- Residents' Association -

As in other nearby neighbourhoods, Wentworth lots were registered with an encumbrance on title specifying that all homeowners are automatically part of the Residents' Association. The intent is that special amenities in the area are to be cared for by the residents to the level of quality that they desire.

The other benefit of these Residents' Associations is that this group of residents can also contract with independent landscapers to continue the maintenance of areas that the City would normally take care of, i.e. sports fields and parks. This allows the residents to define a superior level of care than what is typically provided by the City crews. The City provides an Operating Grant to the association when this occurs. Fees are also collected from each resident in the neighbourhood to cover the costs of the improved level of care, and the costs of caring for items that the City would not care for at all.

In March 2006 at the Annual General Meeting, a number of Wentworth residents stepped forward to act as the new Board of Directors for the WRA. They have been actively researching and performing the duties for the residents' association. A new web page has been created that will be updated on an ongoing basis. Please see www.mywentworth.com for current information.


- Restrictive Covenants -

As new homeowners in a new neighbourhood, many of you may not be familiar with the term Restrictive Covenants ("RC" for short).

An RC is a legal document that is placed on the title of each lot when it is created and before ownership is transferred to the first purchaser. Since it is on the title, the document remains on the land, even as the ownership passes from one person to another. The purpose of the RC is to set out what is not permitted on a lot. The RC is for the benefit of the entire community, and through this property values should be maintained. Wentworth owners expect that a standard consistent with a high quality development is maintained. With the RC, you have the ability to enforce that standard when another owner violates any of the provisions.

Although the contents of the RC can vary from one phase of Wentworth to another, they generally protect owners from improper development in that same phase. As an example, construction of a new building or a change to the appearance of an existing home (including exterior colours), cannot be made without the written approval of Dundee. Other restrictions relate to the condition of the house, yard and fences. A violation that we receive many calls about is the parking of recreational vehicles and trailers on a lot.

With the excitement and large number of documents associated with a home purchase, many owners have never reviewed (or possibly were not aware of) the RC. We suggest that you take a moment to read yours, firstly to ensure you are not violating them unknowingly, and secondly, so that you know you are able to protect your property value from being affected by others.

For your convenience, you can reference the RC's for Wentworth (click on the map on the right). They relate specifically to the phase of Wentworth in which you live, so click on the plan to open it, then click on the phase in which you live. Some phases have two RC's, so refer to them both.


- Open Space Areas -

The open space areas are comprised of natural ravines, two soccer fields and a site for a public elementary and junior high school. The soccer fields were constructed in 2003 and are ready for use. The school sites will be grassed and available for general recreational uses until the Board of Education has funding in place to construct the school(s).

There are also two special areas that contribute to the appeal of Wentworth: a pond surrounded by natural vegetation, as well as a treed area on the south side of 9 Avenue. The pond provides visual enjoyment, but as it is subject to sudden water fluctuations, it is not suitable for recreational use.

Water may pond in the streets during a rainstorm. This is part of the storm system design so do not be alarmed.


- Transportation System -

Just west of Wentworth is the right-of-way for the future Stoney Trail (and utility corridor). This roadway falls under the purview of the Province and they have indicated that it is scheduled for some years in the future. Current plans indicate that this north-south road will have intersections with an extended Bow Trail and at Old Banff Coach Road. It should be noted that Wentworth Drive and 9th Avenue would not connect to Stoney Trail. Wentworth Drive will terminate just across the ravines at the entrance to the Willows of Wentworth.

The bus route in Wentworth is along Wentworth Drive, between 85th Street and Wentworth Rise, and on Wentworth Rise to 9th Avenue. The commencement of this service is at the discretion of Calgary Transit, however, bus service does exist on 85th Street.

A paved regional pathway will run through the open space system in Wentworth and will form a part of the City of Calgary Regional Pathway Network. As development occurs in other parts of the West Springs Community, as well as other adjacent communities, various links will be created in the network, ultimately providing a route to other City pathways. Various connecting walkways and sidewalks within Wentworth enable all residents to have access to the regional pathway.


- Parking RV's -

Can I park my motor home in Wentworth? Generally, the answer is no. Temporarily parking is dependant on where it is parked.

If parked on a street, the City Bylaw says you can park in front of your home for no more than 36 hours. Then it has to be moved away for not less than 48 hours. If parked on a lot, the City Land Use Bylaw says it cannot be allowed in a front yard for longer than 24 hours. However, because we know this is a concern to many home-owners, Wentworth's Restrictive Covenants go a little further in not allowing them anywhere on a lot.


- Fences and Decks -

Fences built by Dundee represent the 'standard' for the neighbourhood. If you want to duplicate this style and colour on your property you do not have to make a submission to the Architectural Control Committee. Information on this 'Standard Fencing' is available for Screen and Lattice styles.

If you want something different, please send in a sketch with dimensions and colour choices, as well as a plan showing where on your lot the fence is proposed to be built. Note that that chain link fences or dog runs are not permitted anywhere.

We strongly recommend that you have a surveyor check the proposed location of your fence to ensure it is either within your property, or straddling a property line if you and your neighbour plan to share the fence.

Similarly, if you want to build a new deck, you'll need to submit plans for review by our Committee, and you'll need a building permit from the City.

Wentworth Estates lot fencing is slightly different from the rest of Wentworth: Fences built by Dundee are built completely inside the property line of the lot, and the home owner is responsible for the maintenance of the fence. Side yard fences must match the rear yard fence which was built by Dundee.

Note, if your rear yard fence is Wood Screen, you have the option to chose from the three styles: Wood Screen Fence, Wood Screen and Lattice Fence or Decorative Steel Fence for the side yard. Click here to review the fencing specifications.

If you want to build a new deck or modify the existing one, you'll need to submit plans for review by our Committee, and you'll need a building permit from the City.


- Tree Gift Certificates -

Trees add character and colour to a neighbourhood, not to mention the environmental benefits. Dundee has always offered trees to the new residents in its communities, and Wentworth is no exception. The first owner of a new single-family home (except in the Willows where existing trees were retained) has been offered a new tree for the front yard. This gift certificate program has an expiry period, and we encourage you to redeem any current gift certificates as soon as possible, in order to ensure the best choice of tree.