Archive for category: Minutes

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron

1. Summer Wrap-up

Canada Day, July 1, 2018: Lots of participation in every event throughout the day, except for the bocce tournament which was affected by cold and rainy weather. However, the Chrysifidis/Stichelbout family soldiered on and enjoyed a game! BC Ambulance Service’s pancake breakfast was delicious. Players enjoyed lots of fun at the pickleball tournament. The parade was wet and wild as usual. Great Field Fire and Rescue barbeque. Our inaugural Canada Day Dance was rockin’ – thank you Flint! The Final Activity Report for the FRAA Celebrate Canada event was submitted to Canadian Heritage on August 14, 2018. The FRAA is eligible to submit a grant application for 2019 Canada Day celebrations.

Summer Kicks, July 5, 2018: This was joint venture between the FRAA and Flintaroo Productions. Good music, good dancing, good food, good event.

Yoho Yoga with Cindy Kelly, July 4 through August 29, 2018: We bought some props to support yoga programs (blocks, bolsters and straps). Participation was down from last year, but still worthwhile for Cindy. She’ll be back next summer!

Just Breathe Yoga with Hayley Markel, September 13 through October 10, 2018: Fall session underway.

Pickleball: We purchased a new net system to replace the sun-rotted nets, which gave us two courts to use this year. Unfortunately, a youthful bike rider took a couple of charges at the downed net after a storm and ruined the new net. No replacement net available in the size we need. His family will purchase a new system next summer.

Upcoming Hall Rentals: Private rentals – September 20 to 25, 2018 and November 9 to 11, 2018. No HIIT at the Community Hall on Sunday, September 23; Laura Penner has been informed.

Friends of Yoho host an event on September 29, 2018, 7:30 at the Community Hall – Fran Drummond and Twin Falls Chalet. Admission by donation.

2. Financial Report: Full report will be presented at the Town Hall Meeting on October 1.

3. Catholic Church Update: Lot survey complete and paid for. Meeting with Lynda Lafleur from Columbia Basin Trust on July 13, 2018 to discuss project and options for grant applications. Organizing initial meeting with designers from Canmore in near future to discuss project and get quote on having plans drawn. Friends of Yoho Historic Walking Tour ended at the Church this year; thanks for the promotion!

4. Constitution Update: Working on descriptions of duties.

5. Field Utility Board Meeting Agenda, Wednesday, September 19, 2018 10:30 am Field Admin

1. Outstanding Items List review

2. Quarterly Reports – Received fourth quarter bills for 2017/2018 fiscal year. When will first quarter bills be sent for the current fiscal year? Have the water meter issues been resolved?

3. Federal Infrastructure Investment Projects Update – When will construction start on new staff housing in Field to replace the dollhouse and the teacherage duplex? Three staff houses became vacant in the last year, two on Kicking Horse Avenue and one on second avenue; all three remain empty. What are Parks Canada’s plans for these three units? What is the status of the Superintendent’s House?

4. Field Community Plan and Yoho Management Plan Reviews – We understand these are part of a larger review for the Field Unit. Housing in the community continues to be a critical issue for businesses and the viability of the village. It was really busy this summer season. Without adequate and affordable housing, it’s hard to recruit and retain employees. Both The Siding and Truffle Pigs reduced their hours of service this year because of staff shortages. Summers continue to be overwhelmingly busy. Both the Field Community Plan and Yoho National Park Management Plan identify the importance of fall, winter and spring visitor services. Field businesses continue to offer services year round. Will Parks Canada open the Field Visitor Centre this winter to support shoulder and winter season operations in the park and village of Field? What are Parks Canada’s marketing plans for the less busy seasons to alleviate some of the pressure we experience in the summer?

5. Recycling Program Update – China stopped buying plastics. How has this affected the plastic recycling program here?

6. Facilitated Meetings and MOU Update

7. Firewood collection discussion – The area above 2nd Avenue has been cleared as part of Fire Smart work. Lots of trees are down in that part of the forest. Is it possible for residents to use the fallen trees for firewood?

8. FRAA Update – Where we’re at with our projects and programs.

9. Round Table

6. Town Hall Meeting Agenda

Presentation – To be confirmed
FRAA Report
Treasurer’s Report
Parks Canada Reports: Townsites, Highway Service Centre, Visitor Experience, Resource Conservation
Friends of Yoho
Field Fire and Rescue
Round Table

7. Round Table

Municipal Election October 20, 2018: Issues that will affect Field residents are: a referendum to decide if Area A residents will pay 20% of the operating costs of the Golden Swimming Pool, Seniors Centre, Rec Plex and Civic Centre through taxation; and, electing a Director for Columbia Shuswap Area A. Kathryn to ask Karen Cathcart to give presentation at Town Hall Meeting on how this will affect Provincial Property Taxes.

British Columbia Referendum on Proportional Representation: will take place by postal ballot between October 22 and November 30, 2018. For more information, go to your search engine and enter British Columbia electoral reform referendum 2018. You’ll have lots of sites to examine.

Volunteer Appreciation: Ideas? We want to thank our wonderful volunteers by doing something kind for them.

Honorarium: Received from Parks Canada. Thank you.
We need to determine a formula for distributing the money to Board Members.

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

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Greg Dowman, Kathryn Cameron, Helen Barry, Michael Furfaro, Ryan Cameron, Marthe Boissonnault, Craig Chapman, Patrick Cais

1. FRAA Report: Kathryn Cameron

It’s been a really busy 7 weeks since our last Town Hall Meeting on January 22.

Yoho Blow Recap – February 2, 3 and 4, 2018
Great weekend, in spite of the weather! Lots of participation in all the events. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to organize and put on events: Moonlight Ski, Games Night at the hall, Pick-Up Hockey game, Bocce Tournament, Heritage Relay, the Dance, Anything Goes Downhill Race and to people who managed the bar and made food to keep the energy moving.

The Board identified some items to keep in mind for next year:
• start advertising and communications through social media at least one week earlier than we did this year;
• sign a contract with the band to cover all expenses;
• try some different strategies to recruit volunteers, especially people who aren’t the regular volunteers (who we seriously appreciate and don’t want make their volunteer contributions feel like obligations instead of fun);
• consider scheduling for a different weekend;
• create a comprehensive recycling plan that includes getting empty cans out of the change room;
• communicate rules regarding alcohol during FRAA events, specifically that people are not allowed to bring their own alcohol to the event.

And, we have a new Board Member: welcome Heather Galligan!

Winter Programs
We have three active programs going strong.
• Sunday Start Up Yoga with Carly Browers, Sunday mornings from 10 am to 11 am, by donation
• Just Breathe Yoga with Hayley Markel, Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:45 pm, $12 drop-in fee, or $60 for the six week session that ends on April 11, 2018.
• Tabata High Intensity Interval Training with Laura Penner, Sunday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, $12 drop-in fee.
All three programs are advertised on our Facebook Page, The Village of Field.

Charisse LeGrice has taken over the Early Childhood program in the kid’s room. Thanks Charisse!

The Vagina Monologues was presented on Saturday, March 10. What a wonderful evening! Eleven women and one man participated in the production. Fifty people attended. A big shout out goes to Sonya Leenders for all her hard work organizing the production and the event, with support from Flint, Karen Schmidt, Helen, Michael, Katya, Karen Hagen, The Siding, Truffle Pigs and Golden Women’s Resource Centre. The FRAA received donations from Rona (plywood for the stage), Overwaitea (food and flowers), and Madonna Hollohan (sheets for the backdrop).

Kicking Horse Ski Club Yoho Challenge on Saturday, February 17 had 40 participants and raised $620. Great job KHSC team!

There was a setback for the Club last week when contractors ploughed up the start of the ski trail from Field Visitor Centre to the ball diamond in order to do drilling test for highway construction. Parks Canada has apologized to Kicking Horse Ski Club, recognized the valuable work the club does to offer superb winter recreation to residents and visitors and promises to communicate diligently before disruptions like this happen again.

Catholic Church Update
We should receive responses soon on our grant applications. In the meantime, we are working on expanding the fieldbc.ca website to include a page about the church project that we can update as things start to happen. We have requested an estimate for a site survey and are in the process of getting an estimate for engineered drawings. Also, we plan to contact the Development Office and start the development process with Parks Canada right away.

Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada will continue in April. A Memorandum of Understanding template has been circulated for the group to consider. It will be tailored to our specific needs and goals identified through the process.

Societies Act Registration is actually started but not yet complete. Watch for the fireworks display when it’s done!

Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar

• Easter Bunny Hop and Potluck Brunch – Monday, April 2
• Spring Fling – Sunday June 3
• Canada Day – Sunday July 1. Should we hold a street dance?

John Morrison, partner to Heather MacNeill, father to Jessica, Sky and Angus, long-term resident of Field and Columbia Lake, exceptional trail builder, trail blazer and quiet community builder, died on March 2, 2018 after a short but deadly illness. John worked hard with the Kicking Horse Ski Club to establish and maintain the incredible trails we enjoy skiing today, notably the Emerald Connector. He worked for many years on the Parks Canada trail crew as well, in Yoho, especially in the Lake O’Hara area, Kootenay and Banff, again, on trails that we have all enjoyed and will continue to enjoy. Our condolences go out to John’s family and friends. John’s influence is deep here.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Sally Watson
Files attached to email, including Yoho Blow function report.

Treasurer’s Report accepted as reported. Moved by Greg. Seconded by Kathryn.

FRAA will pay potential bar volunteers to take the Serving It Right online course.

3. Parks Canada Reports

Townsite Manager: Marthe Boissonnault
Additional funding requested for snow removal around the townsite. Important in the case of extra snow and highways may not be able to assist.

Helen Lemieux on leave; we have Kaitlin Doyle acting in the position until Elaine returns.

Helena Waddick, new person in LLYK office in Field, to process Business licences here. Easier to process these in Field. Renewal notices will be sent out mid-March.

Garbage (solid waste) billing: The billing cycle is fiscal: April to March and when the quarter closes there’s a 90 day bill delay. Intention is to carry on with rate calculations as before.

Solid waste is on a cost recovery basis for Field. Better clarity of costs by the end of April. Education meeting TBA for entire Town for solid waste management to explain the billing calculation system, and also including recycling protocols. A comment was made on what we often see in the recycling bins: returnables and inappropriate waste materials in recycling, and vice versa.

Emergency shelter protocol: The Community Hall would be used only when the hotel and all accommodations/guesthouses are full, and a designated Parks Canada employee is on site to ensure safety of people in the community Hall. Details will be included in the Field Emergency Plan currently in review and update.

Discussion about snow removal during big snowfall events. The storm on February 8 was so intense that when emergency personnel were called to respond to a highway incident, BC Ambulance and Field Fire and Rescue were not able to leave the station, let alone leave town. Clearing the route from the station is critical for first responders to attend callouts.

Highway Service Centre: No report

Resource Conservation: No report

Visitor Experience: No report

4. Friends of Yoho Report: Helen Barry

Debbie Bancroft is retiring. Brenda Selkirk will take over a General Manager. We have a new Parks Canada Liaison Officer – Chelsea Dawes. Accessing Columbia Basin Trust Not For Profit Advisor’s program.

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report: Michael Furfaro

23 members! 6 directors, 3 fire fighters,11 probationary members, 1 recruit and 2 auxiliary members: Elaine and Tom

Mike outlines that three courses are required to qualify as a fire fighter: EVDO, Auto EX and Exterior FF.

14 call outs since January 1: 8 in January, 5 in February and 1 in March. New purchases are in progress as FFRD approaches the end of its annual budget. New purchases are avalanche gear; (beacon/transceivers x 4 – now the hall has 10; currently have 8 shovels and 8 probes); New radios and new pagers are to arrive soon along with headsets for apparatus operators.

In the New fiscal year, planned are a new compressor, a pressure washer and services to vehicles.

A number of sets of turn out gear (bunker) need renewal; A draft proposal has been sent in at $50000 as a current estimate to replace old turn out gear.

Different funding sourcing; fire fighters boots under capital expenses where members can purchase boots at the Calgary 911 store; Keep receipt to submit to the hall.

New contract to be looked at with Marthe in April.

FFRD has a spring season training unit and the fall training unit is coming up.
Upcoming Courses for FFRD
Airbrakes course in Golden this weekend – 4 members
S 131 Basic Wild Land fire course in Banff : 4 spots for March 26 to 29. Members bring lunch.
CSRD: 12 courses in next 4 months. Incident Command system. Safety Officer courses. EVDO courses. Names delivered to Sean Coubrough .

Fall training starts September, with same training packages

Recent Train Derailment south of Field at Boulder Creek Bridge. Hazardous materials involved. Responders waiting to 8 or 9pm no updates from CP; CP was not able to give more info. No spills. Marthe found out about the derailment after the fact; handled by Law Enforcement. If we need to implement an evacuation then we require and updated evacuation plan. Nicky Winn is working on the update for Field. Lake Louise plan was completed first because until now, Lake Louise has not had an emergency plan. The updated Field Emergency plan will be to BC protocols.

Air raid siren is connected to the grid. No power = no siren! We could put a back up on it. What do other jurisdictions do for siren events like emergency evacuations?

6. Round Table

Laura Penner interested in offering a noon-hour, mid-week High Intensity Interval Training if people are interested.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Field Recreation and Advisory Association
Town Hall Meeting – Monday, January 22, 2018

In attendance: Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron, Flint Palmer, Sonya Leenders, Greg Dowman, Paulina Silva, Marthe Boissonnault, Mike Vanderveen, Doug Mostert, Pauline Boisier, Mike Furfaro, Dave Selkirk, Brenda Selkirk, Patrick Cais, Ryan Cameron, Andrew Bullock, Bonnie Brandt, Craig Chapman, Katya, Jen Coffman

Excused: Karen Schmidt, Mike LeGrice

1. Special Presentation: Community Paramedicine “Life Kit Program” – Craig Chapman

Volunteer run program developed in Golden for this area. Life Kits will be delivered in Field to all mailboxes and hand delivered to General Delivery recipients. Guides people to:
• record pertinent medical history and medications used;
• think about what to do for their pets in the event of an emergency;
• prepare for 72 hours self-sustainability in event of an emergency; and,
• store completed kit in refrigerator with indicator stickers on home entrance door and outside of fridge.
Marthe Boissonnault to pass information about the program to Nichola Wynn who has taken on the responsibility for writing the Field Community Emergency Plan.

Craig also reported that Station 409, Field Station, has 5 core members, which does not give 24/7 coverage. Currently recruiting; please contact Craig for information. If accommodation or quarters were offered for EMS contract workers from Alberta there would be round the clock coverage. British Columbia Ambulance Service now known as British Columbia Health Services. Improved pay means that it is possible to earn a living as a paramedic in British Columbia now.

2. FRAA Report – Kathryn Cameron

Thank you to all the people who have worked on rink maintenance this winter. Great job!

Christmas celebrations were a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who participated. Everything has been put away until next year. Combining the potluck supper and concert worked well; we’ll probably do that next year too.

The FRAA now has two assets: Field Community Hall and the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Only one set of signatures required to complete the Parks Canada lease assignment for the church property.

Grant applications have been submitted to Canadian Heritage for Canada Day funding ($425.00), the British Columbia Rural Dividend Program ($10,000.00) to start plans for the church renovation and a Grant in Aid from Columbia Shuswap Regional District ($10,000.00) is in process. Our organization is too small to qualify for a technology grant from Columbia Basin Trust to purchase a computer; we must have an annual budget of $100,000.00. We plan to buy a computer in the near future to hold all our files in one FRAA owned place.
The Board is working on Constitution Update, Societies Act Registration, and a Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada.

Winter Programming and Hall Rentals:
• Pond Hockey – January 19 and 20, 2018, organized by Kurt Devlin – great event Kurt! All proceeds from food and liquor sales donated to FRAA. Thank you.
• Just Breathe Yoga starts January 31 to February 28, Wednesday evenings, 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, $12 drop in fee or preregister for all five sessions $50. Contact Hayley Markel at misshjm137@gmail.com.
• Laura Penner from Lake Louise will offer Tabata classes (High Intensity Interval Training) Sunday evenings 6:30 pm with the first class on February 11, 2018. Details to be circulated and posted on the bulletin board.
• Carly Bowers offers Sunday Start-Up Yoga in the Community Hall, starting January 13, by donation to cover utility costs. Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Bring a mat and blanket. No class on January 21 or February 4, but there will be a Monday class Feb. 5.
• March 9th: wedding rehearsal dinner, party from Canmore.
• March 10th: Vagina Monologues to celebrate V-Day, 8:00 pm at Field Community Hall.
• Two external yoga sessions booked for April.

Yoho Blow is scheduled for February 2, 3 and 4. The Community Hall is the hub of activity and get-togethers. See you there! Here’s the schedule so far:

Friday, February 2
3:00 pm – Set up Friday afternoon: outdoor fencing, merchandise, stock the bar, food prep
7:00 pm – Bar Open; Karaoke and games at the hall, including some Minute to Win It Skill Tests, Crib and/or Euchre Tournament
8:00 pm – Moonlight Ski with Kicking Horse Ski Club, meet at parking area at the bottom of the Yoho Valley Road
8:00 pm – Pick-up Hockey Game at the rink

Saturday, February 3
9:00 am to 11:00 am – BOB (Breakfast on a Bun)
9:00 am to 1:00 – Bocce Tournament
11:00 am to 4:00 pm – Burgers and Hot Dogs
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Heritage Relay
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Bocce tournament
Mike and Jeremy to organize Bocce draw, with as many teams as feasible. Need to have strict timekeeping this year. And better weather than last year!
Craig to organize Heritage Relay.
9:00 pm to 1:00 am – Dance to “The Pickups Featuring Marty and Eli Beingessner” with “DJ Flintaroo” covering the breaks Admission Fee to Dance: $10

Sunday, February 4
10:30 am to noon – Breakfast on a Bun (BOB)
11:00 am to 3:00 pm – Bocce tournament
12:00 Noon – Kids Games and Relays
4:00 pm – Anything Goes Downhill Race from Cemetery to 1st Avenue on Stephen Creek Road
6:00 pm – Potluck Supper

Information will be posted on the bulletin Board this week. Watch the Facebook Page Yoho Blow Daze for updates and announcements. Get your Bocce and Relay Teams ready, and your Anything for the Downhill Race.

3. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson

Motion by Flint to accept the report as amended. Seconded by Sonya.
Financial Report attached to distribution email.

4. Parks Canada Reports

Townsite Manager – Marthe Boissonnault, also presenting information for Resource Conservation and Visitor Experience

Elaine Lemieux is still on leave. Kaitlyn Doyle (responsible for Realty) and Katie MacDonald (responsible for all Admin duties including invoicing for Field Fire and Rescue Department0 are backfilling Elaine’s position until she returns.

Emergency Preparedness: The Lake Louise Community Emergency plan has been finalized and work on the Field Community Emergency Plan starting.

2nd Quarter Billing (July, August, September 2017) for Water and Sewer only have been sent. No bill for Solid Waste at this time. Marthe is working to clarify billing for Solid Waste. Once the process has been finalized there will be a special meeting to explain how Solid Waste billing is calculated, and will also include an educational presentation on proper use of the bins.
Note: There is no free store at the bins. Electronics, old mattresses and spent household furniture will not be picked up by the garbage trucks that empty the bins. Please take this to the dump. The Cais and Schmidt families are fundraising by collecting refundable bottles and cans; if you want to get rid of these items, contact them rather than dumping them in the garbage bins or the glass recycling bin. Tin and plastic can go into the same bin.

Resource Conservation leading the Yoho Collaring Project to monitor mountain goat adaptation to the TransCanada Highway Twinning project through Kicking Horse Pass around the Mt. Bosworth mineral lick area just east of Wapta Lake. Ten GPS collars have been put on goats to monitor movement in relation to fences and wildlife crossing structures (over and under the highway) installed during the construction.

Visitor Experience has closed the Field Visitor Centre as of December 31, 2017. The Friends of Yoho will open in February for three days per week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is no call forward for people who phone Field Visitor Centre, but there is a voice message that advises people to contact the Lake Louise Visitor Centre for permits and information. Where can people get resident passes? Marthe to find out if they are available at Field Admin, otherwise, they are available at Lake Louise Visitor Centre. Residents of Field continue to support opening Field Visitor Centre year round.

Craig: The rock wall by the school along Stephen Avenue has had a section of the rockwork shaved off by a snow plough and the street sign at the corner of 1st Street East and Kicking Horse Avenue needs repair; the Kicking Horse part of the sign was demolished by heavy equipment. Mike Vanderveen said Highways will repair the rock wall in the spring. Marthe will look into having a new rustic sign made to replace the broken section.

Craig: Has a base rate for solid waste been considered? Marthe said when she stepped into the position a recalculation had been done that was very hard on some people. She is now looking at regulations, garbage factors, i.e. residence, staff accommodation, guesthouse, to develop fairness and accuracy throughout the process.

Highway Service Centre – Mike Vanderveen

We’re halfway through the winter now. Winter Plough Map Review and clarification on 300 block Stephen Avenue windrows: The windrow goes to the north side of the street, in front of the Community Hall, until the loader comes through to remove snow from the streets.
Sally: Has 2nd Avenue been cleared after the last cycle of snow. Mike: Yes, it was cleared with the grader last week.

Andrew: The new highway sign on the Yoho Valley Road could cause confusion for drivers who are travelling east on the TransCanada Highway (TCH) when they’re travelling in the dark. The sign reflects headlights and may divert attention to turn to the left instead of following the TCH as it turns right at the bottom of the hill. Mike to investigate.

5. Friends of Yoho Report – No Report

6. Field Fire and Rescue Department (FFRD) Report – Mike Furfaro, FFRD Chief

Currently 21 members: 17 with pagers and 4 recruits, which means good response for call-outs. Anticipates that 2 probationary members will receive their pagers at the next meeting. Ordering new radios and pagers. There is also cell phone option now for members to receive calls until new pagers arrive.
There were four calls in December, all between the 20th and 28th. There have been 5 calls in January so far.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) spring training schedule will be out soon. FFRD participates in their training programs. Anticipates that the focus this year will be on Wild Land/Urban Interface Program. Mike Furfaro is the only member of FFRD who has taken this training.
The turnout gear is approaching the end of its 10-year legislated lifecycle and must be replaced. The project involves research and a bidding process as well as finding out the best way to deal with the old gear. Could take up to a year to complete.
FFRD is cleaning out the hall, disposing of old appliances.
There is a new addition to the Standard Operating Guidelines: all responders are required to wear avalanche beacons under their turnout gear, and have probes and shovels on board during avalanche season. FFRD currently has 10 beacons; ordering 4 more beacons plus additional probes and shovels. There are several avalanche zones on the TransCanada Highway and the Emerald Lake Road.
Started the process to register under the new Societies Act.
Current Leadership: Mike Furfaro – Chief, Patrick Cais – Deputy Chief, Dave Allen, Doug Mostert and Chris Allen – Captains, Miles Dickenson – Engineer.
Gentle Reminder: Clearance around fire hydrants is 5 – 7 meters. No parking in front of hydrants.
The siren is still used to summon responders if necessary. Confirm and add code to Field Community Emergency Plan: 3 for an MVC and 5 for a fire.

7. Round Table: The microphone stands have been found at the Community Hall.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm

Field Recreation and Advisory Association
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2017

Present: Sonya Leenders, Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron, Paulina Silva, Karen Schmidt, Greg Dowman
Regrets: Flint Palmer, Mike LeGrice

1. Approval of agenda – Unanimously approved as circulated via email

2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting

3. Announcements

The Association appointed roles for the organization
President – Kathryn Cameron
Vice President – Sonya Leenders
Treasurer – Sally Watson
Secretary –Greg Dowman
Social Media – Mike Legrice
Village of Field Facebook Page – New board members to be authorized as administrators
Operating/Updating www.fieldbc.ca Website – Chris Allen may help the FRAA with this
Building Maintenance – Flint assigned task of overseeing building maintenance if interested.
Joe Nixhipi to repair shed roofs and windows in change rooms. Recommends plexiglass to be put in place for the winter, then glass in the spring. A resizing of the windows could be in the works to have the windows open outwards, to function as an emergency exit. Two kitchen shelves need to be repaired. Paulina will stay on as a Contract Janitor for Community Hall.
Bulletin Board – Paulina and Karen
Field Utility Board Meetings – Kathryn, Paulina, and Greg

Calendar for the 2018 year:
FRAA Regular Board Meetings: January 8, February 19, April 23, June 4, September 10, October 22
Field Utility Board and Liaison Meetings: January 11, February 28, May 2, June 13 (Budget Meeting), September 19, October 31
Town Hall Meetings: January 22, March 12, May 7, June 18, October 1, November 5 (AGM)

4. Winter Programs at Community Hall
Early Childhood Development: Activities for children are Tuesdays and Fridays

Happy Hour Yoga with Alana Jung: Wednesdays until December 13, 5:30 to 6:45, $12 drop-in or $10 preregister per season. 20% of intake from attendance is paid to FRAA in lieu of hall rental. Alana plans to resume in January.

Movie Nights at Hall: We can sell refreshments but can’t charge admission. Tabled to January meeting. Sonya to investigate viability of movies via Popcorn, Netflix etc.

5. Upcoming FRAA Events
Christmas Concert: To be held in conjunction with Skate with Santa and Christmas Pot Luck Supper on Saturday, December 16. Performances presented after supper.
December 14th Decorating Hall with set up. To be purchased: 6 turkeys, 2 hams 40 lbs. of potatoes, cranberries. Watch fliers for deals @ Costco etc., aim for +- .99/lb turkeys. Will host 50/50 draw; half of winnings to winner, half to food bank. Cash and cheque donations to Golden Food Bank also accepted. Liquor Licence: Sonya and Karen. Hall decoration and set up December 14 at 7:00 pm; everyone welcome to help.

Yoho Blow: February 2, 3 and 4 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Bunny Hop and Easter Potluck Brunch: Sunday, April 2nd.

Spring Fling: Sunday, May 27th

Canada Day: Sunday, July 1st.

More events likely to be held throughout the year. Stay tuned.

6. Hall Rentals
Parks Canada booked Hall for Holiday Breakfast, December 13th

Kurt Devlin is organizing hockey tournament 19 and 20th of January. FRAA will do liquor sales.

7. Stoves for Hall Kitchen
Try to order by Saturday from Costco; they will deliver to Lake Louise. Need measurements and a gas fitter to install. Sally and Kathryn to coordinate.

8. Members should get Serving it Right for bar service/liquor license applications at the Hall. FRAA will pay for course. Can be done on line.

9. Catholic Church
All paperwork is in with Parks Canada. Planning to submit grant application by Mid December. Intended use of building requires a change in the language as per Parks Canada from Community Building to Community Hall. Lease to be amended. Bruce McKenzie wrote a great explanation outlining and defining use of structure. However, the change in terminology has been complete and signed document to be delivered to Parks Canada Tuesday, November 21, 2017.

10. Societies Act and Constitution Update
Tabled to January. Bring Copy of Constitution (13 pages) with suggestions and deletions. Kathryn to send out Word version of Constitution for Board Members to mark up/revise in preparation for meeting.

11. Columbia Basin Trust Not for Profit Report and Recommendations
Tabled to Feb 19. Discussion about file storage and computer purchase. What grants are available?

12. Round Table
Sonya: Looking for ideas to make money. Suggested presenting The Vagina Monologues in March for International Women’s Day. Yes!
Discussion: If there is something you want to do, you can spearhead planning and be the point person. If a project is a fundraiser for the hall there is no Hall rental. If a fundraiser is for someone/something else then there is a rental fee. Church is a huge project and all fund raising ideas need to be considered.

Annual Honorarium from Parks Canada for service with the FRAA: $6000, funds use TBD

Secret Santa: Frank was Santa last year. Gifts for the kids in town: Noa, Liam, Torah, Josephine, Estelle, Abby, Axel, May, William, Lucy, Thomas, Baptiste. Ask about Eva and Sophie, Violet and Olivia attendance at Christmas event this year.

Next meeting: January 8, 2018.

Meeting Adjourned at 9pm.