next 5 years as per the guidelines of the Reserve Study. The Board has chosen to replace the roofs on 4 building this year with the remaining roofs being replaced in the future years. The roofs chosen were based on the "need to do basis" (condition of the roof as per the Roof Study). A mail out from the roofing company will be placed in your mail box within the few days detailing the roofing project.

Gutter, vents (upper level) and downspouts

The Board has hired a contractor to clean the gutters and vents on all units. The contractor has also been hired to replace 18 downspouts which were identified in need of replacement during the Spring Walk Around.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if your have any concerns.

Spring Walk Around

The Spring Walk Around took place on Wed. May 12. The Board identified areas in need of attention and will be seeking resolution.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Monday June 21 - 7 pm

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 21, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Winston Heights Community Centre on 520 - 27th Ave. NE

A package will be send to all owners in the near future with the agenda, proxy and financial documents, etc.

It is important for owners to attend this meeting. If you absolutely can not attend this meeting, then we ask that you sign the proxy and give it to a neighbour, board member or fax it to Ultimate Property Management so that your voice can be heard. It is also necessary in order to establish a quorum.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have any questions.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Exterior Items - Specifications

Specifications for exterior items were recently delivered to each unit.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if your have any questions or concerns.

Garbage Bins

The Board will be providing 2 large garbage bins in May for a spring clean up. Dates will be specified when confirmed, as well, as a list of acceptable items.

Spring Walk Around

Board members and Dee (Ultimate Property Management) will be doing a spring walk around in the near future. Assessing the complex for items in need of repair. The results of the walk around will allow the Board to identify issues that need to be addressed and plan for future work.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management if you have questions or concerns.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Please turn off your outside front exterior light during the day

New front exterior light fixtures should be installed within the next week on each townhouse.

Please ensure that you turn off your front exterior light during the day so that your new light fixture can be safely installed.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management or post a note on the blog if you have any questions.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Front House Numbers

Installation of front house numbers will commence this coming week (Jan. 18).

Front house lights will be installed in the near future. A specific date will be posted when available.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Street Parking

Please be respectful of your neighbor when parking on the street. It is a public street but we all like to park in front of our homes.

We have had lots of snow so far this winter and with the warm conditions everyone is getting stuck in the snow. Some people have shovelled the street area in front of their home for their use so that they are not getting stuck in the snow. Please be courteous and do not park your vehicle in these areas.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Condo Insurance 101

Insurance is often a very misunderstood product and this is even more often the case when it comes to condominium insurance. Some people think that the condominium corporation carries insurance so there is no need for the unit holder to carry any, or they carry only enough insurance for their contents. Your own policy can help with your unit improvements, some assessments, and liability. Make sure you have enough coverage for these things.

Under a normal condominium corporation policy, improvements to your unit are not covered. What this means is that if the unit was built with carpet and lino, and laminent counter tops, but you have done renovations and now have hardwood, ceramic tile, and marble counter tops, the condo corporations policy will only pay for the original construction and your insurance will step in for the improvements. This is not normally an issue at claim time because the insurance companies communicate and figure out who pays what behind the scenes. However, if you don’t have adequate insurance to cover your improvements this could end up costing you out of your own pocket.

The most common problem is seen when it comes to basements. Basements were not originally finished in your unit – so if you finished your basement it could be your insurance company’s responsibility to repair in the event of a loss.

Not only does your policy come into play with improvements, it also covers things that your by-laws state are your responsibility such as windows and doors, assessments for the condo corps insurance deductible, short falls in condo corp insurance, and liability for damage to other units as a result of your negligence, etc.

The bottom line is that your condo corporation carries insurance and its policy coupled with your own unit insurance is your best protection. If you don’t have insurance you have left your self exposed to a loss that could cost you dearly. Condo insurance is the least expensive type of home insurance, so it is well worth your time and money to get it. The best advice is to contact your insurance provider to discuss your policy.
Roger Stevenson

Please turn off your outside front light during the day

New front outside light fixtures, house numbers and mailboxes will be installed on each townhouse within the next couple of weeks.

Please ensure that you turn off your front outside light during the day so that your new light fixture can be installed. We will try to notify you when a more specific date is available.

Please contact Ultimate Property Management or post a note on the blog if you have any questions.

Please note - the contractor has stated he will start the work this week. (Jan 5/10)


Jan 12, 2010

All the mailboxes have been replaced.


Please note - there will be a delay in installation of the new front lights and house numbers due to unforeseen circumstances with the contractor. A post will be placed on the blog when a new date is organized. Sorry for any inconvenience.