Archive for category: Minutes

field-recreation-and-advisory-association-and-field-community-council-regualr-meeting-january-11-2016

Field Town Hall Meeting and FRAA Annual General Meeting November 16, 2015

In Attendance: Pierre Lemire, Travis Wert, Kim Chapman, Elaine Lemieux, Patrick Cais, Sophie Cais, Katherine MacNeill, Jamie Harbottle, Sally Watson, Claudia Harding, Ginette Therrien, Craig Chapman, Kathryn Cameron, Ellen Francis

1. FCC Report – Craig Chapman

As it is our AGM I am going to speak for a moment about the year. And I think for town it has been a good one.

It has been a year of change. Long-time Townsite Manager Caroline Marion retired and Ellen Francis joined. Melanie returned after a long spell of acting in Ottawa. New Fire Chief Jameson Harbottle took over from Sean. We saw the sale of the church, and face possible school closure.

There have been many positive developments:

• Announcement of infrastructure money for the moving of bunkhouse accommodation into the town of Field.
• Election of Liberal Government and the commitment from them to reinstate funding to Parks Canada.
• Mitigation efforts on Mount Denis started.
• New fire engine
• Refinished entrance sign.
• A year of the Dog Park.
• Significant improvements to the highway.
• Pretty good year for Power Outages
• Great Yoho Blow!
• New windows, blinds, acoustic panels and furnaces in the hall.

On the not so great side:

• The community continued to contract and we lost several families. This unfortunately has resulted in the school attendance hitting a low of 3 children this year and only 1 child for the next 2 years. There was a community meeting with the School Superintendent and others at the school recently to start the process of closing the school. Attendance by residents was strong but the challenge to keep the school open is large. FCC has asked for interested community members who want to work toward keeping the school open to contact us. To date we have not received any interest. The FCC will not be working on trying to keep the school open unless there are members of the community who come forward and are able to drive this file. It may be that there is a collective realization that the community has had a gift for the last 17 years, keeping our school with such small numbers and the time has come for it to close. The highway to Golden is better, we see a strong family community starting in Lake Louise where there is no school the bus ride does not seem to be a barrier. The FCC has begun looking into the future and has had discussions with the CSRD and the College of the Rockies to start to look at other possibilities for the building.

So the community is moving into the New Year with much to do and many challenges.

Some of the things we will be working on:

• Revision of Community Plan 5-year process.
• School
• Future of Yoho Trading Post site
• Opportunities with CPR
• Continue to work with Parks Canada and all partners to grow Field.

And of course more Hall Improvements are in the works. We have received a grant of $20,000 from Columbia Basin Trust to purchase and install: a new fire panel, alarm system and fire extinguishers; a security camera system; six additional acoustic baffles; a sound system for the Hall; a video projector and a WIFI router; and to purchase: a portable sound system; a screen and flipchart. We will also convert the lights in hall to LED. The FRAA share of these improvements will be $10,000.

We submitted a change to our bylaws, revoking the amendment that stipulates 10 Director, seven of whom must be leaseholders. The Field Recreation and Advisory Association now needs five directors, of whom two must be leaseholders.

On events since the last Town Hall Meeting:

• The community Hall was rented for Paul Charbonneau’s Memorial on October 10, a Yoga retreat October 23 and 24, and the CSRD Advisory Board community meeting on October 27.
• Thanks to Townsites for the snow clean up.
• Canada Day Grant submitted November 16, 2015 by Kathryn.
• School bus meeting has taken place; thanks to Sophie for sending out phone tree.
• Big thanks in advance to everyone who is going to help with the rink.

Upcoming Events

The new FRAA and FCC members will schedule meetings for the next year at their initial meeting.

Parent Advisory Council – Wednesday, November 18, 2015: Fundraiser Pasta dinner at the school

Friends of Yoho Pasta Supper and Auction – Saturday, December 5, 2015: This year the Friends of Yoho have earmarked the profits from the event as a donation to the Community Hall. We plan to purchase two new stoves and a fridge.

Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast – Thursday, December 3, 2015

Annual Field Fire and Rescue Dinner – Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Field Community Christmas Potluck Supper – Sunday, December 20, 2015

Field Elementary School Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 17, 2015

2. Townsite Manager’s Report

2.1 On behalf of Visitor Experience Manager Michael St-Denis:

• The sign replacement program on Yoho Valley road is finished for this season. There are still two signs to be added in the spring.
• The Sherbrooke Lake and Wapta Lake locator sign is not on this cycle of sign upgrades; it may be installed during the next cycle.
• Parks Canada will work with the community to make certain that there are camping options for visitors to Yoho National Park.

2.2 On behalf of Highway Service Centre Supervisor Michael Vanderveen:

• Met with parents, bus driver for annual discussions on ploughing, accident/highway closure protocols. A new radio will be installed in the school bus to improve communications.
• Rock scaling will continue until the end of November
• Field ploughed by Gottler Brothers Contracting on the weekend. Lake Louise and Banff received more snow in the weekend storm. Maintaining the TransCanada Highway is the top priority. Townsites will work with HSC and contractor to make certain that emergency access routes are cleared on the imperative pass during the storm cycle. Comments or concerns need to go through Elaine and they will be passed on to HSC.

Kim: Back road is not cleared and that is the emergency exit from Field. We have lots of visitors, but it seems that Field is always the lowest priority.

Ellen: If the plan the contractor follows is not working, please give feedback to Ellen and she will discuss expectations with them.

Sophie: Mail truck is large, needs more space especially on two corners that are tight. We might need to talk about putting No Parking signs in those locations. Truck driver won’t come into town unless there is a route he can maneuver.

Discussion about priorities. Frustration expressed that people are not able to drive to their homes and emergency vehicles are not able to get to locations at top of town when we have big snowstorm events like the most recent. Agreement that local information is really important, need to have eyes on the ground in order to give feedback. Delay was quite long in this situation. We know the town well, and know the routes. Suggested that residents examine the plough map and give comments to identify priorities.

Ellen: We will work with the contractor. Hears frustration and wants to do something positive with it.

Craig: We have seen improvement every year. Contractor is accountable to Townsite Manager whereas HSC not accountable to anyone.

2.3 Townsite operations

Still awaiting direction from new government. Mandate letters to Ministers have been shared for first time in history of Canadian Government. In regards to Parks Canada, the Minister has been asked to: Develop Canada’s National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries; develop Parks Canada programs and services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks and learn more about our environment and heritage; make admission for all visitors to National Parks free in 2017, the 150th anniversary of Confederation; beginning in 2018, ensure that admission for children under 18 is free, and provide any adult who has become a Canadian citizen in the previous 12 months one year’s free admission; through an expanded Learn to Camp program, ensure that more low- and middle-income families have an opportunity to experience Canada’s outdoors; protect our National Parks by limiting development within them, and where possible, work with nearby communities to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs. See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-environment-and-climate-change-mandate-letter#sthash.YixD0l72.dpuf

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-environment-and-climate-change-mandate-letter

Emergency plans: Parks Canada will meet with Field residents in early 2016. Emergency services are provided by different jurisdictions. We will discuss how to integrate and make them work practically. There is a system in place. This is an opportunity to build it cohesively.

School: The meeting on November 3 was a great learning opportunity. Parks Canada is always looking for ways to support positive educational experience for students.

Tree removal: BC Hydro has committed to doing work by the end of 2015.

Organic composting: Discussions are in process in Lake Louise.

Cemetery work: The fence will be repaired in 2016. Painting by international volunteers will also take place next year.

Slope stability work: Two interceptor ditches have been built and a drainage culvert installed. The next stage is the monitoring process that will become earnest in the spring. There may be issues with ice at toe of pipe in the spring. Resident Pierre Lemire has identified hazard trees; local knowledge is critical. We’ll see how it works in the spring. Smaller tertiary drainage not incorporated in this plan. Hoping that dewatering of the uphill sections will improve the water issues on that slope.

Pierre: Thank you for your integrity Ellen and the dedication of everyone here. This work was not implemented because of us feeling unsafe but more due to the landslide at Johnson’s Landing and flooding in Canmore. We should not minimize the dangers identified. If an engineer says do something, then we need to do something. We could lose everything. Houses in the safe zone may be safe but the village would not exist. I have noticed something that has not been addressed: the huge trees leaning over the pipe, and those big Douglas fir trees do come down. The water is not running through the pipes now. Rocks and debris coming down can damage the pipe. Glad that it is getting taken care of, but do not minimize what the engineer has said in the initial report.

Ellen: Appreciates what you have contributed and for sharing your local knowledge. Feedback and holding us to account is important.

Travis: The danger is damming at the cemetery road bridge. Any swale movement can pick up trees and debris, be blocked at the bridge, and eventually burst.

Pierre: Concerned about awareness; the project needs to be continually monitored and addressed. There is ongoing responsibility to mitigate.

Travis: This is a dewatering system, basically building a sump. Pits have been established to gather the water and divert it through the pipes. The ditches are lined. Craig: This is phase one. Other items were identified as in this phase – what’s happening with those items?

Ellen: Consultants that wrote that report came up with this plan to mitigate biggest issue first that would reduce risk most right now. We will look at it in the spring, evaluate it, and then make decisions on additional work that may or not may need to be done.

Travis: Parks Canada is looking for a long-term solution. Dropping water into the creek may have future impacts on creek as well. If this system performs well, but there is no noticeable improvement in the saturation level of the material, that’s not good. If the system performs well and the material dries out, that’s good. Parks Canada is not walking away from this; we’re taking a holistic view of all drainage issues here.

Kathryn: What about CP plans to build a catchment basin to protect their bridge at the bottom of the creek? Work has never proceeded.

Ellen: Will find out where that project stands.

General discussion occurred about Second Avenue Drainage project and the impacts on residents below the project. If any residents have drainage issues in their yards or basements, please contact Travis: travis.wert@pc.gc.ca.

3. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson

Annual Report and financial statements to November 15, 2015 were presented. Please view files attached to the email. Motion: Craig to accept reports as presented, Claudia seconded.

There was a mistake on statement of accounts from last meeting. The outstanding amount from CBT was $14,000 not $18,000 as indicated. The cheque has been received.

Designated funds from honorarium to spend on AV will be moved into the HIP (Hall Improvement Project) account right away.

4. Election – Jamie Harbottle

Field Fire and Rescue are handling the election this year, as an ‘arms length’ organization.

There have been four nominations for five positions on the Field Recreation Advisory Association; Kim Chapman, Karen Schmidt, Kat MacNeill and Tanye Baker acclaimed. One more FRAA member needed. If you are interested, please contact an FRAA member.

There have been five nominations for five positions on Field Community Council; Craig Chapman, Claudia Harding, Jeremy Schmidt and Kathryn Cameron acclaimed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Field Town Hall Meeting Monday September 28, 2015

In Attendance: John Schlichting, Karla Gaffney, Jamie Harbottle, Alex Kolesch, Mike Vanderveen, Elaine Lemieux, Ellen Francis, Craig Chapman, Kathryn Cameron, Claudia Harding, Jeremy Schmidt, Sophie Caïs, Patrick Caïs, Helen Barry, Ginette Therrien

Craig: There wasn’t a Field Utility Board meeting prior to this Town Hall Meeting. Dialogue between Parks Canada and Field Community Council may be more in depth since we haven’t had a chance to discuss items.

1. Agenda approved with two changes:

No Resource Conservation report

No RCMP report

2. FCC/FRAA Report – Craig Chapman

Hall break-in August 31, 2015: Reported to RCMP who feel it was a random event. The new steel door has been installed. Thanks to Réjean for doing repairs and thanks to Parks Canada for funding the repair.

2.1 Rekeying the building: This is a very expensive process based on number of locks and codes involved. RCMP suggested installing camera surveillance that is much less expensive than rekeying. Council will proceed with this option.

2.2 Baffles have been installed, twelve in total. The next potluck will be the test for how well they absorb noise.

2.3 Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Grant: The blinds have been installed. Craig demonstrated how they work. Impressive! The final report was submitted; we’re waiting for the $18,000.00 cheque to arrive from the Golden and District Foundation, the group that administers the program in this area. Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has numerous grants available to support social, economic and environmental projects. If you have an environmental project, youth project, CBT probably has a grant to fund it. If you have an idea you want to develop, please let us know and we can work with you to submit applications.

2.4 Electrical Upgrade: No time this summer to get together with Matt to install electrical for WIFI, etc. Hopefully, we will be able to do this work before the AGM in early November.

2.5 Events at the Community Hall over the summer: Two weddings, two Friends of Yoho events this summer, Parks Canada meetings and Yoga on Thursday nights from July through September.

2.6 Upcoming Rentals:

• Yoga finishing this Wednesday, September 30.
• Resource Conservation meeting October 7, 2015.
• Visitor Experience Meeting October 8, 2015.
• Memorial service for Paul Charbonneau on October 10, from 4 pm to 12 am. Help requested from community to run the bar. Ham and turkey will be provided; please bring a side dish, a salad or a dessert.
• Federal Election Polling Station October 19, 2015 from 8 am to 8 pm MDT.
• Yoga retreat Oct 23 and 24, 2015. Private event.

2.7 FRAA Elections and Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 9, 2015. We need more participation from town. There is good core group, but we want to share the joy! Please consider volunteering for the community.

2.8 The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) local committee is looking for feedback/suggestions and action items from residents. We are managed by Parks Canada but are in the CSRD taxation area and the director wants to meet with us. It’s probably a good idea for Director Karen Cathcart to meet with local Parks Canada managers first to discuss areas of responsibility and how the organizations can work together to solve issues like long trains blocking the crossing. If there are items residents think might fall in the jurisdiction of CSRD, please talk to Craig.

2.9 Power outages have been minimal this summer. Tweets seem to work now.

2.10 Catholic Church has received a conditional offer. Interest from residents on the use of the site is high. It is not listed as a historical building to best of our knowledge. There are pluses and minuses to protection. Currently the site is still an institutional lease. This is a private sale, so no special knowledge has been shared between FCC and Parks Canada.

Patrick: If building not protected, could it be torn down?

Craig: That is one of the questions posed to Parks Canada.

Ellen: Nothing to add at this point and not worth speculating. No information to share. Craig: Someone has made an offer, so rules of use and development must be defined somehow.

Ellen: It is. This is a private matter so not willing to speculate until the proposal is put forward.

Helen: What does institutional zoning mean?

Elaine: The building can be used for community services, government services, or by a not for profit group. Parks Canada is still communicating with the Catholic Church.

Ellen: The Field Community Plan is a guiding document, and Parks Canada will make decisions based on a specific proposal.

Craig: Does Parks Canada have the authority to say no? What does PC want to see there?

Ellen: Not able to comment on it.

Helen: We seem to have received different information about the designation of the building. Can we clarify the status of historical?

Elaine: The Catholic Church is not a FBHRO building since it is not a federal government asset. There are different levels of protection, federal and provincial.

Helen: So, the information I was given isn’t accurate?

Patrick: It’s important for us as a community to know what Parks Canada will allow for the building and proposed sale. Once it is sold it’s too late.

Ellen: The buyers can’t do whatever they want. The development and approval process is private however, Parks Canada would not authorize someone to do whatever they want. Guidance documents will form decisions. Not willing to pursue this conversation any further. People are welcome to talk to the development office about ideas or plans for any building in the townsite.

Helen: For the record, no matter what offer is accepted some buildings in town have been sold with no parameters and nothing has happened so it’s important to have clarity of intention.

Craig: There is real concern from the community about future of the building; it’s an important landmark. FCC doesn’t want to hold up the process; we want to see progress there.

2.11 Organic waste dumping seems to have been done successfully at the west end of town on the old power plant site. People have followed the guidelines. Highway contractor still has full exclusive use of the Ottertail pit, so is off limits for dumping material there. If you have yard waste to dispose of, get key from Elaine to use old power plant site.

2.12 Labels on bins: There is some confusion in the wording on some dumpsters. Residents can use the bins for residential waste, but not for residential construction waste.

2.13 Coffee with the Superintendent in July: FCC presented key issues of some urgency:

• full time fire chief position;
• emergency services response plan;
• response times from Parks Canada staff in event of emergency in town;
• long term commitment to emergency services;
• what does PC want from community;
• clarification on the future of the school with low enrollment, i.e. what are the opportunities to keep it open? What would happen to the building if no school?

Council has received no response from Parks Canada to date.

Ellen: There are things we are not publicly discussing at this time.

Craig: Ellen refers to the federal election. Government employees are limited in what they can discuss during the election.

Ellen: We will discuss these issues after the federal election.

2.14 Federal Infrastructure Initiatives Program: Funds have been identified to move staff accommodation into town from Boulder Creek. FCC wants to have input; no discussion to date.

2.15 Access to water treatment facility: How will PC keep it secure in the future?

2.16 Rumble strips: Three sets were grooved into the pavement this summer; two sets on the entrance to town above the train tracks and one set on Brook Lane. The lower set of rumble strips above the tracks has been paved over because residents felt it was too noisy. How is effectiveness as a speed control monitored?

3. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson

Please see pdf documents attached to the email.

3.1 Canada Day Grant money discussed. We must spend all the money, but never cover all our expenses like janitorial, supplies. Should we move the unspent grant money into FRAA accounts or spend the money on something related to Canada Day? General feeling is that we can leave it in the Canada Day account and use it next year but it also acceptable to include out operating costs in accounting for the grant money.

Craig: Motion to accept report as read. Claudia: Seconded.

4. Parks Canada Reports

Ellen Francis presenting for Townsites and Visitor Experience

Townsites

4.1 Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization Project: Bulk of materials and equipment has been taken up to the site. Intent is to move water from unstable area into the creek. If you have any particular questions about it, please ask us. Monitoring pieces have been installed to measure slope activity until freeze up. Information will also be collected next year to determine what’s working and if additional work needs to be done.

4.2 Tree Removal Along Power Line Adjacent to Battery Storage Unit: Work will be done this fall. Not aware of number of trees but hazard trees have been identified. Does anyone have questions about these two items?

Kathryn: Can we see plans of the slope stabilization project? There has been very little communication on this project.

John: It’s a twenty-minute walk up to the site.

Ellen: Will see what can be made available to the community that people can make sense of. Trail is very mucky, not in good condition, not closed but use not encouraged.

Craig: Are there plans to work on the trail next spring?

Ellen: Not known at this time. Water issues will be monitored. With water diverted from the slope the trail may dry out.

Kathryn: The initial report has already been made public. It makes sense to share the mitigation plans and intended outcomes as well.

Visitor Experience Update

4.3 Concerns about illegal camping: This is a new issue that has been raised to the VE team. We are looking into it. Currently in information collection phase and will be able to respond in the future.

Helen: Where is illegal camping happening?

Elaine: Back road, cemetery, VRC, behind the lodge, 2^nd Avenue.

Helen: Do you think we need more campsites?

Ellen: As we were informed at the last meeting, Takakkaw Falls and the Yoho Valley Road are the priority focus for visitor Experience.

Kathryn: Council feels the focus should also be on the west end of the park. Redeveloping a campground at Hoodoo Creek will solve the lack of campsites issue, increase visitation to the west end and relieve congestion at other attractions. Council feels that the economic viability of Field is directly tied to what’s happening in Yoho National Park. A vibrant, refreshed offer of attractions, services and facilities will benefit Field as well.

Karla: Can we get clarification on camping in town, for example on back yard camping. Can friends and family pitch tents in yards? What about trailers parked on the street? Ellen: Can we get back to you on your questions?

Karla: Yes.

4.4 Concerns about parking congestion at Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls: Parks Canada plans to encourage off peak use to mitigate congestion.

Craig: Old horse stable site is a clear solution for secondary parking lot, rather than parking all the way down the road.

4.5 Highway Signs for Sherbrook Lake and Paget Lookout: The focus is on the Yoho Valley Road; new way finding signs will be installed in next two weeks. Other new sign priorities are Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara.

Craig: FCC asks that Sherbrook Lake and Paget Lookout way finding signs be made a priority for several reasons, but especially for safety reasons.

Craig: Looking forward, let the minutes state that FCC wants to meet and have a FUB at the earliest possible time after the election.

Highway Service Centre Report – Mike Vanderveen

4.6 Winter preparations are in full swing: reflective stakes have been installed along routes in the village; we are in the process of hiring four new drivers; and, left hand turn lines have been painted for the left hand turn into Great Divide Lodge. At present, highway crews will work on roads in town, back road and 2nd avenue.

4.7 Rock scalers now working night shift starting tonight from 7 pm to 7 am at both sites. They plan to work until the snow flies until at least the end of October. All lanes will be open for the winter.

Patrick: What about the regular closure during the day from 9 am to 10:30 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday? What is the process for allowing emergency vehicles during closures?

Mike: These closures have not been followed, rolling closures have been more effective for the contractor. Emergency vehicles always have priority unless blasting is imminent or in process.

Alex: The contractor is authorized to close the road at any time. The actual physical closures initially communicated are not followed.

Craig: The community would like to have better communication of what is actually happening.

Alex: Parks Canada has agreed to full closures on Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving long weekend. Night work will be hauling only, no blasting or scaling. New communication is forthcoming.

Craig: Will this contract continue in the spring?

Mike: Yes. Once we know much progress has been made on this phase, we’ll know what plans will be for next season.

4.8 Winter Schedule: Hiring competition is in process; received applications from many good, experienced candidates.

Jamie: Will Highways have the same schedule as last year?

Mike: Yes, the 4 am shift will run again this year, with the evening shift on until 2:30 am. Unless there’s a storm, when crews will continue, there will be only 1.5 hours without crews on the roads.

Craig: There’s a bad pothole on ELL road that needs to be addressed.

Mike: Yes, we’ll work on it.

Craig: Currently there is no left hand turn lane for Wapta Falls for westbound traffic. This is an important attraction. Is there some reason it can’t be done? Seems like a safety hazard now.

Mike: We will consult the highway engineers so see if there is the possibility for it? Can the highway width manage it?

Craig: Many of the turn outs are outdated. Significant attractions should be more readily accessible.

Mike: Highway upgrades and changes are very expensive. Just to put a lift of asphalt on the road is $1 million per kilometer, building new road is very expensive.

Craig: The eastbound sign for Wapta Falls needs to be stabilized; it’s really leaning.

Craig: Thank you Mike.

Ryan: Has Parks Canada considered installing a traffic light at the Field intersection? We need one.

A show of hands indicated there is a general feeling from people at the meeting that something needs to be done to make the intersection function better and safer.

Alex: Engineers need to make that call.

Craig: What is the process?

Alex: Engineers look at it, continually examine traffic volumes based on road. FCC doesn’t have expertise of knowledge to make recommendations.

Kathryn: We are not engineers but we do travel this highway and use the intersection a lot, so are familiar with the safety issues. We have local knowledge that tends to be overlooked. People feel there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Alex: There is a process to follow.

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report – Jameson Harbottle, Chief

It was quiet summer until September 7, which gave us time to settle into our new roles, then two busy weeks with four incidents.

5.1 Training: Fall training up and running: air brakes; hazardous material; wild land interface; and pumping courses. Training is 100% funded by Parks Canada. Training is provided by CSRD but Parks Canada pays all training bills.

5.2 Membership: Numbers are at 15, which is the minimum Jamie wants to see. This summer the department lost seasoned members: Sean Coubrough, Aaron Cameron and Mike Furfaro, and Sierra Sullivan and Meghan Beamish plan to leave in the fall. In the winter season, all officers work outside the Park. For members to attend a call, an officer must be present. There is one day each week when all officers are not present in town, so if there is a call-out, we will need to call reciprocal forces (Lake Louise or Golden) to attend. It take two months minimum to train a new member. The door is open to all past members who were in good standing.

Craig: What are the benefits?

Jamie: After 8 practices, a new recruit becomes a probationary member. We have a good Christmas party; all training provided free of cost; good starting point for anyone considering a career in firefighting.

5.3 Equipment: Small pickup truck now used as rescue truck until we receive the new rescue truck currently being built in Abbotsford. We have asked for a few extras that are being added now and hope it will be delivered by the new year.

Thank you for attending. The next Town Hall Meeting is November 9, 2015.

Meeting adjourned 8:39 pm

 

Field Town Hall Meeting July 20, 2015

In Attendance: Michael Vanderveen, Cathy Taerum, Wendy Edge, Pierre Lemire, Claude Leger, Lloyd, Sophie Cais, Patrick Cais, Michael St-Denis, Jamie Harbottle, Sean Coubrough, Vicky Coubrough-Blanchette, Sally Watson, Jeremy Schmidt, Claudia Harding, Kathryn Cameron, Craig Chapman, Ellen Francis, Elaine Lemieux, Dave Kronlund, Danielle Labonte, Sean Cunningham

1. FCC/FRAA Report – Craig Chapman

Welcome Ellen Francis who is the new Townsite Manager and now a resident of the Bow Valley.

Canada Day was a great event with superb participation and support from British Columbia Ambulance Service, FRAA, Field Fire and Rescue and the RCMP. Thanks to everyone!

Yoga is going strong. Originally scheduled only for July, now extended to the end of August. Yoga practice is Thursday evenings, starting at 7:30; $15 drop-in fee.

Coffee with Superintendent Melanie Kwong is scheduled for this Thursday, July 23 at noon. It’s an opportunity for informal discussion.

Friends of Yoho are offering several events this summer: Historic Walking Tours of Field on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 8:00 pm; Art in the Park August 6 from 10 am to 4 pm at Emerald Lake (bring a t-shirt); Trail Blazers presented by Cathy Taerum on August 19 at 8:00 pm at the Community Hall; and, a full moon hike on August 27, 8:30 pm at Takakkaw Falls.

The Spring Fling and Garage Sale were successful events.

Next Field Community Council In Camera Meeting will be on September 14, followed by a Field Utility Board Meeting on September 23 and Field Town Hall Meeting September 28.

We have experienced two recent power outages, one where the battery back-up system failed and one where it worked. This is a pilot project and there are some hiccups with the system. BC Hydro on top of situation with daily checks; remote reset now possible. Twitter communication back online and working well; tweets also give % of juice left in the battery. When the battery was installed, the community was advised we would have 5 to 8 hours of power but the last outage was 24.5 hours in length and the battery still had 19% capacity. With new power generation technologies, battery storage will be critical to cover times when there won’t be wind or sun to harness.

Columbia Shuswap Regional District: Craig sits on the regional advisory board, which meets monthly on Tuesdays. The meetings are open to the public; next one to be held in Parson on. Meetings provide opportunities to network and educate others about what goes on in communities in the district. Interesting to see how communities outside a townsite are governed and managed.

Catholic Diocese wants a property assessment before moving to next step in process of divesting their interest in the church. If they decide to gift the building, we will accept it to operate as a wedding chapel. The venture will be managed by the FRAA as an Enterprising Not for Profit operation.

Telegraph Building: At the end of June the boards were taken down, painted and moved behind the windows inside the building. Windows were washed. Thanks to everyone who participated: GO International Volunteers, Elaine Lemieux, Craig Chapman, and Ron Allen. Positive Facebook response to the change. GO International Volunteers are available for individuals, organizations or businesses. If you have a project, please contact Ron Allen.

Annual Town Walkabout happened in June. It has been 15 years since the major infrastructure project and some maintenance and repairs are needed. If you have observations or suggestions, please submit them to Elaine Lemieux: elaine.lemiuex@pc.gc.ca.

Non-food organic waste and garden debris can be dumped at the old power plant location. Construction waste, wood, old TVs, etc., are not allowed; Highways staff do not have time to manage it. Details are in FUB minutes from June. Contact Elaine when you want to use the area, and have questions about what is acceptable.

Hall Improvement Project: The furnaces and windows have been installed; we are waiting for the blinds. New curtains will be needed once the blinds have been installed. Acoustic baffles to help manage noise levels in the hall have arrived and will be installed soon.

Steve Christy has installed Wi-Fi at the Community Hall. We have some power issues to resolve. Thanks to Matt for doing electrical work for this project. Once everything has been complete, we’ll purchase a router and have a local network.

Congratulations to JP Galli who won the Chef Challenge Championship at the Calgary Stampede. He thwarted the Calgary Police by making a habanero pepper dessert. Spicy!

2. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson

Files are attached to the email. The report represents three months of inputs, rather than the normal two-month span.

Craig motioned and Kathryn seconded that the report be accepted as read. Carried.

3. Townsite Managers Report – Ellen Francis

Thanks for the great turn out. Good to see the participation.

Melanie Kwong, Field Unit Superintendent has been very supportive in planning for this meeting; interested in where community is at and determining what to focus on right now. Reviewing sustainability exercises like the workshop with Twist Marketing, to understand more about the community. Are there other tools to explore to get Yoho and Kootenay on the tourism radar? Michael St-Denis will add to this. Interested in collaborating with Town of Golden to advance complementary goals. Are there other opportunities we can promote that promote village and park? 2012 was not a good year but with new infrastructure $$ it is a good time to revisit what is going on. Understand desire to open up need to reside to field units beyond our own. From reviewing documents it appears the limitation was put in place because residents felt the town was too big. Need to confirm the reference.

Emergency Services: Looking at guidance documents from 2007. These need to be updated to identify areas of responsibility, and develop plans that work here and meet needs. Fire Chief Sean Coubrough is leaving the community. He will be greatly missed. Sean identified successor Jamie Harbottle. Opportunity in coming years to change way fire services are managed in Yoho National Park; lots to figure out. This community is full of volunteers who offer excellent public service in both emergency services – Fire and Rescue and BC Ambulance Service. Commitments are notable, and thank you. Looking at other townsites for best practices on how to operate emergency services.

On the question: What does Parks Canada want from Field? Overall plan and understanding of mutual priorities; welcome centre; Field suited to be attractive alternative to Banff. Community Plan needs review – what has changed? Priorities for Parks Canada are increasing visitation, international leadership in conservation and visitor experience, want to see Field as a vibrant community, battery storage unit important example of innovation installed under Caroline’s tenure, improved highway maintenance. Field is an important community. Want to see Parks Canada succeed and also community.

Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization: Many different names for the same area of concern – the unstable north slope on Mt. Dennis which feeds into Stephen Creek. The report refers to the Stephen Creek debris flow. Working to tender a contract to divert water away from unstable area to reduce saturation and stabilize the material. Aerial photography in process, equipment will be moved into area by helicopter as well. Tender is closing this week. As information is available we will pass it on to residents.

Sean Cunningham: Is this a unique and spectacular situation?

Ellen: Not necessarily. Highways deal with hazards from above constantly. Is this new to us? Yes. Focus is on getting the work done.

Sean: What is the communication plan? It’s an opportunity to capitalize on highlighting that Parks Canada is doing some great work, like the community information sharing for the prescribed fires in the Ottertail Valley and on Mount King.

Ellen: Resources focused on mitigation. Visitor Centres will have information to communicate activities to the public, however, not planning to do an information tent dedicated to just this issue at this time.

Vicky Coubrough-Blanchette: When was this report delivered to Parks Canada?

Ellen: June 2014. Parks Canada is trying to get the work done as soon as is realistically possible. Tetra Tech EBA has been monitoring the situation this spring. There have been conflicting risk assessments. We are approaching this in a precautionary manner, and are cognizant that Field residents will feel better once the rick has been reduced. Not an engineering specialist but understanding is that the successful contractor will put in pipe to divert water away from the slope so it doesn’t catch debris on the way down and will reduce risk considerably. Far less alarming once the work is completes.

Sean Cunningham: Water diversion has had issues in Field in the past and am concerned about where the diverted water will surface. Could have impact on community. What is the plan to monitor that impact?

Ellen: Above my expertise to answer, but will ask one of the consultants to gather specific questions and get answers to those questions. Understanding the water would go around the unstable area and end up in the creek.

School: This is an issue we want to work on closely with you. Many factors to examine: demographic in community; what do the people of Field want. If there are no school age children in a given year, then no school or teacher that year but what about future years when there are school age children? Conference call between Melanie, Ellen and school board later this week about possibilities. Please direct your questions to Ellen and she will ask those questions. Craig to provide school projection information to Ellen. What are all the options? Important to explore while we have this school year to work in. Wants to understand desire of community before advocating for a specific option.

Craig: This is a Parks Canada townsite, but we still don’t have a fundamental vision of what Parks Canada wants from the community. No clear vision. Parks Canada’s vision can impact the direction of the school district.

Ellen: Parks Canada wants a vibrant community, however that may be, young families, school or retirement community. Parks Canada will support what the community wants. Sean: Agree with what Craig says. We need strong leadership from Parks Canada to indicate what this community is about. What does Parks Canada need? Needs to be a value statement.

Craig: We don’t have the authority as residents of this community to determine direction. Retirement community not realistic – no hospital or medical services, limited facilities. Need young families to offer emergency services. Don’t need a lot of consultation. You’re coming in at the crisis time. What we need is for Parks Canada to state the purpose of the community. Parks Canada has set the agenda so far with a town plan that limited housing in the community and set the direction for no winter offer from Parks Canada.

Ellen: General feeling is that residents want the community to grow. What is our capacity to grow the town? What are your potential solutions? Here to work with you. How can we do that? What draws people here? Working within the mechanisms.

Craig: But somewhere in Parks there is control. The lever is not on the residents’ side. It is definitely on Parks Canada’s side. We need you to drive the message up the chain. Without commitment from Parks Canada this will be a summer only community.

Michael St-Denis: Mutual agreement that we want the community to succeed. What is within our control?

Ellen: Potential levers: need to reside opened, Yoho National Park Infrastructure investments, Ellen distributed FIP announcement.

Craig: We talk to many people who are interested in living here; more investigation needed on need to reside, need to have people who are entrepreneurs in light of Parks Canada’s withdrawal of a winter offer in Yoho National Park. Currently, lots of people live here who go away in the winter now and who are light on community involvement at this point. Unless Parks Canada comes in with new jobs or commercial development then reason to reside is a path to nowhere.

Sean Cunningham: Where do we put new people? Lots are limited. Taking away trailer court area really impacted the ability of the community to grow. Construction is expensive; trailers not possible based on Parks Canada development guidelines. Trailers are better than houses that are not maintained. Is there a role for organizations like Habitat for Humanity?

Ellen: Need to understand why things were taken away before looking at restoring them.

Federal Infrastructure Project announcement: Biggest news is $4.1 million allocated to move Parks Canada bunkhouse accommodations from Boulder Creek Compound to Field.

Some projects put forward but until approved can’t be discussed. This is a very exciting time; good for community. Interested in looking at lots that are areas of concern. New Asset Manager hired who can help move this project forward. No time frame at this point. No specific plans at this point.

Sean Cunningham: Is this money an election promise or will it actually happen?

Ellen: This is actual $4.1 million design and construction money. Field supports staff accommodation that supports year-round residency. May not be one building in one location.

CP Rail Communication: Information can go to Elaine with time and date of event and Parks Canada can follow up with contact to CP.  How does this relate to emergency planning, especially on weekends when there are fewer staff to contact?

Craig: By law, CP is obligated to report dangerous goods going through town. Fire Department has never received notification, or CP staff who live in town.

Breach of Security at Water Treatment Plant: Lock on the gate across the road to the upper reservoir was cut, lock on the gate to the upper reservoir was cut, and two padlocks on the upper access to the reservoir also cut. Utilities staff replaced the locks this past weekend. Want to protect the reservoir, communicate to people that the water is safe. Not known if it is locals or visitors who cut the locks. Heard about it, fixed the situation.

Craig: It looks like someone has intent to do something rather than random events.

Ellen: Parks Canada investigating different ways to secure the area with surveillance that could include scameras and more security.

Sean Cunningham: If we can put cameras on fossils then we can put cameras on our water supply.

Wendy: How often is water testing done and what was done after this event?

Craig: No spike in chlorine use so feeling that nothing has been introduced into the system. About 8% of the water in the above ground reservoir actually enters the system.

Ellen: Water testing is done frequently and regularly.

Dave Kronlund: Cameras can identify why if not who; important tool to use. Supports signage to inform people of purpose of facility.

Sally: Is Law Enforcement involved? Yes. Michael St-Denis to ask for details of Law Enforcement involvement.

Bin Lineup safety concerns have been addressed. Comments? Please contact Elaine.

Lot release: Ellen wants to research options in the fall. Staffing positions at the present so there will be people on board to address this.

Water, Sewer, Garbage rates will continue to be subsidized at 2012 rates for now. Looking at rates overall. No increase this year.

Craig: Community has communicated questions that we haven’t received answer for yet, opportunity to discuss at coffee with superintendent on Thursday, July 23.

Ellen: Will be staying after the meeting to meet people and get to know residents.

4. Visitor Experience Report – Michael St-Denis

Red chairs have been installed at Takakkaw falls and Yoho Lake and are being advertised at movie theatres as part of a national promotions campaign.

New approach to Learn to Camp: Now piloting interpretive modules on how to set up tents, make campfires through roving at high use areas to take pressure off the operational team and broaden the experience. We will evaluate this method at the end of the season.

Record numbers of people have registered for Burgess Shale hikes.

There are new interpretive panels at Monarch Campground that highlight Kicking Horse Pass.

The new welcome structure at staging area for Lake O’Hara was officially opened on June 18.

Promotions: Promotion Officer Karin Smith has developed a good relationship with Destination BC; they are highlighting three communities to market this year: Field, Tofino and Vancouver through aerial photography and community stories. Residents have been involved in how we tell the story. Ocean TV coming as well to film a documentary. Nine film permits granted for this year; opportunity to leverage for Parks Canada promotion.

Yoho has its own orientation document with expanded maps; Parks Canada moved from one Mountain Guide to 7 park orientation guides and one lure piece to use for marketing. If council is interested, Karin can come in and provide information on how she forms positive relationships and promotes the area.

New signs for Yoho Valley Road: Nine proposed for installation this year. Figuring out plan to invest in future. Federal Infrastructure Project money is for repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure, like broken pavement, buildings. Visitor Experience will focus on one area, the Yoho Valley Road. Signs at Takakkaw Falls are peeling and it’s an embarrassment for such an iconic location where the bulk of visitation in Yoho National Park occurs.

Craig: New orientation guides are awesome, much better than how Yoho was presented in the past.

Michael: They are in process; how can we improve? Suggestions or recommendations, please pass them along.

Craig: Put you on the spot, feel that we are shut out in winter in Lake Louise VRC. Can Field have it’s own stand there, display opportunities. Banff Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) controls the message there. We are more tuned on to Alberta side of things.

Michael: More BC visitors in Yoho than in Kootenay.

Craig: BLLT helps Parks Canada considerably, but we’re shut out.

Michael: BLLT pushing The Rockies as part of their marketing brand, to include more than the imaginary Castle boundary.

Craig: People from Banff and Lake Louise are coming here; we should be included in their big equation. There are issues with traffic congestion in both Banff and Lake Louise. Yoho is part of the equation. Can you facilitate a meeting between BLLT and Field representatives?

Pierre: Be careful what you wish for. Traffic in Lake Louise was very difficult on the weekend; we tried to leave the parking lot at Lake Louise but after no movement for 20 minutes, we ducked into another parking stall, then spent 3 hours wandering around at the lake and in the Chateau, and it still took us ½ an hour to drive down to Lake Louise after 8:00 pm.

Craig: The 4-way stop is killing it.

Michael: Protocols in place for RCMP to move traffic through when congestion is severe.

Sally: Have you considered traffic pattern changes, like traffic circles, or opening the old 1A to vehicles again?

Michael: Alex Kolesch is looking at options.

Kathryn: Are there any plans to repair and reopen Hoodoo Creek Campground?

Michael: We are focusing our efforts on the Yoho Valley, including potential backcountry upgrades, putting money into areas that have the highest visitation, most number of people.

Kathryn: Yoho’s camping offer is not adequate. It seems to make more sense to invest in areas that need increased visitation, not areas that are already oversubscribed. Parks Canada needs to rebuild in areas that offer fantastic experiences that will take the pressure off Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Yoho Valley. It seems to make sense to me to put money where it is needed, not where the numbers are. Is Hoodoo Creek being considered for FIP? We want clear, honest answers.

Michael: Nothing is happening at Hoodoos.

Fire Ban: Based on recommendations from Fire and Vegetation specialists. Based on where fire danger is greater. We get more rain in this area so our fire danger rating tends to be lower than in other areas of British Columbia. However, from a visitor perspective, it makes sense to do what the general area is doing. To keep it easy for visitors, the fire ban was implemented. It has been lifted now, except in Redstreak campground, which is an extremely dry area of the Field Unit.

5. RCMP Report – Dave Kronlund

Liaison for Field since 2008, and comes out to meetings as often as possible. Files on Field area: starts at park boundary and goes to the Alberta border; most are traffic related. Did a query from start of year: 104 files to date including 5 traffic complaints from impaired driving to speeding or aggressive drivers, passing on double solid; 16 collisions; 17 false 911 calls, mostly traffic complaints that lose contact when cell service is lost or spotty; 8 from Emerald Lake Lodge – nothing of importance; no serious complaints to investigate, and; 1vehicle stolen from Yoho Trading Post, a crime of opportunity, where someone left their vehicle running and a random person drove off in it but was apprehended by Lake Louise RCMP.

When updating the Emergency Plan, recommend that you contact Kyle Hale in Golden, with Search and Rescue, and Town of Golden Emergency Resources. He is knowledgeable about provincial standard, rivers, CP Rail. Will share Kyle’s contact information.

Detachment Staffing: Currently one member short in the detachment. Position was held open for a year; the member came to Golden to buy a house and withdrew her application. New recruit coming soon, new traffic member. Looking for an analyst for collisions. Two positions that will rotate this year, but looking for replacements before members move.

Sean Cunningham: Thanks for continued support for Canada Day.

Dave: It is lots of fun for the members, great parade – thanks for not getting us wet! Fun to meet and talk to people, have photos taken. It’s the one time of the year when you aren’t a policeman – you’re a Mountie.

6. Field Fire and Rescue – Jamie Harbottle

Personnel Changes: Thank you to Sean Coubrough for 8 years service, including five years as Chief. Sean advanced the department in many ways, but can take most credit for better training levels especially for coordinating advanced training from Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). He replaced lots of equipment with a new truck, two rescue vehicles, command vehicle, and implemented the Standard of Operating Guidelines Playbook. Most importantly, Sean created culture of safety in the department. Sean appointed Jamie as Chief until election in October when members can select who they want as Chief. Jamie has five years experience with Field Fire and Rescue as a training officer and equipment manager; works in Lake Louise in winter as an avalanche technician with the Lake Louise Ski Area. Will be on parental leave August and September. The department also lost Aaron Cameron to Lake Louise. Aaron has 12 years experience as a volunteer fire fighter between Field and Lake Louise. He’s also a millwright, which works well with fire fighting. Thank you Aaron for your contribution and commitment to Field Fire and Rescue. Doug Mostert and Dave Allen will be new Captains. Congratulations to our new firefighter, Sophie Cais who has completed required training. Officers are really helping Jamie out in his new assignment, and he appreciates the support.

Call Outs: Since the informal meeting on June 22, there have been two call outs. A cyclist was hit by a truck – the call required first aid and traffic control, then an MVA on the Big Hill just below the Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint that involved a long traffic delay. Total calls for year now at 34; average is around 50 to 60 calls per year.

Training: 2-day auto extrication techniques training done this year, Doug, Chris and Sierra completed Officer Training; one received highest score ever achieved in the program.

Equipment Update: Engine 1 was in Golden this year to fix emissions issue, now back in service. Rescue vehicle that was hit by the semi at a call out in October 2013 in rebuilding process; body and chassis work complete, now in lower mainland to be outfitted.

Canada Day was very successful. FFRD is convinced they won the water fight. Parents are asked to remind kids to pick up balloons along the parade route.

FIP: Dave Mitchell and Associates have assessed the hall, and expect a report soon. Looking for FIP funds to renovate or replace to bring it up to standard.

7. Highway Service Centre Report – Mike Vanderveen

Please stay out of the Ottertail Pit; it is being used by Okanagan Aggregates and other contractors this summer.

New recycle bin stickers to be installed.

Rumble strips have been installed on the new highway pavement.

Wendy: What is the formula? Rumble strips have been installed in some places but not in all.

Mike: Using the BC standard, no rumble strips at intersections; they are very noisy and there may have been a space issue along the curb drainage on the Big Hill.

Jeremy: Highway is awesome. We need lines painted on streets on approach and in town. Mike: That will happen soon. Next phase of this summer’s work will start when rock scalers show up on August 4. Work plan will be confirmed. Expect delays of 20 to 90 minutes at various times during the day for blasting. Communication plan will inform residents.

Craig: Why were rumble strips grooved in town? Rumble strips are very noisy.

Mike: Opportunity to have year round speed control. Speed bumps have been taken out.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.