FAQ

• Can I mow the area behind my house if it is an ER?

  No. The Municipal Government Act (MGA) states that an applicant for subdivision may be required to dedicate land as an environmental reserve. Environmental reserves ensure that building does not occur on land subject to natural hazards which is to be left in its natural state. Individual residents cannot use environmental reserves for their own purposes. Unfortunately, environmental reserves are sometimes misused. Adjacent landowners must not compromise the purpose and nature of these reserves through the removal of trees and vegetation, mowing the grass, the on-site development of fences, decks or other structures, the re-contouring of the site and other private uses of these reserve lands.

• Why are there bags around the catch basins (drains) causing the street to flood?

  In new areas and in construction zones, stormwater inlets (catch basins) on the streets are often protected with socks or bags to reduce the amount of sediment that enters the storm sewer system that drains directly to the Bow River. This is a requirement from Alberta Environment to protect the water quality of our river systems. Sediment from construction sites can have a significant impact on the water quality of the river. Although this can be annoying for people living in the area or driving on the road, this small inconvenience is worthwhile if it helps to improve water quality. It is unlawful to remove these devices. They will be removed once construction in the area is no longer tracking mud onto the streets.

• The pavement on my new street is lower than the gutter and it does not drain properly. When will this be fixed?

  The pavement in new subdivisions is intentionally left low to allow a period of time for settlements to occur and to make repairs to damaged concrete. After the maintenance period (normally 2 years) is over, Qualico Communities will level out any settlements in the road and patch any potholes or repair areas. Then Qualico Communities will place the final lift of asphalt to complete the road construction. Vehicle access to your house will be restricted for a few days while the paving work is completed.

• What is the purpose of retaining walls in my yard?

  Retaining walls assist in leveling out sloping areas and ensure that water drains away from the foundation. Retaining walls are required on lots where there is more than a 3:1 slope on the property. Generally, the retaining walls within the lot are the responsibility of the builder. Grades and slopes are examined by the architectural assurance committee and if substantial slope is present, than the committee will suggest or require that a retaining wall be constructed. All retaining walls shall be constructed to compliment the exterior home design and finish, and should blend with the lot landscaping. They are to be made of materials such as brick, stone or simulated stone and have a finished cap.

• My sidewalk is damaged, when will it be fixed?

  Construction damage repairs to your sidewalk are done two years after the subdivision was first constructed. When the repairs are being made, you may loose partial or complete access to your driveway during the time of repair. Please avoid driving on newly placed concrete for at least 2 weeks to allow it to gain enough strength to support a vehicle. Concrete requires 28 days to reach full strength.

• Why do I have to let the developer approve my house colors?

  Color selection is subject to Developer involvement as purchasers and builders alike tend to look at each home as a stand alone building, rather than as one residence fitting into a whole neighborhood. Exterior colors- similar to clothing colors- have a cycle. Driving around different neighborhoods built in different decades, it is easy to gauge when the homes were built, as colors and materials evolve and change. There are always "choice" colors, and without the involvement of the architectural assurance committee, more houses would be of the same choice. Color repetition "rules" are in place for the benefit of the purchasers. This ensures that the same colors are not repeated on neighboring houses, and ensures that we can maintain a unique character and cohesiveness throughout the community

• Do I get a fence on my lot?

  Qualico Communities will provide standard fencing as set out below:

  Wood Screen Fencing is used on the rear of lots that back onto another lot.
  Chain Link Fencing is used on the rear and/or sides of lots that either back or side onto MR areas.
  o Developer Fencing is provided on laned lots, or on lots that side onto another lot. (ie: between houses).

  Fencing height is set out by municipal bylaws.

• Does the developer provide any trees for my yard?

  The Developer always adheres to the city, town or municipal bylaws to address tree planting regulations. Each municipality has different requirements. For example, the City of Calgary requires a tree to be provided with each lot where applicable.

• What to do during a big rain storm when the street is flooded and water is starting to come into your yard?

  The streets of any new subdivision in the City of Calgary are designed with a Stormwater Management Plan to handle severe rain storms. So as not to overload the underground pipe system during a rain storm, temporary stormwater storage sites called Trap Lows are designed into the streets, lanes, and even parks to accommodate a high volume of water. The Trap Low Design is a requirement of the City of Calgary Wastewater and Drainage Division.

  Do not panic if you see water rising in your street or even in your driveway during a fast rain. As long as when building your house and installing the landscaping you have followed the grading plan, the water will flow to the Trap Low before reaching your home.

  Once the storm is over the water is designed to drain slowly into the catch basins using a mechanism called an ICD. The reason for this is to prevent the storm system from getting overloaded too quickly. You should see the water draining away.

  If the Trap Low still does not drain at this point it may be likely due to debris plugging the ICD. If that is the case please contact Qualico Communities to have the blockage cleared.

• Who determines the amenities that will be available in my neighborhood?

  Community amenities are discussed during new community planning stages. The Developer will perform market demand studies to assist in determining what the area may need in terms of recreational, commercial or retail space. Most often there is collaboration between levels of government, municipalities and developers that may result in a joint effort in providing said amenities. Developers generally provide landscaping and pathway systems that enhance neighborhoods and allows for connectivity and pedestrian oriented development.

• Am I eligible for a complimentary tree?

  This means that builders and purchasers are assured a level of commitment to the aesthetic value of a neighborhood. Architectural Guidelines exist to ensure that every home built in a Qualico Community works with the surroundings and is consistent in creating a strong community landscape and a real sense of place. This assists the builder and purchaser in visualizing the built-out community.

• Am I responsible for my fence maintenance?

  All fences backing onto open space or roads are constructed within the homeowner’s lot. Maintenance of these fences is required on the part of the property owner for both sides of the fence. Maintenance of all other fences located on the perimeter of a lot is the responsibility of each property owner for their own side of the fence.

• Can I purchase a lot and build my own house?

  Qualico Communities uses pre-determined builder groups for each community. In order to purchase a lot please see the attached link to all Qualico Communities’ builders.

• Will I get a fence backing on to another lot?

  Yes these fences are provided by Qualico Communities. Fences in this case are designed for privacy and are constructed of wood at 1.8 meters (6 feet) in height.

• How high can my fence be?

  Side yard fences may be a minimum of 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height to a maximum of 1.8 meters (6 feet). If the height of the side-yard fence differs from that of the rear fence, a gradually stepped design is required to integrate the two heights.

• We have a Storm Pond in our new subdivision; can we use it for swimming and skating?

  No. Storm Ponds (wet ponds) serve two main purposes in the Stormwater Management Plan. They provide a place for the additional water storage needed in a major storm event, and they also act as treatment for the stormwater to remove sediment and protect the Bow River. Because of these functions, the Storm Ponds are not safe for recreational use. The water quality is not fit for swimming, and the pond is not safe for skating in the winter because the ice on the surface may become unstable due to the flowing water below and the fluctuating water levels. The water level may rise rapidly during or after a storm event so you and your children should avoid activity near the water’s edge. Runoff of road salts and de-icing fluids to storm ponds also decreases ice quality and thickness so please keep recreational activities in the designated areas only.

• What does Architectural Assurance mean?

  This means that builders and purchasers are assured a level of commitment to the aesthetic value of a neighborhood. Architectural Guidelines exist to ensure that every home built in a Qualico Community works with the surroundings and is consistent in creating a strong community landscape and a real sense of place. This assists the builder and purchaser in visualizing the built-out community.

• When can I landscape my yard?

  Once construction is complete and new home owners take possession of their homes, the responsibility and obligation to maintain the lots in a safe and aesthetically pleasing state transfers to the new homeowners. Homeowners are required to ensure that soil does not erode from their lots and must take the same care and caution as the builders. Once the lot is compacted, graded correctly and the builder has received their By-law Grading Certificate, the homeowner should be encouraged to sod or seed their yards as soon as possible to prevent topsoil from eroding onto the streets and entering the storm sewer system. It can take up to one and a half years from the move-in date before a builder received their By-law Grading Certificate.

• What do different lot types mean?

  Most communities have a variety of lot types. It is important to build homes that are appropriate for the size and grade of the lot. Typically the various lot types are:

  Level Lot: the lot has a minor grade variance from front to back.
  Back to Front Lot: the lot has a grade variance from back to front with slope draining to the front of the lot.
  Walkout Lot: the front grades of the lot are a minimum of 1.8m higher than the rear grades.
  Transitional Lot: the lot meets the criteria for a level lot on one side, but has a greater grade variance on the other side of the lot.