June 20, 2022

Submitted by site_admin on Wed, 06/22/2022 - 17:07

­­BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY

General Meeting Unofficial Minutes

Monday, 20 June 2022 at 6.30 pm
via Zoom - hosted by Jamie Willock (Chair)

 

Attendees In person at the firehall (8): Jamie Willock, Julie Bradley, Tom Jensen, Lisa Bye, Bob and Robin Schmitt, Chris Donison, Clay Steel

On Zoom (26):  Bob Beckett, , Jan Teversham, John Mass, Sheryl Mass, Sally Mole, Glenn Ballman, Susan Derasp, Marnie McAughtrie, Stefan Ochman, Frank Novak, Stella Wenstob, Barry Sills, Ben and Margo West, Birgit Gagne, Tara McNeil, Laura Bradley, Betty Boyko, Max Salomon, Rich and Lois Palmer, Mandy Ross, Matt Mackie, Nancy Hendry, Amy Hollings, Kevin Gordon

Regrets : Jaleen Rousseau, Louis Druehl, Rae Hopkins

Acknowledgement of Indigenous Lands: The BCAS acknowledges that the land on which we meet is within the Traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations where indigenous peoples have lived since time immemorial.

Statement of Inclusivity: The BCAS is responsible for fostering a public forum within its community to facilitate communications and services that diverse groups identify as respectful, inclusive and accessible.

The meeting was called to order at 6.32pm.

Adoption of Agenda: m/JBradley s/TJensen

Adoption of Minutes m/SWenstob s/BSills

TREASURER’S REPORT  (not presented at meeting) – Susan Derasp.

  • Chequing: $10,640.84
  • Savings:    $22,436.49
  • Paid:          $6550 for ATN GIA

                 $40 filing the Annual Report

ACRD Director’s Report-Bob Beckett

1. Affordable Housing Workshop 

Last year the ACRD received a grant in order to conduct a housing study of a number of ACRD communities including Bamfield. The ACRD held an affordable housing workshop last week as part of the continuing process following the housing studies in an effort to find ways for communities to address this critical issue. James Willock, Sean Rogers, Charlie Clappis, Jim Lee and myself attended the workshop. The workshop was very informative and I am sure Sean Rogers and James Willock will have more to say regarding the value of the workshop and the good work that the Bamfield Affordable Housing Committee is currently undertaking in an effort to tackle this serious problem facing our community.

2. Proposed Bylaw consolidation and changes

Over the past year the ACRD staff and Board have been reviewing and considering changes to the regional bylaws as well as bylaws specific to Bamfield. Given the feedback from our community including the other Electoral communities, the ACRD staff have suggested that additional time is required to ensure appropriate consultation and deliberation. Consequently, staff are recommending that we defer taking this matter to the Board until after the fall election of Directors. This will give staff more time to continue to consider community feedback and input as well as incorporate appropriate changes.

3. October 15th municipal, regional and school board elections

October 15th is Election Day for Regional Governments, Municipalities and School Districts. Given that the BCAS does not normally meet during the summer months I wanted to raise this important issue and let the community know that I would very much like to continue to serve as Area “A” Bamfield’s ACRD representative. These past almost 4 years have flown by and it has been an amazing experience to represent the community at the ACRD Board table.  

On another election matter I also wanted to encourage the community to consider getting behind someone who might be interested in running as a School Board Trustee for SD70. Having a school board that has diverse representation is very important and having someone elected from our community could help advocate for the smaller remote community needs both in Bamfield as well as at the provincial level.

Question:

Stella asked if the by-laws could still be changed?

ACRD is delaying their implementation to allow for another opportunity for comments. Three or four opportunities have already been made. There are bylaws that are specific to Bamfield such as those relating to the Boardwalk. Comments can be made directly to Mike Irg at the ACRD.

Comment:

Jamie added that the Tofino Housing Corporation had presented at the ACRD  workshop. Property has been offered by BMSC and the local Bamfield affordable housing committee includes Clay Steel, Stella Wenstob, Glen Ballman, Bob Beckett ,and Jamie Willock

NEW AND OLD BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS

  1. Music by the Sea: Chris Donison

Chris explained that MBTS had only involved a mentorship programme last year and one concert at Brady’s Beach. This year a full programme will be offered. There is an issue of financial viability as earned revenue has never been sufficient. Funding is approximately 1/3 public grants 1/3 private grants and 1/3 cash revenue. Cash has reached $40,000. As a result, the MBTS will now extend to Victoria International Marina on the Songhees as a continuation of the event in Bamfield this year.

They are looking for accommodation here for 6 jazz artists , hopefully on the east side but acceptable on the west. Students are being housed at the rooms at the back of the Bamfield Inn.  They are also looking for a local to lead and organize the flotilla this year. There is an issue in that there is very little free available accommodation in Bamfield for visitors who wish to attend. Residents of Bamfield will be offered a 50% discount for the full series of concerts this year.

The event runs from 23rd to 30th July and then moves to Victoria for a concert series from August 1st to 5th. 

  1. Bamfield Road Update: Kevin Gordon.

Construction on the road starts on 27th June. It has been difficult to get things going but all the gravel is in place now. Gravel amassed is the equivalent of a football field with 120 feet of gravel over it. 220,000 cubic metres.

There are 3 contracts signed:

  • Contract 1:  km 0- km 25 starting mid-August to continue to end October
  • Contract 2: km 25-km 52 starting mod July to continue to mid-October
  • Contract 3: km 52-km 76 starting 27 June continuing to mid-September. This stretch is from the end of the pavement up to Sarita.

The work will include culvert repair, laying gravel and the addition of calcium chloride this year.  Some areas will be raised by 2.5 feet to avoid flooding and to provide a firm bed for the gravel. Toad and frog underpasses will be constructed for Frederick Lake. In the spring the road will be seal coated by May 2023. The calcium chloride should provide a firm surface over the winter. Fish permitting are being sought.

Questions:

1. Will current potholes be fixed immediately?

  Rock trucks have created deep holes in the soft areas on the road. These will be repaired before the contractors get working on the section.

2. Will the paving  be done concurrently with the seal coating next year?

  Yes. No bids were made for it this year so new bids will go out before Christmas this year.

3. Would there be delays on the road for traffic?

  They will post the delay schedule each week. They will not be stopping traffic completely but work with single lane alternating. Emergency traffic should always be able to get through.

  1. Road Safety Association: Stefan Ochman

This presentation is to provide background about the Bamfield Road Safety Association. The Bamfield Road Safety Association was incorporated as a Society on June 9, 2008. Late Marie Anne Arcand from Work Safe BC was instrumental in getting the BRSA started and provided a seed grant of $10,000.

The purposes of the Society are:

  • To coordinate joint action by Members to improve safety for road users of the Bamfield Road,
  • To provide a mechanism for communication, coordination and collaboration among members,
  • To address road safety issues as they arise on the Bamfield Road,
  • To educate Bamfield road users about the Rules of the Road and requirements for safe operation/ use of the Road.

Usually, the BRSA Annual General Meeting is held in September or October. The current Board of Directors is Stefan Ochman, Bob Baden, Wayne Markel, Bob Beckett and Sean Rogers. Currently there is no HFN representation on the Board.

Each year the BRSA provides to Western Forest Products and to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure a list of capital project priorities from the Bamfield residents’ point of view. Such areas always include areas where the road floods. In 2017, after recommendation from the BRSA, new signs were installed at bridge crossings by WFP. Current projects include the placement of a memorial cairn at the location of the tragic bus accident at km 36.

At the BRSA Board meeting on May 28, 2022, the Board dicussed the usefulness and future of the BRSA. Former Bamfield post master Joe Pearson was BRSA President for the first 3 years and was successful at moving issues forward. Charlie Clappis was President from January 2020 to October 2021, when he resigned via e-mail mentioning feeling awkward representing both the HFN and the Society on the road chip seal project.  Stefan voices his concern that he has been not only President but also Secretary and Treasurer for the Society for a total of about 10 years. Some new energy is needed… All Directors agreed that this is not the time to shut down the BRSA. The Bamfield Road remains designated as an industrial road and as such the MOTI does not get involved with road safety and health issues. The BRSA is still needed for things like: accident prevention, signage, maintainance and police involvment.  The BRSA can work with the First Responders to try to provide provincial funding for vehicle extraction equipment through a mutual aid agreement. Overall, road safety is an ongoing issue and the BRSA should continue playing a role in this. If you would like to join the Board of the BRSA or have suggestions, please contact  Stefan Ochman.

Question: Should the Association be contacted about the road condition.

  Send emails. The more we comment the more it might help but things will change with the chip sealing.

  1. GIA for WildSafe BC: Mandy Ross

Mandy requested a further GIA for Wildsafe BC. The total amount is for $1732 and is for more cost sharing of bear proof equipment and more signage. She would like $500 of it as a small GIA this summer and then will present again for the remaining $1232 at the September meeting. This proposal will be discussed at the next Board meeting.

Questions:

1. What is the costs of an electric fence to protect compost ?

 It is cheaper than a joracomposter. Lisa said hers costs about $300.

2. Will the signage be taken away after the cougar/bear alert is no longer in place? Yes.

3. Could protective equipment  that is no longer being used be reserviced as part of the cost share programme ?

 Not really, but Mandy could help people looking for second-hand equipment by putting them in touch with anyone interested in selling used equipment.

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter has been written in support of electric charging stations for Bamfield as Clay Steell had requested last month.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Parks Commission- Sheryl Mass

  • Money raised from the campsite and dock goes back into the parks in both east and West Bamfield. It also supports the three composting toilets in West Bamfield for maintenance and repairs.
  • The new float is now in place. The whole project cost $34,000 and should be good for at least 30 years. The old float should last another 5 years. There is now 140 feet more moorage space.
  • The centennial park playground needs a lot of repairs or replacement to get it up to current ACRD standards. The slide has now been repaired to ACRD’s standards. In 2025, Parks will be getting $100,000 gas tax money grant for the park playgrounds. If anyone – with children especially­– is interested in the design and needs please get in touch with Sheryl to give your input as the plans develop.

2. BCSA- Sally Mole

  • Oysters, Authors and Ale is planned for 1 October
  • Summer programmes are going ahead for the first time in 3 years.
  • The BCSA and Historical Society offices are moving in July.
  • ACAWS (Alberni Community and Women’s Service) will be in Bamfield 26/27 July with a team of 3- Domestic Violence Counsellor, Children Who Witness Abuse Counsellor and Substance Abuse Counsellor for private and confidential discussion and assistance. More details will be circulated as they arrive.

3. Community Forest- Stefan Ochman

  • There will be harvesting along the Kiixin road to provide wood for the West Park pavilion, the gazebo replacement at ES Centennial Park and hopefully the Community Hall needs. This should take place in the next month or so. Milling possibilities are being researched at the moment.

4.BCEP - Bob Schmitt

  • No meetings have been held but one should be upcoming when a recap of the last training will take place.

5. School- Robin Schmitt

  • There are 27 children now with at least 11 more registered for September.
  • There will be 4 teachers with Robin and Laura continuing as primary grade teachers.
  • Volunteers will be welcomed back into the school for buddy reading etc.in September.

6. Chamber of Commerce- Marnie McAughtrie

  • No meetings have taken place
  • The updated brochures and maps are now at the store. They will be sent to the motel and store on the east side for distribution.
  • The C of C are getting lots of emails as more brochures are needed!
  • It was a very busy May at the Bamfield Mercantile.

7. Arts Council-Julie Bradley

The second annual “Art in the Park” will take place on Sunday July 10th in ES Centennial Park from 11 to 2. There will be an art table for the kids and a BBQ.

8. Health Clinic- Amy Hollings

Unfortunately, we (Tera and I) are unable to stay, but I wanted to ask the community if there might be a chance we could muster a group of names to have on hand (at clinic) for safe transportation for non-medical urgent needs. this might extend to include eventually creating an informal list of humans who are willing to act as a short term safehouse in certain situations. I invite folks who may be willing to participate, to confidentially contact us at the clinic and we can create a sort of roster. Stipends may be available.

 Amy.hollings@viha.ca

OTHER BUSINESS

1. Comments on the Hybrid Meeting.

Jamie asked for comments on the hybrid meeting:

  • Easier to attend for west siders on Zoom.
  • Prefer to be in person and can’t hear those at the firehall very well on zoom. They should identify themselves.
  • Zoom is fabulous.
  • People who are not in Bamfield can attend Zoom.
  • It’s nice not to have to travel to the east side with zoom.
  • Most people seem to prefer zoom.
  • Good to have both on offer.
  • If there is no real appetite for ‘live’ then Zoom should continue.

For me, not having internet at home means ‘live’ is better .

It’s more work to set up a hybrid meeting than run a zoom meeting.

2.Thanks

John Mass expressed thanks and appreciation to Bob Beckett for being willing to run again as the Regional Director for Bamfield.  Others applauded.

Lois Palmer offered thanks to all the volunteers who were working hard to move the community forward.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8.13pm  m/LBye s/TJensen