June 15 2026

Submitted by site_admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 22:15

BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY

General Meeting Unofficial Minutes

 Monday 15 June  2026 at 18.30
via Zoom - hosted by Jamie Willock

Attendees (24): James Willock (Chair), Julie Bradley, John and Sheryl Mass, Tom Jensen, Dan Zayonc, Jan Teversham, Robin and Bob Schmitt, Barry Sills, Birgit Gagne, Ben West, Morgan Ursel, Christine Gruman, Jane Morrison, Frank and Jean Novak, Mark Doherty and Mary Quinn, Lisa Bye, Mandy Ross, Stacy Denton, Nelson Ireland, Maggie (?)

Guest: Eddie Kunderman

The meeting was called to order at 18.32

Regrets: Bob Beckett, Reid Yochim, Susan Derasp, Abie Andiel.

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.

TREASURER’S REPORT : Susan Derasp

Chequing          $8,784.84

Savings              $28,421.79

Member Equity         $5.21

Total Assets     $ 37,211.84

A total of $29.44 has been spent in the past month.  Annual Reporting fee $40.00 Account fees $1.50  out and interest $12.06 in.

ACRD DIRECTOR’S REPORT- Bob Beckett

#1. Cell coverage and strength

 Following the public Mount Underwood fire critique held in Bamfield on April 30 and other feedback from the community, it appears that cell coverage/strength may have declined since the fire. Karen Freethy our ACRD Protective Services Mangager put me in touch with Rogers and Telus representatives who have been very cooperative, and the Rogers ESA Technical support team provided guidance as to the first steps in accurately accessing the current situation for both network providers. 

Fire Chief Dan Zaynoc, very kindly, following the technical instructions provided by Rogers, conducted 14 signal strength tests on both the east and west sides of Bamfield this past Sunday. The data has been plotted on a map using accurate latitudes and longitudes and has been forwarded on to Rogers and Telus. I expect to hear back from them soon as to next steps. Thank you for your patience, I recognize the importance to the community in having a reliable and robust cell service in our community.

#2. Bamfield Volunteer Fire Department – west side ATV acquisition request

At the June 10th ACRD Board meeting, the board approved the request from Chief Dan Zaynoc and the Bamfield Volunteer Fire for the purchase of an ATV for the west side to respond to west side first responder incidents. As the funds are coming from fire department reserve funds, there is no taxation impact.

Thank you to Chief Zayonc and the entire fire department for providing this critical service to our communities.  

#3. October 17th is election time for regional governments, municipal governments and school board trustees, are you interested in representing our community and region.

Serving on the ACRD Board of Directors is one of the most direct ways you can help shape the future of Bamfield. Local government decisions affect the daily lives of residents, including parks, roads, housing, public safety, emergency services, and community planning.

If you care about your community and want to be part of its direction, putting your name forward could be a rewarding way to contribute. Whether you’re thinking about running for the first time or just want to learn more, there are many resources to help get you started including going to the provincial website and google 2026 general local elections or give me (Bob Beckett) a call and lets go for a coffee.

#4. Are you a FIFA football fan?

Great news, Huu-ay-aht First Nations are partnering with the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations for the Alberni Valley Indigenous Led Soccer Community Celebration to bring watch parties to our own communities. Huu-ay-aht will host a satellite watch party at the House of Huu-ay-aht on July 7th, more details to follow on what is going to be an amazing day of entertainment and football for all. Canada vs Switzerland on the 7th.

 PRESENTATION: Eddie Kunderman ACRD: Bamfield Water Report 2025.

Please see the attached slide presentation

 GIA APPLICATIONS

1. Bear Aware – Mandy Ross

Mandy is asking for $2000 to continue providing rebates for bear aware purchases such as Lomi  indoor composters, outside bear proof composters and electric fences.

Discussion.

An electric fence has already been installed on the west side to deter a bear from breaking in to the house. Mandy described how fast bears get conditioned to seeking food in houses etc. She has not seen such activity in the previous 15 years of the programme here and the community needs to get on top of it fast. She is planning on asking for a GIA to provide 10 x 10 seacans for outside storage in the fall.

Mandy is hoping to get help in educating people how to deal with bears. May is an awkward time as out of towners are returning and it’s bear mating season . Barry described how a bear broke into a garden shed where there was no food but Mandy says bonemeal attracts them!

Morgan suggested sea cans could be shared by people to store their garbage in and used by commercial enterprises who currently use the dock side garbage bins designed for residential use. With heavy use garbage bins get full and then material gets left out of the bins, which attracts bears. Commercial businesses need to be aware of the issue and seek to develop a safe system  for their own garbage disposal.

2. Stairway Cleaning- Morgan Ursel

Morgan is asking for about $120 for a few hours of work with a pressure washer / clippers to clean up the stairs that link Burlington with the boardwalk.

Discussion

Main road might make money available for the work (although a communication last year indicated that Main Road maintained the wooden Boardwalk but not trails linked to it.)

3. West Side Webcam- Jamie Willock.

Please see slide sent with the minutes.

Jamie presented the application to install a webcam on the roof of the store so that anyone could see the Frances Barkley approaching some 20 minutes before it would dock at the West Dock. Marnie and Kevin support the project.

Discussion

Ben had several ideas related to the system and stressed that the simplest system would be preferable. Several options are available so more discussion between techie people will ensue.

Sheryl wondered if the webcam could record movement on the dock as she is considering a system at Grappler Dock to be able to see who might be dumping garbage etc. Unwanted activities would be good to have on record.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Bamfield Community School-Robin Schmitt

Nothing new to report as the school is winding down for the summer break. The new positions have just closed so interviews will be taking place for the new posts.

Bamfield Fire Dept. – Daniel Zayonc

  • Currently there are 22 volunteers and they are gearing up for the summer.
  • Recruiting for more will take place in September.
  • Four new members have now received training for First Response.
  • Transportation for First Response on the west side will be purchased within the next month.
  • Training is concentrating on practical outside scenarios.

Bamfield Centennial Park - Sheryl Mass

  • The white line has been painted down the middle of the ramp to indicate that two boats can be launched at the same time.
  • Quinn Richards has been hired for the Summer Grants Programme.

Bamfield Harbour Authority-Tom Jensen

  • August will be full.
  • The dock is in good shape
  • The Board is all engaged in maintenance and bookings

Bamfield Arts Council- Julie Bradley

  • ‘Art in the Park’ will be held on Sunday 12 July from 11-2 in Centennial Park. Contact Julie if you would like to have a table there.

BCSA- Christine Gruman

  • There is still one Canada summer job available. It is for a Summer Camp leader and the person must be between 15-30. They have one applicant but they are suitable for the assistant position.

BH Community Forest Society -  Birgit Gagne

  • The last meeting before summer holidays is on Thursday June 18 at 6 pm. It is a Board Meeting but if anyone would like to attend as a guest please contact Birgit and she can send you the link.

NEW BUSINESS

Parking on the East Side- Jamie Willlock

Bob Beckett has raised the issue of safety near the four way stop and parking in the adjacent areas as several people have contacted him re the issue. Jamie has mapped out areas where parking spots could be feasible with a view to a future GIA to facilitate their development. Several areas along Pachena Road, Frigate Road, Grappler Road and Bamfield Road

Discussion/Ideas

1. Parking

  • There needs to be a white line on the parking side of the road over which parked cars should not extend.
  • Jessica from MOTT suggests that positive signs are much better than negative signs so visitors should be directed where to park.
  • Residents around the dock could provide paid parking in their driveways.
  • There is only one parking spot right by the docks now as the Coast Guard and Fire Dept use them. Perhaps they could be somewhere else?
  • There is some federal land lying 4 lots to the north of the East dock. It’s Parks property and would need clearing to create a parking lot.
  • There is paid parking on the east side but it’s not with in one block and visitors don’t want to walk far- even with a free shuttle.

2. Road Safety

  • The walk from the parking area on top of the hill is dangerous because the pathway from Anacla doesn’t extend down into Bamfield. It was not completed by the Huu-ay-aht because there are huge ditches to change plus private property. An alternative route went up Binnacle and down Pachena. With a new campground going in perhaps a path will get developed.
  • Cars speeding down the hill is also a problem for pedestrians. Apparently the flashing signs showing speed could be installed.
  • Huu-ay-aht are getting a centre line on the road.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Monday 21 September 2026

Meeting Adjourned at 20.12 m BWest/sLBye