March 21, 2016
Bamfield Community Affairs Society Meeting Unofficial Minutes
21 March 2016 7:30 PM @ Bamfield Community School
Attendance: Lars Mogensen, Sheryl Mass, Rick & Lynne Sweeting, Diana Bartach, Jerry Gassner, Roger Demontigny, Stefan Ochman, Bob Baden, Andrea Butler, Katharine & Suzanne Jennings, Jane Morrison, Mandy Ross, Eric Clelland, Chris McInerney, Janet Simpson-Cooke, Linda Myres, Christine Gruman, Louis Druehl, Rae Hopkins
Guests: Conservation Officers Steve Ackles and Dan Eichstader
Meeting called to order at 7:35PM.
Presentation on cougar/human interaction by Steve Ackles: It was emphasized that cougars do not want to be around humans. They are probably in Bamfield because there is a pack of wolves in the vicinity that is temporarily hunting in their range or territory. The cougars will move on. Cougars do not respond to sound or loud noises. If you should encounter a cougar – act threatening, wave your arms over your head, throw rocks or sticks. Look them in the eye. Do not turn your back and run. Do not wear ear phones so you are aware of your surroundings. Cougars are most active at dawn, dusk and night-time. They are predatory just like a housecat! Do not be alarmed if you see a cougar in July or August in open areas like fields or on roads. Do call in any cougar sighting as soon as possible. Call 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on Telus Mobility.
Minutes of 15th of February 2016. M/S C. Gruman/J. Morrison. Received.
Treasurer’s Report- Stefan Ochman: As of 29th February there was $188.04 in the chequing account. $32,149.62 in savings,that includes $14.00 interest. M/S S.Jennings/S.Mass. Received.
Regional Representative’s Report-Bob Baden for Keith Wyton: Water system: Water Advisory Committee will meet soon to consider next steps required to deliver quality water. –West Dock: ACRD has entered into discussions with Transport Canada to explore options to keep the West Dock operating. –Removal of West Dock: The float was removed in order to do maintenance to the dock. – ACRD has received notification that Huu-ay-aht first Nation is proceeding with waste water treatment system in cooperation with BMSC. –There is an illegal cabin on Sanford Island in the vicinity of the Ross Islets which needs to be removed. –Bamfield Health Centre Helipad: A study done by a helipad expert indicates the preferred sites are the Health centre and the Huu-ay-aht airport.
–ACRD 2016 Budget process is nearing completion. See attached report. Contact Keith at wyton@shaw.ca for more details or questions.
Committee Reports Arts Council-Andrea Butler: A new treasurer is sought as Carol Horn is retiring. Arts Council will be putting the mushrooms up in Cougar Pass soon .
Bamfield Community School Association- Janet Simpson-Cooke: A Dental Clinic 16th of April will be held in Bamfield. Call Janet at 250 728 1220 to book an appointment. –Sign up for Thai Cooking and/or guitar lessons. –Toward the end of April Ron Long (SFU photographer) and Marc Phillips will conduct a digital camera class. –BCSA received a Senior Horizons grant of $18,333.00 to start a seniors’ centre. BCSA is looking for one or two coordinators to develop programs for seniors to start in April. Contact Janet with your ideas. This program considers seniors anyone 55 years old or older.
Bamfield Volunteer Fire Department- Eric Clelland: Training continues. No real progress on replacement of west side fire truck. –Signs for emergencies are in the works. –BVFD will be working with Bamfield Emergency Preparedness in June. –Derby Dance in July.
Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Forest- Stefan Ochman: The forest management plan has been revised and sent to Donna Underwood (a professional forestry consultant) to review it and return to the BHCF board of directors. –AGM Wednesday the 30th of March 5:00PM at the school.
Bamfield Road Safety Committee- Stefan Ochman: AGM will be in Headquarters Bay in September.
Bamfield Emergency Preparedness- Linda Myres: The group has been busy. Five new members joined, four of them have completed training in Port Alberni. –The usual $10,000 budget was granted by ACRD. –Signage for Emergencies – Mark Kelly will be building 5 wooden signs. BVFD will be working on images for burning regulations. Location of signage: 1. Beginning of Bamfield Fire Protection area (by Tanya Porter’s house). 2.Fire Hall. 3. The Market Parking lot. 4. Just below West Park. 5. Wyton Road & Bradys Beach intersection. – More emphasis on Neighbourhood Preparedness – The rescheduled Disaster Dinner (prepared from food stores on hand) the 29th February was well attended. Great lentils. - 10th April –Tsunami Preparedness Week will conclude with the tsunami warning system being tested 2-4PM. Everyone welcome at East Fire Hall. Please respond if you do or do not hear thesignal. – June 7th-10th Exercise Coastal Response – SW British Columbia will experience a mock up Earthquake (magnitude 9.0) and Tsunami Response Exercise. There will be a joint response with Anacla, BVFD, Bamfield Health Centre, Community School, ACRD, Emergency Preparedness. –Amelia Vos is the Anacla emergency contact. –It has become evident that there needs to be more balance of East and West side Emergency Preparedness volunteers. More Eastsiders needed.
Bamfield Community Hall Society – Louis Druehl: Easter egg hunt in Centennial Park Saturday the 26th March at 11:00AM. All kids welcome! -Chili Cook-Off in Centennial Park in May. Watch for posters. Contact Tao Eastham for details: tmeastham@gmail.com
Grant in Aid application presentation – Wild Safe BC Bear Aware – Mandy Ross: Wild Safe BC has been in Bamfield for the last 4 years providing education for tourists and residents about garbage storage. The next stage is to get bear-proof garbage containers for businesses and residents. A request for $5000.00 Grant in Aid. Mandy is trying to do this in increments beginning with businesses and residents that have had bear issues. A survey will be put out to everyone to determine the necessity of these bins/garbage containers.–Directors will vote on granting application.
Meeting Adjourned 9:30PM.
Submitted by Rae Hopkins
Next Meeting
Monday 18th April 2016
7:30PM at Bamfield Community School
EVERYONE WELCOME!