Field Town Hall Meeting July 20, 2015

Field Town Hall Meeting July 20, 2015

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

  1. FCC/FRAA Report – Craig Chapman

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

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

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

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

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

The Spring Fling and Garage Sale were successful events.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Treasurer’s Report – Sally Watson

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

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

  1. Townsite Managers Report – Ellen Francis

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

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

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

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

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

Sean Cunningham: Is this a unique and spectacular situation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ellen: Water testing is done frequently and regularly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Visitor Experience Report – Michael St-Denis

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

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

Record numbers of people have registered for Burgess Shale hikes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael: More BC visitors in Yoho than in Kootenay.

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

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

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

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

Craig: The 4-way stop is killing it.

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

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

Michael: Alex Kolesch is looking at options.

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

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

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

Michael: Nothing is happening at Hoodoos.

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

  1. RCMP Report – Dave Kronlund

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

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

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

Sean Cunningham: Thanks for continued support for Canada Day.

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

  1. Field Fire and Rescue – Jamie Harbottle

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Highway Service Centre Report – Mike Vanderveen

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

New recycle bin stickers to be installed.

Rumble strips have been installed on the new highway pavement.

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Field Community Council and Field Recreation and Advisory Association In Camera Meeting June 8, 2015

Field Community Council and Field Recreation and Advisory Association In Camera Meeting, June 8, 2015

In Attendance: Craig Chapman, Sally Watson, Jeremy Schmidt, Kim Chapman, Kathryn Cameron

Excused: Claudia Harding, Michelle Cameron, Vicky Coubrough-Blanchette, Karen Schmidt, Clayton Nylen

Old Business                                                                             Action

1. FRAA

·      Garage Sale: Mixed results, made $113. People enjoyed the event. Hot dog sales were good, Thank you to everyone who donated baked goods to sell. Needed better outdoor advertising. Could be held earlier when people are doing their spring-cleaning.

·      Spring Fling: Overall good. Too long over the night: few kids showed up. $424 taken in at the door, $1370 on the bar, $80 for food, tips around 10%. Need to advertise food. Returned some liquor today, so liquor cost was around $900, with some liquor left for next event. Sold Kirk 100 tickets for $200 in exchange for his DJ services. Good music. Great event!

·      Fall event: Possible if we have more volunteers; big ask to expect people to be here until 3 am. Item to discuss at next Town Hall Meeting. Kim says Lake Louise Sports and Recreation Society (LLSRS) offers free entry to volunteers, and holds an end of year volunteer dinner or something special to thank volunteers. All agreed it’s good way to foster volunteer participation. Kathryn and Kim to research possibilities and organize invite list.

·      Canada Day: We received grant of $440. This year’s theme – 50 Year Anniversary of Canada’s Flag. Pancake Breakfast hosted by BC Ambulance Service 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Parade starts at 11:00 am. We’re putting out the invitation for participation to RCMP, Wardens, Emerald Sports, Travel Alberta, Kicking Horse Lodge, accommodations, and kids for floats, decorated bikes, costumed walkers. Face painting – we need a face painter; makeup supplied. Cake contest. At the pond after the parade and barbeque we will have cake judging, birthday cake, ice cream and cones. Kim to find out about helium. Craig to contact Scott at LLSRS about renting a bouncy castle.

·      Hall Cleaner: Michelle Cameron is moving to Lake Louise this month and has resigned as Hall cleaner. Thank you for your hard work Michelle. We have hired a new cleaner, Paulina Silva, who works and lives at Emerald Lake. Welcome Paulina.

·      Table and Chair Rental: No charge for free events open to the community, or personal use at home for suppers, etc. For profit events: $3.50 per table per day, $1.00 per chair per day.

·      Yoga: Thursday nights in July, starting July 2. Thanks to Julie Champagne for organizing yoga this summer. Contact Julie to register or just show up. Poster with information is on the bulletin board.

·      Hall Rentals: Wedding rehearsal dinner this weekend. Two weddings planned for this summer, July 25 (not confirmed) and July 31/August 1 (confirmed). Parks Canada has rented the hall for two training days in June, 25 and 26.

·      Friends of Yoho Events: Evening speakers are scheduled for July 15 and August 19, open to the public.

·      FRAA: Two members are leaving Field. If you are interested in volunteering to take on responsibilities for events and hall operations, please contact Kim Chapman at 250-343-6441.

·      Window Cleaning: Kathryn to ask Karla when Whitey’s is coming to Field. Anyone interested in cleaning the outside windows?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathryn and Kim

 

Kathryn and Kim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathryn

2. Field Hall Improvement Project: Windows being installed now. Once they are finished we can measure for and order blinds.

 

Energy efficient lighting plans: Matt estimates that installing efficient pot lights in Kid’s room brings estimate up to $2000.

 

The front deck was power washed last weekend. Looks good. Thank you to the volunteer who did the work (Yoga Retreat Leader Jackie’s Dad.)

Craig
3. Catholic Church: Craig has found out that the process is extremely complicated for the lease to be surrendered and then gifted to FRAA. Easiest way to handle the transaction would be through a lease assignment. Craig is in discussions with the Diocese in Kelowna. No word yet from CSRD on gas tax grants; other grants available from CBT. If we get a positive response from the church before we have grant money available, is there a down side? Yes, insurance and maintenance costs once the building becomes our asset. Concern that as a functioning entity we will be able to make this added responsibility work. Motion by Craig: If the Church agrees to assign us the lease and gift the building, we will accept the offer prior to confirming funding. Seconded by Sally. Motion carried. FUB

 

4. Future of School: Two students enrolled for September. Unless there is a change in Field’s population, no students are scheduled to be in or enter the system in September 2016. Discussion during Town Meeting indicated there is interest in more programming. Is there anything Council or community can do? PAC is exploring options. Council is interested in hearing the outcome and plans. How can Parks Canada support the community? Current travel allowances give Parks Canada staff an incentive to live outside this community. This is a Parks Canada Townsite. We need support to grow the population. School is an important service in the community. FUB

 

5. Wi-Fi for Community Hall: Steve will install Wi-Fi in next two weeks as soon as he can fir it into his schedule. Kathryn
6. Telegraph Building: CP said no to plexiglass offer from Parks Canada (Install plexiglass inside the windows so the building doesn’t appear abandoned). Changing the current boarded up status seems to have stalled at this point. What is the role of Townsites and Friends of Yoho? No clear picture of who is responsible for bringing a positive outcome to making the building and community look less abandoned. Council is concerned that this process has been poorly managed  by all parties involved. No consultation, poor communication, confusing from start to finish. FUB
7. Tree Removal Along Power Line Between Battery Storage Facility and Field: Council requests an update on progress. Has the line been secured? FUB, Parks Canada

 

8. Emergency Planning Meeting: Council requests an update on the outcome of meeting held in April. FUB, Parks Canada
9. Low Cost Housing: Tabled to next meeting
10. Constitution Update: Tabled to next meeting.

 

New Business                                                                       Action

1. Field Fire and Rescue: Sean Coubrough is taking a position with CSRD as Assistant Fire Chief for Regional District in Salmon Arm and Aaron Cameron is moving to Lake Louise. Both have been strong members and instrumental in growing the department. Historically, the Fire Chief has also worked for Parks Canada which gave leeway to conduct Fire Department business as part of their job. Road rescue in this area is conducted by Field Fire and Rescue. There are 50 + years of fire protection service to community which has established precedent to maintain the service. Council wants to initiate immediate discussion with Townsite Manager and Superintendent on leadership succession. This may the time to hire a full time Fire Chief. FUB, Parks Canada
2. Relationship: Field Community Council is an advisory board, with no authority to act on issues or make decisions that impact the community. Field is a Parks Canada Townsite. We want to see some leadership on resolving the issues identified here and in the past, including more campsites in Yoho National Park. Our future is integrally tied to the future of Yoho National Park. FUB, Parks Canada
3. FUB (Field Utility Board) Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 10 am at Yoho Admin Boardroom

Catholic Church

Future of Field Elementary School

Telegraph Building

Tree Removal Along Power Line

Emergency Plan

FIP Plans for Yoho National Park

Doll House Release

Yoho Teahouse

Yoho Trading Post Commercial Release

Ottertail Pit use by residents

Bin Lineup

Craig, Sally, Kathryn
4. Town Hall Meeting Agenda

Monday, June 22, 2015 7 pm at Field Community Hall

Discussion Items:

Volunteer Participation

Field Elementary School

FCC/FRAA Report

Treasurer’s Report

RCMP Report

Townsite Manager’s Report

Visitor Experience Report

Highway Service Centre Report

Resource Conservation Report

Field Fire and Rescue Report

Friends of Yoho Report

5. Round Table

Kathryn: Acoustic Baffles have been ordered, and will arrive by June 26. Total cost including shipping is $1460.00.

Jeremy: Found out this week that residents are not allowed to dump any refuse at Ottertail pit this summer; asked to take stuff outside the park. First communication on this item was received when he called the Townsite office to arrange for a key. People have dumped their yard waste on back road. General feeling is that residents should be given a place to dump yard waste to mitigate improper disposal of refuse.

Craig: Power washed the memorial concrete slab next to the Community Hall. International Volunteers removed the gravel pile left from Yoho Blow event. Thanks to Ron Allen and the International Volunteers! Bin line up needs to be aligned to avoid tripping hazard.

 

 

FUB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUB

Meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Next In Camera Meeting scheduled for September 14, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Community Town Hall Meeting May 4, 2015

Field Community Town Hall Meeting

May 4, 2015

In Attendance: Sean Coubrough, Helen Barry, Melanie Kwong, Elaine Lemieux, Rachel Fernandes-Ubell, Sally Watson, Ellen Francis, Craig Chapman, Sally Watson, Jeremy Schmidt

  1. Agenda – Approved as amended
  1. FRAA/FCC Report

Welcome Ellen Francis, our new Townsite Manager and welcome back Melanie!

FRAA hosted a fantastic Easter function. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped set up. This year the kids won out over the magpies in the Easter Egg Hunt.

Upcoming events:

Sunday, May 17 – Garage Sale. Set up on Saturday, $5 per table, bake sale table proceeds go to the hall. Can’t leave your junk here.

Friday May 29 – Spring Fling. Evening of dancing with DJ Dad, all age event, food served, responsible event, heavily promoted to OCAs, details rolled out shortly – this is a pre-event alert.

Monday, June 22 – Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day Parade. FRAA invites Parks Canada to participate. Wardens on horses always look good in the parade.

CSRD Advisory Board: Craig represents our area on the board. If residents have items they want to bring forward, please contact Craig. Next meeting is in Golden at the arena, a CSRD building. In other areas of the regional district residents are concerned about fire departments, water quality and high speed Internet; we’re good on these main issues. Our priorities are population retention and growth, economic development and affordable housing.

Power outages May 19 to 22 to maintain and upgrade the battery storage facility.

Field Hall Improvement Project (HIP): Community Initiatives Grant from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) of $15,000.00 approved. New furnaces have been installed. Thanks to Parky’s Heating and Ventilation. New windows are on order and will be installed by Olsen Construction on arrival. Quote on blinds in process.

Council continues to work on grant applications for a new sound system, locks, etc. Council also researching acoustic baffles on the ceiling to mitigate noise issues in the hall.

Emergency Protocols Update Planning Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7; hosted by Parks Canada.

FRAA continues to work on funding to renovate the Catholic Church and assume lease with Parks Canada.

Field Utility Board (FUB) scheduled for Wednesday, May 6. Full agenda for discussion, including Stephen Creek slump mitigation.

Annual Town Walk About to be scheduled; purpose is to identify items in community infrastructure that need attention/repair/maintenance. Please send FCC items you think should be added to the Outstanding Items list.

Future of School: FRAA is researching ‘Before and After’ school programming, and supervised lunch program. Lake Louise residents are interested in a school. Ongoing discussion about busing students to Field. They need a valid BC address to enroll in Field Elementary School.

Treasurer’s Report – Files attached

Train Ticket Sales Fund: Motion by Craig, seconded by Jeremy that we move this money into the Hall Improvement Project (HIP) account, and rename the account Operating Account for Hall Improvement Project (HIP). Motion passed.

2.Parks Canada Report

Townsite Manager

Ellen is in the learning phase of this new job – observing, listening, and taking in the scope of her responsibilities.

Stephen Creek

Working on detailed designs with Public Works and the consultant that did original assessment. Monitoring only measures what’s happening, does not reduce risk. Mitigation is more important than monitoring. Priority is to reduce risk, and that is where efforts will be most effective. Originally Parks Canada worked with Calgary Public Works office, but responsibility has been moved to BC jurisdiction. Currently bringing new players up to speed, trying not to lose time.

Craig: Wording in the report was fairly alarming and indicated that monitoring system would give immediate notice of increased risk.

Ellen: Understanding from discussion with the consultant is that monitoring would not necessarily give warning. Consultant feels it is better to move forward with mitigation at this point. Some talk of warning system. Ellen will try to get more information and feels that their recommendation holds merit. At this point, mitigation plans are still in design. Some parts of design can be implemented soon and will give update on timing when the information is firm. As mitigation work proceeds, they will be able to refine the design. Based on a site visit last week, design and mitigation plans can move forward.

Melanie: The goal has always been to take risk from very high to very low which only mitigation can accomplish.

Craig: Budget? Can the Field Unit resources cover this project?

Melanie: Briefed National Office last fall and anticipates that money from source other than Field Unit will be needed. Expects the funding will be approved. Last week was key in moving forward on the file, new people on the file. Recognize that this is important.

Visitor Experience Report

Melanie:

Wapta Falls road opened today.

Campground opening dates: Monarch – May 7, Kicking Horse – May 14, Takakkaw Falls and Hoodoo Creek – June 26, Lake O’Hara – June 19

Yoho Valley Road scheduled to open June 19. Highways currently clearing snow off Moraine Lake Road, then will clear the Lake O’Hara Road and then Yoho Valley Road.

West Gate will open May 15.

New this year: Some new highway signs like Yoho Valley Road exit; interpretive panel on Kicking Horse Pass installed at Monarch by the trailer drop off parking area.

Red chairs: Six pair in the Field Unit, two pair installed in Yoho last October – one set at Takakkaw Falls and one set at Yoho Lake, very popular.

Craig: What department is responsible for picnic benches in the backcountry, like Amiskwi Fire circle? Craig noticed old picnic table beside the river on the Kicking Horse Trail, mostly used by skiers is completely trashed now. How can these be replaced?

Melanie: More focused on front country where use is highest.

Craig: Suggested getting red chairs at Amiskwi.

Melanie: Red chairs have been installed in areas less travelled. Perhaps Amiskwi could be considered.

Helen: Why did they go with synthetic chairs?

Melanie: They last longer, don’t fade, no maintenance.

Highway Service Centre Report

Craig: Question about schedule for current highway work on tree and rock scaling and proposed paving contracts – is this available?

Melanie: Know what they are planning to do and approximate window, but don’t have the information here tonight. Brenda DeMone investigating sequencing and timing for work that will be least disruptive to residents and travellers. Once plans are complete, she will communicate with the community. This is a multi-year project. All work will be sympathetic to twinning. Highway Service Centre has been divided into two groups: Engineering and Operations are now separate.

Craig: When can we expect the street sweeper in town?

Melanie: I know the sweeper will be out soon but can’t give the exact date.

  1. Field Fire and Rescue Department (FFRD) Report

Call outs: 25 to date – we had an easy winter and good service from the Highway Service Centre. There was a major call out April 24 at the bottom of the Big Hill. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)scheduled for this week. Mental health of members is a priority. A fatality at the scene of an incident is an immediate trigger for CISD.

New equipment: $55,000.00 set aside for new breathing apparatus; going through standing offer process at present. Fit testing kit is on order, which will simplify mask-fitting process. Rescue Truck delivery date September 2015. This will be a great truck. There are multiple steps in process to build a fire truck. Sean feels confident the product will meet FFRD needs.

New wash bay at the fire hall, set up for the new truck. Thanks Jamie.

There is now an AED (defibrillator) in the truck, easy to use, great to have. We’ll let Rick Mercer know!

Training: Six members attended heavy equipment rescue course in Invermere the weekend of April 24. Knowledge gained to be shared with members who were not able to go. With spring season here, there is ongoing training on water pumping, etc. Auto extraction course planned for fall. Some members scheduled to attend Live Fire 1 in June. Officer training for three members is upcoming. The department is working hard to meet new BC Playbook standards. Sean is updating the FFRD Standard Operating Guidelines to meet our specific operation in Parks Canada milieu and the new realities of the BC Playbook.

Now looking at multi-year contract with Parks Canada in future rather than year to year under which FFRD currently operates.

Working on fire station assessment for upgrade or replacement. Federal Infrastructure Program (FIP) $ may be available.

Recruiting new members, currently in rebuilding phase.

Sean plans to build a training data base but it is hard to find time to start the project.

Emergency Services Ball for STARS really successful, with over $7700.00 raised. There were more donations from local businesses this year than any other year. It’s a great event, lots of fun and recommends that more residents come out next year!

  1. Round Table: Nothing brought forward.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

Field Community Council In Camera Meeting April 27, 2015

Field Community Council In Camera Meeting April 27, 2015

In Attendance: Craig Chapman, Sally Watson, Jeremy Schmidt

Excused: Claudia Harding

Old Business                                                                                              Action

1. FRAA:

·  Easter Egg Hunt and Kid’s Crafts, and Easter Brunch were lovely. Thanks to the FRAA for organizing the event, and thanks to everyone for coming out. Food was great, good participation, lots of fun and visiting.

·  Payment received for most recent Yoho Retreat. Next yoga hall rental takes place May 1, 2, 3.

·  Two upcoming FRAA events – watch for details and posters for the Garage Sale on May 17 and a Spring Fling dance on May 29. Leave your calendar open for these dates!

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRAA

2. Field Hall Improvement Project:

·  Furnaces have been installed.

·  Windows are on order.

·  Blinds – Continue to research styles and costs.

·  Hot water tanks – $3,000 each for on demand, gas. Grants may be available.

·  New door locks proving to be expensive and difficult process. Looking for keypad locks on exterior doors, very expensive, around $10,000 for security of building and to code for British Columbia.

·  Replace fire panel, around $14,000 with two door lock connections included. Pursuing grant options.

·  Sound system quote from Mike Pecora is $9,000, includes unblowable speakers, portable sound system, microphones, cables, flip charts, projector and screen. Potential grant from CBT.

·  Acoustic Baffles – Company in Mississauga produces product for reasonable price. Estimate we need twelve 4’ x 2’ ceiling mounted panels. Kathryn to contact for details and shipping costs. White would be less obtrusive than other colours available.

 

 

 

Craig

Craig

 

 

Craig

 

 

Craig

 

Craig

 

 

 

Kathryn

 

 

 

 

3. Constitution Revision: Tabled to next meeting. FCC and FRAA
4. Catholic Church Lease Reassignment: Grant applications for funding from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) to complete. As soon as we have confirmation on funding grants we can talk to Parks Canada about proceeding on the lease reassignment. Craig and Kathryn
5. WI-FI for the Community Hall: Peak Broadband will sponsor the hall for the basic monthly package; if use exceeds the maximum use of this package, we will pay the difference. May have to address rental agreements for meetings that want to use Wi-Fi. Thanks Steve. Proceed with installation. Confirm overage costs. Monitor option?

6. Future of School: Parents seem to be most interested in before and after school programming, and lunch supervision. Need to have concrete options before we approach the school about use. Initiative feels like it’s worth pursuing. Craig to touch base with Helen for grant details, then we will present proposal to Rocky Mountain School District 6.

 

 

 

 

Kathryn

 

 

 

 

Craig and Kathryn

7. Low Cost Housing: Revelstoke has an initiative proceeding, Craig to contact Mayor for information on their process. Craig
8. Telegraph Building: Are the outside boards coming off? Karen Lassen was to talk to CP about other options. Kathryn to call Karen and ask what is happening. Apparently CP not interested in plexiglass, but would entertain moving boards to inside building rather than outside. Kathryn
9. Removal of Trees Along Power Line: FUB agenda FUB
10. Emergency Plan Update Meeting: Scheduled for 1:00 pm on May 7. FUB agenda Craig, Kathryn, Sally to attend if time permits
11. Relationships CSRD/CBT/Town of Golden/Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau (BLLTB): Craig now on CSRD advisory board representing our area. Our concerns: population retention, viability of town, school, need for low cost housing and business opportunities. We have good water, vibrant fire department. It is a two-year commitment. Good experience.

Membership in BLLTB not open to businesses in our area.

 

 

 

 

Craig

12. Yoho Brothers Commercial Release: Status update. FUB Agenda FUB
13. Off Leash Dog Park: Gates seem to be too high off the ground; small and medium size dogs can get underneath. Status of doggie bag dispenser? FUB agenda. FUB

New Business                                                                                             Action

1. Shuttle Bus to Lake Louise: No response to call for interest. Ridership needs to be guaranteed. Transportation not a hot issue for guests, however, if service was available it might attract ridership. Trial basis? Is there interest in businesses support for the initiative, basically provide a subsidy to establish ridership? Commuter option? Takes time to establish the service. Public transit big discussion municipally and provincially. Other funding may be available in the future.  

 

 

 

 

FCC discussion ongoing

 

2. Meeting with Ellen Francis Monday Afternoon Before Town Hall Meeting: 4:00 to 5:00 to share key issues. Information sharing opportunity. Community needs Parks Canada’s support.  

Craig to confirm

3. Town Hall Meeting Moved to Monday, May 4: Kathryn to send out notice of change to community. Kathryn
4. Coffee with Superintendent: Within next two weeks if possible. Read through management plan for Yoho National Park. Community needs Melanie’s support. FUB agenda. FUB
5. Round table

Kathryn: Reason to reside, status of changes; compliance– FUB agenda

Sally:

·  Did anyone fill out the stakeholders townsite survey? Craig yes, Kathryn to finish it, Sally to do it.

·  Friends of Yoho have asked to use the hall on July 15 and August 19 for evening talks, 8 to 10 pm.

·  Yoga rental this weekend and in June.

·  June 12 wedding rental for rehearsal party, doing their own liquor; corkage fee discussed and settled on $2.50 per person of legal drinking age for dinner wine, $5.00 for bar drinks. Rental agreement to be amended to include this information. Wedding hall rentals on July 25, August 2, September 28.

·  Outstanding receipts – furnace bill hasn’t arrived yet, Easter bills forthcoming.

·  Karen Hagen says there are 6 large hanging baskets to donate to Community Hall from Samson Mall business owners association. Thanks Karen.

·  Boomer making four new window boxes, three larger, one smaller if he can find a good price on cedar.

FUB

 

Kathryn, Sally

 

 

 

 

Sally

 

 

 

 

Kim

 

 

 

 

Boomer

FUB Agenda

Schedule Town Walk About

Catholic Church Lease Assignment – update

Tree Removal Along Power Lines – update

Highway Construction and Scaling Projects – update

Street Sweeper Schedule

Reason to Reside Regulations – update on relaxing guidelines for Field; compliance for holiday homes on Parks Canada land

Coffee With the Superintendent – schedule as soon as possible

Off Leash Dog Park – clearance too large under gates

Commercial Lot Release/Call for Proposals Yoho Trading Post – update

FIP Plans for Yoho National Park – Priorities in general? Hoodoo Creek campground rebuild/plans to increase number of campsites in Yoho? Bunkhouse Accommodation in Field?

May 6, 2015

Admin Boardroom

10:00 am

FCC

Town Hall Meeting Agenda

Discussion Item: Shuttle Bus to Lake Louise Trial Winter 2015/16

Field Hall Improvement Project

FCC/FRAA Report

Treasurer’s Report

RCMP Report

Friends of Yoho Report

Townsite Manager

Visitor Experience Report

Highway Service Centre Report

Field Fire and Rescue Report

Round Table

May 4, 2015

Field Community Hall

7:00 pm

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Field Community Town Hall Meeting March 9, 2015

Field Community Town Hall Meeting, March 9, 2015

In Attendance: Kim Chapman, Clayton Nylen, Susan Williamson, Deb Bancroft, Karla Gaffney, John Schlichting, Helen Barry, Lloyd Lafrance, Brenda DeMone, Lorraine Zirke, Ginette Therrien, Helen Barry, Marilyn Toulouse, Bruce Bembridge, Patrick Cais, Sophie Cais, Ryan Cameron, Cathy Taerum, Caroline Marion, Sean Coubrough, Craig Chapman, Kathryn Cameron, Sally Watson, Claudia Harding, Jeremy Schmidt

  1. Chair Report

This is Caroline Marion’s last town hall meeting as Townsite Manager. It’s a special night for her. Over her tenure she attended over 100 meetings – Craig stopped counting at 120. Caroline has served 19 years as Townsite Manager. There is a retirement party for her in Canmore this weekend, March 14 and an open house in Field at 6:30 on March 30 at the hostel. Caroline has been a good friend to Field, and although she doesn’t live here she has embraced the community – Christmas Concert, Yoho Blow, basically anything with free food and celebrities she’s here! She has facilitated new infrastructure (new water and sewer lines throughout town, new water and wastewater treatment plants, BC Hydro’s battery storage facility to cover power outages, cell service). But her job hasn’t been all ribbon cutting. Budget cuts have given some challenges. The community thanks Caroline for her commitment to Field and wants to thank her for everything she has accomplished as Townsite Manager.

Caroline: I would have lived here but my husband wouldn’t let me! Working with the community has been the most fulfilling part of my job. I have really enjoyed my time here, especially with the fire department eating up my budget!

Reduction in Post Office Hours: There is continued reduction in service set to take effect, with the Post Office open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daily. We encourage anyone who feels strongly about this to please write a letter stating your concerns, or, if there are certain hours of the day that you feel will better serve the community, please let the Post Office know. Post Office wants the building to be open when the mail is delivered and to deliver Express Post, but there may be some leeway within those parameters to offer service to the community that meets the community’s needs. Four hours seem to be set in stone, but maybe one day a week the hours can be met later in the day. Unless there is a sudden boom in the town and our population jumps to 500 people it is doubtful we will receive more service hours each week. Discussion about what hours will best serve the community.  As a consensus, does anyone have a problem with 8:00 am to 12:00 noon? Is one afternoon possible? Maybe as a trial. Mornings probably better for visitors and residents, but perhaps one evening a week will work. Most traffic occurs in morning or right before closing. Who do we direct letters to? Norm Ouellet, contact information will be posted in the minutes and council will send a message about discussion at the meeting

  1. Treasurer’s Report

Motion to accept, Claudia; seconded by Jeremy. Motion passed.

Financial Reports will be sent out as attachments to the minutes.

  1. Townsite Manager’ Report

3rd Quarter Report

Consumption: overall consumption is up 14.6% over the same period in 2013-2014. Residential use is up 18% while commercial use is up 20%.

 

 

 

1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
2013/2014

Non-residential

2,233 3,238 1,188 6,659
2013/2014

Residential

3,085 3,375 2,085 8,545
Total 2013-2014

 

5,318 6,613 3,273 15,204
2014/2015

Non-Residential

2,526 3,582 1,230 7,338
2014/2015

Residential

 

2,879 3,838 3,375 10,092
Total 2014-2015

 

5,405 7,420 4,605 17,430

Water: revenues are at 72.2%, while expenses are at 69.9% of forecast. The water utility is showing a surplus of $580.

Wastewater: revenues are at 73.9% of forecast, while expenses are at 100.9% of forecast. The wastewater utility is showing a deficit of $24,130. The higher expenses are due to: the need to replace a pump, a mixer, and various electrical components; and double banking of the Manager position to provide an overlap between Darrell and Sheelagh.

The deficit is also attributable to Parks Canada’s decision to freeze the 2014-15 rates at the 2012-2013 rates. Any deficits in both water and sewer will be subsidized by Parks Canada for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. In 2015-2016, Parks Canada will increase the ongoing yearly capital subsidy paid to the community of Field to $57,000 from $30,000.

Solid Waste: revenues are at 75% of forecast while expenses are at 86.1% of forecast. The solid waste utility is showing a deficit of $4320. The deficit may be a result of increased solid waste volumes caused by an increase visitation to the community, as suggested by the increase in water and wastewater volumes.

Tree removal from power line between Field and battery storage unit

BC Hydro advised the community in an email on January 23, 2015, that they have reviewed a numbers of items related to the operation of the Emergency Storage Facility (ESF) near Field. Items reviewed included: ongoing vegetation management, and options for system design changes and enhancements. Over the next few months, BC Hydro will identify solutions and work with Parks Canada to implement changes to improve reliability of the ESF.

Emergency Plan – Revise current document to reflect VRC winter closure and determine guidelines for Community Hall use

It has proven difficult to find a date for a meeting in March. Sean Coubrough will schedule the meeting for some time in April, at a time when Caroline’s successor can attend. Members of the FCC, Parks Visitor Experience, Visitor Safety, Law Enforcement, Highways, and the RCMP will be invited to the meeting.

Doll House Release

The successful bidder is in the process of confirming financing.

Stephen Creek Mitigation Update

Following the meeting, Public Works and Government Services Canada advised that installation of the slope monitoring equipment would take place by the end of April 2015. Construction of the mitigation measures on the slope is still expected to begin by mid-May 2015.

Telegraph Building

Members expressed serious concerns about the aesthetics impact of boarding up of the Telegraph Building windows and asked Parks Canada to intercede with CPR to have the boards removed. A proposal has been submitted to CPR to install plexiglass behind the windows inside the building.

New Townsite Manager

Ellen Francis will be assuming the position of Manager of Townsites and Realty when Caroline retires at the end of March. Ellen is no stranger to our Field Unit. In 2000, she worked at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre as an Information Attendant and as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Mr. Michel Boivin.   Ellen has a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Design, Environmental Science at the University of Calgary and lived in Alberta for 7 years. The focus of study for her thesis was the Town of Banff’s Environmental Management System. She worked for five years as the Arctic Program Director (in Calgary and Ottawa) for the Pembina Institute, a Canadian environmental non-governmental organization. Following this, she held positions at Health Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, both with a focus on environmental health and sustainability. She is currently working at Natural Resources Canada as a Manager in International Affairs. Ellen has three children and an enthusiastic backcountry skier husband who are all excited to be joining her.  Ellen will assume her new position on March 23rd.

Plastics bin

New stickers have been affixed to bins for better clarify. Need the new bin installed to complete the work. Once the ground thaws the work can be done. The complete line up will need to be moved to accommodate the new bin. In the meantime, we can put our plastic in the tin bin. Suggestion that the stickers be installed on the road side of the bins as well. Sally: Bins in Lake Louise have stickers on drive by side of the bins. No need to reinvent ourselves, the templates already exist. We should use them.

Sean: Agree. Our stickers also include local opportunities for recycling to support local fundraising.

Lake O’Hara Reservations

There are changes to the day use reservation system – will be available online with the Parks Canada Reservation Service starting at 5 am, MDT on April 20, 2015; no change to campground and commercial users reservation system. Information files attached to the minutes.

  1. Highways Report

Brenda DeMone says that spring is here! Feedback from people on winter operations this year seems to be positive, including from school bus driver. New work contingent on budget approval. Centerline and shoulder rumble strips will be built into each new paving contract.

Street sweeping: How can we get Field moved higher on the order of highways? Current schedule is based on when each venue is snow free, where the area is on line painting priority, and if there will be no more anticipated road sanding. Parks Canada owns two sweepers, cost about $300,000 to replace or buy a new one. Parks Canada also has pull behind brooms but the big gravel pick up machines are most effective. Working with provincial highway contractors to see if there are ways to work together to make the process better. Fire hosing/washing the roadways is also an option to reduce dust.

  1. Field Fire and Rescue

Lower number of calls than usual this winter. Good weather and well-maintained highways are contributing factors.

New truck is fantastic, pump works Iike a charm, good addition to the fleet.

New accountability tags have arrived; individually numbered and color-coded to maintain anonymity of members. In line with new Playbook, interior or exterior training, from green through red, so incident commander will be able to see color code and know level of training of members who have responded.

CSRD Spring Training Calendar is posted. Live fire training has changed to reflect the new system: Live 1 now exterior firefighter and Live 2 is interior firefighter. Lots of new recruits; important to get them to training courses. Heavy Vehicle Extrication scheduled for April 24 to 26 in Invermere; 6 members registered. Sean taking risk management training April 25 in Creston; required for new Risk Management Officer position in the Playbook. In-house Auto Extrication course planned. More training requirements before recruits receive their pagers, but training is online so people can work at their own speed.

Emergency Services Ball on April 18. Tickets on sale now; contact Sean to purchase.

New agreement with Parks Canada is in process; minor changes for the upcoming year. Honorarium now in line with CSRD paid on call. Thank you to Parks Canada for meeting this standard. Another requirement in Playbook will include training to interior level, highest level. New tracking system with database, also part of Playbook – means a big time commitment to do this work.

Full time Fire Chief discussion? Better to pursue this when Melanie returns from her acting assignment in Ottawa. It’s too much to expect people in acting superintendent position to make changes or commitments.

Craig: Community very lucky to have such a high level of commitment from our department. Training to interior level will give us what we need, great level for the department and the community.

  1. Catholic Church

Parks Canada approached FRAA to see if we would be interested in taking over the Catholic Church if the lease was surrendered. Preliminary figure of $110,000 to do upgrades for weddings and music nights. Meets institutional zoning of the lot in the Field Community Plan. CBT can meet about 60%, private donations and community fundraising opportunities makes this look quite positive. Year round? Probably not. FHBRO? No, not a parks Canada building, but viewed as a community cultural resource. Church has not been appraised. Accessibility is a fact of life, no other changes to appearance of the building. Room for a washroom. Would be nice to have something in winter, but unless we have big demand that would make it feasible, then no. What about the basement? Structurally sound. Half full basement, and half retaining wall. Some slumping, but no water moving through. We don’t want the building to fall into disrepair and not be used. Community supports moving forward.

Karla: We have two buildings to consider.

Helen: Good segue way into theTelegraph Building discussion.

  1. Telegraph Building

Current state of building not conducive to enhancing interest in town. Broken glass not attractive, security an issue. Council suggested moving boards to inside. Suggested that anyone communicating with CP could share their interest and ideas with the community. What is the end game with theTelegraph Building? General feeling that nothing is going to happen. Friends of Yoho resurrected interest in having building signed over to them. Minutes of FRAA/FCC In Camera meeting took Friends of Yoho by surprise, but the board has not discussed it. From council’s perspective, if we can remedy the current aesthetic issue, then it moves from the front burner. Always suggestions from visitors who are involved with various historical societies. Building location is problematic. Why does CP want from this? Realty wants to extract money from their properties; however, CP is not forthcoming with environment concerns, parking, access to tracks, and long list of bills that could come up. Karla says Friends are in infancy now with their plans.

Susan: Do you feel like you are being sidelined by the council?

Karla: No.

Craig: If you are driving an initiative, be forthcoming.

Debbie: The Telegraph Building has always been a project of interest to the Friends; if it can go forward that would be good. If there is a recognition that it can’t move forward, then can we look at other options?

Craig: Big thing with CP is that you sign on the bottom line even without them assuming any responsibility for contamination. Right now the building is an orphan. All agree that we want it preserved.

Caroline: Parks Canada willing to help out making something more appealing for the windows, before the summer comes. Karen Lassen working on it.

Craig: Map out what our working plans/dreams based on nothing happening behind the KH Lodge, that building as front piece for a brewpub. Venture is huge; we would build the platform, then put it out for investment, shovel ready. Looking at export possibilities, year-round jobs in Field. Creative dreaming really important. Many hoops to move through before anything happens. Friends to keep us posted.

  1. School enrollment

We have been successful as a community keeping the school open with diverse users, but enrollment not looking good. Best case scenarios for the next three years is 5/5/3 but in reality could be 3/0/3. Right now we are potentially at the narrow part of the bar graph. Could realistically be looking at no students in 2016/17. Create awareness, solutions? Alberta students? Provincial law states that students enrolled in a school in BC must have a valid British Columbia address; $150 per year for postal address in Field. One drawback is that Field requires transportation option. Tie in with Lake Louise shuttle? Possible to map it out and send a mail out to Lake Louise? 86 students ride the bus to Banff. Extra curricular activities take place in Banff, so travel for students and parents could be problematic. Sophie suggested opening a preschool here in Field as stepping stone. Money available for preschool. Getting kids here could be a lure to have people continue to bring their children to Field for school. Sees this as part of bigger issue in Field, jobs and housing to attract new residents. Supervised lunch option? Field is on the traditional one parent stays at home or someone provides lunch for your children. Morning and after school care? Daycare. Vision is that we operate a preschool at the school? Two separate programs then preschool at community hall, and morning and after school care and lunch supervision at school. Jeremy participated in a similar program in Manitoba and he loved it. Child care in a hospitality based community means late nights and weekends. Allowing both parents to work through before and after school care possible. Day care is maxing out; 29 kids on waiting list for Banff daycare. Lots of self-employed people with kids who would move here in a heartbeat if the need to reside was relaxed. Underutilized housing is an issue. Parks houses seem to offer the most options, as Parks Canada staff don’t seem to be interested in living in Field. Need to reside has stopped one house sale in the recent past. Seems to be sense within Parks Canada to relax need to reside to include all of Banff National Park.  One suggestion is to meet with Jeff Anderson and present some of our ideas to change course.

Susan: Be careful because the School District is not saying anything. Enrollment falling in Golden as well. More use of the school is also a factor.

Lloyd: After school and before school care would attract new families and keep us from losing families that have kids.

Lorraine: Could Field offer a Montessori School? It is an attractive option.

  1. Train derailments

Can we make a statement of concern through Parks Canada?

Caroline: Yes

Susan: Mark Tataryn, CP Police, is monitoring direct pathway from highway to bunkhouse. Susan investigated, and signage was not clear, and Mark indicated they would be closely watching the illegal crossing.

  1. Round Table

Karla: Who is the contact for garage sale tables? Kim Chapman. Watch for announcements.

Karla: National Geographic magazine spread on Yoho will be out this summer.

Rink is Ready!

The rink is now ready for the 2014/2015 season. Enjoy!