One of the most common questions we are asked is “What is the difference between a Homeowners/Residents Association and a Community Association”?
The community of Copperfield does not have a Homeowners/Residents Association.
The community of Mahogany has a Homeowners’ Association – Mahogany Homeowners Association.
Homeowners/Residents Association (HOA/RA):
An organization created by the Developer:
- To manage and maintain certain amenities and unique features of a development that the City will not accept responsibility to maintain.
- To have Residents pay an annual fee to the Association through an encumbrance on their property title.
- To ensure a high degree of maintenance of the common amenities, such as entrance signage, certain ornamental parks and ponds, boulevard landscaping and buildings.
Advantages of an HOA:
- All residents are members and all residents contribute.
- HOAs are mandated to maintain certain community amenities and physical elements installed by the Developer.
- Residents often receive exclusive access to community amenities like lakes.
- Maintenance preserves certain areas and unique features of the community, which contributes to longterm appeal.
Community Association (CA):
An organization formed by the residents of an area:
- To support the social, educational, and recreational needs of the community.
- To build connections in the community through volunteer opportunities, events and programs.
- To act as a community liaison in civic matters (planning and development).
- To plan, develop and maintain community facilities and amenities such as community gardens and skating rinks.
Advantages of a CA:
- Membership is optional. Please click here if you are interested in purchasing a Community Association membership.
- The Board is made up of unpaid volunteers and most CA activities are managed by volunteers.
- Members can volunteer and become involved and connected in the community.
- Members can participate in CA-run events and programs.
- The CA receives development, transportation, and zoning plans from the City and the Developer(s) and may provide feedback on the approval process.
- The CA has direct contact with the City Councillor, MLA, Police Liaison Officer, and other government officials.
- The CA can support the addition of new facilities and amenities in the neighbourhood.
- The Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) provides support to over 200 Community Associations (CAs) in Calgary.
*Definitions were taken in part from the Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC).
Other FAQs
Can I access the lake in Mahogany if I’m a resident of Copperfield?
The lake in Mahogany is operated by the Mahogany Homeowners Association, which is not affiliated with the Copperfield-Mahogany Community Association. These amenities are only available to residents of Mahogany, through an annual encumbrance fee attached to the title on their homes. Copperfield residents are welcome to register for programs at the Mahogany Beach Club (and are graciously offered a slight discount if they have a current CMCA membership – please see this page for more information), but cannot access the lake.
