October 17 2022
BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY General Meeting Unofficial Minutes
October 17 at 6.30 pm
via Zoom - hosted by Jamie Willock (Chair)
Attendees (25): Jamie Willock (Chair), Bob Beckett, Kevin Gordon, Wayne Markel, Rae Hopkins, Louis Druehl, John Mass, Julie Bradley, Susan Derasp, Stefan Ochman, Tom Jensen, Birgit Gagne, Robin Schmitt, Bob Schmitt, Ben West, Jaleen Rousseau, Sean Rogers, Mandy Ross, Jaslyn Haberl, Kurt Krantz, Christine Gruman, Nancy McNully, Bob Martin, Stella Wenstob
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 6.31 pm.
Adoption of Agenda: m/BWest s/ JRousseau Unanimous
Adoption of Minutes of 20 September 2022 Community Affairs Meeting. m/SOchman s/SDerasp Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondences to report.
ACRD Director’s Report- Bob Beckett
Bob apologized for giving us such short notice of the Bamfield OCP Minor Amendment Bylaw Public Hearing (to be held October 18th) and offered us this information about the meeting:
Bamfield OCP Minor Amendment Bylaw Public Hearing
Tomorrow night at 7:00 the ACRD is hosting a Bamfield Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw Public Hearing. This will be a Zoom meeting.
The OCP Amendment Bylaw includes minor updates to align OCP policies and objectives with the draft Zoning Bylaw.
Highlights of the minor amendments to the Bamfield OCP (Public Hearing for Bylaw P1445) include:
- Added policies relating to the construction of docks and moorage facilities and included coastal riparian development permit area (DPA IV) guidelines for the development of docks and moorage facilities. Extended coastal riparian area from 15 metres to 30 metres.
- Reduced the minimum lot size in the Resource Use designation from 20 hectares to 16 hectares to align with the Resource zoning in the draft Zoning Bylaw.
- Standardized policy wording across the six OCPs, where appropriate.
- Updated Local Government Act references.
- Updated Agricultural Land Commission references. Note there is no land in the ALR in Bamfield.
- Statement about the consideration of the Housing Needs Reports in the area OCPs.
- Revised wording in definitions to align with Zoning Bylaw including accessory dwelling units, flood construction level, home occupations and home industry.
- Revised flood construction level guidelines in the natural hazard development permit areas to align with the Zoning Bylaw.
A comprehensive update to the OCP will be completed over the next few years starting with Bamfield’s OCP.
As part of the comprehensive rewrite, we will have numerous opportunities to discuss the community’s vision in the short and long term.
This current work is separate from the current on going work to complete a comprehensive rewrite of the ACRD Zoning Bylaw. This Bylaw will not be brought before the Board until 2023, and staff are currently welcoming input.
To Zoom in on this meeting please register by going to the following: https://www.acrd.bc.ca/events/18-10-2022/
Or the ACRD website “Public hearing information and link”
If you have any questions regarding tomorrow’s Public Hearing, please contact ACRD staff member Amy Aranyaka 250-720-2700 or aanaka@acrd.bc.ca
Bamfield Road Construction Update – Kevin Gordon
Kevin related that 60,000 cubic metres of gravel have been laid down, all ditches and culverts haven repaired and focus has been on fixing drainage throughout the road.
There has been delay due to the toad’s migration around Frederick Lake (Sarita to 68 Km) haven’t been able to work here from late July until mid-September. Installed toad friendly culverts and toad fencing. Now working there with geo-grid placements.
Work from 0-26 Km (just outside to Port Alberni) has been delayed due to fire ratings.
This has changed their expected timeline and time of completion. Will be working through the winter. Hoping to have gravel in place by April (as opposed to the previous scheduled time of by the end of this past September).
Seal coat and paving tender will be decided by 1st of December. Hope to have that work done by the end of June (depending on weather).
Have issues with public speeding in construction areas and public using detour when not supposed to – which Kevin emphasized is very dangerous (big unmarked holes in the road) and extremely disruptive of construction work.
Will be speed signs posted soon (with a maximum of 60 km/h).
Possibly there will be more ways to monitor this coming into effect in the near future.
Some sections of the road are narrower that wanted (ie. 69-70 km) so will be working on widening in the future.
Contractors are doing a good job. Emptied three of gravel stockpiles already.
Contract #1 will start next week: 0 km towards Bamfield and 26 km to Port Alberni – will be focusing on ditching.
Place where bus accident was has been widened and a pullout has been added (as requested)
Trying to shorten detour to 46 km, but reluctant to do this due to people’s poor behaviour (speeding, abusive to flaggers and traveling in the construction zone without permission).
Questions:
- Louis asked if the work was still on budget? Kevin said no, struggling with the budget. The original estimate was done in 2019 before Covid – but Kevin assured the group that the budget would be handled.
- Stefan asked how much will be seal coated before winter? Kevin answered will be gravel all winter because cannot put down seal coat in the wet weather.
- Birigit voiced appreciation for the work done so far – “Thank you very courteous workers”. Also commented that going forward slow speeds were necessary (she recommended 50 km/h). Kevin shared the new signage for the road that said maximum of 60 km/h and that the RCMP will be monitoring the road. Mosaic and Tsawak-qin are the road owners, but they will be putting up a lot more signage. Additionally, the forestry workers will encourage their subs to slow down (especially around 3:30 on a Friday).
- Ben inquired when would the road be paved and seal coated? Kevin expecting road to be paved and seal coated by end of June, depending on weather. Want to complete the paved sections first. Price of oil has impacted this. Once get started though seal coat goes down quickly – at 4 to 6 km a day.
- Christine asked if there were any interim measures that could be taken to make those narrow stretches of roads safer (esp. at night)? Kevin said barriers will be installed and said delineators usually get peeled up after the first snow, so he is reluctant to install those. Said grass will be growing up soon and will make the ditches look less intimidating. Cannot make road any wider in this section because of environmental concerns which they do not have the time or budget to look after right now.
- Susan asked for clarification about the barrier. Kevin described them as post “w-beam” stainless steel barriers. Picked because smaller wildlife can travel underneath them (as opposed to concrete that creates a wall).
- Ben asked about signage indicating where cell service was available on the road or indicating that there was no cell service on the road. Kevin said have contacted Rogers and Telus and are neither motivated to put in cell service. Then there was a discussion about different cell phones receiving different signals, difficult to make guarantees to the public about this. Stefan interrupted and said this would be a more productive discussion for a Bamfield Road Safety Association meeting.
- Jamie offered to post information about the road to the Bamfield corkboard on Facebook if Kevin needed a platform to remind the public to be more courteous to road workers and flaggers and to follow the directions to stay out of the construction zones. Kevin stated that Amanda Lee of Huu-ay-aht was responsible for this communication.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Susan Derasp
(moved to after guest presentations)
As of September 30th
Cheque acct. $19,792.35
High interest savings account $22,477.24
Member account $ 5.21
Total assets $42,274.80
Change in financial position from August 31/2022. $10,014.31
The $10014.31 is comprised of $10,000 Annual ACRD funds and $14.31 is account interest for September.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. BMSC – Sean Rogers
Hosted Oysters, Authors, and Ales on October 1st. Very successful and a great turnout.
On October 1st, also held AGM for the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society (WCUMSS). John Driver stepped down as president. David Turpin (previous UVic and UAlberta president) was elected.
2. Community Hall- Louis Druehl
Had AGM last month where they welcomed new board members Rhiannon Richards and Kyle Lindsey.
After meeting were taken on tour of the new Community Hall site (next to Fire Hall).
Provided with rough drawings of layout by Wayne Wenstob. Expressed gratitude to Wayne Wenstob’s work. And excited to be progressing on the new hall.
3. Harbour Authority- Rae Hopkins
AGM will be held via zoom on October 27th at 5 PM. More details to be posted.
4. Emergency Preparedness – Bob Schmitt
There will be an ACRD workshop on rapid response to emergency next week.
Randy Theon, coordinator for Fire Smart will be here to assess the Community School for Fire Smart week. Also will be joining Bob to host two meet and greets one on the boardwalk in front of Mercantile and Marine (October 24th ) and one in front of the east side Market (October 25th ). Times to be determined. They will be handing out information and answering questions on Fire Smart and Emergency Preparedness.
5. Bamfield Community School – Robin Schmitt
Truth and Reconciliation event was successful and well attended. The HFN presented a plaque to the school.
Seeking an interim custodian while Steve is on leave.
On Tuesday (October 18) from 4-6 will host early childhood group from Port for Ready, Set, Learn events. All 3-5 year old’s welcome. There was an opportunity to sign up for transportation too.
Currently have 48 students.
Now have a large bus to accommodate these students - -so please be mindful of its size when sharing the road with it.
5. Bamfield Community School Association – Jaslyn
Jaslyn is in her first two weeks as coordinator at the BCSA.
Conservative estimates of the funds raised for outreach literacy through the Oysters, Authors and Ales event is $9000.
Excited for the Ready, Set, Learn program to be held on Tuesday, October 18th.
Cancelled Little Buddies Playtime and moved it to Fridays from 10 to noon.
There will be a Halloween themed Friday Night Chill on October 28th.
Talking with Marnie at Mercantile and Marine to organize a west side trick or treat on Monday, October 31st.
Afterschool program is running again.
Look for the up-to-date calendar on the Facebook corkboard.
Reading Buddies will be starting up again next Thursday (1 PM)
Looking for feedback from seniors in the community. Wants to apply for grant to start up senior centred programming, but wants to know what would be interesting, relevant and useful. Jaslyn has left paper surveys at the school, west side store, and the east side store.
6. Community Forest – Stefan
Have not executed plan yet on harvesting a truckload of wood. Still waiting as JP is arranging this with Mike Mackay.
Architecture students walked with Stefan on the East to West connector trail. Discussed installing a canopy platform.
Board meeting next week.
7. Road Safety – Stefan
Held AGM on October 5th only six people attended.
A representative from Mosaic was there.
Stefan voiced disappointment that the Association is not more involved on the work for the memorial cairn to commemorate the bus accident. Stefan feels like the organization is neglected by those in charge of the Bamfield Road Construction – not informed and not included.
Stefan described traffic counters. The traffic counting program was discontinued o the Bamfield Road by the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resources. The Road Association wants to keep collecting this data. The ministry offered them two of the counters (which Stefan now has). Stefan wants to buy the whole package which includes vehicle and trail counters. He estimated a total of $3013 for three counters. Could cost spread this cost between the Road Safety Association, Community Affairs, and Community Forests. One vehicle counter could be on the Bamfield Road, one on trail to Brady’s Beach, one on community forest trail.
Then discussion of options for safety on the hill outside of town. Painting a centre line suggested.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Grant in Aid First Presentation – Proposed Traffic and Trail Counters
[see attached presentation slides for presentation]
Jamie proposed the purchase of two traffic counters for use by the Community Affairs.
1) Boardwalk Pedestrian – 1 Trail Counter $645.00
2) Brady’s Beach Traffic – 1 Traffic Counter $645.00
Total estimated cost = $1290.00
Ben voiced support of the purchase.
Jayleen inquired is this is just to collect data or is there a greater project already in mind for these counters? Jamie answered there is a non-specific use for them but could see them being powerful for collecting information for grant applications for maintenance and upgrade works.
Jayleen stated that a discussion would have to be had to decide how and when we release the data gathered. Jamie agreed.
Birgit discussed increase ATV accidents next to her house (on Brady’s trail).
No votes were held for this proposal as it was the first presentation to get a feel for the publics support of this idea.
OLD BUSINESS
1. GIA Application - Wild Safe signage and cost sharing program – Mandy
[see attached presentation slides for presentation]
Mandy made a general report about wildlife interactions in Bamfield and Anacla. She noted the cooler spring weather delayed the bears who then went into town to search for food. Once in town, they caused a lot of trouble.
Bears have broken into cars. Fish refuse and compost in the intertidal is also a problem. Mandy is endeavouring to educate the public about this. Fish refuse also attracts juvenile cougars.
Mandy installed electric fencing and a drop pin gate at the Transfer Station. She intends to put up a new sign that tells the public to contact her if they have any questions or concerns.
Mandy made her second specific GIA presentation for Wild Safe BC signage and the cost sharing program. This GIA will be voted on at the next BCAS board meeting. Mandy requested $600 for signage (metal signs stating bear and cougars in area, also working on a boat etiquette signage for the docks to minimize sea lion interactions), $500 for a cost-share program to assist residents purchase bear-proof composters and garbage cans and an additional $132 for the BC Conservation Foundation Administration Fees (12%) which covers the sign-design and administration of the cost-share program. Total requested funds are $1232.
Questions:
Jayleen commented that the BCAS should update their GIA budget accounting process to include receipts of purchases. Jamie suggested that this be made as a motion at the next Board meeting.
Sean suggested Mandy consider BMSC for future support too as they are a registered charity and happy to offer letters of support.
Tom Jensen voiced his appreciation for Mandy’s work with Wild Safe BC in the community.
The next meeting will be on Monday 21 November 2021 at 6.30pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 8.05 pm m SOchman/s LDreuhl Unanimous
Happy Halloween!