In late spring 2023, in response to long-standing concerns raised by residents of Hanson Ranch relating to representation by the Hidden Valley Community Association (HVCA), the City of Calgary conducted a survey based on those concerns. Namely, did Hanson Ranch wish to remain part of the HVCA, form its own community association, or join an adjacent community association (e.g., Northern Hills, etc.). The survey also invited respondents to offer commentary on specific areas of concern, dissatisfaction or satisfaction with the HVCA. Prior to the survey closing, a community meeting was hosted by the City to both explain and answer any questions regarding the purpose or the intent of the survey. It was explained that the only potential change would be which community association represents Hanson Ranch residents. There would be no change to the official community boundaries, voting boundaries, school boundaries, or designation as a community. Hanson Ranch would remain as it is in those respects. Engagement was encouraged via social media and door-to-door delivery of flyers to all homes within Hanson Ranch. Although responses to the survey were unfortunately not restricted to the community of Hanson Ranch alone, results were compiled and presented by the Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator with the City to the HVCA board shortly thereafter.
Results showed that 51.52% did not feel that representation as it existed was working while 48.48% felt representation was adequate. Comments provided were mixed depending upon a general sense of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. In response to a relatively large number of respondents not being satisfied with representation within the HVCA, board members at that point in time felt that the ability for Hanson Ranch residents to connect and communicate directly with the board was needed. The roles of “Hanson Ranch directors” on the HVCA board were created to ensure equitable representation and in recognition that concerns and/or wishes that may be unique to Hanson Ranch could be brought forward to the board. Hanson Ranch would also have more direct input into events and happenings within Hidden Valley as a whole. Most importantly, it was hoped that by creating director roles specific to Hanson Ranch, a feeling of community and inclusivity may be encouraged, fostered, and maintained within the greater community of Hidden Valley.
Since June of 2023, when the first Hanson Ranch director was elected and through to June of 2024 with the election of a second director, updates that pertain to Hanson Ranch specifically are included on every HVCA monthly agenda. Ongoing initiatives such as traffic safety, the condition of the park located at Hidden Creek Blvd x Hidden Creek Dr, the theft of the bronze dog statue amongst other items have been undertaken and continue to be discussed at the HVCA board table. The ability to reach out directly to neighbours who are active on the board is now possible.
Your comments are welcome with respect to any continuing concerns that you may have with Hanson Ranch representation within the HVCA. Please feel free to offer your suggestions and/or comments by email to [email protected]. Members of the community are also welcome to attend monthly HVCA meetings which are held the third Thursday of each month. Even better, become a volunteer, a director-at-large, or a coordinator. Get active in our community! All are welcome!
Sandy Buffett and Sonia Quon
Hanson Ranch Directors
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