Winter Is Coming—Let’s Get Chaparral Estates Ready!

Calgary winters can arrive quickly, bringing snow, ice and very cold temperatures. A little preparation now can help protect your home, prevent costly damage and keep Chaparral Estates safe and comfortable throughout the winter.

Here are some friendly seasonal reminders for all owners and residents.

Protect Your Pipes

• Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive.

• Shut off and drain exterior water lines if they are controlled from inside your unit.

• Keep your home heated throughout the winter. The City of Calgary recommends setting your thermostat to at least 15°C, even while you are away.

• During extreme cold, open cabinet doors if plumbing is located against an exterior wall. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located.

Reduced water flow or frost on a pipe may indicate freezing. Act promptly and never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. See the 

City’s guidance on protecting water lines from freezing for more information.

Check Your Sump Pump

Please remember that the sump pump serving your unit is the owner’s responsibility, not the condominium corporation’s responsibility. 

Owners are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing and replacing their sump pumps, if in your unit, as necessary.

Before winter:

• Test the pump by carefully pouring water into the sump pit and confirming that it starts and drains automatically.

• Check the pump, pit and surrounding area for leaks, damage or unusual noises.

• Keep the sump pit covered and ensure the lid is properly sealed.

• Make sure the exterior discharge pipe is clear of snow, ice and debris.

• Confirm that the discharge line directs water away from the foundation without affecting neighbouring properties, sidewalks or common areas.

• Watch for frozen or blocked discharge lines, which can cause water to back up into the unit.

• Consider installing a battery backup and high-water alarm in case of a power outage or pump failure.

• Contact a qualified professional promptly if the pump runs constantly, makes unusual noises, fails to start or does not drain properly.

Owners should not wait for spring runoff to discover that a sump pump is not working. Regular testing and maintenance can prevent significant water damage. Learn more from the City of Calgary’s water-management guidance and Guide to Lot Drainage.

Give Your Heating System a Checkup

• Test your furnace before cold weather settles in.

• Replace or clean the furnace filter as recommended.

• Consider professional servicing if your furnace has not been inspected recently.

• Keep exterior furnace, dryer and fresh-air vents clear of snow and ice.

• Never block or cover heating and ventilation equipment.

• Check vents regularly following heavy snowfall or drifting snow.

The City offers additional advice on preparing your home for winter.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in your home and replace batteries when needed. Carbon monoxide has no colour, smell or taste, so a working alarm provides essential protection.

Never warm up or idle a vehicle inside a garage—even when the garage door is open. Carbon monoxide can enter your home or a neighbouring unit.

Learn more through the City of Calgary’s carbon monoxide safety information.

Prepare for Snow and Ice

• Wear footwear with good traction and use extra care on steps and walkways.

• Watch for loose snow, ice buildup and large icicles overhead.

• Report unsafe conditions involving common property promptly.

• Follow all posted parking instructions so snow-removal crews can work safely and efficiently.

• Do not drive or park over piles of snow, as they may conceal curbs, landscaping or other hazards.

Check Doors, Windows and Outdoor Areas

• Check weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors.

• Secure or store patio furniture, planters, decorations and other loose outdoor items.

• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords and seasonal lights.

• Avoid using permanent nails, etc. while attaching decorations to siding, roofing or other common property.

• Keep personal entrances, patios and decks tidy and free of unnecessary winter hazards.

• Report damaged shingles, gutters, downspouts, siding, railings or exterior seals rather than attempting repairs to common property.

Light Up the Evening and Lock Up at Night

A well-lit community can help discourage prowlers and make suspicious activity easier to notice. As part of its 9 p.m. Routine, the Calgary Police Service encourages residents to turn on an exterior light and check that their homes, garages and vehicles are secure.

Before settling in for the night:

• Turn on your exterior entrance light and keep it on during the evening.

• Consider using timers, smart bulbs or motion-activated lighting.

• Direct outdoor lighting away from neighbouring windows.

• Lock all exterior doors and close and lock accessible windows.

• Close and lock garage doors, including the door between the garage and your home.

• Lock vehicles and remove valuables and garage-door openers from vehicles parked outside.

• Check that security cameras, alarms and video doorbells are working properly.

Please look out for your neighbours, but do not confront suspicious individuals. Call 9-1-1 if a crime is underway or someone is in immediate danger. For non-emergency police assistance, call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234.

Travelling This Winter?

Before leaving home:

• Keep the heat set to at least 15°C.

• Arrange for someone to inspect your unit as often as required by your insurance policy, typically every 48 hours.

• Confirm that the sump pump is operational before leaving.

• Do not turn off utilities unless specifically instructed.

• Make sure Andrew has your current phone number and email address.

• Ask a neighbour or friend to watch for anything unusual.

• Use timers to make your home appear occupied during the evening.

• Arrange for mail, parcels and flyers to be collected.

• Confirm that doors, windows and garage doors are securely closed.

• Leave emergency contact information with the person checking your home.

Insurance policies often contain specific requirements for homes left unattended during winter. Owners should review their individual policies before travelling.

Be Ready for a Winter Emergency

The Government of Alberta recommends keeping a household emergency kit with enough essential supplies for at least 72 hours.

Consider including:

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• A portable phone charger

• Warm blankets and clothing

• Bottled water and non-perishable food

• Essential medication and a first-aid kit

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Supplies for children and pets

• Copies of important telephone numbers and documents

Use Alberta’s emergency-kit checklist to help prepare your household.

Help Us Look Out for One Another

Winter is easier when neighbours lend a hand. Please consider checking in on anyone who may need assistance during heavy snowfall, a power outage or extreme cold.

If you notice a leak, unsafe ice buildup, property damage, suspicious activity or another urgent concern affecting the community, report it promptly through the appropriate Chaparral Estates contact process.

Thank you for doing your part to protect your unit and help keep Chaparral Estates safe, warm and welcoming. Here’s to a cozy and enjoyable Calgary winter!