Archive for month: May, 2020

In attendance: Pierre Lemire, Wendy Edge, Dave Selkirk, John Schlichting, Brenda Selkirk, Karla Gaffney, Randle Robertson, Mike Furfaro, Pauline Boisier, Lloyd Lafrance, Sophie Cais, Carla Evans, Dennis Evans, Sally Watson, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron

Excused: Sonya Leenders, Karen Schmidt, Paulina O’Brien, Charisse D’hamers, Greg Dowman

1. Information from CP Rail on Projects in Field slated to start in August 2019 Peter Bayerle, Senior Manager for Projects and Public Works was originally scheduled to attend the Town Hall Meeting to present this information and answer resident’s questions about the projects, but not able to attend the meeting. In his absence, CP Rail recommended that residents visit www.cpr.ca for information and send comments or concerns to Community Connect. Here’s the website information:

“Track reconfiguration / extension project – Field

Beginning in early August 2019, and running until the end of November 2019, Canadian Pacific (CP) is completing a track reconfiguration project in Field Yard. The project will extend the length of CP tracks through the 2nd Street crossing to the west end of CP’s yard.

         Currently, long trains staged at Field must be split among a number of tracks. This type of train movement requires the intermittent occupation of the 2nd Street crossing, blocking the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Once complete, the track extension work will accommodate longer train lengths on a single track, resulting in fewer blocked crossings.

         As part of the project, and to further enhance public safety, CP will be installing a full railway crossing warning system with bells, lights and gates. 

         During the project timeframe, people should expect to see or hear heavy machinery, rail equipment, banging, idling trucks waiting to proceed, dust, voices, and reversing trucks. Construction-type work will occur during daytime hours; night time work is also expected.

Contacts

         Residents with questions or concerns about our operations can call our 24/7 toll-free Community Connect line at: 1-800-766-7912 or email community_connect@cpr.ca.”

Action

FRAA will communicate with Parks Canada and CP Rail with the intent to work together to minimize construction noise and to secure an exemption from Transport Canada in order to have a silent crossing. Apparently Canmore has silent crossings, achieved by a local bylaw. The FRAA will confirm the information and process. FRAA supports existing Parks Canada construction guidelines of 7 am to 7 pm. Leases stipulate quiet hours in the community are from 11 pm to 7 am. These guidelines are in place to protect quality of life in the community.

         What can residents do? Email Community Connect; let CPR know now what your concerns are and offer suggestions on how to mitigate noise issues, during construction and post construction with a “full protection” crossing. 

1. FRAA Report 

         Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

Event Recap: Two successful events since our last Town Hall Meeting. 

         On June 2, the FRAA hosted the annual Spring Fling. Great participation. Thanks to Paulina and Flint for organizing the evening. Thanks to Logan, Connor and Flint for their DJ skills. Thanks to the volunteers who worked in the bar and did clean-up.

         On June 15, we held our second offering of Music at the Church featuring Pablo euphoria from Golden. Really fun outdoor evening at St. Joseph’s. Super entertainment! Thanks Flint and Craig for organizing the evening.

Upcoming Events: Canada Day!! Monday July 1, 2019

Schedule of Events

8:30 am to10:00 am – Pancake Breakfast at Field Community Hall, BC Ambulance

8:30 am to 10:30 am – Pickleball Tournament, Field Community Hall

11:00 am – Parade 

11:30 am to 1:00 pm – Barbeque at The Pond, Field Fire and Rescue

1:00 pm – Happy Birthday Canada!! Cake Contest Judging, Sing Oh Canada,                     cake and ice cream

1:30 pm – Boat Race at The Pond

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Friends and Family Bocce Tournament, Soccer Field

6:30 pm – Pot Luck Barbeque and Supper at Field Community Hall, outside if the                weather is good, inside if the weather is bad

• Posters and Sign Up sheets are on the bulletin board by the Post Office
• To reduce waste, Bonnie Brandt has opted to wash dishes at the pancake breakfast. Don’t hesitate to support this initiative by rolling up your sleeves and taking a turn at the sink. Bonnie has also scoured thrift shops for glassware for the Community Hall. Thanks Bonnie!

Field Summer Music Festival, Sunday July 7, 2019 – Flint Palmer

The countdown is on!

• Tickets are still available.
• Parking will be in town on the west end of Stephen Avenue to the yard waste station and on 2^nd Avenue. Community supports the plan.
• Email confirmation to include green message in addition to logistics for the day.
• Outside water station will be fed by hose from inside the Community Hall.

Next meeting cycle:

FRAA Board Meeting Monday, September 9, 2019
Field Utility Board Wednesday September 18, 2019
Town Hall Meeting Monday, September 30, 2019

Summer Programs at the Community Hall

HIIT – Sundays, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, free admission, and Thursdays, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm, $12 Drop-in fee
Just Breathe Yoga Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm from June 5, 2019 to July 17, 2019 $12 Drop-in Fee or $70 for all seven sessions

Shake It Up with Paulina Fridays, starting June 7, 2019, by donation

Pickleball on the paved surface behind the Community Hall

Friends of Yoho Historic Walking Tour of Field, Tuesdays and Thursday at 8:00 pm starting July 2, 2019 to September 12, 2019

St. Joseph Project

Working with designer on revisions to include an elevator to meet accessibility codes. Once plans are complete we will move to the next step in the Development Permit process with Parks Canada.

Waiting for announcement by Columbia Basin Trust on Built Heritage Grant application for $300,000.

Online Training for Volunteers with RCMP Victim Services Program

It is a more formal process than anticipated. Will continue to work with program coordinator Nuala Wolfe.

Hall Repairs

Hipi Construction contracted to replace the change room exterior exit door and repair the door frame; replace shingles on the shed roof, repair shelves in the kitchen and replace the broken window in the change room.

Honorarium and Insurance

Thank you to Parks Canada for sending the Honorarium and for paying the FRAA insurance with Johnston Meier of Golden.

Spring Bins

In the parking lot behind Truffle Pigs Lodge. Both are now full and ready to be taken away. Suggestions that the garage sale take place in May rather than June, and that we hold at least one “Weekend Givaway” event prior to getting the bins in the future. This gives residents the chance to dispose of usable items and pick up items they need rather than just tossing them into a bin. Reminder that the cost of spring bins is included in calculating solid waste costs.

2. Treasurer’s Report 

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA

Financial reports are attached to the minutes distribution email.

3. Parks Canada Reports 

         Juliet Van Vliet, Townsite Manager

• Is community interested in pursuing the pilot project to have a 15 minute parking zone in front of the Post Office? Response from people at the meeting was “It’s not really necessary.” Pilot project will not proceed.
• Townsites Office has moved back into the Lake Louise visitor Reception Centre. Visitor Experience anticipates moving back and opening the centre once renovations are complete, around mid-July. 
• Hollie Tataryn is the first point of contact with concerns about Townsite management. She can refer people to the proper department or answer questions immediately. General email: pc.llyklotissementsurbains-llyktownsites.pc@canada.ca. Contact Hollie: 403 343 6106 hollie.tataryn@canada.ca
• Discussion about speeding in Field, the need for line painting at STOP signs and a request to have the seasonal STOP sign installed at the intersection of Wall Street and Stephen Avenue.
• Discussion about shovelling snow off the sidewalk on the bridge in winter. Added to the August meeting with Highways about winter maintenance along with notification methods for snow removal, i.e. email or portable signs.
• Townsites supports a pedestrian friendly community. Reminder to residents that parking on sidewalks is illegal.
• Some water meters still to be upgraded. Assets are working on the project; all upgrades will happen. Questions about billing? Contact information is on invoices. Questions about water meters? Keith Parkinson: 403-522-3623 ext. 31
• As noted at the last Field Utility Board Meeting on May 1, water and sewer rates will not increase for the 2019/2020 budget year. 
• Parks Canada has contracted with the Town of Banff to deal with solid waste as of July 1, 2018. Their service is more expensive but also more efficient so increase in solid waste removal costs expected to be minimal if there is any change. 
• Parks Canada confirmed that Field recycling is still being picked up by highways and brought to the Banff recycle centre. 
• Baptiste Caïs and Lucy Schmidt both collect refundable containers. If you don’t want to go to a bottle depot yourself, please contact either Baptiste (250-343-6380) or Lucy (250-343-6813) for pick-up or delivery options.
• Thank you to Chief Furfaro for his leadership skills and service during his tenure as Fire Chief. Parks Canada appreciates everything he has done to manage and help develop Field Fire and Rescue.

4. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

Everything is great!

• Members can renew their membership at the store.
• Historic Walking Tours of Field on Tuesday and Thursday evenings start on July 2, 8:00 pm and go until September 12.
• The Friends of Yoho plan to celebrate Parks Day on Saturday, July 20 with S’Mores at Kicking Horse Campground –weather, fires and construction dependant! Stay tuned for details.

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Mike Furfaro, Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

1. Call Outs –24 as of 01 January 2019.
   1. 8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April, 3 in May, 3 in June
2. Members – Sitting at 21 members. 
   1. 6 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 7 Probationary Members, 3 Recruits
3. New and Planned Purchases
   1. New purchases
      1. No new purchases as of last meeting
   1. Planned purchases
      1. New Helmets, Flash Hoods, Heated one time use blankets
4. Completed Training 
   1. Team Leader, Exterior Fire, Incident Safety Officer, Ventilation, High Hazard Flammable Trains (Crude by Rail in Colorado), Interior Fire, APO, EVD
5. Upcoming Training
   1. Awaiting Fall Training Calendar (CSRD), Auto-Ex
6. Apparatus
   1. Engine 1 (all good) – Annual Inspection done last week
   1. Rescue 1 (all good) – Annual Inspection to be done this week
   1. Rescue 2 (Siren and light Issues) – Annual Inspection done last week

• Field Emergency Plan
  • Field Emergency Plan? Review old Plan, Review new plan
    • FFRD will conduct initial size-up and potential initial containment then may assist in notification and evacuation of residence of Field.
    • Town notification options (Siren=1min continuous blast, Vehicle PA systems, door to door)
    • FEP hopefully to be reviewed by PCA and updated
• Ongoing Projects
  • Work with PCA to formalize mutual aid agreements with L.L. (ID9) and Golden BC
  • Discussions with PCA about importance of fulltime members on FFR (Fire Chief)
  • Generator for Firehall – PCA Assets working on this
• Mike Leaving FF&R
  • I have bought a house in Golden and I will be moving next week. I will be stepping down as Fire Chief of the FFRDS as of 02 July 2019. Patrick Cais will step into the Acting Chief position until the Elections at the end of October. I will continue to work as an Auxiliary Member for the FFRDS for the purpose of discussions with PCA in regards to a fulltime Fire Chiefs position. All enquires to the Chiefs’ Email will be forwarded to Patrick Caïs.

Field Recreation Advisory Association recognizes the great commitment to training, equipment maintenance and prepared emergency service Field Fire and Rescue provides to the community of Field and visitors to Yoho National Park. We support at least one full-time paid position on the department. Volunteers in the department juggle responsibilities of family, employment, and personal interests along with meeting the demands of a volunteer position in an organization that offers critical service when people are vulnerable and need help. It becomes an unreasonable expectation for a volunteer Fire Chief to successfully manage all these elements without burning out. Michael, thanks for the initiatives you sparked (pun intended!) to improve the department. We’re so glad you are staying on as an Auxiliary Member to see the processes through to resolution.

6. Round Table

Noise

1. Residents noted that Music at the Church on July 15, 2019 lasted until 1:35 am, with a fire pit and music piped through the speakers used during the performance. Discussion again about lease stipulation of quiet hours between 11 pm and 7 am, and that in the future, FRAA events at the Church will follow that guideline. Concern also expressed that this was an indication of how future events will unfold once the Church is renovated and rented for weddings, meetings, exhibitions, etc. The FRAA commits to following guidelines of quiet hours, with respect for residents and visitors. Discussion included options; noise complaints can be directed to the RCMP.

2. The FRAA received a letter from a resident expressing concern about late night noise from staff accommodations. Advised of lease stipulations regarding quiet hours, advised to call the Townsite Office to have Parks Canada remind the leaseholder of quiet hours guidelines, and that there is also the option of calling the RCMP with a noise complaint.Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

1. Special Presentations: Field/Golden RCMP 

         Sexual Assault and Harassment/ Safety Awareness

         Nuala Wolf, Golden RCMP Victim Services Program Manager

Identified as a cultural problem. There are cultural shifts taking place with increased reporting. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are a pervasive problem. No community is immune.

What can community members do to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault? A really important tool involves a change in response through bystander intervention. A bystander is a witness to an event that makes someone uncomfortable, from verbal to physical attack. Speak out; intervention can reduce severity of an attack or an incident.

1. Direct intervention: Using a statement like “Please stop doing that.”

2. Delayed intervention: You see something happening but it might be a bit tricky to deal with at the moment. Give reassurance to the person through a statement like “We’re going to talk to your supervisor.” 

3. Distraction: Talk to the harasser, say “Excuse me can you tell me what time it is?” It’s a small intervention that takes the pressure off the target. 

4. Delegate the response: If you can’t do anything about the situation call 911, or get help from a friend, or communicate with the supervisor – ask for help. Using bystander intervention can lead to impactful cultural change. Don’t be afraid to say “Your behaviour makes that person uncomfortable. You need to stop.”

To have a full understanding of sexual assault or sexual harassment, to know what is legal or illegal, here’s the definition: unwanted touch of any kind that is sexual in nature is sexual assault. 

Sexual-harassment falls under harassment in the Criminal Code of Canada. Verbal messages, text messages, inappropriate photos are all considered harassment. It’s important to make an effort to stop any behaviour that makes a person feel unsafe. The RCMP takes all files seriously. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault.

Work safe BC is an excellent resource for definition of harassment. It’s important for employers to have a policy in the workplace. Employees have the right to ask what the employers’ policy entails.

There are many options for reporting depending on the comfort level of individuals involved. People can report to the RCMP or to the Women’s Resource Centre in Golden. There is also the option of third-party reporting where a person doesn’t want to give their name but wants to report a person or certain behavioural traits that identify a person. RCMP keep information-only file for example on what you have witnessed

The RCMP recognizes these are heavy topics but it is important to talk about sexual assault and sexual harassment in order to create change. We are all responsible to create the community we want to live in.

         Property Protection and Community Security

         Robyn Diddams, Field/Golden RCMP

In the past three months, Field has experienced an increase in property crime, for example: vehicle theft, and break and enter in sheds, workshops and vehicles. Basic rule of thumb: lock things – doors, bikes, everything. The RCMP recognizes there are different cultures in different towns but remember, Field is on Highway One that provides easy access for crimes of opportunity. Often addictions drive the behaviour.

Crime prevention can be achieved through environmental design; for example, bright motion-sensor lights are a big deterrent. Ensure your home is visible from the road – no shrubs over 4 feet tall. Establish a nightly routine to lock your doors, cars, sheds, bikes. Use bike identification systems like registration numbers. Cars are easy to break into; leave nothing visible in your car – no cash, no charging cables, keep your car clean.

In terms of police presence and Field, there are eight RCMP members to give 24 hour coverage as far west as Rogers Pass, south to Spillimacheen and east to the Alberta/BC border. In four years Constable Diddams has been to Field four times for property or personal offences, most in the past year. RCMP traffic presence can serve as a deterrent.

If you see suspicious behaviour or changes in the community that concern you, call to report. The RCMP have an obligation to respond and investigate. If you see something that concerns you, you can take immediate action: call the RCMP, activate a car horn, turn on lights. Report vehicles you see in place for several days. Suspicious vehicles or suspicious people – call it in. 

Response time in the event of an emergency can range from 17 to 30 minutes depending on conditions. Stay safe. Don’t put yourself at risk or in a position of committing an offense. Golden/Field RCMP communicates with RCMP offices in Lake Louise and Banff. Lake Louise can respond to incidents in Field when the response time needs to be fast. 

2. FRAA Report          

Events Recap – Kathryn

• Sam Weber “Ain’t It Always a Tour?” at Field Community Hall on Thursday, March 28. Great evening!
• Earth Day Town Clean Up, Bunny Hop and Easter Pot Luck Brunch, Monday, April 22. Lots of clean-up participants, great Bunny Hop, and the Easter Pot Luck Brunch was delicious!

Upcoming Events – Kathryn

• BC Hydro Planned Power Outage Friday, May 24 midnight to 6:00 am. Field will be on the Energy Storage Facility (ESF) for the duration.
• Ladies Night, Sunday May 26, 6:00 pm at Carla Evan’s place 202 Burgess Avenue
• Spring Fling, Sunday, June 2 at Field Community Hall: Field welcomes resident DJs to give generational approach to music!
• Garage Sale Event, Saturday, June 15: Community event, at people’s own homes rather than at Community Hall, advertise in social media, radio.
• Canada Day, Sunday, July 1: Details TBA

Spring Programs at the Community Hall – Kathryn

• HIIT: Thursday evenings with Laura Penner, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, $12 drop-in fee. Sunday evenings 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, no fee.
• Just Breathe Yoga: Wednesday evenings 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm until May 29 with Hayley Markel. No classes on April 17 or 24. $70 for all seven classes or $12 drop-in fee
• Shake It Up With Pau Pau!: Zoomba on Monday evenings 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, starting May 27 at the Community Hall.
• Pickleball, outside behind the community Hall. 
• St. Joseph Project – Kathryn

• Final report for Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) grant for $5000 submitted April 8, 2019. 
• BC Built Heritage Grant for $300,000 submitted to Columbia Basin Trust on March 14
• Discussing other grant applications
• Conceptual plan revision in process
• Development Permit process started
• Fund raiser dinner and silent auction postponed to fall

Field Summer Music Festival: Sunday, July 7 – Flint

• Exciting line up of performers
• Tier two tickets on sale now $40, available by contacting fieldsummermusicfestival@gmail.com
• Received $1000 grant from Columbia Valley Credit Union, applying to CSRD for funding
• Continue to work on plans for food, toilets, parking, vendors, merchandise

Field Utility Board Meeting Report – Flint

• Snow Removal Meeting will happen in August or September rather than November.
• Rates for Water, Sewer and Garbage (WSG) remain frozen for one more year.
• Parks Canada to establish billing for WSG one month after end of each quarter. If you have concerns about billing, please contact Hollie Tataryn by phone 250-343-6016 or email hollie.tataryn@canada.ca.
• Spring Bins: Hollie is working the contract and dates. Request by FRAA that the bins be placed so guests at Truffle Pigs Lodge and Bistro are not privy to contents of the bins.

3. Treasurer’s Report 

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA

Motion Kathryn, Seconded by Sonya to accept financial report as presented. Files sent out as email attachments with minutes, and posted inside Post Office.

4. Parks Canada Reports 

         Hollie Tataryn, Realty and Municipal Officer:

• Street cleaner returning this week. Residents ask for notification so vehicles can be moved from streets.
• Booking bins for second week in June to cover Garage Sale Day.
• Highway line painting in process.
• Highways currently clearing snow off Moraine Lake Road, then will clear Lake O’Hara Road and Yoho Valley Road.

         Keith Parkinson, Asset Management – Water and Waste Water

• Water meter upgrade almost complete. Remaining work to be done May/June. Townsites will notify residents whose meters are slated for change.
• Streamlined how meter readings are reported to Finance.
• Tracking meter reading to compare to past use, identify discrepancies, and examine trends and averages.
• 93 subscribers to the system.

         Dave Allen, Asset Management

·      Planning to re-establish the drainage ditch on 2^nd Avenue.

·      Monitoring the water issues on Emily’s Hill. Existing abandoned water lines to be tied into storm sewer.

·      Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization project: continue to monitor dewatering system as well as regular GPS surveys to monitor slope movement. Plans to have detailed design for mitigation complete by December 1.

·      Work on bridge over Kicking Horse River from Highway to Field to start this week with scattered instances of alternating traffic over the next two weeks, then work to start again in the late summer/fall.

·      Construction to start soon on Parks Canada staff housing project on Kicking Horse Avenue. Contract  awarded to Olsen Construction from Golden.

·      Boulder Creek Bunkhouse renovation project going to contract tender soon.

5. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

• Store is open at Field Visitor Centre, which also staffed by Parks Canada and Travel Alberta staff now.
• Annual General Meeting will take place Saturday, June 1, 6:00 pm at the Plaza again this year, with a wiener roast to follow the business meeting.
• Hoping to bring Fran Drummond, Twin Falls Chalet, back for a presentation in June.
• Historic Walking Tour of Field program will start in July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Looking for volunteers; a script is available. Contact Lorraine Zirke if interested in leading a few evening walking tours: zirke@uniserve.com

6. Community Paramedicine Report

Craig Chapman, Community Paramedic

• 911 has been quiet; Field crew has been giving cross coverage in Golden.
• Home Health Monitoring program available for persons in the community who are being treated for diabetes, congestive heart failure or COPD. If you know anyone who may benefit from the program, contact Craig. Recommended that the potential participant(s) consult their doctor.
• Babylon app available from Telus; connects to doctor.
• No identified opioid issue in Field, but if you or someone you know may be at risk, contact Craig. Naloxone kits are available.

7. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Mike Furfaro, Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

1. Call Outs –18 as of 01 January 2019.
   1. 8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April
2. Members – Sitting at 21 members. 
   1. 6 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 5 Probationary Members, 5 Recruits
3. New and Planned Purchases
   1. New purchases
      1. Thermal Imaging Camera, Turbo Flares, Hose Wrenches, Glass Cutter
   1. Planned purchases
      1. New Helmets, Flash Hoods
4. Completed Training 
   1. Team Leader, Exterior Fire, Incident Safety Officer, Ventilation, High Hazard Flammable Trains (Crude by Rail in Colorado)
5. Upcoming Training
   1. Interior Fire, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Apparatus Pump Operator
6. Apparatus
   1. Engine 1 (all good)
   1. Rescue 1 (all good)
   1. Rescue 2 (Siren Issues)
7. Field Emergency Plan
   1. Field Emergency Plan? Review old Plan, Review new plan
      1. FFRD will conduct initial size-up and potential initial containment then may assist in notification and evacuation of residence of Field.
      1. Town notification options (Siren=1min continuous blast, Vehicle PA systems, door to door)
      1. FEP hopefully to be reviewed by PC and updated
8. Ongoing Projects
   1. Work with PC to formalize mutual aid agreements with L.L. (ID9) and Golden BC
   1. Discussions with PC about importance of fulltime members on FFR

8. Round Table 

In Attendance: Lloyd Lafrance, Ryan Cameron, Juliet Van Vliet, Julie D’Avignon, Katrina Froese, Heather MacNeill, Helen Barry, Charisse D’hamers, Estelle LeGrice, Craig Chapman, Sonya Leenders, Bonnie Brandt, Andrew Bullock, Ginette Therrien, Lorraine Zirke, Darren O’Brien, Steve Christy, Patrick Cais, Paulina O’Brien, Kathryn Cameron, Sally Watson, Dale Culler, Steve Jackson, Rick Kubian, Gregg Walker

Excused: Karen Schmidt, Greg Dowman, Flint Palmer

1. Special Presentation: Rocky Mountain School District #6

The School District has decided to return the leased land to Parks Canada and is negotiating the process. Parks Canada plans to use building and is negotiating a price to pay the School District.

Presentation information not received yet. Revised minutes will be circulated when the file is available. 

2. Special Presentation: Greg Walker, Parks Canada Fire and Vegetation

Parks Canada is working on Fire Management Plan for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. Public consultation process is open until April 30, 2019. 

Presentation information not received yet. Revised minutes will be circulated when the file is available. 

3. Special Presentation: Steve Christy, Peak Broadband

PEAK BROADBAND PLAN FOR FIBRE OPTIC CABLE INSTALLATION IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK

What’s up?

Peak Broadband is installing underground fibre optic cable from Field to the Boulder Compound and Emerald Lake Lodge to provide high speed internet to remote areas

What you need to know

The alignment starts at Truffle Pigs near their propane tank and heads down beside 1^stAve/Stephen Ave and goes all the way down the back road to the highway.  It splits there up east side of the TCH to the Boulder Compound and to just past the bridge to head down the Emerald road

The installation will mostly be completed by ploughing in conduit and direct bury cable, with some directional drilling and minimal open excavation

We are currently planning to start the project towards the end of May, or as soon as the frost is out of the ground

Expect minor delays and speed reductions while travelling in these areas at that time.  

Please join us on twitter at @peakbroadband OR Facebook at Peak Broadband for regular updates of the schedule and progress

All construction will take place during daylight hours

Residents from Centre Street down 1^st Ave and Stephen Ave toward the back road can expect temporary construction noise as the Plough passes by

We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause, the project should be completed within a month

Benefits

Providing high speed internet to Park and Emerald staff will provide a better living experience for seasonal and full time staff in outlying areas that contribute to the financial viability of the Village of Field.

The end result will also enable Peak Broadband to provide better packages at competitive prices to our existing customers.

4. FRAA Report: Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

It’s been a busy seven weeks since our last Town Hall Meeting on January 21.

On February 1, 2 and 3, the FRAA hosted the 42^nd Annual Yoho Blow, Field’s winter festival. It was a memorable event. Really great community participation and celebration – until the real Yoho Blow started late Saturday afternoon. Cancelled the Anything Goes Downhill Race due to extreme cold weather and rescheduled the Pot Luck Supper to Sunday, February 10 due to power outage on February 3. All other events went ahead. Congratulations to all the teams and people who excelled in contests. Event organizers excelled in the challenge making!

Kudos to Field Fire and Rescue and engaged residents who responded so positively to make certain all people in Field were in warm, secure housing during the power outage Feb 3, 2019. Thank you to BC Hydro crews who worked in extreme weather conditions to restore power as quickly as they did. This event sparked the current work to update protocols and contact info through the Field Emergency Services Questionnaire. If you have not filled out a questionnaire, they are available at the Post Office. If you have not returned your completed questionnaire, you can return it to the Post office.

FRAA offers condolences to families of the three men who died in the CPR derailment on February 4, 2019, and to our neighbours who work for CP and at the bunkhouse who knew the men.

February 10 we wrapped up the Yoho Blow with another delicious Pot Luck Supper.

February 14 we danced and celebrated Valentine’s Day with Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra at Groove is in the Heart.

Kicking Horse Ski Club hosted a Moonlight Ski on February 15 and the Yoho Nordic Challenge on February 17.

BC Hydro Conference Call Tuesday, February 26, 2019, 9:30 am to 10:30 am to discuss specific power outages of February 3 and February 8, outages in Field in general and performance of the Energy Storage Facility (ESF). Here is information provided by BC Hydro:

• During the February 3^rd outage the manager in charge relied on the cold temperatures and concerns for the community as justification to have crews remain on site until the work was completed.  Following the outage February 3, BC Hydro learned that only one battery bank discharged during the outage so basically it provided half the normal backup.  BC Hydro noted during that outage that the demand in Field was far higher than normally seen and both of those things in combination account for the ten hours of backup provided. 
• During the second outage on February 8/9 crews hit an access window that allowed them to get on the tracks as soon as they arrived in Field and were able to make the repairs right away.
• The life expectancy of the battery banks is between 12-15 years. The ESF is a “demonstration project” and since July 2013 the ESF has provided back up during 47 outages (planned and unplanned) for a total of 328 hours. As for an assessment of the demonstration project, BC Hydro is monitoring performance ongoing  and will conduct an overall assessment as we move closer to the facility’s life expectancy.
• Parks Canada highway twinning project is currently (only) in Definition stage, and IF funding is approved, would take approximately 20 years to construct starting with the eastern boundary of the park.  Parks Canada has approached BC Hydro with an offer to supply and install underground direct buried conduit and civil works as part of their work to twin the highway, to be turned over to BC Hydro upon completion.  Cables are not included in the offer. BC Hydro has tentatively agreed to the offer and is currently in discussion with the Parks Canada project team to provide Engineering support.
• If constructed, the empty 5” conduits and precast concrete manholes and junction boxes will be turned over to BC Hydro to own, operate, and maintain. Then, at some point in the future, BC Hydro may choose to allocate additional capital to install cables into the civil infrastructure.  This would allow the overhead Distribution circuit that is currently installed on the CPR right of way between ESF and Field to be decommissioned, as well as other downstream infrastructure as the twinning progresses towards Leanchoil/Golden.
• Even with Parks Canada providing the civil infrastructure, the net present value of remaining works for BC Hydro to take over the installation, install cable, and reconnect all existing customers is still in excess of $12M.  The undergrounding/civil works represents approximately 32 Km of Distribution re-work.
• As part of the proposed twinning project it is expected that if all goes according to plan, the overhead line between ESF and Field will be prioritized for conversion; however, there are several financial, regulatory, and schedule hurdles that must be approved before that could occur.

The new stoves were delivered on February 27, and installation complete on March 1.

The St. Joseph Project is moving along. We submitted a pre-grant application to BC Built Heritage on March 8 and the actual grant application is due March 15. Today we met with Kathleen Wilker from Parks Canada Development Office. She gave us feedback on our conceptual plan and will send us the Development Permit Application package right away. Notes from the meeting will be shared with russell and russell.

Winter Programs are going strong:

• Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Sunday and Thursday evenings.
• Just Breathe Yoga on Wednesday evenings, current session goes until March 27, and we’re negotiating a spring session with Hayley Markel. Stay tuned for details.
• The ski trails are in great shape, we still have plenty of snow and it’s spring conditions!
• Early Childhood programming continues as parents’ schedules permit.

Future events to include in your calendar:

• Thursday, March 28 – Live Music at the community Hall with Sam Weber. Admission by donation.
• Monday, April 22 – Earth Day Community Clean-Up and Easter Pot Luck Brunch
• Sunday, June 2 – Spring Fling
• Saturday June 8 – Garage Sale at the Community Hall
• Early June – spring bin(s)
• Monday, July 1 – Canada Day Celebrations. Canadian Heritage has approved a $500 grant to FRAA for the event
• Sunday, July 7 – Field Summer Music Festival (FSMF). Flint has signed Whitetooth Brewery as a sponsor for the event, responsible for Beer Garden, including staffing and will make a donation to FSMF. Scat Cat on board as partial sponsor; will provide 4 porta-potties for $940 plus tax. Volunteer Coordinator to manage 25 volunteers from security to runners, ticket handlers, etc. Brings FSMF to 4 volunteer staff. Flint is opening a bank account so people can purchase tickets via e-mail transfer.

For those people interested in follow up on a request for information about a person who worked in Field 25 years ago that was discussed at the January 21^st Town Hall Meeting, we found the person and the guitar. The two parties are in contact.

The Board continues to work on:

• the constitution update
• a Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada that will probably include a Contribution Agreement to have everything in one document
• support for two full-time positions for Field Fire and Rescue
• snow removal on 1^st Avenue

5. Treasurer’s Report: Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAAMotion to approve report as presented: Sonya. Seconded: Paulina

Files attached to the distribution email.

6. Parks Canada Townsite Report: Juliet Van Vliet, Townsite Manager

• Thank you to the Field Fire Department volunteers and to Chief Furfaro for the response to the CP derailment. 
• Thank you to the Field Fire Department and the FRAA for teamwork with BC hydro in post-incident discussions regarding the February Power outage. 
• Guest house inspections complete, thank you Field!
• Idea for community discussion: Parking pilot in front of post office (15 minutes).
• What are the most pressing parking concerns in Field?
• Snow removal and spring preparations. Any outstanding issues? We keep a record of all snow removal comments/questions/complaints, please contact Townsites to provide comments outside of townhall meetings.
• Park Management Plan engagement process – scoping phase until April 30 2019.
  • Parks Canada will discuss what the focus of the future management plans should be. We invite you to participate and have your say on Canada’s mountain national parks. Visit www.letstalkmountainparks.ca for more information. 
  • Yoho National Park: PC.YNP.Opinion.PNY.PC@Canada.ca
• Fire Management Plan engagement process  – engagement open until April 30 2019
  • Parks Canada is developing a plan to guide fire management in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho national parks. Learn more and let us know what you think from February 6 – April 30, 2019 at: www.talkwithparks.ca
• Pricing Consultations
  • New prices will come into effect on January 1, 2020. Prices on Parks Canada fees including admissions, camping/accommodations and experiences such as guided tours and programs will increase by 2.2% on 2018 rates. Admission fees will also be adjusted on a limited number of locations including some in the mountain parks because of the increased level of service and available infrastructure.
• Update on billing for utilities: water, sewer and garbage 
  • Bill for quarters 1, 2 and 3
  • Any issues with payments please chat with me.
  • Future bills will be on time.
• Terms of Reference / MOU discussions
  • Drafts to come, for review.
• Updated contact information for Parks Canada Townsites and Realty
  • Currently based out of Lake Louise Superintendent’s office
  • Weekdays telephone 830am to 430pm 430-522-1186 
  • General email pc.llyklotissementsurbains-llyktownsites.pc@canada.ca
  • Elaine is retiring as municipal officer and Hollie Tataryn is incoming!
    • 250 343 6113 hollie.tataryn@canada.ca 
      
      

7. Friends of Yoho Report: Brenda Selkirk, Manager 

No report tonight.

8. Community Paramedicine Report: Craig Chapman, BCEHS

13 calls since the last town meeting on January 21. Wide range: MVA’s, medical calls, train derailments. There was a significant event today with avalanche east of town. 

On Feb 2 – 3 the community suffered a loss of power and telephone/cell service.  This can cause considerable concern especially when the weather conditions are extreme. In this event we coordinated with the Field Fire Department who were staged at the hall and could be dispatched by radio. In the event of a similar situation and you need an ambulance go to the designated command centre, or if you have access to a radio with Parks Canada channels call Banff Dispatch. If we are in service we can be reached by radio. We are currently working with the Fire Department and Parks Canada on the Emergency plan for Field.

Columbia Valley and our area are getting busier and we are being utilized more for inter-facility transfers and x covering Golden.  This can mean the ambulance is out of town for extended periods.

B.C. Auditor General Carol Bellringer released a report last week on the BC Emergency Health Service. The report found that access to emergency health services varies depending on where you live, with fewer or no paramedics trained to provide advanced care in rural and remote communities.

The target response times are nine minutes for urban, 15 minutes for rural and 30 minutes for remote. We are considered remote.

BCEHS says it is meeting those targets 79 per cent of the time for rural calls and 77 per cent of the time for remote calls. If the ambulance in Field is not in service or out of town residents could expect a response from Golden in approx. 40-45 minutes for a call that is considered high priority.

On Tuesdays andWednesdays Craig has scheduled hours in the role of Community Paramedic. For a variety of reasons that work does involve spending some time in Golden but Community Paramedic role continues to work on initiatives to support Field being a healthier community.  Currently working with the FRAA on the Church redevelopment. Community Paramedic is at the Community Hall on Wednesday most weeks between 1 and 3pm. Drop by and chat, check your blood pressure, information available on a variety of topics.

9. Field Fire and Rescue Report: Mike Furfaro, Chief

1. Call Outs –16 as of 01 January 2019.
   1. 8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March
2. Members – Sitting at 21 members. 
   1. 6 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 7 Probationary Members, 2 Recruits

1 Auxiliary Member (Elaine)

• New and Planned Purchases
  • New purchases
• Completed Training 
  • 2 Members to Team Leader last weekend
• Upcoming Training
  • 2019 CSRD Spring training calendar is in.
  • 2 Members to Crude By Rail course in Colorado in May.
• Apparatus
  • Engine 1 (all good)
  • Rescue 1 (all good)
  • Rescue 2 (Siren Issues)
• Field Emergency Plan
  • Field Emergency Plan? Review old Plan, Review new plan
    • FFRD will conduct initial size-up and potential initial containment then may assist in notification and evacuation of residence of Field.
    • Town notification options (Siren=1min continuous blast, Vehicle PA systems, door to door)
• Upcoming Projects
  • Work with PC to formalize mutual aid agreements with L.L. (ID9) and Golden BC.
  • Having discussion with PC about importance of fulltime members on FFR.
• My Absence from Chief’s Position  – Gone from 20 March to 20 April
  • Patrick Cais will be Acting Chief and all FFR enquires go through him.
  • 2^nd to Patrick will be Dave Allen, Chris Allen, Doug Mostert.
•  Thank you to everyone for their great work during the 03 Feb. 2019 extended power outage. Thank you to Craig Chapman for driving into cell range to initiate conversations with BC Hydro and Telus, and to keep everyone posted with updates. Thank you to Sally and Kathryn with the FRAA for running the Community Centre and a huge thank you to everyone who offered up rooms and accommodations for people to stay the night and to stay warm.

10. Round Table – Nothing brought forward