This year’s AGM was not quite business as usual. With some very good news, a new president at the helm, and quite a few awards given out, there were plenty of good vibes and warm embraces in the Thorncliffe Room this year.

TGCA President, Alison Abbott, led her first AGM and was quite comfortable in the big chair. In an encouraging introduction, she shared remarks about the successes of the past year and what we can look forward to as a community. The TGCA is pleased to have Grant Symon return as a director at large this year and we’re excited to see what projects he has in mind. We also saw director at large Sandi Hegland step away from her role. Sandi participated in the construction and organizing of the community garden, and although we’ll miss her at board meetings, we know she’ll be around to say “hi” at yoga or in the restaurant.

Our Treasurer, Brad Giddings, shared that the centre’s financials are looking even better than last year, which was going to be hard to top. Please find his full report below.

The board gave out two TGCA scholarships to some hopeful and bright-eyed young community members, as well as a whole bunch of lifetime memberships. The following TGCA members were recognised for their commitment to community building in Thorncliffe and Greenview with the honour:

• Jeff and Sandi Nevin
• Diana Christie
• Kevin Kromm
• Maureen O’Brien and Grant Symon
• Michelle Starzynski
• Monique Gibbs
• Sid Braak
• Alison Abbott

2025 TGCA Scholarship recipients:

• Nicholas Gibbs
• Kianna Kromm
• Clay Bell (not pictured)

We’d like to thank the resident members that came out to the AGM this year, in particular. Without you, this community association wouldn’t work, so please stay engaged or reach out to the TGCA if you want to be more involved.

We’d also like to thank our contributing elected representatives. We were pleased to have our brand-new Ward 4 councillor, DJ Kelly, in attendance. Councillor Kelly stayed and mingled with members after the meeting, and we were grateful that he fit it into a very hectic schedule. MLA Lizette Tejada was unable to attend, as the Fall legislative session had just begun last week, but her staff provided some reports for attendees to review.

We gave out a few prizes, met some new folks and chatted with some familiar ones too. It’s so important to actively engage with the inner workings of community building, it really does contribute to the quality of life in our area, so if you’re interested in joining the board as a director or volunteering in another capacity, please send an email to our programming and community engagement coordinator, Vanessa at v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.

Please find the AGM board member reports below.

Treasurer’s Report

By Brad Giddings

Our audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025 are presented for your review and my comments follow. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. Full copies of the financial statements can be obtained from the office.

BALANCE SHEET

• ASSETS
  • Cash, including “externally restricted” funds is $1,350,000 at year end, about $395,000 more than the prior year. This is a result primarily of a very successful year of operations and no major capital projects. We are still in a very strong position to cover all cash flow demands and any unforeseen events well into the future.
  • Investments, shown at cost of $320,000. This is down about $85,000 from the prior year due primarily to one investment project made about 20 years ago that was sold and wound up over the course of the year. 
  • Capital infrastructure spending totalled $156,000 this year. These consisted of normal equipment life cycle expenditures on the buildings and equipment.
• LIABILITIES
  • There are no significant changes to our current liabilities and reflect normal, full scale operating activities.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

• Combined Revenues
  • We are up $289,000 from last year per our audited statement. The largest of these increases came from hall rentals and lounge as well as the arena and bingo operations.
• Direct costs and overhead expense
  •  Our costs have risen, but only to the tune of about $86,000 due to better management efficiencies and some economies of scale.
• Net income
  • Our Excess of Revenue before Amortization, (our net operating income) is $401,000, as compared to last year at $267,000. And last year was the all-time record-breaking year ever!
• Notes on our primary operating income sources.
  • Hall rentals showed the largest net profit increase, up $95,000 over the prior year. Yet another indicator that the covid years are behind us now.
  • The 56 Restaurant and Lounge continues to build its patronage and although it doesn’t return the highest dollar value it continues to be a hive for social interaction among our community members and facility users.

LOOKING FORWARD

• Last year I said, “this year will be a tough act to follow but my expectations are high.” Well, this year has proven to be an even tougher act to follow, and I see no reason for this level to change!
• We are, not so patiently now, awaiting the arrival of our new electric ice resurfacing machine which will hopefully be here before the New Year arrives. There are other capital projects coming up including the ice plant and arena facilities which will be substantial and will be scheduled to minimize shut-down time and to fully utilize our grant opportunities. We are working on our priorities list for other projects and hope to include some upgrading and updating of our main building facilities as well.

I have said this before and will continue to say many thanks and congratulations to our facility manager Kevin Kromm and the dedicated staff of our community for their hard work and well-done job of keeping our community association vibrant and our facilities top notch.

Our current first quarter operations are showing a continued positive income flow, and our revenue streams are continuing to thrive as we move forward to this new year of operations.

I have submitted my name for re-election this year and would much appreciate your support. If you are interested in getting involved on any level, please reach out and we can find you a place that fits with your interests. Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Respectfully,

Brad Giddings

President’s Update

By Alison Abbott

From a financial perspective our balance sheet is strong, and we continue to see our arena, hall rentals, restaurant and Bingo perform well. Having a good financial position is critical for us to continue to invest in needed maintenance and upgrades. In addition, it allows us to continue to give back to the community with activities and services at minimal or no cost to residents. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Brad Giddings our long serving Treasurer for his ongoing stewardship of our finances and more specific details are included in his financial report.

Starting with the launch of our fully accessible playground, we have continued to beautify our outdoor spaces with our community garden, orchard and ongoing upkeep of the gardens creating a gathering place for all to enjoy. This would not be possible without our amazing, dedicated volunteer crew supported by Maureen O’Brien and Sandi Hegland.

Stacey McDade led the efforts for our new mural at the front of the building; local artist Sylvia Arthur captures the essence of TGCA with this remarkable art piece. 

Mary LaCoste continues to do a wonderful job leading our well attended family events throughout the year. From our Stampede Breakfast to our Halloween/Christmas dances we are thrilled to see families spending time together. 

Chris Migallo took on our very successful recycle depot and community clean up event. Our biannual fund-raising concerts continue to be popular with all profits going back into the community and as a bonus we have been able to donate cash and food donations for our local foodbanks. Earlier this month we donated 359 pounds of food and $535 cash for the veteran’s food bank.

A heartfelt thank you to Patrick Saunders who has dedicated hundreds of hours working with the city and residents as we deal with the many RC-G developments since the blanket rezoning decision by the City in May of 2024. We appreciate TGCA residents for actively providing feedback on development permits and bringing forward helpful information to assist in our comments. A Planning and Development page was launched to regularly stay informed regarding development permits including important feedback and appeal deadlines. A detailed summary can be found in Patrick’s report.  Just to note Pat also works on traffic, roads and parks in his support of the community.

We were pleased to host a candidates’ forum in September, providing residents with the opportunity to hear from the candidates running for Ward 4. Over 100 people attended, and a community survey was conducted to solicit feedback on the topics most important to residents.

We are privileged to have a dedicated, enthusiastic, and actively involved team of volunteers. We have over 100 volunteers and it was an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals in April at a special event.

On any given day at TGCA you see volunteerism in action, including: 

Next year we will be embarking on a significant upgrade to our arena with Derek Livingston supporting Kevin and the team.

A special thank you and appreciation to Kevin Kromm, our General Manager for his continued leadership and the stellar results achieved this year. Kevin also has a strong team of employees who contribute to the success of TGCA everyday. 

In closing, I want to thank my board colleagues Brad Giddings, Stacey McDade, Mary LaCoste, Derek Livingston, Sandi Hegland, Patrick Saunders, Chris Migallo and Michelle Starzynski for their commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts for TGCA.

Planning & Development Update

By Patrick Saunders, TGCA director at large

It has been a busy and challenging year with the Zoning Bylaw Changes, with R-CG now the base land use designation as approved by City Council. Greenview falls under the North Hill Local Area Plan and with Edmonton Trail being designated with H-GO development. 

From October 31, 2024 to October 31, 2025 there have been 52 Development Permit Applications including:

6 Backyard /Garage Suites

1 New Single Detached Dwellings 1 including a b

19 Development Permits in Greenview Industrial Area

3 Relaxations

4 Home Occupations

Townhouse Development Applications

In addition, there are seven Townhouse development permit applications in circulation/under review, approved or pending appeal. All are located in Thorncliffe with two being approved and underway.

Five of the Townhouse developments are 4 units with 4 secondary suites. In the last week we have received development permits for multiple building units, one application for 6 units & 6 suites and a multiple property application for 9 units & 9 suites.

Rowhouse Development Applications

Currently we have 2 Rowhouse development permits approved one in Greenview (4 units & 4 suites) and one in Thorncliffe (3 units & 3 suites). Also approved in Greenview are 2 building dwelling units including basement suites (5 units & 5 suites) and one single building dwelling unit including basement suites (4 units & 4 suites) located in the H-GO District on Edmonton Trail NE.

Also to note, we have six parcels of land that were subdivided to accommodate narrow parcels/single detached dwellings and/or semi-detached dwellings and may include secondary suites.

Centre Street Development

We are seeing more development activity on Centre Street with 2 current land use changes for being requested.

5024 Centre Street NE has been approved M-X2 Multi Residential – Commercial District to accommodate one 4-storey building with one level of retail use, three levels of apartments and underground parking. This property is currently listed for sale. There is a land use designation for two adjoining parcels, 98 Thorncrest Road & 5408 Centre Street N E from R-CG to MU-1. We are currently engaged with the applicant’s agent, the file manager and the local community. TGCA will facilitate further public information sessions and engagement in the near future.

TGCA has been involved in several Subdivision Appeals. Currently there are 2 appeals pending. The Merit Hearings are scheduled for December 2025.

Thorncliffe/ Greenview Development Permits

DP2025-05137                                                                In Circulation

4603 EDMONTON TR NE

H-GO   1 Buildings 4 units 4 suites Garage

DP2025-01431                                                                Pending Appeal                                            

48 NORTHMOUNT DR NW

R-CG  New Townhouse               4 units 4 suites Garages

DP2025-03783                                                                In Circulation                                

2 SIMONS CR NW

R-CG   New Townhouse 4 units 4 suites Garage

DP2025-04717                                                                Pending Appeal                                            

6052 THORNCLIFFE DR NW

R-CG   New Townhouse 4 units 4 Suites Garage

DP2025-05871                                                                In Circulation                                                                

1 TRAFFORD CR NW

Multiple addresses

R-CG    New Townhouse (2 buildings 9 Units)

Secondary Suites (9 suites) Accessory Residential Buildings (2 garages)

DP2025-05871                                                                In Circulation                                                                

503 TRAFFORD DR NW

R-CG    New Townhouse (2 buildings 6 Units)

Secondary Suites (6 suites) Accessory Residential Buildings (garage)

Thorncliffe Greenview LOC’s

LOC2025-0059                                                                               Submitted

5408 Centre ST NE

Multiple Addresses                                                      

Proposed Land Use District MU-1

f2.5/h24

LOC2024-0306                                                                               Approved

5024 Centre ST NE                                                        

Proposed Land Use District M-X2

4 Storey 12 units Main Commercial

Underground Parking

TGCA 2025 Director’s Report re: Community Garden
By Sandi Hegland

This was our first full season of the community garden, and we feel it was very successful. The garden opens from May 1 to October 31 each season. All 27 garden boxes were used by residents of Thorncliffe Greenview. Gardeners who have fulfilled their volunteer obligations and maintained their garden boxes according to our policy will automatically receive the same garden box for the 2026 season. If any boxes become available, a notice will be sent out in early spring for new applications.

After three years of hard work, we can proudly say the building of the community garden is finally finished—and it is beautiful! The finishing touches included the painting of the shed by Jayden, a Grade 9 student at Sir John A. and the painting of the bird and bug houses by several children who live in our community.

Our committee—Jennifer Frank, Alyssa Olichny, Sandi Hegland, and the grand poohbah Maureen O’Brien—are retiring. We have four new volunteers, all of whom have garden boxes and are willing to take over the committee. One of the original members is among them. We look forward to the future of this beautiful garden!

Community Relations Report

By Mary LaCoste

Our committee was kept busy again this year and we hope that our young families had as much fun attending as we did preparing for each event.

Our first event was Halloween. We had 450 dressed in various scary costumes in attendance. The canteen was kept busy serving the scrumptious meals enjoyed by all. Music supplied by Jazzed up events continued through the night. This is such a nice event with everyone dancing and having fun.

Next was the Jingle Bell Hop in December. At this event we had 350 people in attendance. The little ones were excited as Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped in to have their pictures taken and even stepped out onto the dance floor with them. Meal was suppled by the canteen and served by the Friday night shinny hockey team again, which was delish. Bags of candy and a small gift was handed out to all the children. Music once again supplied by Jazzed up events.

We had planned a Winterfest dance in February but decided to cancel this to accommodate the installation of new Bingo Equipment in the hall that weekend.

Up next was the Stampede. After filling up on pancakes, which were supplied and made by our Booster Club, the young adults were entertained with all the bouncers, balloons, face painting, games and the playground. For hours this area was filled with families enjoying the day. Meanwhile the beer gardens were kept busy all day with live music by MojoLisa and demonstrations of line dancing by the Thornview Seniors and Jazzercise North Calgary.

This past weekend saw over 500 people in attendance for the Halloween party this year. So many great costumes and a great night. Thank you to the canteen for supplying food.

None of these events would have been possible if we didn’t have the support of the TGCA staff and the many volunteers who come out and help us. We are very lucky to have the support of our business members and local businesses who help as put on our events throughout the year.

We are always looking for helpers so If you can lend a hand please call the office.

Thank you as well to all our families who attend and support these events throughout the year. You are the reason we are here.

Till next time!

Mary

TGCA 2025 Director’s Report re: Community Clean-up Event

By Chris Migallo

This year’s Thorncliffe Greenview Community Clean-Up Day on June 22 was a great success!
Thanks to our many volunteers, garbage disposal, recycling, charitable donation partners, and the City of Calgary, we helped countless community members safely get rid of their unwanted clutter. Mother Nature even helped by giving us a sunny day that wasn’t too hot!

This year’s focus was on efficiency and education, ensuring every visitor received a flyer detailing which items went where to minimize wait times. Clear instructions and strategic bin placement allowed residents to complete their drop-offs quickly.

At its peak, the longest wait time was approximately 20 minutes, and there was little to no traffic interruption on Centre Street.

A big thank you must also be extended to our visitors for their patience and cooperation, which helped the day run so smoothly.

The Salvation Army was happy to report that over 1,600 lbs of donated items were picked up and kept out of the landfill—going back into the community and supporting their amazing cause! The TGCA also received the Electronics recycling roundup grant through the Alberta Recycling Management Authority. This program provides an association with $500 per metric tonne collected. The TGCA collected over 2 metric tonnes of electronics and received $1054 for this year’s clean-up.

This year’s partners included:

• The Salvation Army
• WINS – Women in Need Society (in partnership with BEP Services bins)
• Technotrash – Electronics Recycling
• Recon Metal – Metal Recycling
• City of Calgary

Vice President’s Report

By Stacey McDade

One of the greatest highlights of this year is the mural on the front of the Community Centre.

Finding an artist who could illustrate the energy, heart, and soul of this dynamic community took me several years. In the end, the search and the wait were well worth it.

Many thanks go out to Sylvia Arthur. We had a long list of elements that needed to be included in the mural: our sporting programs, our Scouting program, our beautiful playground, and our community garden. Most importantly, it had to reflect the generations of people who make our community the best place to be.

This was no small task—but she nailed it. We couldn’t be prouder of this beautiful, original mural. She captured everything we asked for and more. It’s a stunning piece that truly reflects the essence of our community.

Looking ahead, I hope to see more of these artistic contributions, helping bring the vibrancy to this facility that it so richly deserves.