The Westside Playbook: Your Guide to Loft Living

Welcome to Westside Lofts

Welcome to Westside Lofts – a lively community with a rich history and a bright, exciting future. Our vibrant and dynamic environment attracts creative, forward-thinking individuals who appreciate the unique blend of urban living and historic charm. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and an integral part of our community. The board is easily accessible and always willing to make your transition as seamless and enjoyable as possible. We hope you all feel fortunate, whether as an owner or renter, to have secured a small slice of loft living in Calgary’s west.

Our History

Our story began in the late 1980s when our building was originally a buzzing recreation centre with classrooms, dance studios, and squash courts. Fast forward to the late ’90s, and the interior of the building was reimagined into stylish, contemporary condos. In 2009, the exterior received a sleek, modern upgrade, transforming it into the stunning building we now call “home.”

Resident Guidelines

Quiet Hours: Shhh, It’s Chill Time

While we’re all about fun and good vibes, we also value our beauty sleep. Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. (weekdays) and 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. (weekends) please keep things quiet. That means no loud music, no booming voices, and no impromptu drum solos. Thanks for doing your part to ensure everyone gets a good night’s rest and wakes up ready to enjoy another awesome day at Westside Lofts.

Fresh Air and Fragrant Spaces

Smokers, please note that while indoor smoking (of any kind) is permitted, our bylaws strictly state that no smoke or smoke aroma should escape your individual unit. Once it crosses your front door threshold into the hallway, you risk angering fellow residents and facing fines. Keep it fresh for everyone by being vigilant. Install an air purifier and use a door snake (draft stopper). If you’re smoking on your balcony, remember the same rules apply. If your smoke travels down, up, or across and sneaks into a neighbour’s window, it’s a violation of our bylaws. In today’s challenging world, let’s make sure our private spaces remain a much-needed sanctuary for everyone.

Pet Protocol: Keep Them Leashed

When it comes to our furry friends, let’s ensure they’re always leashed and under control in common areas. We love pets, but excessive barking isn’t cool – it disrupts our peaceful vibe. And while the grassy areas are lovely, they’re not ideal for pet business. We encourage you to take your buddies off property for their potty breaks. This helps preserve our beautiful lawns and keeps the area smelling fresh for everyone. Your cooperation makes Westside Lofts a more enjoyable place for all residents, both human and pet.

Pet Approval Process and Requirements

All pets must receive board approval before being allowed to reside in the community. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of all residents and their pets.

Vaccination Requirements

Before moving in or arriving, all pets must have up-to-date vaccinations. This is mandatory for both new and existing residents bringing in pets. Proof of vaccinations must be submitted as part of the application process.

Application Process

To apply for board approval for your pet, please complete the pet application form. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and attach the necessary vaccination records. Submit the completed form to the board for review.

For any questions regarding the pet application process, please contact the board directly.

Parking Policy

When you move into Westside Lofts, you’ll be handed a Resident Parking pass and a Visitor Parking pass. These should be displayed on your dashboard at all times. Each resident gets a specific numbered parking stall, so please use your assigned spot. Visitor parking is strictly for guests, but if you need to do a quick grocery drop-off and a visitor stall is closer to the entrance, go ahead and use it. Just remember to move your car to your designated stall afterward. If you lose a pass, don’t fret. You can purchase a replacement from the board for just $5 each.

Facilities and Amenities

Common Areas: Share the Fun

Our outdoor grass and garden areas are your playground – everyone’s invited. Just a heads-up: First-floor residents have private balconies, so thank you for being considerate and respecting their space. Your balcony or concrete pad is your own personal paradise.
Things to keep in mind:

• Please do not drill holes in the Hardie panels (our building’s exterior). This can compromise the building envelope and cause expensive repairs which all residents will inevitably have to pay for via condo fees.
• Your balcony/deck is not a storage area. Other than deck furniture and a bbq, please keep your balconies tidy and clean.
• Please submit requests to the condo board for any large projects such as air conditioning units. All units must be contained within your unit, and should not overhang your window. We recommend using portable air conditioning units for this purpose.

Shared Spaces: Keep It Neat

Stairs, hallways, and the lobby are our shared hangouts, so let’s keep them clean and tidy. No garbage in the hallways, please. If your boots track in a bit of the great outdoors, do your best to clean up. If it gets out of hand, just give the board a shout – we’ll bring the vacuum cavalry. Our cleaners swing by once a week, but sometimes a little extra touch-up is needed. Let’s all pitch in to keep our space looking fabulous. Your help picking up little bits and bobs that get dropped makes a big difference in keeping our home looking fab.

Maintenance and Repairs: Leave it to the Pros

Got a leaky window or a plumbing issue? Don’t worry, we’ve got a dream team of experts ready to swoop in. Please avoid do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes—our preferred contractors are like repair superheroes, trained to tackle the nitty-gritty and find the source of the problem. Sit back, relax, and let the pros handle it.

The corporation is responsible for the control, management, maintenance, repair, replacement, and administration of the common property and all real and personal property owned by the corporation. This includes exterior lighting, building heating systems, security systems, mailboxes, tiered planters and terraces, electrical boiler and mechanical rooms, perimeter and garbage fencing, and utility systems that serve more than one unit or common property.

Plumbing quirks

Our plumbing system, added during the condo conversion, is a bit on the sensitive side. To keep things flowing smoothly, please use a drain catcher in your kitchen sink and bathtub to catch hair and food scraps. If you experience any clogging, it might not just be your problem – it could affect your neighbours below and beside you. Be the ultimate neighbour and give us a heads up, so we can all be on the lookout for unexpected geysers from our faucets. We’re counting on you to help keep things under control.

If you experience heating or plumbing issues, here is the protocol

1. Shoot an email to the condo board at westsidelofts@hotmail.com.
2. We’ll send the professionals from Fountainhead Mechanical to check it out.
3. If it’s a condo corporation issue, the visit is on us. If it’s on you, you’ll get a special resident rate.

For absolute emergencies during regular sleeping hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), please call Fountainhead directly on (403) 702-6900.

For detailed responsibilities, check out our bylaws. Generally, anything beyond your unit’s walls is on the condo corporation, while inside issues are yours. Thermostats are all you, too.

Renovations and Alterations to Your Unit: Let’s Get It Right

Ready to give your condo a fresh new look? Before you dive into that big renovation project, make sure you’ve followed all the right steps first. Here’s how to keep things smooth and stress-free:

Step 1: Get the Right Forms

First things first—grab the necessary forms from the board. It’s important to have all the paperwork sorted before you start swinging any hammers.

Step 2: Board Approvals

Remember, our bylaws require you to get board approval for any changes inside as well as outside your unit. This step is crucial to ensure your project aligns with our community standards.

Step 3: Know the Construction Hours

Once you’ve got the green light, it’s time to plan your work around the regulated construction hours set by the City of Calgary. Here’s when you can make some noise:

• Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sundays and Holidays: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

These hours help maintain peace in the building, avoiding early morning or late-night disturbances while giving you ample time to complete your project.

By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your renovation journey enjoyable for both you and your neighbours. Happy renovating!

Green Living: Compost, Recycle, and Trash

Ready to make the planet a better place? Head over to the waste enclosure at the southwest end of the parking lot. Blue Planet collects our garbage, recycling, and compost weekly. Remember to always keep the gates secured when you leave – we live in quite the wind tunnel, and those big doors love to flap around. If you’ve got something that doesn’t fit in the bins, take it to the city dump or another appropriate site.

Moving in or out? Please don’t use our bins for your moving boxes or unwanted items. We get charged extra for that, and it’s unfair to your fellow residents.

And while we all love a good yard sale, especially when it’s free, please refrain from leaving unwanted items in the lobby area. Instead, consider donating to some worthy organizations like Goodwill, WINS (Women in Need Society), or your local thrift store run by the Salvation Army.

Safety and Security

Intercom Access and Secure Building Entry

As a new resident, you’ll be given a special 7-digit intercom access code. Yes, it’s a bit of a brain workout, but it’s designed to keep you and everyone else here safe and sound. Here’s the lowdown on why it’s important and how to use it wisely:

Your Unique Code

Why It’s Long: Security. A longer code is harder to crack.

Keep It Secret: Don’t share your code with friends, family, colleagues, delivery drivers, or anyone else. Even a small slip-up can compromise everyone’s safety.

Managing Your Code

Need a Change? If you need to set up your code or make changes, just contact our board at westsidelofts@hotmail.com.
Tech Support: Our resident tech wizard will help you connect your cell phone to the intercom system, making it easy to buzz in your visitors.

Building Security Tips

• Stay Alert: Always be aware when entering the building. Don’t let strangers follow you in. Always make sure the door fully closes behind you. Listen for the “click.”
• Ask Questions: If someone tries to sneak in behind you, ask who they are visiting and their unit number. Explain that building security protocols prevent you from letting them in.
• Be Cautious After Dark: Sly characters can be tricky, so keep your wits about you, especially at night.
• Back Door Security: Maintaining back door security is essential. Please do not prop the door open while depositing trash in the garbage enclosure or taking your furry friend out for a quick break. We have experienced instances where intruders have gained access to the building through the back door. Your vigilance helps keep our community safe.

If You Encounter Issues

If you see any homeless individuals or suspicious activity in the building, contact the board immediately or call 911 for assistance.

Remember, your vigilance helps keep Westside Lofts a safe and secure home for everyone. Thanks for doing your part.

Telus and Shaw Installation Guidelines

Before scheduling a technician from Telus or Shaw to hook up your services, please contact the board to coordinate a suitable date and time. Access to our electrical room is necessary for the installation, and we need to ensure that a board representative is available to grant entry. This process helps us maintain security and ensure that all installations are completed smoothly. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Moving Day Magic: Your Guide to a Smooth Move-In/Move-Out

Step 1: Get in Touch

Give the Board a heads up about your move at least two weeks in advance.

Send a quick written request with your moving date, time, unit number, and contact info.

Moving Hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sundays and Holidays: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Step 2: Secure and Supervise

Door Duty: Make sure all doors leading to common areas are attended at all times during your move. No unattended propped-open doors allowed.

Have someone from your household or a trusted friend oversee the move. They’ll make sure doors stay secure and the movers stick to the rules.

Step 3: Clean-Up Crew to the Rescue

After the move, clean up any debris or packing materials left in common areas. This includes the lobby, hallways, staircases, and any other shared spaces.

Dispose of all waste and recyclables according to the building’s waste management policies. Please refrain from dumping moving boxes and unwanted items in our garbage enclosure. Failure to do so will incur a fine.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure a smooth move that keeps everyone happy and the building in tip-top shape. Happy moving!

Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: No way

Thinking about listing your place on Airbnb or other short-term rental sites? As per our bylaws, short-term rentals (which fall under commercial use) are strictly forbidden. We’re all about maintaining a safe and cohesive community, where everyone knows their neighbours and feels at home. Allowing short-term rentals can disrupt this harmony and pose security risks. Thanks for your support by not offering your unit for short stays. If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to the condo board.

Unlock the Magic of the Westside Lofts Bylaw Bot

Ever feel lost in a sea of legal jargon when trying to figure out who’s responsible for what at Westside Lofts? Fear not! Our Westside Lofts Bylaw Bot is here to rescue you. Designed to cut through the red tape and make things crystal clear, it’s like having a friendly legal eagle in your pocket. No more squinting at lengthy documents—you’ve got the answers at your fingertips.

Bear in mind… ChatGPT sometimes makes things up! So if it’s important, make sure you double-check information in the official bylaws.

Here’s your guide to getting started:

Simplified Access Guide for Westside Lofts Bylaw Bot

Step 1: Downloading ChatGPT

1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store on your device.
2. Type “ChatGPT” in the search bar.
3. Hit that download button! Installation is quick and easy.

Step 2: Creating an Account

1. Launch the ChatGPT app.
2. Tap ‘Sign Up’ and fill in your details like email and a new password.
3. Verify your email if prompted, and voilà—you’re in!

Step 3: Adding Bylaw Bot – Westside Lofts

1. Head to ‘Settings’ or ‘Assistant Settings’ in the ChatGPT app.
2. Find ‘Add Custom Assistant’ or ‘Manage Assistants’.
3. Search for “Bylaw Bot – Westside Lofts” and add it to your team.

Step 4: Engaging with Bylaw Bot

With Bylaw Bot added, start your query quest. Just type in your questions like “What’s the deal with pet policies?” or “Tell me about guest parking rules.”

Bylaw Bot will give you the scoop in a snap!

Now you’re all set to navigate the condo bylaws like a pro! Got a question? Bylaw Bot’s got your back.

Safety and security measures and Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial for Westside Lofts residents to know the procedures to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Fire Safety

Fire safety equipment assessments are conducted annually. If you discover a fire, pull the nearest fire alarm to alert all residents, proceed outdoors and then call 911.

Evacuation Tips:

• Stay Low: Smoke rises, so stay low to the ground to avoid inhalation.
• Close Doors: Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire.
• Assist Others: Help those with mobility issues or other special needs.
• Familiarize Yourself: Know the specific emergency exits, alarm locations, and procedures outlined by your condo management.

By following these procedures, you can ensure that you and your fellow residents are well-prepared to handle any emergency situation effectively. Stay safe!

Green Living Initiatives

We’re committed to making our community as eco-friendly as possible. Embracing green living isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a fun and rewarding way to make a positive impact! Let’s dive into some easy and effective ways we can all contribute to our Green Living Initiatives:

Energy Conservation

Saving energy is a breeze with a few simple habits. Turn off lights when you leave a room, and opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs to brighten up your space. In the warmer months, consider using ceiling fans instead of cranking up the air conditioning. During winter, cozy up with a blanket instead of turning up the heat. For example, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use can save a surprising amount of energy. By being mindful of our energy consumption, we can all help reduce our carbon footprint and keep utility costs down.

Water Conservation

Every drop counts, and conserving water is easier than you might think. Start by fixing any leaky faucets and taking shorter showers. Using a dishwasher? Make sure it’s full before running it to maximize water efficiency. Water your plants with leftover water from cooking or rinsing vegetables. For instance, you can place a bucket in the shower to catch the initial cold water and use it for cleaning or watering plants. By adopting these small changes, we can significantly reduce our water usage and protect this precious resource.

Sustainable Practices

Living sustainably is all about making thoughtful choices that benefit the environment. Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut down on single-use plastics. When shopping, look for products with minimal packaging or made from recycled materials. Composting organic waste is a great way to reduce landfill contributions and nourish our gardens. For example, you can create a simple compost bin for food scraps and yard waste. By incorporating these sustainable practices into our daily routines, we can all contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable community.

Community Activities and Events/Volunteerism

At Westside Lofts we believe that building a strong community starts with having fun and getting involved. There’s no better way to do that than by volunteering on the property. The board will keep you informed when volunteer opportunities become available. If you are an avid green thumb, there is always a need for help in our shared common area gardens.

The board also hosts an annual Open House, which gives residents an opportunity to ask questions and contribute ideas.

By participating in these community activities and events, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Westside Lofts a truly special place to live.

Contact information:

Have questions?

Our building management is handled in-house by our board member team. Please contact us at westsidelofts@hotmail.com.

Our financial management is handled by Karen King & Associates Inc.

Isabel Logan is our main contact:

200, 1615 10 Ave SW

Calgary, AB  T3C 0J7

PH:   (403) 614-6873  ext 722

Email: Isabel@karenking.ca

Web: www.karenking.ca

The Condo Board is elected annually at our Annual General Meeting and is made up of five dedicated owners. As volunteers, we are committed to making Westside Lofts feel like home. You can reach us at westsidelofts@hotmail.com, which is checked daily.

Appendices

Westside Lofts 2012 Amended Bylaws

Download 2012 Amended Bylaws (PDF)

Forms and Applications

Download Request and Undertaking (PDF)
Download Pet Application (PDF)

Welcome Home!

Thank you for being part of our wonderful, lively community. Let’s make Westside Lofts a fun and friendly place to live for everyone!

Cheers,

The Westside Lofts Condo Board

We’re excited to have you here – and look forward to meeting you.

Welcome home!