Community Associations are volunteer-based, grassroots organizations that bring neighbours together to build stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, the members of your Community Association are dedicated to ensuring you feel safe and love where you live. Community Associations often incorporate as registered societies under provincial law.
What a Community Association does
A Community Association responds to residents’ needs, supporting them to strengthen connections and work toward common goals. Examples of activities include:
- advocating for the community with a unified voice
- planning social events, kids’ activities, community cleanups, safety initiatives and beautification programs
- monitoring development and providing input
- raising money for parks, amenities and infrastructure
- providing information to residents through a newsletter, website or social media page
How to establish a Community Association
- Identify the purpose. Consider the needs and interests of your community by gathering input from potential members and residents.
- Recruit members and build support. Host meetings or events to build awareness of and support for the association.
- Develop bylaws. Bylaws must outline the structure, governance and operations of the association.
- Incorporate as a nonprofit association. The association must file documents with the Alberta Corporate Registry and pay the applicable fees. Incorporation is not mandatory, but it provides the association with legal status and limits the personal liability of its members. A nonprofit association with the Alberta government provides tax benefits and may increase the association’s eligibility for funding and grants.
- Establish financial management practices. Develop a system for managing the association’s finances, including policies and procedures, budgeting and maintaining accurate records.
- Begin operations. Once the association is established, start planning and implementing activities and initiatives to achieve your goals.
Support
Associations may apply for the Community Association Support Grant to receive $500 annually from the Town of Cochrane.
Find workshops to help build the capacity of your organization or Community Association at Programs and Activities.
To learn how to incorporate a society, visit Service Alberta.
Association directory
Cochrane is home to several Community Associations, each serving different neighbourhoods. If there’s a Community Association in your neighbourhood and you’re interested in getting involved, reach out using the contact details below.