A community association is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that represents the interests and concerns of a community.
What Does a Community Associations Do?
Calgary’s Community Associations:
• Provide an association for residents to join where they can work together to improve their community’s quality of life.
• Create opportunities for residents to participate in social events, recreational programs, and educational activities in their communities.
• Develop and maintain facilities and infrastructure in their communities.
• Promote the protection of their communities’ natural resources and beauty.
• Foster a sense of community and civic pride, and promote inclusiveness, diversity, and respect for all their residents.
• Partner with The City and other organizations to improve their community.
• Inform community residents with a website and newsletter.
• Voices community concerns on issues affecting their community.
• Provides an association that brings residents together to work collaboratively to create a strong, vibrant, and resilient community.
Responsibilities
Calgary’s Community Associations are responsible to:
• Act in the best interests of its members and residents.
• Act with transparency, prudence, and accountability to their board, members, and residents.
• Build trust and confidence among its board, members, and residents to ensure long-term sustainability of their community and their community association.
Source:
Difference Between CA and HOA
The main differences between a Community Association (CA) and a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) in Calgary are:
• Membership: CA membership is not mandatory, but HOAs have mandatory fees.
• Amenities: HOAs are responsible for amenities that are not under the City’s purview, such as gated amenities. CAs manage community activities and programs, but do not operate a building.
• Funding: HOAs have a guaranteed source of revenue through fees, while CAs fundraise on public land.
• Collaboration: CAs and HOAs often work together to accomplish things for the community.
Here are some other things to know about CAs and HOAs in Calgary:
Community Associations
CAs registered as a Not-for-Profit under the Societies Act connect with the City and other levels of government, and are a place to discuss concerns with others. CAs also organize events and programs for the community.
Homeowners’ Associations
HOAs are organizations registered as a Not-for-Profit under the Companies Act that manage and maintain a community. HOAs are responsible for maintaining amenities installed by the developer, such as landscaping, shrub beds, snow removal, beach club, and lake facilities.
Federation of Calgary Communities
The Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) provides support to Calgary’s Community Associations.
