January 17 2022
BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY
General Meeting Unofficial Minutes
17 January 2022 at 6.30 pm
via Zoom - hosted by Jamie Willock (Chair)
Attendees (49) Jamie Willock (Chair), Rae Hopkins, Jan Teversham, Julia Bradley, Jared Higgins, Barry Sills, Susan Derasp, Alison and Paul Bird, Stella Wenstob, Christine Gruman, Sean Rogers, Jerry Gassner, Robin and Bob Schmitt, Betty Beyko, Stefan Ochman, Sally Mole, Mark and Mary Doherty, Wayne and Lynda Markel, Jaleen Rousseau, Louis Druehl, Sheryl and John Mass, Lisa Bye, Ben and Margo West, Glenn Ballman, Tara McNeil, Anne Stewart, Sean Rogers, Marnie McAughtrie, Jeff Honig, Nancy Hendry, Ashley Armstrong-Klyne, Tom Jensen, JM Ledet, Kurt Krantz, Max Salamon, Brad Beaith, Amy Hollings, Wish key, David Stewart, Clay Steel, Bonnie McKay, Bob Beckett, Jasmine Schuster
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 /Rhopkins Unanimous
Adoption of Minutes of 15 November 2021 m/Bsills ,s/Jmass Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from BHCF to confirm the provision of grant money for 25% of the MOTI funded ATN project.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Susan Derasp
As of 31 December 2021:
Chequing: $12,526.24
Savings: $22,430.56
BCAS annual Zoom subscription of $224 paid out to Jamie Willock
Susan has cancelled paper statements as everything is available online and thus saves a monthly charge of $2.50.
ACRD Director’s Report- Bob Beckett
#1. Who would have thought that after two long years of Covid restrictions we start of the new year with continued variants, more restrictions, lots of snow, freezing pipes, numerous power outages and even a tsunami warning? Hopefully, 2022 will be in like a lion, out like a lamb.
Being an eternal optimist, I remain optimistic that we have much to look forward to in 2022, primarily because of our community’s resiliency, compassion and community spirit. Looking forward, we have the improvements to the road, the start of a new community hall, improvements to our parks and trails, more students returning to BMSC, efforts to expand the K - 12 curriculum, and numerous employment opportunities associated with forestry, sports fishing, hiking, indigenous tourism, and other new economic initiatives to look forward to and celebrate.
And speaking of Covid and freezing pipes I would like to acknowledge Les for all his efforts to keep the water flowing during the deep freeze and the entire team at our Bamfield Health Center, for on top of everything else, thank you for your efforts to coordinate all of the various vaccine clinics.
#2. consumption of alcohol in front of Bamfield Mercantile
Late last year Marnie contacted me regrading a visit by the RCMP to her store where they advised her that as a result of the Officer witnessing folks consuming alcohol out the front of her store she could be significantly fined and or lose her permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages if this practice continues.
As a result of our conversation, I arranged a meeting with ACRD staff and the Port Alberni RCMP Detachment Inspector who is in charge of the detachment. We had a very congenial discussion and the Inspector confirmed that Marnie and store staff are only responsible to comply with the regulations regarding sale of alcoholic beverages. Once the beverages leave her store she is no longer legally responsible.
Now one might argue that our liquor laws are antiquated and the long-standing practice of enjoying a beverage on the boardwalk should be allowed to continue. Some folks have reached out to me to inquire about getting a liquor license for that section of the boardwalk but the reality is that it is the property of MOTI and highly unlikely that they would grant permission to an applicant who would need to pay all application/legal fees, insurance fees and ensure compliance of a liquor license regulation/permit.
My thoughts, for what they are worth: is to use discretion especially when the RCMP are visiting our community. I understand that there is a supply of “paper coffee cups” for those situations.
#3. Potential Community Works Funds Grant
At last week’s Electoral Area Directors meeting the Board considered a number of regional projects as part of a 4-year Community Works Funds Grant budget.
There were quite a few proposed projects throughout the region and staff have done an excellent job in prioritizing these based primarily on risk to the community/ACRD. The committee will again meet in February to further consider these projects/budget and I am very optimistic based on the current support from my Director colleagues around the board table that we may see support for the following specific Bamfield projects:
1. Funding for a Bamfield Liquid Waste Management Plan.
2. Funding for a Bamfield Development Plan.
3. Funding for the Bamfield Water System Westside Transmission Line.
4. Funding for the Bamfield Centennial Park Playground Upgrade.
5. Funding for replacing the Bamfield Westside Firehall.
#4. Meeting with MOTI
Last week I met with MOTI representatives to discuss west Bamfield Road maintenance issues and winter snow and ice conditions in Bamfield over the holidays. MOTI representatives assured me that Mainroads is actively drawing up a contract that will provide for enhanced annual maintenance on the west side, regular routine maintenance on the east side, as well as provide for an appropriate response to the east side for sanding and salting during inclement weather conditions.
MOTI confirmed that residents should continue to contact the Mainroads hot line number: 1-877-215-7122 regarding inquiries or complaints for roads in Bamfield.
Questions
Re #2. It was pointed out that there are designated outdoor locations where alcohol can be consumed but issues to deal with are apparently licencing and enforcement. Tara – Bamfield Inn- hopes to have something set up in the summer at the building right by the boardwalk.
Re#3 In response to a question of how these projects are assigned, Bob says ACRD staff look into the needs of Bamfield. These listed projects should all be completed within the next 4 years.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- BMSC Sean Rogers
- K-12 Initiative. A letter has been written to the Minister of Education to stress the importance of getting this going. After Sean’s meeting with Ed Johnson, the Ḥaw̓iiḥ of HFN expressed interest in joining the working group. Sean feels there is a lot of momentum at this time.
- BMSC Programme. Twenty-four students completed their course on Nov 18 without any Covid interruptions. David and Louise Sidley, who have supported two Fall programme scholarships in memorial of their son past-BMSC student Timothy River Sidley, have now increased this to a third scholarship. Their help, together with another scholarship set up by Leona Peters, is significant.
- No one has attended any programmes since Christmas, but Sean hopes for some fieldtrips to occur in the spring. Four interns have been hired to facilitate this.
- Wastewater Project. A ribbon cutting ceremony is expected in early April.
- The 50th anniversary of BMS/BMSC is this year. Leslie Ogden has been hired to write stories to highlight the history,
- There is a need for long-term planning at BMSC so U of C is taking the lead to match long range planning and the needs of students and the community. ACRD/HFN and Bamfield will be involved.
- The Biodiversity Study this year will gather data so as to be able to compare that of the 1970s
2.Community Hall- Louis Druehl
There are no hold ups to beginning the work now.
Unfortunately, Robbie Burns Night is cancelled because of current public health orders.
- School- Robin Schmitt
There are still 19 students enrolled although one student left and another has arrived. Everything is functioning according to Covid -19 protocols. Students are outside as much as possible and activities such as maths walks, compass work and gardening have been developed to give variety.
The Christmas concert was a success, but unfortunately the school is now locked again to any community members due to current public health orders. Ready-Set-Learn program has been put on hold.
- BCSA- Sally Mole
Sally is part of the Alberni-Clayoquot Health Network and schooling K-12 is also in their planning. They will be meeting on January 27 and anyone interested is very welcome to attend.
All other activities are currently on hold.
- Community Forest- Stefan Ochman
The East West Connector Trail is now under construction by Tyler Bohn and his crew. The trail will be accessed on the east side from the current Keeha/Topaltos Trail and will link up with the Ghost Forest Trail and the beach on the west side.
Tony Wong of Quintry Consulting is helping CF Board members create maps to show excluded areas where not to log . This will enable the Board to come up with a plan for the next 20+ years for areas of possible selective extraction
- Harbour Authority-Rae Hopkins
A new wharfinger has been hired to start work in 2022. Her name is Shannon Mendt. Rae thanked Amy for all her hard work over the past years and noted her competence and friendliness in fulfilling her job.
Moorage rates will increase by 5% this year.
There was an incident at New Year’s involving a stray firework resulting in damage to the dock shed, but this has been repaired. [SW1]
- Parks Commission- Sheryl Mass
Nothing new to report. Camping is open if anyone needs to camp there.
- Bamfield Health Clinic- Amy Hollings
A Covid Vaccine day for all ages will be held on January 26 .Those seeking booster shots can book online if their last shot was at least 6 months ago. There is also a clinic at Trinity Church in Port Alberni.
When asked about the status of Covid in Bamfield, Amy responded that it is in the community. Testing is only for high-risk cases. If you think you might have contracted Covid, she asks that you call the clinic. She stressed that directions from VIHA are frequently changing . They are expecting some self-testing kits.
- Chamber of Commerce - Marnie McAughtrie
There will be a meeting at the beginning of February. Topics will include a Tourism VI initiative as well as possible fisheries closures.
- BCEP - Bob Schmitt
Bob mentioned the tsunami advisory that occurred on Saturday (January 15th) morning and was pleased to be involved with it and thanked Lisa Bye for introducing him to the response. He urged others to volunteer their time to be active in BCEP and said a debrief was being organised for Tuesday with Heather Zenner, the Protective Services Manager at ACRD.
Jamie suggested that Bob could report regularly on any BCEP activities.
OLD BUSINESS
GIA applications
a) Planning Costs for West Park Pavilion- Jan Teversham
Jan laid out the details of the second request for a GIA to cover the costs of plans for West Park development.
The money will be used to pay the travel and accommodation costs incurred by 12 Master’s students and their professor from the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UBC. The group visited Bamfield in September 2021 to view the site and talk to residents about their wishes and concerns. The plans that have been developed include a shelter that we have named the Pavilion and it will be off-grid. Lumber will hopefully be supplied by BHCF. The plans also include entry steps, a pathway, adventure playground installations, information signs from the Historical Society and eventually a composting toilet. . There is no charge for the plans that were given to us in mid-December 2021.
There will be no costs for development and building permits from the ACRD.
The bill has now been received from UBC and totals $1843.90
Questions:
Questions centred on the actual development of the plans and a community meeting was suggested. This will certainly take place as soon as any funding has been confirmed that would enable the project to start up. People were interested in seeing the plans and the means to do this was discussed as they are large files. The team will figure it out and send out via the email list.
John suggested the group return to the main discussion of the GIA.
b.) The Active Transportation network (ATN ) planning project- Jamie Willock
Jamie gave a second power point presentation to describe in detail the five areas for surveying and detailed planning. Here is a brief summary. More details can be sent if anyone missed them in November.
- West Park connector trail.
Survey work here would be to identify where the short trail to connect West Park and the adjacent park area would go through the undeveloped ROW that links them.
- Westminster Bog Trail Connector.
The trail would be about 200 metres in total and about 60% of this would be raised boardwalk through the bog area. It will link Cape Beale Trail with the corner of King’s Road/Wyton Road and cut off about 500 metres if one is walking from Fisheries Dock to Brady’s Beach.
3. Winston Road
This runs from Fisheries Dock right across the peninsula to Brady’s Beach but there is a very steep area (cliff) down to Brady’s Beach Trail at the end. A series of steps/ladders would have to be constructed near Brady ‘s Beach at the end of the trail.
- Kayak Docks at Nuthatch and Westminster.
There is quite a history of discussing putting in kayak docks, but nothing has been developed so far. They will be small docks for unmotorized vessels.
The total amount asked as a GIA is $6,500. Another $6,500 will be requested from BHCF as the ATN grant is only for 50%. The BHCF grant has been confirmed.
A brief survey has been sent via the email list and posted on the corkboard to elicit the interest- in each area- positive or negative. Jamie asked if everyone could fill it in.
Questions and comments revolved around possible problems of permits etc., whether MOTI would allow any development on ROWs, issues of immediate neighbours’ buy in, whether other areas could be added if one of the current suggestions didn’t work out or if sufficient funds remained. Wild Duck Road, currently undeveloped for the most part, was mentioned
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 22 February 2022.
(Monday is a Statutory Holiday for Family Day)
Meeting Adjourned at 8.20pm m/JHiggins s/Sochman.