Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting May 7, 2018
In Attendance: Sally Watson, Paulina O’Brien, Flint Palmer, Karla Gaffney, Helen Barry, Bonnie Brandt, Andrew Bullock, Mike Furfaro, Craig Chapman, Dave Selkirk, Brenda Selkirk, Lorraine Zirke, Ginette Therrien, Elaine Lemieux
Excused: Karen Schmidt, Sonya Leenders, Greg Dowman, Heather Galligan, Kathryn Cameron, Mike LeGrice
1. Presentation by Bonnie Brandt on the Impact of Scented Dryer Sheets
Dryer Sheet presentation
I moved to Field almost 3 years ago and one thing I love most about this place is the clean, fresh air. I go outside and I smell the forest, I love to fill my lungs with that beautiful air. We are so lucky to live here. I came from a big city and worked in downtown office, so I spent my days breathing in all the chemicals of the office.
All the chemicals my co-workers wore on their bodies and washed their clothes in and the cleaning products used by the cleaning staff. On my walk home, I walked through kilometers of car exhaust.
All of this was not doing my health any favors.
So when I came here, I literally breathed a sigh of relief to be so far removed from such a toxic environment.
But I’ve noticed something very unfortunate since I moved here;
The use of scented dryer sheets.
It saddens me to see this pristine, clean air being unnecessarily polluted with these toxic, lingering chemicals.
On a calm day, household vents pump these poisons out of homes where they sit outside, heavy in the air.
Personally, I have instant reactions to it and I’m not the only one. The number of people who tell me they are negatively affected by these chemicals is growing.
Dryer sheets affect not only personal health, but also public and environmental health. The chemicals go into the air, down the drain and into bodies of water.
They are considered toxic to wildlife, and even trigger reproductive toxicity in animals.
Here are some stats:
Dryer sheets are coated in synthetic fragrance chemicals.
Studies analyzing the compounds found in laundry dryer emissions identified more than 25 VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Some of these VOCs are classified as hazardous air pollutants and carcinogens—unsafe at any level of exposure.
In many cases, none of these VOCs are listed on the product label.
Why? At this time, laws do not require individual fragrance ingredients to be listed on labels.
Companies can avoid disclosing the ingredients, saying that they are ‘Trade Secrets’.
Fabric softening agents in dryer sheets contain quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), known to release formaldehyde. Quats cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms and formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and is related to birth defects.
Further to this, we now know fabric softeners contain a distressing array of compounds—methanol, butane, pentane, benzyl acetate, camphor, chloroform, A-terpinol, and others—but these never appear on product labels, and all of them certainly contribute to the overall toxic load in your body.
When exposed to these chemicals, some may experience immediate reactions, including headaches, shortness of breath, eye and throat irritation and contact dermatitis.
Others may experience adverse reactions such as sore throat, dizziness, poor concentration and even anxiety.
These chemicals over the long term are neurotoxic and carcinogenic and even contribute to depression.
Many other toxic, immune disrupting ingredients on the list are also considered endocrine disruptors: AKA: compounds that toy with your hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for disease.
I even believe that these chemicals are influencing rising rates of Alzheimer’s as well.
These are dangerous chemicals you definitely don’t want filling your family’s airspace or venting into the outdoor air!
And when there are completely non-toxic options available, why put that stress on your body?
At this point, I hope it goes without saying that dryer sheets are not the only problem. Toxic chemical scents are added to thousands of products, like laundry detergent, perfume, air freshener and much more.
Don’t worry, there are many Alternatives to Store-Bought Dryer Sheets
• My favorite is this: Purecosheet reusable chemical free dryer sheets. These sheets eliminate static without chemicals. They can be found at Nutters and any other health food store, or online.
• Try adding wool dryer-balls to your dryer (Nellie’s). This also cuts down on drying time. You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the balls for a little fragrance, if you find you’re missing that.
– There are many YouTube videos with DIY ideas for using essential oils in your dryer.
• Hang your clothing outside to dry, which I know many of you do already.
• Look for plant-based, unscented laundry detergents.
• Reduce static cling naturally by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to your washer’s rinse cycle.
• Beware of “green” laundry products. Even some of these released toxic compounds in some studies.
Final Thoughts
I propose we encourage the residents of Field to give up the dryer sheets, for our health and the health of the environment and the animals.
And I’m willing to bet that those with guesthouses will have customers who will appreciate this action as well. Many people are sensitive to scent chemicals but don’t come out and tell you.
We can become known as the chemical-free destination, the healthiest place to go for vacation.
Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas.
I’m hoping we can work toward making Field a scent-free Village.
***The precautionary principle denotes a duty to prevent harm, when it is within our power to do so, even when all the evidence is not in. (although, in this case, the evidence is in)***
2. FRAA Report: Sally Watson
Events
Bunny Hop and Easter Potluck Brunch – April 2, 2018
Turnout – 5 kids at the Hop and 19 people at the Brunch. Really lovely morning and early afternoon. Delicious food as always! Shout out to Steve and Andrea for all their help.
Thursday May 10, 2018 Farewell Party and Pot Luck Supper for Mike and Deb, and Matt, Julie, Liam and Noa at the Community Hall. Bar is open at 5:30 and supper will start at 6:00 pm. Come on out to wish both families the best in their new lives! Bring some food to share with neighbors. And stories too! There are cards at the Post Office for each family. Community gift donations also accepted at the Post Office.
Pierre Lemire has an exhibit of photographs at the Art Gallery of Golden until May 13.
Sunday June 3 is the Annual Spring Fling. Paulina and Heather are working on details. Stay tuned for posters and announcements.
Sonya has expressed interest in putting on a community garage sale at the hall in June. Details to be determined and announced.
Canada Day, Sunday July 1. We’re adding a dance and morning pickleball to the festivities this year.
Programs
High Intensity Interval Training with Laura Penner continues weekly on Sunday evenings $12 drop in fee) and without Laura Penner weekly on Wednesday evenings. Both sessions start at 7:00 pm.
Just Breathe Yoga with Hayley Markel is in week three of an eight week session, Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:45. $12 drop in fee. The last class is on June 13.
Sunday Start-Up Yoga with Carly Bowers starts again May 20, community Hall at 10:00 am. Fee: by donation.
Cindy Kelly returns late June or early July with Yoho Yoga for the summer. Details will be sent out when she gets home from her bike trip to Spain in about two weeks.
We’re getting a new net for the pickleball court. However, we have one net that’s still in good shape, lots of paddles and a few balls so that will be set up and ready in the next week.
If you are interested in offering programming at the hall, please contact a Board member. We charge 20% of fees collected.
New Societies Act Registration
Application was submitted on April 6, 2018.
Constitution Update
In progress. Kathryn has put together a job description of Secretary. Sally to write down duties for Treasurer, Mike will be in charge of writing duties for Social Media. Hope to identify one Board Member to be responsible for overseeing functions. A list of how to prepare for a function would be helpful. Ongoing process.
Insurance
Parks Canada has paid FRAA Insurance. Thank you.
Janice Ottoson, Johnston Meier Insurance, says the FRAA is insured to use the School for programs such as HIIT, Yoga, Floor Hockey etc. Craig is currently communicating with Operations Manager Steve Jackson to find out if we have permission to use the School. The FRAA would be required to make an application listing each event.
Church Update
We have received a $10,000 grant from the Rural Dividend Fund and a $5000.00 grant from CSRD. Estimate for plans may be around $11,000. Quote for the lot survey received from WSP is around 2500.00 including GST. Estimate for completion of the church, somewhere between $ 250,000 – $ 500,000.
Construction will start next year. Contract for the Church renovation will be put out to tender. There are three interested Contractors so far. The FRAA will decide on a contractor based on work, bid and if they’re willing to sign a contract.
This summer The Friends of Yoho would like to finish the historic walking tour at the Church. Storyboards to tell the building’s story and a donation box will be located inside the church. A Go-Fund me Page will be started as well in addition to applying for grants.
Throughout the summer months, volunteers will be needed to maintain the landscaping around the Church. Mowing the lawn, sweeping the sidewalk and stairs. A walk around the building to ensure there is no garbage etc. A sign-up sheet to come soon. Estimated 16-20 weeks of maintenance, if we have 20 volunteers who each take a week, we’ll be covered.
Church will be a community gathering place for weddings, memorial services, live music, a wellness centre. The building will be Accessible. We plan to have a
bride’s lounge/suite in the basement with a kitchenette and two washrooms. Full time employee will be hired to look after the Church. The Church will be surrounded by beautiful gardens. Perfect for wedding photos!
Facilitated Meeting with Parks Canada
No date set for the next meeting. Draft Memorandum of Understanding has been sent to participants. Very general. Lots of work to do. Kathryn feels the MOU needs to have specifics, especially regarding meetings. Feels that current format for Field Utility Board Meetings not comprehensive enough.
Community Update
Truffle Pigs closed for annual maintenance until May 11. The Siding is open daily until May 9, then will close from May 10 to June 1.
Window Cleaning: Contact Craig Chapman, 250-343-6441
Community Hall washroom will be open to the public from June 1 through September 30, 2018.
In light of recent thefts, keep an eye out for your neighbours’ property, put your things away and out of sight.
Lots of Hall rentals through May and June.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Sally Watson
Files attached to the email.
4. Parks Canada Reports: Elaine Lemieux
Townsite
– Staff working from Field Admin Office:
• Elaine has returned.
• Helena Waddock, Business Licence Admin Services Officer
• John Cattie, A/Staff Housing Coordinator, starting Monday, May 14th
– Garbage billings
• Quarterly billings have been sent out
Still working on 2018/2019 rates, delayed due to year end in Finance. Hope to have those update by end of May
Highways
The sweeper is scheduled to come back to Field and the supervisors will notify prior to them being in town.
Seasonal openings have taken place (Spiral Tunnels, Natural Bridge, Monarch Campground, Finn Creek and Faeder Lake) Wapta Falls will be once the snow melt off is complete on that road. We have been digging out Moraine Lake road for the past few weeks, and once that is done, we will start on Lake O’Hara Road, then into Takkaka falls road.
Construction season is here, so various contractors are mobilising on the highway in different areas from the 6 km twining, to the rock scalers on the Field Hill. Some paving will take place in Yoho this summer too in a few different areas.
Visitor Experience
– Traffic control starts May 18 within Lake Louise village. This will be conducted and managed as it was last year (daily until October 8, as needed)
– Local shuttles start running daily May 18 – October 8 from the Lake Louise over flow to Samson Mall and Lake Louise free for visitors with a valid National Parks Pass. Moraine lake route runs from Sept 10 to October 8 only (also from the overflow),
– Lake Louise residents and staff should be displaying decals in vehicles, pick up from Lake Louise Visitor centre
– Digital hotel and guest decals have been distributed to Lake Louise Hotels and lodges, if anyone was missed, contact us directly traffic.pc.gc.ca
– All transit information is now live on the web, at pc.gc.ca/banff-transit or explorethepark.ca
– No Parking signs are scheduled to be reinstalled along Lake Louise Drive and Emerald Lake Road the week of May 14th
• Kicking horse CG delayed due to avalanche debris and assessment of clean up, expect June.
• Monarch Campground is open.
• Little Yoho road dependent on snow clearing and melt..
Yoho VRC operating hours: April 1 to May 30, 2018: 9 am to 5 pm &
June 1 to September 30th , 2018: 8:30 am to 7 pm
October 1 to October 8, 2018: 9 am to 5 pm
October 9, 2018 to April 30, 2019: *Closed
Assets
1) Mt. Dennis Slope Stabilisation
Parks Canada has extended the duration of the existing monitoring program (conducted by Tetra Tech) to include one additional year of slope monitoring. This monitoring consists of quarterly GPS surveys conducted to quantify the movement of 25 survey points. Recent data has shown a considerable decline in the velocity of movement since project inception May 2016. Tetra Tech and Parks Canada are also working to establish risk mitigation measures that will be backed by risk analysis modelling software, currently underway. Parks Canada continues regular inspection and maintenance on the water diversion system installed in fall 2015.
2) Second Avenue Drainage
Parks Canada continues to monitor issues related to ground water near second avenue in Field. Residents should report and document any issues on their property to the Parks Canada Agency LLYK Townsites office.
3) Staff Housing (Superintendent’s House and new structure construction at 207 Kicking Horse Ave.)
Renovations are still underway at the Superintendent’s house, and are expected to be completed early this summer. 207 Kicking Horse Ave (the old duplex) tentative construction start date for this is as early as August 2018.
5. Friends of Yoho: Helen Barry
Deb is now a board member and Brenda Selkirk is the manager.
Walking Tour will begin in July on Tuesday and Thursday 8 pm (moving to 7 pm late August and September) All donations will go to the church. Helen asked if Craig was talking to the Bishop and the Diocese if we could get the collection plate back. The FOY would like to pass the plate so to speak at the end of each evening. The tour will end at the church.
Planning an evening presentation at Kicking Horse Theatre. ‘Lumbering in Yoho’ – Story of Gummo Lumber and their operation here in the Park.
S’mores at the campground fire circles July in Kicking Horse Campground and August up at Takakkaw Falls Campground.
Project to install a water bottle filling station at the Yoho VRC.
AGM is May 29th 6 pm at the Plaza. Join the friends for a wiener roast.
6. Field Fire and Rescue: Mike Furfaro
1. Members – Sitting at 20 members. (down from 23, Matt, Jason,Tom)
a. 6 Officers, 3 Firefighters, 9 Probationary Members, 1 Recruit, 1 Auxiliary Member (Elaine)
2. Call Outs – 21 as of 01 January 2018.
a. 8 in January, 5 in February, 3 in March, 5 in April, none in May yet.
i. 31 March, Locomotive Fire
ii. 05 April, 301 K.H. Avenue Structure Fire
3. New and Planned Purchases
a. New Turnout gear. Draft proposal letter to Marthe. Asking $50,000
b. Emergency Scene Ahead Signs (X2), IC Boards, Radio Mics + Battery
c. In progress, Future Large Purchase Plan (5 years)
4. Completed Training
a. Air Brakes (4 members)
b. S-131 (4 members)
c. ISO (4 members)
d. Hazmat Awareness (1 member)
e. S&T (1 member)
f. Ventilation (4 members)
g. S-115 (3 members)
h. APO (1 member)
i. Battery Storage Facility (April 27th)
5. Upcoming Training – Spring training courses.
a. Interior Fire, EVD, Exterior Fire
b. Wildland Fire with L.L. Fire March 22
New Chief’s Cell Number – (250)344-0957
I will be away from May 25th to June 25th.
Primary contact for FFRD will be Patrick Cais – (403)760-5635
Secondary contact for FFRD will be Chris Allen – (403)431-0326
7. Round Table
