Don’t call it a comeback. They’ve been here for years.
Rather, it’s been a resurgence, according to Ken Krasnikoff, a director with the Cloverdale Community Association (CCA).
The CCA lost contact with most of its membership over the past few years as it was unable to hold meetings because of COVID. But in January and February of 2023, when Krasnikoff, a longtime member of the Association and past-president, reached out to old members and eagerly tried to attract new ones, the group was able to reinvigorate itself.
Since their open house in February, 2023, Krasnikoff said he’s very happy with how things have gone. He noted that after the massive membership decline, when monthly meetings were cancelled, things are mostly back to normal and the group seems very healthy heading into 2024.
“We are now meeting on a regular basis with strong turnouts,” he told the Cloverdale Reporter.
Formed in 1978, the CCA helps residents of Cloverdale and Clayton navigate local issues. Last year, the Clayton Community Association was incorporated into the CCA.
In 2023, Krasnikoff said the Association successfully updated their registration under the B.C. Societies Act, they held an AGM, and they elected a new board of directors. Over the past 10 months, the group has also met with the Surrey Police Service, the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, and a few city councillors.
The Association has also updated its website, cloverdalecommunity.org, and they’ve also committed to updating it on a regular basis as a repository of relevant info for area residents.
“The basic objective of the Cloverdale Community Association is to deal with issues affecting the well-being and development of our community,” explained Krasnikoff. “It is to promote community togetherness and to provide a collective voice for Cloverdale and Clayton Heights.”
Krasnikoff added the need for a strong community association is essential for East Surrey, as Cloverdale and Clayton Heights are on the threshold of both major and rapid changes and growth.
“With the construction of the new Cloverdale Hospital and the extension of Skytrain along Fraser Highway to Langley, this will significantly impact our community and neighborhoods.”
Krasnikoff said the group’s next meeting will be held Jan. 16 at the Cloverdale Rec. Centre. The meeting will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 206. He’s encouraging local residents to come out to that meeting and “get involved” with the Association.
For more info, visit cloverdalecommunity.org.
The Cloverdale Rec. Centre is located at 6188 176th Street on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.