Field Recreation and Advisory Association
Town Hall Meeting – Monday, June 18, 2018

1. FRAA Report

Passages

Congratulations to Talia Galligan and Chloe Lenstra who graduate from Golden Secondary School at the end of the month. Good work! All the best on your future adventures.

The community offers condolences to Paul, Karen and Esther Hagen and their families on the recent death of their wife, mother and grandmother, Gail Hagen. Gail was a frequent visitor to Field to spend time with her family and became a friend to many. She was lively! She loved her family.

Event Review

Farewell Potluck Supper for Matt, Julie, Liam and Noa, Mike and Debbie on May 10 was great! Both families have left town: Matt and Julie and kids are in Invermere now, settling into their new home. Mike and Deb are on the road in their RV, to explore North America for however long they want!

Spring Fling on June 3 was a barnburner. At one point I counted 97 people. Huge Thank You to DJ Flintaroo for incredible dance music that started at 9:00 and kept people on their feet and moving until 1:00 am, to our volunteer bar tenders (especially Ron Allen who served for the whole event) and to Steven Lay for getting the word out to and the bus here from Moraine Lake Lodge. Staff from Emerald Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Moraine Lake Lodge, Great Divide Lodge, Parks Canada, Yoho Trading Post, The Siding, and Truffle Pigs were out in force. Very fun event. We almost sold out of alcohol – only some wine and Proseco left in the fridge.

Just Breathe Yoga with Hayley Markel wound up for the spring session on June 13, 2018. Thank you Hayley for wonderful winter and spring seasons of Wednesday afternoon yoga. Looking forward to next winter!

Upcoming Events

Canada Day, Sunday July 1 will be action packed again this year with some added events. Rest up because you’ll need plenty of resources to participate in everything! Here’s the schedule of events:
8:30 -10:00 am Pancake Breakfast hosted by BC Ambulance Service
8:30 -10:00 am Pickleball Tournament – new!
11:00 am Parade hosted by FRAA
11:45 am Barbeque hosted by Field Fire and Rescue
12:45 pm Cake and Ice Cream
1:00 pm Anything Goes, Non-Motorized Boat Race
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friends and Family Bocce tournament
9:00 pm to 1:00 am Canada Day Dance with DJ Flintaroo – new!

We’ll have the usual contests: water balloon pick up, cake contest, best float. Details will be posted on the Bulletin Board (thanks for the clean-up there Paulina!) and our Facebook page. As always, The FRAA invites all local businesses and organizations to enter the parade. We hope to have another strong showing from the Golden/Field RCMP Detachment to lead the parade.

Quick note to all water fight participants: please use biodegradable balloons and take some time to pick up the carcasses (of water balloons!). Even though they disappear over time, it’s still the best idea to clean up after the event.

Field Summer Kicks, Thursday July 5. Wow! Flint has put together an evening of good music with six bands/entertainers: Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra; John Jenkins and Small Town Revival; Fifth Floor; Eric Laroque; Ricky Diamonds; and, Sean Burns. Poster is out – on the Bulletin Board and on Facebook. This event has prompted the FRAA to find out the Occupancy Load for the Community Hall. The number is based on 4 ft2 per person in addition to Exit capacity. Once we know the number, we’ll post it at the entrance to the Hall.

We’ll need volunteers to help set up, run the bar at both events and clean up during and after. Sign-up sheets will be circulated via the town e-mail list.

Programs

Pickleball is set up on one court, and will be set up on the second court as soon as the new net arrives, probably by late this week. The new net apparatus is similar to the original – the poles are held by water-filled plastic supports. They are really hardy and don’t get blown around by wind events.

HIIT continues Sunday, with Laura Penner, and Wednesday evenings, with volunteer leaders, at the Community Hall at 7:00 pm. Kathryn to check with Craig on progress of using the school for some FRAA programs.

Sunday Start-Up Yoga with Carly Bowers continues at the Community Hall Sunday mornings at 10 am, by donation.

Yoho Yoga with Cindy Kelly starts the summer session Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm through to Wednesday, August 29. Cost $12 per class or $90 for all nine.

Hall Rentals

Busy throughout June with lots of Parks Canada orientation/training programs. One rental so far in September with Rainbow Jaguar.

Church Update

Lot Survey estimate received from WSP, $2310 plus taxes. Project Proposal Acceptance signed and sent. Waiting for date work will be done.

Estimate for plans not yet received. Kathryn to follow up with designer.

In the meantime, the Church has been cleaned and is ready to receive visitors as the final stop on the Friends of Yoho Historic Walking Tours which start the first week in July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Thank you to the Fireweed Team who cleaned out the basement as well as cleaning the upstairs and making the yard look great. A few interesting items were found, including the collection plate and an unopened envelope with at least some change in it was still in the collection plate! It hasn’t been opened yet – that will be an event, something special.

Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada

Nothing to report. No meetings held since the last session on March 12. A Memorandum of Understanding template has been circulated with some draft details but it’s very broad and undefined at this point.

Currently, FRAA is working on points for updating the FRAA constitution so that process is underway.

Field Utility Board, June 13 2018

The FRAA submitted an agenda of items to discuss with Parks Canada:
Outstanding Items List to Review and discussion about Town Walk About;
Quarterly Reports;
Budget 2018/2019;
Timeline for repairs to broken retaining wall on Stephen Avenue by School;
Water seepage on Stephen Avenue at base of Emily’s Hill – Cause, Mitigation, and;
VE Strategy Planning Process – Representation from Field stakeholders not included until third and final meeting on June 13, 2018, the same day as FUB, so FRAA did not attend.

Parks Canada cancelled the meeting at 8:30 am June 13. We will work with Parks Canada to reschedule the meeting.

The May 29, 2018 Solid Waste Presentation was pretty interesting. Unfortunately, few people attended. Townsites indicated the presentation would be circulated to the town e-mail list and would leave it up to residents to indicate if they want to have a public presentation at a Town Hall Meeting in the future. It’s worth taking time to look at the information and make sure that your lease is properly billed for solid waste. Circumstances change and it may affect the rate you are charged for garbage disposal.

No spring bins this year. On track for 2019.

2. Treasurer’s Report

Files attached to distribution email.

3. Parks Canada Reports

Townsites – Elaine Lemieux
The missing Kicking Horse Avenue street sign has been replaced.

Parks Canada hired a qualified contractor to complete a tree assessment on the perimeter of Field and 24 trees were deemed hazardous around 2nd Ave. The trees will be fallen and removed from site starting tomorrow, June 19 from 10am until approximately 6pm. The project should be completed by the end of the day Wednesday. For safety measures the road will be closed to all traffic and no vehicles should be parked on it while the work is taking place.

Highway Service Centre – Michael Vanderveen
Some challenges experienced last year with blasting in the corridor west of Great Divide Lodge remedied by hiring a new contractor who seems to have a better grasp of controlling the amount of material that comes down. The new pavement west of Field will have new lines painted in the next week. Parks Canada staff will sweep up gravel left from highway repair work. Speed sign at Field intersection discussed. Historical records of accidents at the intersection show 14 incidents in 10 years and less than half are considered to be speed related. Highway engineers are not recommending a change to signs at this time.

Resource Conservation – from Dwight Bourdin
Elk collaring and monitoring project in Field area that will occur in winter 2018:
• With the potential future twining of the TCH through Field Flats we would like to gather data on elk movements to inform wildlife mitigations related habitat connectivity across the highway.
• Collar data from the 1980s indicates elk from the Field area historically migrated up the Yoho Valley in summer; however, no monitoring of elk movements has occurred since that time.
• Early this winter we will be collaring up to 10 elk from the Field area to monitor their movements before, during, and after the potential twinning project.
• The main objectives of the collaring project will be to
1) inform adaptive management and evidence-based mitigations, such as crossing structures and fencing and
2) monitor the success of mitigations in terms of maintaining established seasonal movement patterns.
Captures will likely occur in the immediate vicinity of Field. Residents and businesses will be informed of capture dates in advance. All capture and handling techniques will be pre-approved by the Parks Canada Animal Care Committee.

Visitor Experience – from Lee Smith
Emerald Lake Service level – Yoho Campgrounds has been doing compliance in the afternoons at Emerald Lake over the last 2 weeks. Evening shift has just started and will continue to spend some time out there each afternoon – generally between 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm. They assist visitors, answer questions, provide info, litter pick and help with parking. At 4:30 they do a full clean of the toilet buildings and empty the garbage.

VRC – Camping in parking lot – compliance, we are looking at overflow camping options for next season.

Kicking Horse Campground Update – In the process of tendering clean up contracts to remove debris and damaged assets. Damaged assets include the self registration kiosk and kitchen shelter. We are trying to assess the damage to the electrical system and water systems, but are trying to locate these in the avalanche deposit that is still frozen in. Public Safety hazard is the avalanche deposit on either side of the river, it is a straight drop to the river, similar to a cornice and is unsafe and will be challenging to manage if open. With the warm weather we are hoping the hazard will melt away.
Priority – Water and electrical to Monarch campground and septic dump.
Look at a possibility of partial opening in July depending on outcomes, but will be reassessed based on asset repairs and hazards.

O’hara paving update – Confirmed with Terry McGuire: Paving the approach to O’Hara road to parking, grading the parking lot and doing the final design this year

Traffic/Shuttle update from Brad Tataryn –

Yoho Traffic Update
No parking signs have been reinstalled on Emerald Lake Road.
An electronic message board will be located again this year (for July 1st) at the Field Access Road to warn of congestion.
No Parking signs were placed at Takakkaw Falls to allow buses to manoeuvre the first corner and alleviate roadside parking there.
Lake Louise Traffic Management Update
This season has started off very strong as far as visitation and demand for local shuttle services. Traffic and visitor numbers seem to be as always directly related to weather almost as much as the day of the week. Weekend traffic is still a bit higher than most weekdays but mid week traffic and shuttle usage is extremely high on favourable days.
Statistics show an increase of shuttle use over 2017.

4. Friends of Yoho Report – Brenda Selkirk
Doing super well this year!

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report
Fire Chief has been on vacation. Greg provided this report: There was one callout in the past month. There are some new members. Routine practises are held Tuesday nights 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm to maintain state of readiness.

6. Round Table
Get ready for Canada Day Celebrations on July 1 and Field Summer Kicks on July 5!!

Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm. Next Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 1.

In attendance: Kathryn & Ryan, Paulina, and Heather

Excused: Karen, Flint, Mike, Sonya, Greg and Sally

1. Review Meeting Calendar:

Town Hall Meeting – May 7, 2018

Next FRAA Board Meeting – June 4

Field Utility Board Meeting June 13 – Budget for 2018/2019
Trying to figure out the billing for the Community Hall. In the past we were charged a factor of .5 so our Solid Waste Bills were very small. Now paying a factor of 1. Over the next year we will keep track of how much garbage and cardboard we dispose of in the bins to determine an accurate factor.

Town Tall Meeting – June 18

Summer Break – Next FRAA Board meeting is scheduled for September 10. Kathryn requested that it to be moved to Tuesday, September 11, if everyone is in agreement.

2.Town Hall Meeting Agenda for May 7, 2018

Health and Wellness Presentation, Bonnie Brandt – Consequences and impact on the environment on the use of dryer sheets and alternatives

Life Kit Update – Craig Chapman, Community Paramedicine

Reports: FRAA,Treasurer, Parks Canada (Townsites, Highway Service Centre, Resource conservation, Visitor Experience), Friends of Yoho, Field Fire & Rescue

3. New Societies Act Registration:
Application was submitted on April 6, 2018.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Programs:

HIIT – Currently every Sunday. Laura Penner proposed adding Tuesday as an option, however a majority of participants are on the Field Fire Department and Tuesday evening conflicts with their Tuesday night Fire Practice. It was suggested that the HIIT participants work that out themselves.

Just Breathe Yoga – Starts up again Wednesday April 25 – Wednesday June 13

Sunday start up Yoga – Will resume when Carly Bowers gets back from 3 weeks vacation. TBD

Yoho Yoga – Cindy Kelly. Starts on end of June or early July and will go until end of August, possibly into the fall. Time will be 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Once Cindy knows the schedule a poster will be sent out to let everyone know.

Pickleball – We need a new net. Kathryn has been pricing out nets online with Amazon. Cost will be under $200.00. Will have to be authorized by the board first. An idea would be to have a pickleball game going on morning of Canada Day and to use some of our Canada Day Grant of $450 to purchase a new net.

Ultimate Frisbee – Put a call out to see if someone would be interested in organizing Ultimate Frisbee. Paulina will be putting up a notice on the Community Bulletin Board and on Field BC Classifieds page on Facebook.

7. Events:

Bunny Hop and Easter Potluck Brunch – April 2, 2018
Turnout – 5 kids at the Hop and 19 people at the Brunch. It’s a smaller event, but a favourite event for many so let’s keep it going. It was noted that the kids’ bags of treats should contain less chocolate/candy and more fun activity toys.

Farewell Potluck for Matt and Julie, Mike and Debbie – One Potluck for both families, Thursday May 10, 2018. Gift ideas discussed – Ryan to research. Cards will be Post Office on April 30, donations accepted. We’ll use the tip fund to pay the difference. This will be a smaller, community function and the liquor license will reflect that. Invitations will be sent out for this function.

Spring Fling – June 3, 2018

Heather & Paulina have volunteered to chair the Spring Fling! “Bring on Spring, let’s celebrate”! Will oversee: liquor license, liquor order, advertising; Community Bulletin Board, Town email list and social media, volunteers for the bar, someone to cook and sell hotdogs during the dance, decorations & props. *Secretary’s side note: Volunteers for after party Hall clean-up will be greatly appreciated as well :)*
Flint has agreed to be in charge of the music. DJ Flintaroo to the rescue! Yay Flint!
**Important note ** During our discussion of events involving liquor sales, Kathryn mentioned those who do not have SIR Certification, the FRAA will cover the cost for board members and community volunteers to take the course online. Heather and Paulina have said they are willing to take the course and will arrange with Sally when she returns from Australia.

Canada Day – July 1, 2018

Kathryn has volunteered to oversee the Canada Day events. Thank you Kathryn!

Pickleball game and Bocce Ball tournament. Pancake Breakfast, parade, face painting and a boat race are planned activities. Are we having a dance? Yes! Advertise on social media, put up posters. Indicate in all advertising any people travelling to attend our celebrations (i.e. from emerald Lake Lodge or Great Divide Lodge, or from Lake Louise) should have a DD. There will be Cake & ice cream and a cake contest. FRAA will be buying a cake as well. We discussed ideas for a prize for the winner of the best cake. A cake decorating set, cake pans, silicone oven mitts, cake turntable were ideas. A suggestion was made to give out prizes to the person(s) who pick up the most broken water balloons. 5 drink tickets for an adult(s) volunteer and a super soaker for kids.

8. 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, lot survey may be up to $5600.00. 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!

9. 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.

10. Financial Report & Hall Rentals:
Sally is in Australia until April 30 so no financial report.
Wednesday May 9th – Parks Canada has booked the Hall for the day.
Yoga Programs ongoing.
Sally to send all board members a copy of the Hall rental agreement.
Paulina has volunteered to help with Hall rentals.

11. Round Table:
Kathryn is going to send an email to Elaine regarding when the street sweeper will be in Field and the expected delivery of the garbage bins for 2018.

Sonya suggested we hold a community garage sale in June. Stayed tuned for details.

Condolences go out to the family & friends of the O’Connor family on their recent loss of Pat O’Conner.

The Vagina Monologues was a huge success. We sold 50 tickets resulting in the Golden women’s Resource Center receiving $450.00. Will we be hosting the Monologues again next year, in Field or perhaps in other locations like Lake Louise & Golden?

Ryan mentioned there is a male version of the monologues called Cocktails…maybe host this next year?

Another suggestion was in conjunction with the Arts Council, possibly have a Poetry reading featuring Canadian Poets. The Church would be the perfect setting. There are grants available through Canada Council for the Arts: canandacouncil.ca. Heather is going to do some research online for the grants available for community groups.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 pm.

In attendance: Kathryn Cameron, Sally Watson, Karen Schmidt, Mike LeGrice, Flint Palmer, Sonja Leenders, Heather Galligan.

Excused: Greg Dowman

1. Yoho Blow Recap – This year’s Yoho Blow went smoothly. A good time was had by all considering the weather!!

We were a week late advertising on social media.

Some dance tickets bought in advance, broke $800.00. Ticket sales paid for the band. However they brought more people, and more ended up staying because of the weather, which cost us more money for accommodation. Flint suggested that in the initial contact with the band, we let them know what accommodation we have available for them and that they are responsible for additional costs.

A suggestion was made for future Yoho Blows to not be held on the same weekend as Super Bowl. If we upgraded our Internet service at the Hall it would be possible to stream major events; it may distract participants from our main event. Also noted that BC Family Day has now been changed and will be on the same weekend as Alberta in the future.

Create a volunteer roster of people willing to commit to events. More assigning/recruiting than just tossing the net asking for help with bar shifts, clean-up. Make a list of specific duties for jobs that need to be done. More volunteers were needed. Big shout out to our regular volunteers. Agreed that we need to advertise by reaching out to the younger generation of Community members. Utilize the Community bulletin board, town email list as well as through social media, etc. Post sign up sheets for volunteers. Offer an incentive program to recruit volunteers such as free drink or burger etc. Kathryn suggested that all board members recruit one person.

We need designated recycling sites. There were numerous empty cans inside in the main hall, downstairs in the skate room, out on front porch as well as glass bottles that were found outside by the rink. Post a friendly reminder that the skate room is a family facility. Also indicate where alcoholic beverages are permitted. Another issue of concern was people sneaking in their own alcohol. Outside alcohol is absolutely not permitted. The liquor license for the Yoho Blow included inside the main floor of the hall, basement and front porch. Board members to continue to monitor and educate during future events. Kathryn suggested we post a gentle reminder that outside alcohol is not permitted; participants need to self-police.

2. New FRAA Meeting Calendar – was emailed to board members.

3. Grant Applications for Church – Two applications have been submitted: $10,000 from the Rural Dividend Fund and $10,000 from CSRD. If both are approved it gives us $20,000 to get going on a lot survey, engineered plans and project media/promotion. Plans for the church include raising up the structure, laying a foundation and building a full basement that will have a separate entrance, wheelchair accessible ramp from the street to the front of the church. Bathrooms will be also be installed. Some other ideas for the church include a Wedding Chapel with photo gardens, Wellness Centre, collaborating with the Banff Centre for Art, Live music, performances, and possibly workshops for end of life care.

4. Insurance – Invoices have been submitted to Parks Canada for payment. Coverage includes Community Hall replacement, Church, rink, cross country ski trails, events and board members’ liability. Does not include skateboarding. Sally to send out the hall rental form to board members so they can become familiar with form and the process.

5. Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada – A work in progress to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between FRAA and Parks Canada. Template is being sent out. Currently negotiating the current contribution agreement; it expires on March 31, 2018.

6. Societies Act Registration – We’re on track for the registration to be complete by the end of February.

7. Financial Report – Revenue from Yoho Blow was $4875.60 including recycling. No total on expenses. Still have to pay for band accommodation. Bar Inventory will be done.

8. Hall Clean-Up/Work Party – Sunday February 25 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

9. Upcoming Events, Winter Programs, Hall Rentals
Kathryn- Croco Curling as a possible new future event on the rink next winter?
Flint- We could make circles and put them on the ice. Kathryn also mentioned that we can buy the circles.

Just Breathe Yoga- Wednesday’s at 5:30 pm through April 11, 2018. Turnout is generally 3-7 people.

Sunday Start Up Yoga- Every Sunday morning in March from 10:00 am-11:00 am except for March 11. Carly to put a new poster on the Community Bulletin Board.

Tabata High Intensity Interval Training- Sunday’s at 7:00 pm. Laura is aware of policy for instructors to give 20% back to the FRAA.

Wedding Supper – Private Booking. March 9. The group is responsible for clean-up

Vagina Monologues – Saturday March 10. Sonya – Stage will be set up Wednesday February 21st at 3:00 pm. Rona had donated three 4 x 8 x ¾ inch pieces of plywood. The base will consist of approximately 27 milk cartons. Flint is helping with the lights. Volunteers needed for the bar and door. Sonya and Sam have taken care of all the decorations. Chinese lanterns will be hung above the stage for additional lighting and ambiance, as well as beautiful Jamie Fraser lamps on loan courtesy of Sam from the Siding. Fabric backdrop will be in red, purple and pink. Madonna has donated some sheets. Sonya is going to dye them. In addition Sonya is going to make a skirt for the stage. Banquet clips are needed to secure the skirt to the stage.
Liquor License- Sonya. Need to take bar inventory to see what we have and what is needed.
Post Hotel is donating flowers.
Tickets are printed and available for purchase at The Siding Cafe, Truffle Pigs, Golden Women’s Resource Centre.
Man’s Prayer- Sonya has asked a few local men, unfortunately no one has committed…yet!
Discussion about pot luck appetizers. Probably not.

Town Hall Meeting – Monday, March 12, 2018 7:00 pm Community Hall

Yoga – Private Booking. Erin April 13, 14 & 15
Steel Toe Stiletto – Private Booking. Jill June 1, 2, 3rd or June 8, 9, 10th
RDE Provincial Regional District Elections – Private Booking. October 20, 2018

Easter Bunny Hop and Potluck Brunch – Monday April 2. Still in need of volunteers to organize event.

Spring Fling – Sunday June 3

Canada Day – Sunday July 1: pancake breakfast, face painting, parade, bbq at the pond, boat race, family bocce tournament. Discussed hosting a dance event at the Hall with the possibility of having a band set up on the tennis courts. Hosting celebrations at the pond would require too much logistically with Insurance, liquor license etc. The rink would be a much more viable and safer venue. Entertainment would not be an issue as Flint has a large roster of Bands.

10. Kicking Horse Ski Club Yoho Challenge – Revenue $620.00, 40 participants signed up, it was a good turn out.

11. Volunteer Appreciation Event – Date and event location TBA

12. Round Table
Flint is donating a small chest freezer that will be put in the kids room.
Kids Room Update- Julie has given the keys to Charisse and she has sent in the application to the ECHD.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 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