November 20 2023

Submitted by site_admin on Fri, 02/09/2024 - 20:30

BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY

General Meeting Unofficial Minutes

Monday 20 November 2023 at 6.30 pm
via Zoom - hosted by Jamie Willock (Chair)

Attendees (23): Jamie Willock (Chair), Phil Lavoie, Julie Bradley, Robin Schmitt, Bob Schmitt?, Ben West, Greg Willmon, Jerry Gassner, Kurt Krantz, Glenn Ballman, Keith & Bernie Wyton, Sean Rogers, Barry Sills, Christina Jackson, Tom Jensen, Jerry Baird, Laura Bradley, Alison Bird, Frank Novak, Bonnie McKay, Jaslyn Haberl, and Stella Wenstob.

Regrets: Bob Beckett

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 6.32 pm.

Adoption of agenda. The agenda was passed with no new items added.

 m/BWest s/BSills

Adoption of Minutes of October’s Community Affairs Meeting. m/TJensen s/BWest

ACRD DIRECTOR’S REPORT – by Bob Beckett

 OCP public meeting

I would like to thank those who came out to the OCP community discussion session on Thursday November 9th to hear from ACRD staff regarding the review process. Equally, perhaps more important, was hearing your thoughts and receiving your input on a number of planning related matters.

Staff took detailed notes and I anticipate that they will do a follow up, in person meeting,  providing an overview of the feedback from that evening’s event, online survey, etc.

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of November 20th, 2023:

Community Partner Package        CHEQUING ACCOUNT $22, 856.44
Business High Interest                  SAVINGS ACCOUNT $22, 806.92

TOTAL $45, 663.36

[SW1]

CORRESPONDENCES

Jamie Willock of BCAS and Stefan Ochman of the Road Safety Association sent a letter on October 19th regarding safety concerns on the newly sealed road as was requested at September’s BCSA meeting.

See copy of letter attached.

There was a discussion about additional road safety concerns.

  • PLavoie requested information about winter maintenance.
  • BWyton suggested a follow up letter be drafted with additional points of concern.
  • KKrantz suggested brushing be done around bridges.
  • KWyton inquired about road painting.
  • SRogers shared that the newly formed Transportation Committee are championing road upgrades from Port Alberni to Youbou as an evacuation route.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

  1. BMSC – Sean Rogers
    • Lee Webber is off on sick leave with late-stage cancer. Unfortunately, she will not be returning to the station, but her passion project of renovating the foyer will continue along her wishes.
    • Renovation of the Pearl Lab is under way. It will hold new oceanographic instruments. This project is in partnership with Hakai Institute, Ocean Resources Canada, and others. 
    • Marie Cummings has been the station manager since mid-summer. She is the head of guest services which includes the kitchen, housekeeping, and maintenance.
  1. Bamfield Harbour Authority – Tom Jensen
    • Their AGM was November 6, where new board elected: Tom Jensen (president), Jamie Willock (Vice president), Ashley Klyne (secretary), Frank Novak (Treasurer), Barry Sills,  and Jeff Honig.
    • Approved articles to allow up to seven members (previously limited to five).
    • Reid and Shannon stepping down as dock managers, effective January 1st.
    • Neil Wright will be taking over this position.
  1. BVFD – Phil Lavoie
    • Have held many successful fundraising events. Sold 400 tickets for the Salmon Derby  – most popular ever.
    • Fire Extinguisher Workshop – Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30 PM. Bring your expired extinguishers to recycle them and practice using them. If you don’t have an expired extinguisher the BVFD will have extras with which to practice.
    • Were granted $30,000 from the Community Preparedness Fund. Will use that money to purchase 8 new sets of turnout gear (roughly $3500 each). Will send old gear with Bob Beckett to Ukraine.
    • BVFD 2024 calendars are now available at the local stores.
    • Ordered new firetruck for the West side. A mini pumper, which should be in place before the end of the year.
    • Large truck on East side due for replacement in 2027.
    • According to ACRD burning and smoke by-laws: backyard burning is now finished until April. Any complaints or reports of burning should be made to the ACRD by-law officers.
    • Reminder that with the cold weather it is important to maintain chimney health. Especially those burning salt wood.
    • Also, space heaters should never be plugged into extension cords or power bars.
  1. Bamfield Community School Association – Jaslyn Haberl
  • The Bamfield Community School Association is hosting our AGM on Monday December 4th at 5pm. Join us at the school or via Zoom to help shape the strategic direction of the BCSA's work, give feedback on our activities so far this year, and consider joining our Board of Volunteer Directors!
  • This Friday November 24th at 11:30am, we are hosting a Community Lunch! Chef Max Jawarski will be preparing a delicious lunch for the community to enjoy with the students of the BCS. The proceeds from our $10 per plate fee allow us to buy arts and crafts supplies, educational games, and activities for our children's programs.
  • November is Financial Literacy month, and we are hosting a multi-week workshop series facilitated by the Chartered Personal Accountants of BC to learn together! Seniors are invited to join us this Wednesday November 22nd at 6pm to learn about fraud protection. Next Wednesday November 29th at 6pm, we will be discussing winning tax strategies.
  • Looking to get active over the autumn? Join our adult drop-in sport nights on Mondays from 6:30-8:30pm, or come to yoga on Wednesday nights from 5:15-6:15pm.
  • In need of artistic outlet or creative expression? Come to our printmaking workshop, facilitated by Jess, on Thursday November 30 from 5:30-8:30pm, or come make ceramic holiday ornaments with Julie on December 5th and 12th from 6-8 pm.
  • We appreciated the community's support for our "West Coast Magic" Photo Contest! We will be announcing details soon for our gallery event at Argo's Landing, where we will appreciate and celebrate the community's favourite photos, learn about what makes a strong photo, award our top-3 winners, and unveil our new postcards, which will be available for purchase in the community!
  • Wee ones ages 3-5 and their guardians are invited to a meet-and-play Little Buddies Playtime at Centennial Park on Wednesday November 29th.
  • Our next Friday Night Chill youth social is scheduled for Friday December 1st from 7-9:30pm.
  • Thanks to everyone who has supported our cooking classes this month! Chef Aneri taught us how to make Diwali snacks and treats, and Chef Irene shared how to make delicious Filipino food. Next month, join Chef Ilan to learn how to use a whole fish!

Please follow our Facebook Page for updates to our events and programs!

  1. Bamfield Community School – Robin Schmitt
    • Teachers and students are preparing for a winter/holiday extravaganza for family and friends. This will not be a school play, but a variety of activities (such as bingo, crafts, games, etc.) and the annual art auction. Keep watch for more information.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Light Pollution – Clay Steell
    • Brought up at recent OCP meeting by CSteell and he forwarded discussion here to gauge Bamfield’s thoughts. Concerned about increased light pollution as town grows.
    • Bamfield’s dark skies are a valuable resource for wildlife as well as health, cultural, and recreational reasons.
    • CSteell suggested that ACRD or Bamfield’s future OCP have specific guidelines or rules for future development – not necessarily effecting current lighting systems.
    • SRogers related that Patrick Schmitt gave a presentation at BMSC and to HGB about the benefits of “dark sky”. HGB interested in establishing “dark sky certification”. Important for tourism – could attract shoulder season festivals, like Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival.
    • KWyton located passage in the 2014 OCP (Page 67) which cited Bamfield’s precious support for a dark sky policy. Stating that darkness is a “natural resource.”
    • Motion: BCAS to formally request ACRD to investigate the limitation of light pollution as a possible by-law or guideline.

m/CSteell s/BWest

  1. Cougar Pass and trail sections of Board Walk maintenance – Greg Willmon
    • GWillmon voiced concerns over maintenance of trail areas along Boardwalk, specifically Cougar Pass and area from end of Boardwalk to Mills Landing. Worried that areas not easily accessible to people with mobility issues or those with strollers or handcarts.
    • Questioned who had the contract to maintain these sections and to what standard?
    • Discussion followed, where it was conjected that the land was likely private and/or an area possibly crown owned but zoned as a public right-of-way.
    • JWillock volunteered to track down these answers, by consulting with John Mass and Marc Phillips.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Monday 15 January 2024.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:48PM    m /TJensen s/BSills Unanimous

 [SW1]Is this how this should be lined up?