One of the most frequent questions we hear is “What is the difference between a Homeowners’ Association and a Community Association”?
The information below explains some differences.
Homeowners’ Association (HOA):
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.
- 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.
- 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 Alderman, 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).