March 16 2026
BAMFIELD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SOCIETY
General Meeting Unofficial Minutes
Monday 16 March 2026
Attendees: (16) James Willock (chair), Stella Wenstob, Tom Jensen, John and Sheryl Mass, Jomy Thomas, Susan Derasp, Bob Beckett, Julek Chawarski, Laura Bradley, Barry Sills, Paul and Allison Bird, Kevin McCaughtrie, Max Saloman, and Anne Stewart.
Regrets: Jan Teversham
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.
The meeting was called to order at 18.31
TREASURER’S REPORT- Susan Derasp
- Chequing: $12,609.37
- Equity shares $5.21
- Savings $28,386.01
- Total Assets $41,000.59
ACRD DIRECTOR’S REPORT-Bob Beckett
1. HFN Mt. Underwood Wildfire Acknowledgement Ceremony on Feb 22
I accepted an invitation to the Huu-ay-aht Mt Underwood critique and acknowledgement ceremony on Sunday Feb 22nd. Sean Flickinger presented an excellent overview or critique of the Mt. Underwood wildfire followed by acknowledgements to Huu-ay-aht staff and elected officials for their efforts during the event. A beautiful meal was provided following the presentation. The ACRD is planning on doing an in-person presentation to the Bamfield Community in the very near future.
2. Submarine watermain to West Bamfield complete.
On Friday March 6th, the ACRD celebrated the completion of the new $1.2 million submarine line replacement project. Representatives from the community, the ACRD Board, Les and Lake Butler, ACRD Staff and MLA Josie Osborne were in attendance for the ribbon cutting. Three sources of grant funds were contributed, including the ACRD, Province and Federal governments. The new pipe is 300 mm in width, double the size of the previous pipe and is 400 metres long. Following the ceremony, we were invited back to Anacla for sandwiches and refreshments before folks from out of town began their travels back.
3. Meeting with MLA Josie Osborne
Following the submarine water line project event, MLA Josie Osborne and her staff met with the BCAS executive and Adrian Mullen, representing the Bamfield Chamber of Commerce and myself for coffee and a chat.
The following subjects were brought up during the conversation
- Sports fishing regulations and potential area closures
- Parking on the east side
- Impact on moorage from increased tourism
- Bamfield road and alternate road emergency access relating to road conditions
- Day care facility limitations
NEW BUSINESS
1. ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS-EAST BAMFIELD
Bob Beckett reported that he had received feedback from various community members about issues around the 4 way stop in East Bamfield. He recognises that parking there has some issues to be solved and there are now 3 or 4 private parking lots close by. At Josie Osborne’s suggestion it is safety issues that need to be addressed first. MOT and ACRD are coming to look at another issue but Bob suggests he could meet them and relay concerns around the 4 way stop at that time. If anyone has any thoughts about what they would like to see happen there they should send their ideas to BCAS and Bob. Are there recommendations for new signs or physical blocks? Safety should be the priority at the moment- not parking per.se. Bob realises that not everyone will be happy about an accepted solution. John Mass added that anyone commenting on issues should try and give solutions to the problems as well.
2. NEW GIA APPLICATION- COSTS RE BAMFIELD HUB- Jamie Willock
Jamie explained that he has been working on the Bamfield Hub for a year or two and it is now up and running. It is a central location for all things related to Bamfield such as local news, societies and volunteers, ACRD information, weather, tides, road flooding predictions, vessel tracking etc. There is also a discussion area where topics can be introduced, polls can be carried out and voting on issues can take place. It will be limited to residents and property owners in Bamfield. He is asking for $677 for the operational costs of the site. Sheryl Mass said how much she appreciated all the work that Jamie has put into the Hub’s creation.
3. NEW GIA APPLICATION- PICKLEBALL EQUIPMENT- Jomy Thomas
Jomy said that there was a training course to teach people Pickle Ball in January that was very popular so now the players are seeking equipment for the school rather than borrowing HFN equipment every Saturday. Paddles and balls have been now been donated and Jomy is asking for $600 to buy two pickleball nets. (Each net costing $300.) A BCAS Board Meeting will take place shortly to discuss the two applications. Jamie stressed that funding is available for anyone wanting to get a local project going in Bamfield.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
1.BHA-Tom Jensen
Nothing to report
2.Centennial Park- Sheryl Mass
- They are looking for two students for the summer to work in the park. They will be funded by Canada Works Grant and must be 15 to 30 years old during their employment.
- The showers will be upgraded (maybe tiling) before the summer season starts after about thirty-five plus years of operation.
- Greg Hook has stepped forward to join the Bamfield Parks Commission.
3.BCSA-Jomy Thomas
- Spring Break Camps are underway. There were 13 students last week and 10 attending this week. Because of the rain activities have been mostly inside. Sean has been driving the children to and from.
- Saturday drop in sports is now happening every week from 10 to 12.
- The Community Lunch is on Wednesday 25th March.
- A Cooking class for Indian food will be held on March 27th.
- Monday night sports continue with alternating soccer, dodge ball and volleyball.
The next meeting will be on 20th April.
Meeting adjourned at 19.06.