Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting and Annual General Meeting November 6, 2017

Field Recreation Advisory Association (FRAA)
Town Hall Meeting and Annual General Meeting
November 6, 2017

In Attendance: Elaine Lemieux, Marthe Boissonnault, Dave Selkirk, Brenda Selkirk, Deb Bancroft, Helen Barry, Sonya Leenders, Jeff Lahti, Bruce Bembridge, Marilyn Toulouse, Miles Dickenson, Jen Coffman, Darren, Paulina, Greg Dowman, Michelle Mausolf, Pauline Boisier, Doug Mostert, Dave Allen, Flint Palmer, Katja, Brian Pineau, Richard Dupuis, Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron, Caitlin Cameron, Axel Cameron

Excused: Mike LeGrice, Christine Lynn, Karen Schmidt, Sophie Cais

Welcome to the Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting and Annual General Meeting. Thank you for all the delicious food served at the potluck supper this evening.

1. Presentation: Parks Canada Agency Acting Visitor Experience Manager Richard Dupuis

Parks Canada Agency Visitor Experience has had a very full 2017 to date. There was a one-time infusion of funding to hire more staff for the Canada 150 celebrations. General overall assessment that staff numbers and resources were actually what to aspire to in future operations, and the request has been made to increase funding. Traffic program was successful, at a cost of $3 million. Learned a great deal about managing visitors and vehicles in the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake region. Niblock Gate staff sold Parks Canada merchandise on Lake Louise shoreline and at Emerald Lake; very successful from Parks Canada perspective. At the end of 2017, the Lake Louise Visitor Centre will remain open 7 days per week. Parks Canada will close the Field Visitor Centre, effective January 1, 2018, until May 1, as specified in the medium-use park designation applied after Budget 2012. Understands that this is not the news residents of Field want to hear. The Management Team based the decision on what they feel are the best use of available resources. As before, the washrooms will be open 24 hours per day. Friends of Yoho have not decided if they will operate during the winter as they have in past years. Also recommended by Friends of Yoho that in the future Field Visitor Centre be open from April 1 through October 31, rather than current open season of May 1 through Thanksgiving. Concurrence from residents at the meeting that having Field Visitor Centre open in the winter is important to visitors and residents, and that is the announcement we want to hear, sooner rather than later. No support expressed for Parks Canada’s decision, but appreciated Richard delivering the announcement in person.

2. FRAA Annual Report: Operating Year August 6, 2016 to August 5, 2017

August 2016
• Transport Canada communicates that either CP Rail or Parks Canada can apply for whistle cessation. “There is a requirement in law that all trains passing over any public railway crossing to sound a CROR 14L (long, long, short, long), four blasts in total.” After years of relatively quiet train approaches to the crossing, announced by bell rings, Transport Canada designated the Field crossing a public rather than private crossing, and advised CP Rail to follow laws governing public crossings. Townsite Manager Ellen Francis advised residents to contact her if they wanted to have train whistles stopped; she wouldn’t initiate the process unless there was overall dissatisfaction with the new regime. We still have the four blasts.

September 2016
• Installed new bar fridge, courtesy of Coca Cola Company, and a new kitchen fridge, courtesy of a donation from the Friends of Yoho.
• Grant to install an electric car charging station in Field was not successful.
• EastLink Satellite Television service terminated and all equipment removed.
• Coffee with Council attended by two residents.
• Solid Waste costs under review. Residents advised to compare current bill to previous bills.

October 2016
• Town Walk About to identify maintenance needs in community infrastructure
• Parks Canada Agency (PCA) Assets Manager reports that the dewatering project on Mt. Dennis as part of the Slope Stabilization Project is going well
• Letter from Diocese of Nelson reports that proposed sale of Catholic Church to a local resident was not successful and the Diocese would apply to PCA for a demolition permit to remove the structure and surrender the lease.
• Board of Directors move to follow the FRAA constitution as it exists, recognizing need to update the document.

November 2016
• FRAA approached the Diocese of Nelson about future of Catholic Church in Field, to see if the Diocese would consider gifting the church to the community.
• PCA announces it will not support fireworks Restricted Activity Permits from the FRAA for New Years Eve, Yoho Blow or Canada Day events.
• New Board of Directors elected by acclamation November 14, 2016.

December 2016
• Christmas Concert at the school raised $380 and two boxes of donated food for the Golden Food Bank, and revealed the amazing ballet expertise of our own very accomplished Field Fire and Rescue Department.
• Skate with Santa and Christmas Pot Luck Supper was a huge success.
• Kicking Horse Ski Club (KHSC) hosted a very fun New Years Eve Ski at Emerald Lake.

January 2017
• KHSC hosted a Full Moon Ski on the Kicking Horse Trail.
• FRAA hosted a Pizza and Movie Night for kids.
• Coffee with Member of Parliament Wayne Stetski to discuss residents’ concerns.

February 2017
• FRAA 40th Anniversary Yoho Blow February 3 – 5; major fun. We still have lots of t-shirts to sell!
• KHSC full Moon Ski February 9.
• KHSC 30th Anniversary celebration at Emerald Lake Lodge February 16.
• Updated Societies Act workshop in golden on February 23.

March 2017
• Volunteer Thank You Night at High Rollers 10-pin bowling, March 10.
• KHSC Skate Ski Workshop for members March 12 on Great Divide Trail.
• FRAA and Diocese of Nelson agree to transfer of Field Catholic Church lease and building to the FRAA.
• Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Non Profit Advisor meets with FRAA Board members to do assessment of organization, and produce recommendations.
• Facilitated Meeting with PCA

April 2017
• FRAA Easter Brunch and Bunny Hop event

May 2017
• BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) launched the Community Paramedicine Initiative which includes service to the community of Field.
• Josephina born to Yanna and Frank.
• Received BC Societies Act update transition package.
• RCMP conduct a Service Evaluation interview with FRAA to assess RCMP role in community.
• Doug Clovechok wins BC Provincial Election for Riding of Columbia River-Revelstoke to become our new MLA.
• FRAA hosts Spring Fling on May 28 – great welcome to summer staff!
• Highway Twinning Open House on May 31 – first opportunity to comment on plans.
• Spring bins

June 2017
• Town Walkabout
• Solstice Yoga Retreat hosted by FRAA cancelled due to family commitments by instructor and participants.
• Yoho Yoga offered for summer season, June 28 through August 30 with Cindy Kelly.
• AED installed at Truffle Pigs; joint purchase by Field Fire and Rescue Department (FFRD) and FRAA – we haven’t received an invoice yet for our share of the cost. Training for staff provided by BCAS Community Paramedicine Program.

July 2017
• Canada Day 2017 – lots of fun with a full day of events. Multiple hosts: BCAS, FRAA, FFRD with pancake breakfast, parade, barbeque, cake contest, ice cream, boat race, bocce tournament.
• Human Bowling Equipment moved to Golden.
• Estelle born to Mike and Charise.

In this time frame, Board Members also attended 7 FRAA Board of Directors Meetings, 6 Town Hall Meetings, and, 4 Field Utility Board and Liaison Meetings with PCA.

Field is pretty dynamic and the 2016/2017 operating year for the FRAA demonstrated a year of transition. Two new babies were welcomed to families in Field. Houses sold and new people moved in from out of town and out of province. Welcome! Long-time residents moved away to pursue their own dreams and we wish them all the best, but will miss them and the many ways they enriched our community. Leaseholders seriously invested in their properties this summer.
What’s happening in the future? Changes are happening before our eyes with the demolition of two buildings in the past two weeks – the duplex and the Dollhouse – and plans for Parks Canada Agency to build staff accommodation on those lots starting in the spring of 2018. The FRAA will start work on the Catholic Church, a big initiative for our organization that will contribute to economic stability in the community. It’s a risk, but we’re in! We will register under the new Societies Act and update our constitution with input from residents. We will negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada to guide us in our relationship over time and the inevitable changes in people who act on behalf of each organization. And we’ll sponsor events and activities. Honestly, it’s exciting!

Thank you to the 2016/2017 FRAA Board Members Katherine MacNeill, Sophie Cais, Krista Callen, Christine Lynn, Sally Watson, Mike Le Grice, Caitlin Cameron, Claudia Harding, Kathryn Cameron, Desneige Meyer, Jen Coffman, and Karen Schmidt for your hard work, ideas, decorating, cooking, cleaning, dancing and care for our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who support the FRAA setting up for events, running the bar, making music, making ice, donating pickleball nets, cleaning up and doing maintenance on the Community Hall. Thank you to Parks Canada for the Contribution Agreement Honorarium and paying for insurance.

3. Treasurer’s Reports – Sally Watson
Files attached to distribution email list: Annual Financial Statement August 6, 2016 to August 5, 2017, financial Statement November 3, 2017 and Statement of Accounts as of November 6, 2017.

Motion by Jen Coffman to accept Financial Reports as presented. Seconded by Kathryn Cameron.

4. Friends of Yoho – Helen Barry
The Friends of Yoho will celebrate their 30th Anniversary on Friday, November 17 at Truffle Pigs Bistro with a silent auction and supper. Memberships available at the door. General Manager Deb Bancroft will retire at the end of April 2018. Brenda Selkirk has been hired as the new General Manager.

5. Field Fire and Rescue Department (FFRD) – Dave Allen
FFRD held their Annual General Meeting two weeks ago. Election results: Michael Furfaro was elected to position of Fire Chief, Patrick Cais as Deputy Chief, Dave Allen and Doug Mostert as Captains, Miles Dickenson as Training Officer, Chris Allen as Equipment Officer, Pauline Boisier as President of the Society and Sophie Cais as Secretary.

Patrick Cais will continue as Acting Fire Chief until Michael Furfaro fulfills his term of service with the Canadian Armed Forces in early December 2017 and moves back to Field full-time.

The Department responded to 72 calls outs in the past year. August 2017, with 14 call outs, was the busiest month in the history of FFRD.

FFRD had another successful training year on site at weekly meetings and by attending courses offered by Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). Deputy Chief Patrick Cais is working with BC Emergency Services on the First Responder Program. 10 to 12 members have completed the training and member Maggie Fields will complete Train the Trainer in order to offer the training here in the future.

FFRD contract with Parks Canada has been amended to allow the department to buy food for responders when they are on lengthy call-outs.

The Canada Day Barbeque raised $1600. All food was donated by Emerald Lake Lodge.

The Emergency Services Ball held at Emerald Lake Lodge in the spring raised money for STARS Air Ambulance and local Emergency Services. The funds donated to FFRD were used to help pay for the AED installed at Truffle Pigs. With the money raised on Canada Day, FFRD decided to fully fund the AED and won’t invoice the FRAA.

6. Round Table
No questions or information shared.

7. Election of New Board of Directors
Our Constitution states that we must have a minimum of five members to continue operating as a Society in the Province of British Columbia. There were nomination papers submitted for the following people: Flint Palmer, Greg Dowman, Michael Le Grice, Kathryn Cameron, Sally Watson, Karen Schmidt, Sonya Leenders.

All were acclaimed Board Members for the 2017/2018 operating year of the Field Recreation Advisory Association. Welcome new Board of Directors!

8. Upcoming Events
Happy Hour Yoga will continue at the Community Hall on Wednesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm through to December 13, break for Christmas then resume in January.

Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm.

FRAA Board Meeting October 23, 2017

Field Recreation Advisory Association (FRAA)
Minutes: Board Meeting October 23, 2017

In Attendance: Christine Lynn, Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron
Excused: Mike LeGrice, Jen Coffman, Caitlin Cameron, Karen Schmidt, Sophie Cais

1. Community Hall Rentals: Truffle Pigs staff training October 24; Parks Canada Agency (PCA) Townsite Managers October 25; Yoga workshop weekend of October 28.

2. Happy Hour Yoga: Originally scheduled to end October 25, but will continue through November on Wednesdays, November 2, 9,16, 23 and 30 from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. Cost: $12 per class. Instructor: Alana Jung.

3. Catholic Church Update: Paperwork from Diocese of Nelson received by Ewan and McKenzie, Barristers and Solicitors, acting on behalf of FRAA. Signing scheduled for November 1, 2017. Signed paperwork then goes to Parks Canada Agency for approval and lease assignment. In discussion with Johnson Meier Insurance on insuring building once the FRAA is confirmed by PCA as leaseholder and owner of the building.

4. Solid Waste Cost Calculation and Billing Process: Discussed at Field Utility Board Meeting on October 11, 2017. Townsite Manager Marthe Boissonault working on the file. Invoicing expected to be more detailed and relevant. Plans to send out letter on factors for each user. Highways costs have not been updated for several years. The process is currently in a correction phase to meet cost recovery. Billing not expected to be retroactive. Once proper factors are established for each user type then the outcome should be back on track.

5. Hall Maintenance: Need to repair broken shelves in kitchen, replace or repair broken windows in change room and replace damaged shingles on outside shed. Kathryn will talk to Hipi Construction about doing the work.

Kathryn and Christine plan to clean and organize our storage room downstairs the week of November 6.

6. Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada Agency: Most recent session held the afternoon of October 23, 2017. Positive process.

7. Yoho Blow February 2, 3 & 4, 2018: Pick Ups interested in playing at the dance Saturday night. Sally to get details on cost, accommodation, etc. No new products this year; we’ll sell the items we have in stock from previous events. Agreed on a noon start for events on Sunday.

9. Honorarium: Agreed to donate the honorarium to the organization this year.

10. New Stoves: Sally to measure available space to confirm two 4-burner residential Blue Star gas ranges will fit, and research price for purchase, delivery and installation. Agreed to use the rest of the Friends of Yoho donation and tip money to purchase the stoves. We want to install them soon.

11. Upcoming Events:
FRAA Annual General Meeting on Monday, November 6. 2017 at Field Community Hall
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Pot Luck Supper starts at 6:00 pm
Coffee, tea and punch provided
Meeting at 7:00 pm
Agenda
FRAA Annual Report
Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial Statements
Parks Canada Agency Report
Friends of Yoho Report
Field Fire and Rescue Report
Election of Board of Directors

Note: We need a minimum of five people to be on the Board of Directors. So far, we have two nominations. Nomination forms are at the Post Office. We have a great community, and it’s fun to serve on the Board. If you have any questions about time commitment and participation as a Board Member, please contact Sally Watson at 250-343-6354 or Kathryn Cameron at 250-343-6065, or stop us on the street! In the next year we have events to plan, renovations on the Catholic Church to plan and implement, grant applications to submit, continue to work with PCA through facilitated meetings to develop a Memorandum of Understanding, Societies Act registration to complete and constitution updates to agree on and submit. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year for the FRAA.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting October 2, 2017

Field Recreation and Advisory Association
Town Hall Meeting – Monday October 2, 2017

In attendance: Lloyd Lafrance, Sophie Cais, Karla Gaffney, Brenda Selkirk, Dave Selkirk, Helen Barry, Ryan Cameron, Lorraine Zirke, Bill, Travis Moir, Marthe Boissonnault, Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron

1. FRAA Report
Summer Recap:
• Hall flowers: Thanks for making and maintaining the Community Hall flower baskets and planters Sally. Beautiful job. We still owe Kim for the flowers she supplied. Sally to ask for invoice and pay the bill. Generally, plants cost around $200 annually. Daily watering and deadheading is a volunteer job.
• Canada Day: Major fun event as always! Torah and her family, Thomas and Axel won Super Soakers for the Water Balloon Pick-up Contest. Great job! They filled two grocery bags with spent water balloons.
• Moving On: From the FRAA Board, Desneige and Beckett have moved to Winnipeg, Claudia, Jamie, Mikayla and Sebastian have moved to Kelowna, Krista and Mr. Nixon have moved to Donald, and Kat and Jeff plan to stay in Nova Scotia. Alex, Shelley and Jack have moved to Invermere. Alex, Carmen and Alasdair have moved to Nova Scotia. Susan and Forrest have moved to Vancouver. Jim has moved to Vancouver. Thanks to all of you for your community contributions. We miss you! All the best in your new pursuits. Welcome to the two new families who have moved to Field.
• Honorarium: Discussion on donating honorarium to FRAA operating account this year. Board to make decision at next meeting.
• Leasehold improvements: Lots of work in the village this summer – landscaping, painting, drainage mitigation. Looks great.
• Welcome Estelle: Congratulations Mike and Charisse!
• Hall Rentals: Columbia Shuswap Regional District Trails Consultation; Rainbow Jaguar; Leo Keefer Wedding. Two Yoga Retreats cancelled at start of summer due to low registration and family commitments.
• Yoho Yoga: Instructor Cindy Kelly. June 28 through August 30, nine sessions. Started strong with 14, 7 stalwarts by end of summer.
• Human Bowling equipment has moved to Golden.

Fall programs: Ideas or suggestions? Please talk to one of the Board members.
• Happy Hour Yoga: Instructor Alana Jung. Started Wednesday, September 13 through October 25 (no class October 11). Poster circulated and displayed on bulletin board, entered on Calendar of Events on our website www.fieldbc.ca.

Hall Maintenance: Walk around didn’t happen, but we have identified items that need attention, specifically: shingles to be replaced on the roof of the Kubota shed, repair broken window in the change room, divots to repair in the rink surface and pickleball to pack away for winter. Parents, please let your kids know the shed roofs are out of bounds.

Transition to New Societies Act: Winter project. We have until November 2018 to complete the process.

Constitution Update: Winter project. Discussed holding a community consultation event to gather ideas. We’re in a time of transition. People are moving out of the community, and people are moving into the community. Dynamic situation. Board feels it would be really valuable to get input on what roles residents want the FRAA to fill.

BC Hydro Power Outages and the Emergency Storage Facility: Hot, dry, windy weather, extreme fire danger and CPR work on a long siding to accommodate extra long trains were big factors in the number of outages we had this summer. The Energy Storage Facility, BC Hydro’s pilot project battery back-up system based at Boulder Creek Compound, failed to initiate and required system upgrades. BC Hydro says it’s online now.

Solid Waste Cost Calculation and Billing Process: This is a closed system. If there are errors in one account, then chances are there are errors in the whole system. Parks Canada needs to follow legislated guidelines and ensure that the complete process is transparent. Specifically, volume values for each leasehold and annual operating costs are to be communicated every year after March 31. We hope to have discussion about solid waste costs and billing at the next Field Utility Board Meeting, moved from September 11 to October 19.

Catholic Church: The FRAA has asked lawyer Bruce Mackenzie to act for us on the Lease Assignment. We have agreed to purchase the building for $10 so the Catholic Church doesn’t lose its Charitable Organization status. Bruce has received the paperwork. He’ll let us know when it’s time to sign. Board is discussing next steps re: ideas, plans, grant applications and development timeline.

Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada: Next meeting tentatively scheduled for October 23, 2017. Parks Canada has conducted a national review of Townsite Operations in the five National Park municipalities. The evaluation report and a related evaluation summary can now be found on Parks Canada’s website.

Invitation to MLA and MP to attend a Town Hall Meeting: Board discussed options. Both have hosted community coffee events to discuss issues and concerns with minimal turnout at each event. What is the best venue? Tabled to next FRAA Board Meeting. Please talk to a Board member if you have ideas or suggestions.

Annual General Meeting: November 6, 2017 is also the next Town Hall Meeting. Plan to have a community potluck supper, starting at 6:00 pm followed by the Town Hall Meeting, AGM and election at 7:00 pm.

Yoho Blow 2018: Tentatively scheduled for February 2, 3 and 4, Groundhog Day theme. Sally to ask ‘Pick Ups’ if they’re interested in playing for the dance.

2. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson
Please see financial report attached to the distribution email. Motion by Sophie to approve financial report as presented; seconded by Kathryn.

3. Parks Canada Reports
Townsite Manager – Marthe Boissonnault (Presenting reports from all departments)

Introduced Travis Moir, Compliance and Business Liaison Officer. Please contact Travis for townsite questions not related to lease or license of occupation: travis.moir@pc.gc.ca, 403-522-1266.

Elaine Lemieux returned to her position of Realty and Municipal Officer for Field townsite in mid-July: elaine.lemieux@pc.gc.ca, 250-343-6016.

The Lake Louise Emergency Management Draft Plan has gone to stakeholders for review. Once complete, the Field Emergency Management Plan will be updated.

Landscaping Contract was rewritten to include Parks Canada properties not currently occupied, to ensure maintenance during the summer season.

Visitor Experience Manager has been asked if Field Visitor Centre will be open for the winter season after December 31, 2017. Once a decision is made it will be communicated to residents.

Parks Canada Staff Accommodation in Field: Demolition contract to be awarded October 3, 2017 for removal of the duplex at 207 Kicking Avenue and the Doll House at 101 – 1st Avenue. Heavy equipment will be used, and work will be done during daytime. Construction of staff housing at both addresses will start in the spring of 2018. Two Boulder Creek Bunkhouse options are under consideration: fix existing structure or demolish and build new structure.

BC Hydro has contacted Parks Canada to discuss burying the power line from the park gate to Field when highway-twinning construction happens. Cathedral Mountain Lodge owners have expressed interest in having the power line go to their property from Field when highway twinning to the east happens. Residents suggested it would be an opportunity to power Kicking Horse Campground as well. Marthe suggested any questions residents have about the BC Hydro proposal be directed to BC Hydro.

Mt. Dennis Slope Stabilisation Project Update – Submitted by Dave Allen:
PCA has retained Tetra Tech since 2014 as the consulting firm on this project and have been working together since December 2016 to produce mitigation plans for the townsite of Field. This came after an updated report was issued by Tetra Tech to address the concern of debris flows within the Stephen Creek drainage system. This included updated information following an eight-month survey monitoring program and geophysical investigation. This report was sent to town council earlier in 2017.
Tetra Tech continues to perform modelling and debris flow analysis in order to quantify the extent of any local townsite mitigations. PCA expects preliminary options to be presented by Tetra Tech in November 2017 in anticipation for tentative implementation of mitigation options for the 2018 construction season. Tetra Tech also continues to monitor the slope with quarterly surveys (next one is mid-October).
David Allen joined three Tetra Tech geoscientists on a site visit late September. These members were also involved in early stages of this project when the issue was first addressed. Updated photos and findings were noted.
Anticipated questions:

1) What kind of mitigation measures might we see in Field?
Things like berming and reinforcing the town side creek bank by means of rip-rap (rock), concrete wall or lock block, and relocating/readjusting the cemetery road bridge to increase the freeboard or clearance. Other measures could include an overflow bypass on the east side of the cemetery road bridge.

2) What kind of movement on the slope was seen since the report?
The monitoring program surveys have show that the movement continues at the same rates according to the survey. Nothing has stood out in the data that has alarmed the Tetra Tech engineers.

3) What about all the trees that have fallen over on-site?
As the slope continues to creep, debris will be washed away by the creek. The slope creek and collapse of the “head scarp“ is expected and has been included in the survey data as well as updated photos sent to Tetra Tech.

4) What about maintenance to the drainage pipeline?
Parks Canada Agency continues to regularly inspect and maintain the pipeline structure. Plans are in place for this fall to complete a few housekeeping items this fall such as clearing fallen tree debris as well as patching a leak found spring 2017.

4. Friends of Yoho
It was a busy summer with Historic Walking tours twice a week from July through September, two Canada 150 Hot Dog Barbeques and two sidewalk sales at Field Visitor Centre, and A Muse Troupe’s presentation about the Kicking Horse River at Kicking Horse Campground in August. Canadian Heritage Rivers System video was a big hit! There wasn’t enough interest to have the History of the CPR weekend program this year. The ever-popular S’Mores night at Kicking Horse Campground was cancelled because of the campfire ban. Annual Pasta Supper and Silent Auction scheduled for November 17, 2017. General Manager Deb Bancroft plans to retire in April; the job will be posted.

5. Field Fire and Rescue
FFRD had its busiest summer to date with 22 call outs in July and August. Jamie Harbottle resigned as Chief to move to Kelowna for school. Patrick Cais, Deputy Chief, has taken on role of Chief until elections are held in three weeks. Captains are Doug Mostert, Dave Allen and Chris Allen. Miles Dickenson is the Engineer. One new member has completed his initial training and been issued a pager: Jerry Renaud. Congratulations Jerry! Field Fire and Rescue has an excellent, ongoing training program. New members are welcome. Meetings are held every Tuesday, 7:00 pm at the Fire Hall.

6. Round Table

Karla Gaffney: CP’s construction project to extend the Ottertail siding is almost complete. The siding will be commissioned next week. It will accommodate trains up to 14,000’ in length. Tracks in the Field yard can accommodate up to 7,000’ trains, but there are often 9,000’ and 10,000’ trains that pass through Field. The longer siding at Ottertail expected to alleviate congestion and long wait times at the crossing into Field.

Sally Watson: Thank you to Paulina Silva for the excellent work she does to clean the hall, and make sure it’s ready for the next booking.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

FRAA Board Meeting September 11, 2017

FRAA Board Meeting September 11, 2017

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Christine Lynn, Kathryn Cameron
Excused: Mike Le Grice, Jen Coffman, Krista Callen, Sophie Cais, Caitlin Cameron, Karen Schmidt, Desneige Meyer, Claudia Harding, Kat MacNeill

1. Summer Recap:
• Hall flowers: Thanks for making and maintaining the Community Hall flower baskets and planters Sally. Beautiful job. We still owe Kim for the flowers she supplied. Sally to ask for invoice and pay the bill. Generally, plants cost around $200 annually. Daily watering and deadheading is a volunteer job.
• Canada Day: Major fun event as always! Torah and her family, Thomas and Axel won Super Soakers for the Water Balloon Pick-up Contest. Great job! They filled two grocery bags with spent water balloons.
• Moving On: Desneige has moved to Winnipeg, Claudia has moved to Kelowna, Krista has moved to Donald, and Kat plans to stay in Nova Scotia. Thanks to all of you for your community contributions. We miss you! All the best in your new pursuits.
• Honorarium: Discussion on donating honorarium to FRAA operating account this year. Board to make decision at next meeting.
• Leasehold improvements: Lots of work in the village this summer – landscaping, painting, drainage mitigation. Looks great.
• Welcome Estelle: Congratulations Mike and Charisse!
• Hall Rentals: Columbia Shuswap Regional District Trails Consultation; Rainbow Jaguar; Leo Keefer Wedding. Two Yoga Retreats cancelled at start of summer due to low registration and family commitments.
• Yoho Yoga: Instructor Cindy Kelly. June 28 through August 30, nine sessions. Started strong with 14, 7 stalwarts by end of summer.
• Human Bowling equipment has moved to Golden.

2. Fall programs: Ideas or suggestions? Please talk to one of the Board members.
• Happy Hour Yoga: Instructor Alana Jung. Starts This Wednesday, September 13 through October 25 (no class October 10). Poster circulated and displayed on bulletin board, entered on Calendar of Events on our website www.fieldbc.ca.

3. Hall Maintenance: What needs to be done? Walk around to develop work plan Monday, September 18, 7:30 pm at the Community Hall. This is an opportunity for residents to have a tour of the facility, see what we offer and a great way to get involved in our organization.

4. Transition to New Societies Act: Winter project. We have until November 2018 to complete the process.

5. Constitution Update: Winter project. Discussed holding a community consultation event to gather ideas. We’re in a time of transition. People are moving out of the community, and people are moving into the community. Dynamic situation. Board feels it would be really valuable to get input on what roles residents want the FRAA to fill.

6. BC Hydro Power Outages and the Emergency Storage Facility: Hot, dry, windy weather, extreme fire danger and CPR work on a long siding to accommodate extra long trains were big factors in the number of outages we had this summer. The Energy Storage Facility, BC Hydro’s pilot project battery back-up system based at Boulder Creek Compound, failed to initiate and required system upgrades. BC Hydro says it’s online now.

7. Solid Waste Cost Calculation and Billing Process: This is a closed system. If there are errors in one account, then chances are there are errors in the whole system. Parks Canada needs to follow legislated guidelines and ensure that the complete process is transparent. Specifically, volume values for each leasehold and annual operating costs are to be communicated every year after March 31. Here’s some background information.
Link to the legislation:
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/SOR-80-217.pdf

The sections pertaining to the calculation of garbage rates in Yoho are:
Section 12, Subsection 1, under FEES
Section 14, Subsection 1, under FEES

Specifically:
12(1) Every owner of a lot located in Banff National
Park of Canada, Yoho National Park of Canada or Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada shall pay the garbage collection and disposal charge determined by the formula A × B/12 × C/D where
A, is the aggregate of the *volume values of the units on
the lot,
B, is the number of months in the year during which the
owner is permitted to occupy the lot under the lease,
permit or licence of occupation for that lot,
C, is the *total operating and maintenance cost incurred
in respect of the park, and
D, is the *total volume value for the park.

*Volume value – Means the numerical value assigned to a unit in a park, determined by comparing the estimated volume of garbage that the unit will generate annually to that generated by a building that has been established as
the benchmark of one volume value for that park

*Total volume value – In respect of a park or service area, means the aggregate of the lot volume values for all lots in that park or service area that receive garbage collection
and disposal services

*Total operating and maintenance costs – means the annual operating and maintenance costs incurred in respect of a park to collect and dispose of garbage generated by owners of lots in the park.

14 (1) For the purposes of subsection 12(1), the superintendent of each park referred to in that subsection shall, on March 31 of each year, provide each owner of a lot in that park with
(a) the lot volume value for the lot;
(b) the volume value for each unit on the lot;
(c) the total operating and maintenance cost incurred in respect of the park; and
(d) the total volume value for the park.

8. Catholic Church: The Diocese of Nelson is working with Parks Canada to get the paperwork done. The FRAA has asked lawyer Bruce Mackenzie to act for us on the Lease Assignment. We have agreed to purchase the building for $10 so the Catholic Church doesn’t lose its Charitable Organization status. Board is discussing next steps re: ideas, grant applications and development timeline.

9. Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada: Next meeting tentatively scheduled for October 23, 2017.

10. Invitation to MLA and MP to attend a Town Hall Meeting: Board discussed options. Both have hosted community coffee events to discuss issues and concerns with minimal turnout at each event. What is the best venue? Tabled to next FRAA Board Meeting. Please talk to a Board member if you have ideas or suggestions.

11. Upcoming Events:

FUB Agenda (Meeting Wednesday, October 11, 2017)
Solid Waste Calculation and Billing Process
Catholic Church lease transfer
Field Visitor Centre in winter 2017/18 – What are Parks Canada’s plans?
FII Staff Accommodation in Field – Update on project: when will work start?
Highway twinning and burying the power line – discussion
Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization Project – update

Town Hall Meeting Agenda (Monday, October 2, 2017)
FRAA Report
Treasurer’s Report
Parks Canada Reports
Townsite Manager
Visitor Experience Manager
Resource Conservation
Highway Service Centre Manager
Friends of Yoho
Field Fire and Rescue
Round Table

Yoho Blow 2018: Tentatively scheduled for February 2, 3 and 4, Groundhog Day theme. Sally to ask ‘Pick Ups’ if they’re interested in playing for the dance.

Field Town Hall Meeting June 26, 2017

Field Recreation and Advisory Association
Town Hall Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Claudia Harding, Desneige Meyer, Kathryn Cameron, Marthe Boissonnault, Mike Vanderveen, John Schlichting, Helen Barry, Ginette Therrien, Sonja Jakubec

1. Presentation: “Nature Teaches Us to Grieve” with Dr. Sonya Jakubec

More evidence is becoming known about how natural environments impact both our physical and spiritual well-being. Little is known, however, about the place of parks and nature at end-of-life, or the impact of parks and nature on quality of life during palliative care or bereavement experiences.

A 2015 study aimed to develop a better understanding of people’s (including those at end-of-life, caregivers and those experiencing grief) beliefs and experiences about the connection of parks and nature at end-of-life. The study combined an initial online survey (n=118) and narrative research process, whereby a subgroup of participants (n=15) were interviewed in an open-ended story-telling approach.

Analysis focused on the meaning of people’s stories and narratives using concepts derived from ecopsychology theory concerned with nature connection, individual wellness and social/earth justice.

Over 80% believed that visiting a park or natural place is worth the risk involved and over 90% expressed that they personally would like to have end-of-life experiences in parks and nature.
The narrative process uncovered three dominant themes: 1. Death brings people to parks and nature, 2. Nature teaches people to grieve, and 3. Parks and nature reveal death and life.

Animal companions, observing the cycles of natural decay and renewal, and observations of nature as something bigger than death were emphasized. These discoveries will help develop the foundations for policy and practice within parks and health sectors that promote access and enjoyment of parks and nature for people during end-of-life experiences.

2. FRAA Report – Kathryn Cameron

Congratulations to Jordy Chapman, Field’s 2017 Grad at Golden Secondary School! Great accomplishment Jordy. We’re very proud of you.

Eau Canada! Wow! Cool project. The Kicking Horse River is back in British Columbia. Thank you Friends of Yoho! Check it out on YouTube: Eau Canada! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQbRyT-1sVM

Spring Fling on May 28 was a lot of fun! Between 70 and 80 people danced and danced. Great music by DJ Flintaroo, non-stop from 9:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Thanks once again Flint for providing dance music as an FRAA event at no charge. You rock! We served food at midnight – hot dogs; they were delicious. We have some left over for the next event. Recommended that we delay the start until 9:30 next year.

TransCanada Highway Twinning Open House on May 31 was pretty interesting. Good response. Lots of concepts presented, good discussion. Looking forward to funding announcement.

Litter Pick was June 14. Good turnout. Always some interesting finds during the exercise. This year someone found a basketball.

Town Walkabout and Field Utility Board (FUB) were rescheduled to June 21. Craig Chapman, Hollie Tataryn, Dana Williamson and I attended the Town Walkabout. We spent an hour and a half walking the village and identifying hazards and maintenance items to be taken care of. We have a list of 47 items that range from paving stone maintenance to garbage bin cleanup/painting to wooden sign maintenance to suggested speed signs on Stephen Creek road. Sally and I attended the FUB, with Hollie Tataryn, Dana Williamson, Keith Parkinson, Betty Sloan and Marthe Boissonnault. Marthe will report on FUB later in the meeting.

Solstice Yoga Retreat with Enola Nygren, scheduled for June 23 and 24 was cancelled. We set the minimum registration at 6 participants and had six until one person had to drop out. We plan to try again in the fall. It was all local participation so the FRAA is really hopeful that the event will go ahead when life isn’t quite so busy.

Yoho Yoga however, will start this Wednesday evening at 7:30 at the Community Hall, lead by Cindy Kelly of Canmore. She will offer 9 yoga practices every Wednesday except for August 23. Mark your calendar yogis, June 28 through August 30, from 7:30 to 8:45. Looking a bit further ahead, Alana Jung from Golden has expressed interest in offering yoga through the fall and winter.

Canada Day
• Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:00 am. BC Ambulance. Community Hall
• Parade 11:00am – RCMP are in, two members. Dress up as your favourite Yoho National Park Animal! We can take the Giant Beaver in the parade if we can find a trailer large enough to hold it and a power source that keeps the air pump running. The other option is to have the beaver in place at the Visitor Centre.
• The water fight is still a big part of the parade, and we encourage all water fight participants to retrace the parade route and pick up all the spent water balloons. The two children who pick up the most water balloons will each receive a very fun and watery prize: A Super Soaker! And the two adults who pick up the most water balloon carcasses will each receive a 3-drink bar credit for a future event. You have until Sunday, July 2 at 4 pm to turn in your water balloon parts to The Velvet Antler.
• BBQ at Field VRC Pond – 11:30 Field Fire and Rescue, by donation
• Cake Contest Judging, O Canada, cake and ice cream cones – 12:30. So far, we have one judge for the cake contest. He has very high standards so don’t hold back on your entry. We’ll have chocolate and vanilla ice cream cones on offer as well.
• Boat Race – 1-1:30. Simple race – anything goes: kayak, canoe, paddleboard, dinghy, party boat. All participants must wear a personal flotation device. Expect a mass start! Be very respectful of the other racers. We don’t have prizes beyond the joy of participating; hopefully this will keep the competition clean and safe! The winner will have bragging rights though.
• Friends and Family Bocce Tournament –1:30-3:30. Eight teams, Jeremy is making the schedule, sign up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board Tuesday morning. 4 people per team.
CBT Report and Constitution Update Board members have their summer homework assignment – to read the CBT Report and the current FRAA Constitution and identify up to 5 important roles the FRAA carries out in the community. We’ll look at the lists, identify critical roles, consult with the community and start to rewrite the constitution. It’s an important process. The current constitution was written 22 years ago, with a few amendments over that time period. Field has changed quite a bit in the last 22 years, and we want our organization to represent what’s happening here now.

New Society Act and Registration Also part of our summer homework. Hopefully we’ll have a check mark by that item on the To Do list by our next Town Hall Meeting in the fall.

Catholic Church Update Parks Canada has communicated with Bishop John Corriveau of the Diocese of Nelson, and has advised the FRAA that we must ask the Diocese to let us know what that communication is. Parks Canada cannot legally share it with the FRAA. It’s in process.

Townsites Service at Yoho Admin Hollie will let residents know by email when she will not be available. It’s a good idea to call her to confirm she is available for questions, bill payment, etc., before going over: 250-343-6106.

Facilitated Meetings will resume in September. We have a 4-year funding agreement with Parks Canada that expires March 31, 2018. Renewing the funding agreement will be part of this process.

Status of Parks Canada Bunkhouse Replacement Plan is the responsibility of Asset Management now. Travis Wert responsible for projects and reports, and will communicate once plans are in place re: configuration of proposed housing, start dates, etc.

Street Sweeper Mike Vanderveen will give us an update in his report.

AED Devices have been installed at Field VRC, courtesy of Travel Alberta, and at Truffle Pigs, courtesy of Field Fire and Rescue and the FRAA.

Flower Boxes and Hanging Baskets have been planted. Big thank you to Sally for taking on this responsibility. They’re beautiful!

3. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson
Files attached.
Motion to approve by Desneige Meyer. Seconded by Kathryn Cameron.

4. Parks Canada Reports

Acting Townsite Manager – Marthe Boissonnault
• Confirmed the next Facilitated Meeting will be scheduled for the fall.
• Travis Wert, Asset Manager, updated the community in the spring about the Federal Infrastructure Initiatives, and will provide more information at the next Town Hall Meeting.
• Trailers at Boulder Creek Compound are Parks Canada staff accommodation only.
• Sonya Leenders, Burgess Lawn Care and Maintenance has been awarded the landscape contract. Responsible for maintenance of Parks Canada properties: Field VRC, Field Admin building, Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Superintendent’s Residence. Looking into responsibility for maintenance at other Parks Canada properties such as the Doll House and the duplex at 207 Kicking Horse Avenue.
• The public parking lot behind Truffle Pigs Lodge will soon have signs indicating No Overnight Parking and No Camping. It has become a storage site for unlicensed, derelict vehicles, which was not the intended use. Kathryn suggested looking at the Field Community Plan for direction on how the lot was intended to be used, i.e. overflow parking for residents when families visit could mean overnight parking was intended.

Visitor Experience Manager – Not available

Resource Conservation – Not available

Highway Service Centre – Mike Vanderveen
• Street sweepers are both in Edmonton for warranty repairs. May not be ready to resume work for another week. Any uneven grade in pavement seems to collect dirt and dust, and sweepers not able to collect debris in those depressions.
• Heard residents’ concerns about use of milled asphalt on Second Avenue. Commonly used in campgrounds and on the back road to replace gravel/material as it wears away. It’s basically free. No resources in the budget to lay down required 4” of gravel to resurface road. Will scrape it off Second Avenue if residents want it removed. FRAA to talk to affected residents. Major concern is the odor – not as strong as when first applied, but hydrocarbon odor still present one year after application.

5. Friends of Yoho Report – Helen Barry
• Historic Walking Tours of Field start next week, Tuesday July 4. The tours will happen Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting at 8:00 pm in July and August, and at 7:00 pm in September. Meet at the community Hall.
• Parks Day is July 15 this year. All day celebrations planned with A Muse Troupe from Golden making presentations around noon at Field VRC and later on at 8:00 pm at Kicking Horse Campground. The theme of their presentation is Naming the Kicking Horse River and The Injured Grouse. Promises to be very entertaining! Cake will be served.
• August 8 is S’Mores at Kicking Horse Campground – stay tuned for details.
• Karla is working with Sally on dates to rent the hall for other events to be determined.

6. Field Fire and Rescue Report – Not available

7. Round Table

The public washroom facility is now open at the Community Hall.

Thank you to Desneige for your many volunteer contributions and great input at meetings as a member of the 2016/2017 FRAA Board of Directors. All the best in your move to Winnipeg – so happy to hear there’s room in your new home for visitors!

Sally noticed that the big cottonwood trees at the bottom of Wall Street have hanging limbs, and dead section, and should probably be assessed. Determined they are on CP property. Sally to follow up with person responsible for managing the Parks Canada Admin building lease with CP for CP action.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting June 5, 2017

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting
June 5, June 5, 2017

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Claudia Harding, Kathryn Cameron, Christine Lynn, Desneige Meyer

Excused: Karen Schmidt, Mike LeGrice, Jen Coffman, Caitlin Cameron, Krista Callen, Sophie Cais, Katherine McNeill

1. Events

Spring Fling Recap
• At 11 pm counted 58 people, and they were still arriving, probably around 70 attended
• Super quiet from 8:30 to 10:00 pm, only one child showed up, likely due to it being a Sunday evening. But the focus is on Industry staff and the Sunday seems to work well. Next year we should have a delayed start – 9:00/9:30 pm.
• Food was a brilliant idea Mike, hot dogs were delicious, baked, warm buns, basic condiments, sold 19.
• Music was excellent, great dancing. Thanks Flint! Everyone was well behaved, not too drunk, no loitering outside after.
• Great volunteer participation – superb bar tending everyone!
• Money hasn’t been counted yet, but the night seems to have been a success.

Field Utility Board (FUB), Town Walkabout and Litter Pick are all scheduled for June 14. Recommended continuing with all, be selective about attendance.
Litter Pick: Ask Hollie Tataryn to send out reminder letters to local business; Emerald Lake, Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Great Divide Lodge, Siding and Truffle Pigs.
Town Walkabout: Raise outstanding items. How many have been dealt with? FUB agenda

Wellness Presentation at Town Hall Meeting June 26 – Desneige coordinating. Poster to be distributed. Post on Facebook and website. Presenter Dr. Sonya Jakubec will present “Nature Teaches Us To Grieve: The place for parks and nature at end of life”. Dr. Jakubec is interested in possible use of the church in future.

Yoga Workshop – June 23 and 24 with Enola Nygren – One registrant so far. Craig doing some marketing. Make a cut off for cancellation – one week ahead. Need a minimum of 6 registrants for it to break even.

Cindy Kelley to offer Yoga Classes this summer. Wednesday evenings. 7:30pm to allow for visitor centre staff to join. No conflict with Friends of Yoho. FRAA will receive 20% of fee, still to be determined.

Alana Jung interested in offering Yoga Classes this summer. Interested in trying out Wednesday, June 14 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm before committing to all summer. Will propose winter yoga option to Alana, perhaps shorter sessions (e.g. 30 – 45mins) once or twice a week; lunch or late afternoon/early evening.

Canada Day – No Event Permit required this year. Recommended to get one next year for Yoho Blow. Should apply for yearly bonfire permits for Yoho Blow and other events (need to be identified) and just renew annually.

• Pancake Breakfast 8:30-10:00 am. BC Ambulance. Community Hall
• Parade 11:00am – RCMP are in, two members. Dress up as your favourite Yoho National Park Animal! Giant Beaver: Kathryn will talk to Alyssa re: logistics – can we take it in parade?
• BBQ at Field VRC Pond – 11:30 Field Fire and Rescue
• Cake Contest Judging, O Canada, cake and ice cream cones – 12:30
• Boat Race – 1-1:30 Sally to check if insurance will cover
• Friends and Family Bocce Tournament –1:30-3:30- Ask Jeremy if he can organize schedule and sign up sheets
• Dance – Ask Karen if a band has been booked. If not we will skip it. If a band has been booked we can do 9 pm to12 midnight.
• Need prizes for Cake Contest, Boat Race, water balloon pick up? Decided to offer prizes only for Water Balloon pick up contest. Purchase Super soakers for kid prizes and encourage adults to participate as well with prize of 6 drink bar credit for future event.

Event ideas for end of summer and fall:
End of Season Event: Should we organize an event Labour Day weekend? e.g. Roast Beef Dinner, Baked Potatoes and Beans $15?? per head. Let’s wait and see how the summer pans out.

Thanksgiving Event: Pot luckl Community appreciation? Tabled to September meeting.

AGM: Food and Booze to encourage community members coming out? Tabled to September meeting.

Social media updates: Village of Field and webpage. Training night? Tabled to September meeting.

2. Financial Report – Sally will bring to Town Hall meeting on June 26, 2017.

3. CBT Report and Constitution Update – Options to proceed, i.e. community consultation.
By the next Board Meeting on September 11, 2017, each member of the FRAA Board needs to read the report and constitution and come up with 5 important things for the FCC to do in the community. The Board will compile a list of 10 items that define the organization and then consult with the community. This could be done by door to door surveys, or via Community Café – an evening where community members can come out and discuss a couple of items each and mix and match ideas, or a survey via Survey Monkey. Tabled to September meeting.

4.New Society Act and Registration – Kathryn will send Societies Act link to Board members to read. Things to consider: compliance with Act re: Parks Canada funding agreement and honorarium. This was discussed and seems to be in compliance.

5. Community Hall
• Keys – Krista, Mike and Christine need keys. (Look into a grant for redoing locks at community hall in the future? Last estimate was $1800, but locks are getting old and new keys cut don’t always work).
• Wi-Fi password – Sally to distribute.
• Storage room reorganization and filing – to be done by Krista and Christine when they receive keys. Keep old files – part of history of society.
• Human bowling equipment – Desneige to get photos and post on Field and Golden classifieds to see if anyone wants it.
• Hall Rentals this summer – Not too much booked. For future, hall rentals require a non-refundable deposit, as we have had 3 cancellations already this summer.
• Pickleball is set up! Need new nets. To consider grant application options.

6. Catholic Church – Process for lease reassignment on agenda for FUB. Certain ‘boxes’ need to be ticked by FRAA and Catholic Church before anything can go ahead. FUB agenda

7. Service at Yoho Admin – Residents and Businesses experiencing challenges paying bills. Regular hours need to be posted and followed. Phone service option at Lake Louise or Kootenay Admin option could be used as justification for reduced services here. FUB agenda

8. Field Fire and Rescue, Chief Position – Jamie plans to leave for school in the fall. Current officers not keen on taking on the role of chief; it’s a big personal commitment, takes a lot of time. In a perfect world we would have a full time Chief position funded by Parks Canada. FUB agenda

9. Facilitated Meetings, MOU, Funding Agreement – Will Facilitated Meetings continue? Insurance support. Cathy Jenkins in doing an assignment for Parks Canada, looking at various townsite operations, hoping to establish some consistency. Definite need for public consultation with residents and businesses if service levels are part of this project. FUB agenda

10. Street Sweeper return – When? FUB agenda

11. Spring Bins – In the solid waste budget every two years, 2016 didn’t happen; put off to 2017. Does that mean we will have the bins again next year? Appears to have been really successful in 2017! FUB agenda

12. Housing – Parks Canada installed trailers at Boulder Creek compound to accommodate their staff. Not an option offered to other employers also strapped for accommodation. What research has been done on wildlife corridor use in past 15 years, especially in regard to the lower trailer court area? Important part of Community Plan Review. What is happening to 207 Kicking horse? Is it to be demolished this summer? If not fill it with staff. When is work on the Dollhouse commencing? FUB agenda

13. Budget and Quarterly Reports – Status of Water and Sewer cost freeze for this fiscal year. FUB agenda

14. Landscape Contract – Awarded to Sonya Leenders this year. Congratulations Sonya! Needs to be announced to the community. This is a 3-year contract. FUB agenda

15. Highway Twinning Concept Open House – Estimated 50 people attended. Comments can be sent by E-mail to: dialogue@pc.gc.ca or by Mail to Noelle Summers, Yoho National Park, Box 99, Field, BC, V0A 1G0 until June 15. Really important to send feedback. Kathryn has the link to the information boards presented at the Open House if anyone is interested; it’s a 62.5mb file

16. Round Table:
• Sally plans to plant flower boxes and hanging baskets this weekend and would love to have some help. Details to be sent out to community.
• Craig will provide the community with Naloxone Kits. Locations and training to be announced.
• The AED will be installed shortly at the Truffle Pigs, exact location to be determined.

17. Field Utility Board Agenda, June 14, 2017 10:30 am Yoho Admin

Budget
Quarterly Reports
Outstanding Items List
Canada Day Parade: RCMP will attend. Parks Canada participation?
Catholic Church Lease Assignment
Public Service by Townsite Office at Yoho Admin
Field Fire and Rescue, Chief Position
Status of Facilitated Meetings
Street Sweeper return date
Spring Bins
Housing
Landscape Contract
Round Table

18. Field Town Hall Meeting Agenda, June 26, 2017 Field Community Hall

Presentation: “Nature Teaches Us to Grieve” with Dr. Sonya Jakubec
FRAA Report
Treasurer’s Report
Parks Canada Reports
• Townsite Manager
• Visitor Experience Manager
• Resource Conservation
• Highway Service Centre
Friends of Yoho Report
Field Fire and Rescue Report
Round Table

Field Recreation Advisory Association (FRAA) Regular Board Meeting April 24, 2017

In Attendance: Christine Lynn, Karen Schmidt, Sally Watson, Kat MacNeill, Kathryn Cameron
Excused: Mike LeGrice, Jen Coffman, Caitlin Cameron, Desneige Meyer, Sophie Cais, Krista Callen, Claudia Harding

1. Easter Bunny Hop and Pot Luck Recap: Great event! Thanks Kat and Carmen for organising treats, making the very cool poster and decorating and setting up the hall. Lots of participation in the Bunny Hop. Plastic eggs gathered by the kids were turned in for a basket of chocolates and candy from the Easter Bunny, who has been concerned about magpies finding the chocolate-filled eggs before the kids. The plan was successful – magpies thwarted! Pot Luck Brunch hosted thirty-six people. Thanks to kitchen general JP.

2. Constitution Update and Columbia Basin Trust Non Profit Advisors Program: First meeting rescheduled to Wednesday April 26, 2017 at Community Hall, 9:00 am. Kathryn, Desneige and Sally to attend. Consent to participate form signed and sent to CBT. Checklist for discussion received and will be used as a guideline for discussion. Transition package to re-register under new BC Societies Act in the mail.
Board discussed community consultation on role of FRAA. Suggestions welcome by email, and, we’ll have time for public discussion at the next Town Hall Meeting.

3. Yoho Blow Volunteer Appreciation Night: Bowling April 26, 7:00 pm at High Rollers in Banff.

4. Gong Show: Hosted by Truffle Pigs Sunday April 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm. Contact for details.

5. Facilitated Meetings with Parks Canada: Second meeting to be held Monday May 1, 2017 at Field Admin, 9:00 am. Kathryn and Sally to attend.

6. Friends of Yoho and Canadian Heritage Rivers Canada 150 Celebrations: First event will take place next week – exact date to be determined but will happen between May 5 and Field residents are invited to participate in a video production, singing one line of Oh! Canada as two or three canoes, paddled by local specialists, follow the Kicking Horse River downstream with Mount Stephen in the background. The section shown on the Kicking Horse River will be part of a show featuring Heritage Rivers across Canada. As soon as the videographers know the day they’ll be in Field, an email from the Friends of Yoho will be sent out to the community. The Friends are hoping for a strong showing from Field singers!
Second event will be held this summer, featuring A Muse Troupe from Golden.

7. BC Election: FRAA has signed a rental agreement with BC Elections for Tuesday May 9, 2017 to use the Community Hall as a polling station.

8. Spring Fling: Third Annual welcome to summer staff dance Sunday May 28, 2017 at the Community Hall 8:30 pm to 1:00 am. Christine to organize staff shuttle for Emerald Lake Lodge staff. Mike to make poster. Kathryn and Sally to apply for liquor license. Board members (and anyone else who wants to help) to decorate Hall same day at 11:00 am. Tickle trunk dress up and Instagram photo site!

9. Parks Canada Highway Twinning: Open House Wednesday May 31, 2017 at the Community Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. FRAA Board will meet with Parks Canada staff and consultants one hour before the Open House public event.

10. Solstice Yoga Retreat: FRAA sponsored, evening of Friday June 23 and all day Saturday June 24, 2017 at the Community Hall Fee: $95, maximum 15 participants. Poster will be circulated this week.

11. Canada Day: On Saturday July 1, 2017. Canada celebrates 150 years of Confederation! And, Field hosts a full day of activities and events starting at 8:30 at the Community Hall. Researching boat race: Sally to check insurance coverage; Kathryn to talk to Parks Canada about permit protocols. Kathryn to send invitation letters to Yoho businesses to participate in the parade. Ongoing organization by Board will be done via email.

12. Community Bulletin Board: Valuable way to communicate. Needs more attention. Board members to take on responsibility for one month each to decorate and maintain bulletin board. If you are interested in helping keep the bulletin board current, please let us know. Thanks to the Fireweed Hostel woofers for all the bulletin board work they have accomplished in the past months – you set the benchmark high!

13. Street Sweeper: Thank you to Highway Service Centre staff for cleaning Field streets on April 22 and 23. This early cleaning should help keep dust levels down. We will discuss how to reduce amount of dust in spring at the next Field Utility Board meeting.

14. Parks Canada Townsites Staffing: Hollie Tataryn is Acting Realty and Municipal Officer until the end of July. For townsite issues, contact her at 250-343-6106 or hollie.tataryn@pc.gc.ca.

15. Upcoming Bookings for Community Hall: To date: April 27, 28, 29, 30; May 2; May 9; May 12,13,14; May 28; May 31; June 9,10,11; June 23,24; July 1; August 21, 22, 23; August 24, 25, 26; October 28. General discussion about revenue and expenses.

16. Highway Construction Summer 2017: Started for the season on both sides of community – twinning west from the Alberta/BC border for 6 km, and rock blasting and removal 16 km west of Field.

17. BC Hydro Notification List: If residents want to receive notifications from BC Hydro, contact Sally MacDonald at sally.macdonald@bchydro.com.

18. Community Hall Spring Cleaning: Lots of cleaning and organizing done on March 16. No time to tackle the downstairs storage area. Christine and Krista to set a date to accomplish this task, then we’ll put out a call for assistance.

19. Yoho Blow 40th Anniversary T-shirts: Have been heat-pressed, test-washed and are ready to sell/replace. They’ll be at the Community Hall. Contact a member of the FRAA. $15 each for kids; $22 each for adults.

20. Community Hall Keys: Establishing inventory.

21. Round Table:
Sally suggested we have two Naloxone kits at the Hall. Will research training. Kits can be purchased at most pharmacies.
Kathryn to research grant options for stoves purchase.
Kat is moving back to Nova Scotia; wants to stay on the community email list. We’ll seriously miss you Kat! Thanks for everything you’ve done during your time on the Board.

Field Utility Board (FUB) Agenda – Wednesday May 3, 2017 Field Admin
Quarterly Reports
Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization Project – Update
Town Plan Review and Parks Canada Priorities for Field Townsite
Discussions with CSRD re: Emergency Planning and Solid Waste Management
Spring Bin Dates
Catholic Church Update – Has the Diocese of Nelson initiated the lease assignment process?
Minutes from March 1, 2017 FUB
Outstanding Items List – may have another name; document Hélène Cassista pulled together in early March
Winter Street Maintenance – Possibility of using less gravel in order to reduce road dust in the spring?
Round Table

Town Hall Meeting Agenda – Monday May 15, 2017
Presentation: Community Paramedic Program – Craig Chapman, 30 minutes
RCMP Report
FRAA Report
Discussion on role of FRAA as we prepare to update the Constitution
Treasurer’s Report
Parks Canada Reports
Townsite Manager
Visitor Experience
Highway Service Centre
Resource Conservation
Friends of Yoho
Field Fire and Rescue
Round Table

Field Town Hall Meeting March 13, 2017

Field Town Hall Meeting
Field Community Hall
7:00 pm, March 13, 2017

1. Presentations

1a. Fire and Vegetation – Jed Cochrane, Parks Canada

1. FIRE
i. Fire has been an important part of the ecosystem and suppression of fire has left an impression on the landscape. Parks Canada (PC) is trying to emulate natural fire regime by using prescribed burns, letting wildfires burn and suppressing wildfires. Area around Highway One (TCH) is a suppression zone. NO wildfires will be left to burn due to risk to infrastructure and public safety
ii. Future Plans in Yoho – all to improve Grizzly Habitat, reduce fire risk, reduce mountain pine beetle impact.
1. Nothing in 2017
2. Float Creek-Ottertail Valley (fall burn) – 2+ years away
3. Mount King (fall burn)
4. Amiskwi-Otterhead Valleys – conceptual phase; 4-5 years away. Well removed from Field with natural fire breaks
iii. Future Plans LLYK
1. Harry’s Hill
2. Baker Creek
3. Alexander Valley (near Jasper)
4. Redstreak Mt
5. Sinclair Valley
iv. Looking for interest from residents to do a community outreach program to educate the community on fuel management within Field. In event of large forest fires near towns or cities, for example in Slave Lake and Fort McMurray, most homes lost to fires through ember transfer. Educating community about fire behaviour, risk areas, how to reduce risks etc. could improve community’s outcome in event of forest fire. Currently have a time set up with Lake Louise in the fall.
v. In 2015 looked at firebreaks and fuel loads. They were measured and considered that Field still sitting in a safe area, but will need more work within 3-5 years.

2. VEGETATION
vi. 2 important species in Field Unit – Whitebark Pine and Limber Pine. Whitebark Pine is listed federally as an endangered species. Almost at northern limit for limber pine distribution (some at Saskatchewan crossing). Limber pine cones are open, while whitebark pine cones closed.
vii. Whitebark pine species are at risk because of blister rust, pine beetle, fire exclusion and climate change.
viii. Planning to plant 2000 whitebark pines within the Field unit every year, starting this year.
ix. Looking for blister rust resistant whitebark pines to study. Some whitebark pines have caged cones (to protect them from predation); the cones will be collected to grow/test for strains genetically resistant to blister rust.

1b. Federal Infrastructure Projects Update – Travis Wert, Parks Canada

1. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
i. Overpass, Culvert work will continue this summer – anticipated traffic impacts available if interested.
ii. Remote Avalanche control system will be installed at Mt Bosworth – anticipated traffic impacts available if interested
iii. Minimum of one lane will be open throughout the summer, except for blasting area (2km West Finn Creek?) ( 20 minute closures). Slide area will be cleared up for the summer and the work will continue

2. YOHO BUNKHOUSE
i. May be enough money in the budget to fix up the bunkhouse and build units within town
ii. Considering building 4 x 3 bedroom duplexes that could be family units or bunkhouse units. Total of 24 beds in town. Have currently identified one lot (Dollhouse lot) and considering one other; the duplex at 207 Kicking Horse Ave would be demolished and replaced. Still looking for other sites. Potential that building could begin this summer.
iii. Planning on having temporary housing – something like an ATCO trailer, located at Boulder Creek – for the summer (similar to system used in Waterton).

3. REMEDIATION Work for Mt Stephen
i. Creek/bridge where cemetery road crosses needs work. Currently in the design phase.

4. FUTURE Federal Infrastructure Work
i. $6 million needed for bridge on the way into town (essentially deferred maintenance)
ii. Kicking Horse/Monarch campgrounds ‘refreshing’

5. GREEN ENERGY PLAN for the Superintendents House
i. Behind schedule, nothing planned for this year

6. OPEN HOUSE at the Water Treatment Plant Monday April 24, 2017
i. Afternoon event, will be posted on the bulletin board

2. FRAA Report – Kathryn Cameron

1. Events
1a. Yoho Blow Recap
i. General overview assessment: lots of fun and participation. Full weekend event; plan to keep the general format but nix the less popular events.
ii. T-shirts – ink flaked off when washed. Off the Wall heat pressed two shirts then washed them numerous times to test the ink. No more flaking. Should be ready to pick up this week. For sale again.
iii. Thank you letters – distributed.
iv. Volunteer Thank You Night – 10 pin bowling in Banff March 20, High Rollers, Banff
1b. Kicking Horse Ski Club
i. 30th Anniversary Celebration – February 16, 2017
ii. Full Moon Ski – February 10 notice apology
iii. Skate Ski Workshop for members March 12 – hard work, great drills, lots of fun

1c. Easter Brunch and Bunny Hop – April 17, 2016

1d. Spring Fling – May 28, 2017

1e. Canada Day – July 1, 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday
i. Giant Beaver has been booked!
ii. Pancake breakfast, courtesy of BC Ambulance Service
iii. Parade – Costume contest – dress up as your favourite Yoho animal. All local businesses invited to enter a float to commemorate Canada 150. Water balloon pick-up contest – everyone welcome to participate.
iv. Field Fire and Rescue Department BBQ
v. Cake contest.
vi. Boat relay race at the pond
vii. Afternoon bocce tournament
viii. Evening dance at the hall including fire pit.

2. Societies Act update workshop – 7:00 pm COTR February 23, 2017, Golden, Kathryn and Desneige attended. Very informative. Sally has sent for a transition kit. We have until November 2018 to make the transition to fully digital format. Failure to comply? Our Society ceases to exist and all assets become the property of the Provincial Government.

3. Community Hall Spring Clean and organization work party March 16, 7:30 pm. Bring your rubber gloves.

4. New stove – purchasing stoves that will work with our current ventilation system.

5. Catholic Church
i. FRAA and the Catholic Church have agreed to the transfer of the building and lease to the FRAA.
ii. Parks Canada has voiced support for the project that fits with the institutional zoning.
iii. FRAA has spoken to funding partners – CBT and CSRD and have received very positive feedback. FRAA will also be fundraising for this project through some new channels.
iv. Business model would involve an Arts and Wellness Centre and would have a supporting revenue stream of rentals from weddings.
v. FRAA is sharing this information at a very early stage but it is in keeping with the open dialog we are planning with the community. The Community will be informed and consulted through all the stages of the project.
vi. This is the biggest project the FRAA has taken on in many years and it will involve a change in the way we operate. There is a possibility for hiring of a Manager for our facilities at a future date. Exciting!

6. Constitution Update and Board Development – meeting with Columbia Basin Trust Non Profit Advisor on Thursday, March 16. Introductory session to see how they can help us rewrite the constitution so it reflects what we actually do and help the Board set direction for operations for the future.

7. Parks Canada and FRAA Facilitated Meetings – To confirm roles and responsibilities, and develop a Memorandum or Understanding or similar agreement to guide the relationship for both organizations.

8. AED – Request from FFRD to share 50% of the cost of an automatic External Defibrillator. Board said yes. Truffle Pigs has offered to keep the device at the hotel. Plan to offer training for staff at businesses/offices in centre of village on use. FFRD researching cost.

9. Keys – If you are not on the board or doing programming, please drop your keys off at the Velvet Antler so they can be given to current board members.

10. BC Hydro Update – From Diane Tammen, by email today:
“It looks like the cause of last week’s outage was a communications failure. Our contractor S&C came to the site on the weekend to download the data and information logs regarding the ESF’s recent operations. S&C are assessing this information and have indicated they may require replacement parts, but expect to have a better idea shortly. Depending on the results of the assessment and the availability of the parts, their technicians may be back on site to troubleshoot and replace the parts the week of March 20th. I will provide you with an update when there is more clarity.
Please thank everyone for their patience. The Energy Storage Facility in Field is a unique demonstration project and the only battery storage facility in the BC Hydro system. The $13 million ESF project in Field was made possible with help from $6.5 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy Fund. Since its installation the ESF has provided numerous hours of trouble-free back-up power during outages. That said, we know that any outage is an inconvenience and we are working closely with S&C to ensure the facility is available when it’s needed. We are also working internally to ensure we have an effective maintenance program for the ESF operations.
Please also let Field residents know that in the near future I will be sending them a request to update their account information. This is being done to improve the information flow and enhance our communications. I would like to thank everyone in advance for responding to that request.”

3.Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson
Files attached to the email
Motion to accept report: Claudia Harding, seconded by Desneige Meyer

4. RCMP Report – From Sgt. Betty Watson, Golden/Field Detachment
“I have included driving complaints in the stats as this will explain the increase in total calls for service. As mentioned in the last meeting I attended, we feel that the increase in these calls directly relates to the cell service now available in the parks allowing for motorists to call in other bad motorists as the time, rather than when they are in cell service and have calmed down then decide not to call.”
See Appendix 1 for detailed stats.

5. Parks Canada Reports

5a. Townsites
Ellen Francis
i. Community Waste Bin. Will be scheduled for last two weeks of May. Cost will be added to the budget
ii. Visitor Experience – New Acting (long term) Manager Richard Dupuis. From Riding National Park where he was Visitor Experience Manager and recently served as Acting Superintendent.
iii. Michael Vanderveen is here from Townsites if anyone has questions for him.

Angela Wilson
i. Emergency Planning. Will work on the Field Emergency Plan in the fall and will be passed on to the community for input.

Helene Cassista
i. New Parks Canada location signs will be installed on the TCH before May – updating several of the current signs for the busy summer.
ii. CP Train Whistle – From Christine Brown, CP Community Connect community.connect@cpr.ca
“CP is a federally regulated company, required by law to sound the train whistle at all public grade crossings within Canada as prescribed by the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR). The rules apply 24 hours a day and the whistle must be sounded even if the crossing has flashing lights, bells and crossing gates. The train whistle must begin at least a quarter mile before each crossing, and is sounded in a sequence of 2 long – 1 short – 1 long whistle, and the last long whistle must be held until the crossing is fully occupied by the train. The train whistle is a significant safety appliance, which provides a last warning to the public of an approaching train. CP takes public and employee safety very seriously, therefore it is CP’s position to sound the train whistle at every public crossing. The only exceptions to whistling regulations are crossings where federally approved whistle prohibitions have been put in place. Note that if at any time there is a safety concern such as trespassers or animals on the track or adjacent right of way, the crew will sound the whistle to warn of the approaching train.
You can approach your municipality to ask if they have interest in seeking whistle cessation at nearby crossings. It is important to be aware that crossings with crossing gates are not automatically exempted from use of the train whistle. The municipality would still have to apply for whistle cessation, and are responsible for the crossing safety assessment and additional insurance if the application is successful. Information on the process of applying for a whistle cessation can be found at: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/railsafety-976.html .
CP must operate around the clock in order to meet the needs of a complex network of customers, industries, and other transportation connections. We are under statutory obligation to our customers to whom we have the responsibility to provide adequate and suitable service. Just as would happen with highway and road traffic, should there be time restrictions to roadway use, restricting the hours of train operations would cause congestion, goods and people would be delayed, and businesses and consumers would suffer.
You may wish to know that there are rules regarding the length of time that a train can block (be stopped at) a public grade crossing. Under the Canadian Railway Operating Rules, there is no time limit for which a train can occupy a crossing as long as it is moving, no matter what the train speed is. However, if the train is completely stopped, or shunting, for over a period of five minutes where there is evidence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic wishing to access the crossing the crew would be required to move or split the train as soon as possible. The clock resets each time the train moves.
It is important to keep in mind that CP property is a heavy industrial zone, and train operations can result in the transmission of industrial nuisances to adjacent properties. This can be disruptive to public convenience and although we try to minimize the effects of our operation on people living nearby, sometimes this is unavoidable.”
iii. CP Sediment Trap – work completed.
iv. TCH Twinning Open House. Dates have not yet been finalised. Hopefully in May at the Community Hall with preliminary plans that will include ‘intersections for major turn offs’.

6. Friends of Yoho – Helen Barry, President
i. Back open in the VRC Friday, Saturday, Sunday – until May 1st , then open daily
ii. May have something to add to Canada Day – Amuse Troupe (from Golden) to do a piece on the naming of the Kicking Horse River (with grant from the Heritage Rivers Society).
iii. Friends of Yoho will have regular summer programming, including S’Mores evening, Historic Walks, CPR weekend. No Full Moon walks this year – the moon rises too late.
iv. Deb Bancroft’s last year with Friends of Yoho.
v. Celebrating 30th Anniversary this year and will have a bigger and better dinner this fall.

7. Field Fire and Rescue Department – Claudia Harding
i. Two call outs February: Avalanche on the TransCanada Highway and one stand down. FFRD did excellent job in clearing all traffic from avalanche path.
ii. One call out so far in March: Head on collision, 1 fatality declared deceased on scene.
iii. AED – $700 raised at Canada day, FRAA willing to contribute $700 from the Tip Fund and FFRD society willing to cover gap up to $500. Chief is exploring options for extra funding from Stars fundraiser. Currently looking at a quote – all in for $2000, hoping to put in central location here in town. Truffle Pigs has agreed to keep it at the hotel. Request to ask Canada Post if we could extend the hours of access to the postal boxes to keep it there as other option.

8. Round Table – nothing added


Appendix 1

FRAA Regular Board Meeting February 20, 2017

FIELD RECREATION & ADVISORY ASSOCIATION (FRAA)
REGULAR MEETING
February 20, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

IN ATTENDANCE: Kathryn Cameron, Chair; Claudia Harding, Co-Chair; Krista Callen, Secretary; Sophie Cais, Member; Christine Lynn, Member; Karen Schmidt, Member

REGRETS: Sally Watson, Treasurer; Katherine MacNeill, Member; Desneige Meyer, Member; Michael LeGrice, Member; Caitlin Cameron, Member; Jen Coffman, Member

1. EVENTS
YOHO BLOW RECAP
Kathryn has a file for events this year and will compile a report for next year’s organizers. Action: Kathryn

The increased number of teams for Bocce Tournament worked well (14 teams). Hockey should be at night only next year, to maximize participation. Having DJ to cover live band’s breaks at the Dance worked out well. Most popular events were bocce and hockey. Next year we will drop interpretive skate due to lack of participation.

Minute-to-Win-It it seemed to go well, the little kids especially enjoyed it. Maybe next year a Games Night could be scheduled for the Friday? Could ask to move foosball table to Hall? Perhaps a Crib Tournament? This is the initial Meet & Greet to kick of the Festival. People can come to the hall, participate in Games, have drinks, watch hockey.

Kids games not as much of a success due to extreme cold temperatures. They enjoyed video games but maybe the hours should be limited so kids actually play outside. Kids really enjoyed Heritage Relay!

Door prizes were given out at Potluck. Majority of thank you letters for donations have been sent out, remaining will be delivered in the next week.

KICKING HORSE SKI CLUB – 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION RECAP
February 16, 2017
Although it was warm/started with pouring rain, conditions were amazing. Two weeks prior there were concerns about registry, but 130 ended up attending dinner!

SOCIETIES UPDATE WORKSHOP
February 23, 2017
Workshop being held on Thursday night in Golden @ 7 pm, College of the Rockies. Action: Kathryn and Desneige will attend, gather information, and share with other interested parties.

EASTER BRUNCH & BUNNY HOP
April 17, 2017
Kat will take the lead on this event. There will be a Potluck Brunch. (FRAA cooks ham, bar is not open.) Action: Kat

SPRING FLING DANCE
May 28, 2017
Will need liquor license, request Flint to DJ, plans to decorate the Hall. We need a champion for this event, as well as a Spring Fling Committee. This event is a welcome to the summer staff. Action: FRAA

CANADA DAY – 150TH ANNIVERSARY
July 1, 2017
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

MORNING – Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Animals of Yoho Costume Contest (dress up as your favourite Yoho critter!), Water Fight, Balloon Pick-Up Contest. Would be great if local businesses would enter floats this year (Lake O’Hara Lodge, Emerald, Cathedral, etc.) Deadline for Water Balloon Pick-Up will be extended to maximize participation (deadline 6 pm on July 2nd, contest open to everyone.)

AFTERNOON – BBQ at the Pond, judging/eating Cake Contest entries, Heritage Canoe Relay, Summer Bocce Tournament.

EVENING – Dance

Send out a call for interest re: Canada Day celebrations. Kathryn will request use of Parks’ giant inflatable beaver. Karen will research license possibilities for band/dance, beer garden, and bonfire. Donations to be requested for contest prizes. Canada Day fund contains $249 is funds required to supplement prizes. Action: Kathryn, Karen, FRAA

2. COMMUNITY HALL – SPRING CLEANING, ORGANIZATION & REPAIRS
Clean-Up Night to be held at Hall on March 16th (7:30 pm start time). Hall will be fully cleaned, storage room will be dismantled, organized, inventoried. Members of Community invited/encouraged to attend. Action: FRAA & community

Note to be left on chalkboard downstairs reminding those using rink/change room to pick up trash/cigarette butts.

3. COMMUNITY HALL – NEW STOVE
To purchase a commercial-grade stove, renovations would have to be made to vents. Total cost would be over $20,000. Two good-quality propane stoves would work well, at a significantly lower cost. Do not have the demand for commercial grade stove. Can move forward on this right away. Action: Sally

4. CATHOLIC CHURCH
Catholic Diocese in the process of turning Catholic Church over to Community. Craig Chapman will ask for clarification. Action: Craig

5. CENSUS RESULTS FOR FIELD
Census results have come in for Village of Field. In 2016, population was 230. This contrasts with a population of 169 residents in 2011. The increase is likely due to inclusion of Emerald Lake Lodge Staff Residence on recent census.

6. COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC POSITION
Craig Chapman is appointed to a new position as Community Paramedic (2 days per week.) More information to follow.

7. MEDIATION
Mediation meeting between FRAA and Parks is scheduled for March 3rd from
1-3 pm at Parks Administrative Building in Field. Sally, Kathryn, Barbara McNeil (Mediator), Helene Cassista, Rick Kubian, Ellen Francis to attend.

8. UPCOMING RENTALS
No upcoming rentals prior to March.

9. FIELD UTILITY BOARD AGENDA – MARCH 1, 2017

FIELD UTILITY BOARD AGENDA – Kathryn and Sally to attend
1. QUARTERLY REPORTS – 2015/16 Q4 (January, February, March), 2016/17 Q1 (April, May, June), Q2 (July, August, September), Q3 (October, November, December)
2. HIGHWAY TWINNING – Date for Community of Field Open House
3. FIELD COMMUNITY PLAN REVIEW – Update on process
4. CATHOLIC CHURCH – Status update
5. SPRING BIN – Status update
6. AED – Only maintenance unit would require is regular battery check. Cost approximately $1500, needs to be placed in a central location such as Truffle Pigs. Due to length of time emergency response will take, suggest AED be available at Visitor Centre.
7. FIRE HYDRANTS – Hydrants have not been shoveled. When plough clears road, hydrants are covered. Timely process to shovel when responding to a call.
8. MUNICIPAL SERVICES – Comments/issues re: road concerns, municipal/town site operations should be directed to Helene Cassista.
9. POST OFFICE ACCESS – Much better response re: keeping road clear for postal truck, or at very least providing information when this is not possible.
10. SPRING CLEAN-UP – Request date for cleanup, plan garage sale at Hall around this date (possibly May 27)

10. TOWN HALL MEETING AGENDA – MARCH 13, 2017

Next Town Hall Meeting is on March 13 @ 7 pm. All residents of Field are encouraged to attend!

TOWN HALL MEETING AGENDA

1. FRAA Report
2. Treasurer’s Report
3. RCMP Report
4. Parks Canada Reports
a) Town site Manager
b) Visitor Experience
c) Resource Conservation
d) Highway Service Centre
5. Friends of Yoho
6. Field Fire & Rescue Department
7. Round Table

11. ROUND TABLE

POPCORN & PIZZA NIGHT
Popcorn & Pizza Night set this upcoming Friday, Feb 24 for kids. Action: Sophie and Claudia

LINDA LAFLEUR/COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST
Monday, February 27th @ Community Hall
Linda Lafleur from the Columbia Basin Trust will be here next Monday. Anyone may attend. Action: Kathryn and Craig

COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST NOT FOR PROFIT ADVISOR
Kathryn has requested assistance re: updates to Constitution. (It was recently discovered that Annual Reports for 2015/16 were not on record. Due to a rate increase, correct amount had not submitted. Due to this oversight, we were not in compliance since 2014. This has been since been rectified.) Action: Kathryn

WELLNESS IN THE COMMUNITY
Would there be a Community interest if fitness classes could be made available?

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT
Volunteer Appreciation Night is tentatively set for Monday, March 20 @ High Rollers Bowling Lanes in Banff. Details to follow. Action: Kathryn, Krista

KEYS TO COMMUNITY HALL
More keys need to be made/distributed. There was an issue with Hall access during Yoho Blow. Action: Kathryn

Field Town Hall Meeting January 30, 2017

FIELD TOWN HALL MEETING
January 30, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

IN ATTENDANCE: Kathryn Cameron, Chair; Claudia Harding, Co-Chair; Sally Watson, Treasurer; Krista Callen, Secretary; Desneige Meyer, Member; Christine Lynn, Member; Caitlin Cameron, Member; Michael LeGrice, Member; Jen Coffman, Member; Patrick Cais, Resident; Dave Allen, Resident; Ryan Cameron, Resident; Rick Kubain, Parks Canada; Marthe Boissonault, Parks Canada; Mike Vanderveen, Parks Canada

REGRETS: Sophie Cais, Member; Karen Schmidt, Member; Katherine MacNeill, Member

1. FRAA/FCC REPORT (KATHRYN CAMERON)

WELCOME
Welcome to Town Hall Meeting! Hosted by FRAA, Town Hall Meetings are an opportunity to communicate what is going on in community, to hear from Parks Canada, and to ask questions. Meetings are an important vehicle for communication between residents of Field and people who provide services to the village.

Introduction of FRAA members, Parks Canada representatives, and residents in attendance.

VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to volunteers for their hard work, with special mention to rink maintainers who have spent so many hours clearing snow, flooding the rink. The rink serves not only the community of Field but also visitors to town. Thanks to Sally for handling all hall rentals. Special thank you to people providing snow removal for Community Hall. These volunteers work for Kim and Craig at the hostel, also shovel school, firehall, and ambulance station. Thank you to Parks Canada for snow removal. (Crews are still sanding Stephen Creek from 2nd down to 1st, which may affect upcoming downhill race, but we will find a way to make it work. Caitlyn Cameron would like to compliment Parks on clearing back roads following recent avalanche!)

NEW BOARD MEMBERS
FRAA is pleased to welcome three new members: Christine Lynn, Jen Coffman, Caitlyn Cameron, for a total of 11 Board Members this year.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S RECAP
Christmas events were great! Santa able to clear time in his busy schedule to join us for the Potluck Supper and Skate with Santa. The annual Christmas Concert was held for the first time since school closed. Field Fire & Rescue were highlight of concert. Field’s renowned ukulele band were stuck in traffic, but everyone managed to make it and it was fantastic! Thank you to all who participated. The 50/50 draw raised $383.20 for the Food Bank, plus two boxes of food donations. A nighttime ski was held on New Year’s Eve. The group skied to the back of Emerald Lake for hot chocolate. Conditions were outstanding on the Kicking Horse Trail for the full moon ski organized by Kicking Horse Ski Club on January 14th. A successful pizza/movie night was held for the kids of Field on January 18th here at the Community Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Yoho Blow – February 3, 4 & 5, 2017
FRAA – February 20, 2017
Field Utility Board – March 1, 2017
Town Hall – March 13, 2017
Easter Brunch & Bunny Hop – April 17, 2017


YOHO BLOW FESTIVAL
Yoho Blow is coming this weekend (February 3 – 5). Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions, sign-up sheets on bulletin board beside Post Office.

CHAMPIONS & EVENTS
Hockey tournament is being run by Kurt Devlin. Jeremy Schmidt will run bocce tournament (8 teams in total, event is fully booked). Kim & Craig Chapman will be running the heritage relay. Jessica Stichlebout and Susan Calder are organizing the downhill race. Caitlyn Cameron, Desneige Meyer will oversee kids’ events, under the kids’ directions. Minute-to-Win-It and other games on Friday night. Interpretive Skate is being organized by Kat MacNeill, Tyra Cameron for Saturday – anything goes as long as it’s on ice! Bar shifts/food shifts/clean up shifts available at Community Hall. Contact Mike LeGrice with preferred shifts or he will provide options. Liquor license has been obtained, liquor and food orders have been placed. Anything goes for snow sculpture competition! Details on the Scavenger Hunt to be announced. 50/50 all weekend long. Possible candlelight parade – more info to follow. Check schedule on bulletin board, fieldbc.ca website, Yoho Blow Daze Facebook page (thanks Mike!), and Amelie Goulet-Boucher (Parks Canada) will start tweeting and posting on Facebook. This is not a closed event – all are welcome!

DANCE
Mike has arranged transportation for Lake Louise/Great Divide Lodge staff to attend dance. FRAA paying for shuttle for staff to be transported to Field and home again so they may attend the dance, drink and not drive. Christine Lynn has organized staff bus for Emerald Lakers. Jeremy Schmidt is organizing the dance, and has booked John Jenkins and Small Town Revival to perform. Jen Coffman will be providing accommodations for the band. In addition to live band, DJ Flintaroo will be performing.

MERCHANDISE
Merchandise has been ordered. This is 40th anniversary! Special logo can be seen on sign-up sheets posted on bulletin board. Long sleeved t-shirts will be available in black or navy (not a huge number ordered but if demand is high more can be ordered), plus kids’ t-shirts, and vintage Yoho Blow shirts.

DONATIONS
Lots of donations have been received for prizes. A special thanks to Parks for donating a guided hike for two to Burgess Shale, as well as to all local businesses who have participated!

KICKING HORSE SKI CLUB 30TH ANNIVERSARY
KHSC will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at Emerald Lake Lodge on February 16th. Packages are available. Accommodation, dinner for two and breakfast for two the following day for a rate of $227. Dinner-only can be purchased for $30/adult. Track setting has been completed from the Visitor Centre to Emerald Lake (11 km one-way) and is in great condition!

RINK MAINTENANCE/CHANGEROOM RULES
Gentle reminder rink/changeroom is a public facility. Quite clearly stated on rules that open liquor is against the law. We don’t want to jeopardize our chance to obtain future liquor licenses, so please observe the rules. (Copy of changeroom rules have been sent out via email.)

CANADA DAY GRANT
Kathryn apologizes for missing the deadline for this year’s Canada Day grant. Donation request will be saved for purchase of cake from Golden. (Money remains from last year’s Canada Grant, don’t normally spend a lot for on this day.)

RULES FOR SOCIETIES
BC has recently changed rules for societies. FRAA has until November 2017 to comply. Desneige and Kathryn will be consulting with a lawyer at Golden College of Rockies to find out what is involved.

PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS
FRAA has discussed offering programs in Hall for residents. Request put out for yoga teacher, currently awaiting response but will be more likely for spring. Potential for cooking and dance classes. May circulate a questionnaire to see what types of activities residents would be interested in. Kat is currently running a playgroup here at the Hall every Monday from 8:45 am until 11 am.

COFFEE WITH YOUR MP
Coffee with Your MP was held on January 11th. He suggested we send him a summary of concerns and he will see what he can do to help. He apparently meets every 2 months with Minister of Environment, we would love to welcome her to come here next time she is in Banff and highlight some things happening in Field and Yoho, maybe cast a bit of magic on Yoho!

HIGHWAY TWINNING
Sally and Kathryn met with Terry McGuire and Noelle Summers re: highway twinning. Money has come through for environmental assessment plus initial plan for highway. They have until March 2018 and are busy working on proposal. McEhanney will be working with them on plans and undertaking environmental assessment. Anticipate 40 km of highway remaining in Yoho to cost approximately $750M – $850M to complete. Will likely start from west end of park and work their way east. Challenges due to terrain (river and mountains!) Public consultation is next – there will be an Open House in Field at some point during first 3 weeks of March. Everyone is encouraged to attend, look at the tentative plans, give feedback. They are looking for input, and will also be consulting with Visitor Experience (taking into consideration access to turnoffs, and trailheads, such as Wapta Falls, Hoodoos.)

2. TREASURER’S REPORT (SALLY WATSON)

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
Financial Statements attached to circulation email.

CHRISTMAS SEASON
Kids really liked Christmas gift choices this year – thank you to Santa’s elves for their excellent research! Thank you to Emerald Lake Lodge; Pat O’Connor used his broker to bring in the track-setter this year.

HALL IMPROVEMENTS
Tips will be used to purchase new stove, in conjunction with donation from Friends of Yoho which is currently sitting in HIP account.

RECEIPTS
Reminder to FRAA members to submit receipts re: Kids’ Pizza/Movie Night.

PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PAC from Field School donated funds to FRAA to be put toward programming for fun activities for school-aged kids in the community.

Motion to accept financials made by Claudia Harding, seconded by Desneige Meyer.

3. RCMP REPORT

N/A


4. PARKS CANADA REPORTS

TOWNSITE MANAGER – RICK KUBIAN, ACTING SUPERINTENDENT

INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to returning Board Members and thank you to new Board Members for volunteering. We look forward to working with you! Facilitated conversations have been taking place re: renewing relationship between FRAA and Parks. Melanie Kwan will be returning mid-February, Ellen Francis has been on leave and will be returning as Townsite Manager on Wednesday.

HOUSING
Residents requesting further discussion re: housing in Field. Parks has met re: their own housing requirements in Field but not resident housing. Parks will bring report to March meeting. Housing should be discussed directly with Kathryn.

FIELD COMMUNITY PLAN REVIEW
Unclear at this time if their will be further action re: Field Community Plan Review, despite follow up by Parks. Residents concerned about housing, job opportunities. Redevelopment of lower trailer court for entry level housing would be met positively by residents, would be good for community, more demand for services, more opportunity for businesses. Heard and noted by Parks.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE – RICK KUBIAN, ACTING SUPERINTENDENT

VISITOR LEVELS/CHALLENGES – CANADA 150
With respect to visitor experience, Visitor Centre open in winter this year. Will be open 7 days a week, campground season expanded. With 150th anniversary/free Parks passes, lots of visitors expected. Focus on solution to congestion at Lake Louise, trying to bring people out to Yoho, which is less congested. Move people to less busy areas. Lots of time spent figuring out Lake Louise shuttle and parking. Working with Lake Louise community on details. (Shuttle offered 3 days per week, but will likely be increased to 7 days per week based on demand.) Parking issues at Emerald and Takkakaw Falls. Park is hitting ceiling on infrastructure and starting to affect visitor experience.

MANAGEMENT PLAN
Management Plan due in 2020, would like to get people to start thinking about these issues/possible solutions. Scoping document will be prepared in next year. Think about what you want to see in future. If interested in details of hours for Visitor Centre, dates of campground openings, everything is on Yoho National Park website.

TCH TWINNING PROJECT
The ability for public to comment on upcoming plans for TransCanada Highway twinning project is historic, try to get a lot of folks out when Terry comes to town with presentation, a lot of room for input from public.

HIGHWAY SERVICE CENTRE – MICHAEL VANDERVEEN

SNOW REMOVAL
Has been an easier winter this year, and 24-hour schedule working out well. Have received good feedback, both Lake Louse and Golden RCMP have stated this change is making a difference. Sludge removal in west end took place prior to winter and will resume when closer to spring.

RESTRICTED ACCESS – MAIL TRUCK
Concerns about mail truck being unable to come through town for fear of getting stuck addressed. Post Office staff had to drive to highway to retrieve town’s mail. Highway safety takes priority, and guidelines are being met, however if this continues to be an issue contact Helene or Townsite Manager. Will do their best, do have to prioritize.

ASSET MANAGEMENT – MARTHE BOISSONAULT, ACTING TOWNSITE MANAGER

SOLID WASTE REMOVAL
Cost increase re: solid waste removal services. Trying to do cost recovery of this service based on volume and pickups, is a work in progress. Believe rates are in line with other communities in BC, but working on comparison to ensure this is the case.

RECYCLING
Comments by residents that plastic recycling bin always very full, plastic is going into tin recycling receptacle. Parks confirmed these two bins can be combined. Request for recycling bin for wine/beer/liquor bottles, however is not practical as bottles will be broken and third party would be required to run that service. If a service group in town is interested in taking this on, Parks would be open to it providing storage is bear-proof. If the right proposal came through they would consider. (Bottle depot in Banff will pick up recycling, but will take 50% of profit. Possible conversation for next FRAA meeting – good fundraising idea, but in past people don’t rinse bottles and recycling attracts animals. Will be added to FRAA agenda.)

WATER METERS
Old exterior water meters were not providing accurate readings, bills may have been higher than they should have. Software for digital water meters was not compatible and causing issues. Keith Parkinson, Water Treatment Plant Manager, is working with company to deal with readings and plan to have issue fixed by March. Have been actively contacting many affected Field residents. If you have not been contacted, your meters probably working properly, but if concerns contact Helene and she will work with Keith on this. Installation of water meters is 75% complete – approx. 93 installed, remaining 20 will be installed once issue with readings is fixed. (At recent FUB meeting, Keith said best thing you can do is monitor your consumption, look at past bills for the norm, and if any issues contact Helene at Townsite Office.)

EARTH DAY
Looking at an event for Earth Day, perhaps a tour of wastewater treatment plan. Discussion at FUB about how great system is here.

5. FRIENDS OF YOHO

N/A

6. FIELD FIRE & RESCUE

RECENT CALLS
Since November, Field Fire & Rescue responded to 26 callouts, including 14 calls during an 11-day period, 3 of which were fires. Great performances to all calls!

ELECTIONS/NEW MEMBERS
Elections recently held. Jaime re-elected Chief. Patrick elected Deputy Chief. Dave, Chris, Doug all elected Captains. Miles elected Engineer. Five new recruits, possibly one new probationer.

Heartfelt thanks to Field Fire & Rescue for their hard work and unprecedented dance recital at Christmas Concert.

7. ROUND TABLE

SNOW REMOVAL – YOHO BROTHERS
Jen Coffman has noticed a lot of snow dumped in front of Yoho Brothers, gas station not visible due to obstruction, perhaps this can be mentioned to their contractor.

PUBLIC WASHROOMS – COMMUNITY HALL
Jen Coffman mentioned an increase in traffic at Truffle Pigs to use washrooms as Community Hall bathrooms are only open from June 1st to September 30th. Limited hours due to the facilities available 24/7 at Visitor Centre, as well as bulk of Hall rentals occur October through May and like washroom to be accessible. Will revisit winter washrooms in next FRAA meeting.

KIDS’ COMMITTEE
Desneige suggested Kids Committee to be set up for them to have more input in suggestions and set-up for kids’ activities.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS – PARKS CANADA
Kathryn extended her hope to see Parks at Yoho Blow and Kicking Horse Ski Club anniversary celebration, also mentioning she would love to see funding restored for Parks Canada to maintain the trails in Yoho again. Cross country ski trails important part of community and to have Parks involved in track setting would be a huge relief and help.

Thank you everyone!

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.

NEXT TOWN HALL MEETING: March 13, 2017 @ 7 pm