Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting, January 20, 2020

In attendance:  Sally Watson, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron, Paulina O’Brien, Greg Dowman, Michael Vanderveen, Alex Kolesch, Hollie Tataryn, Kim Chapman, Lloyd Lafrance, Jandi Škriantová, Carla Evans, Jen Coffman, Darren O’Brien, Pauline Boisier, Doug Mostert, Patrick Caïs, Craig Chapman

1. FRAA Report 

         Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

Paperwork for all six Board Members is now complete, and filed.

We are over five months into our operating year, which started on August 6, 2019. Winter and spring are traditionally the busiest seasons of the year for the FRAA, and the pattern holds! Volunteers rock.

The Christmas Concert on December 19 was great – exactly what Flint and Karen planned when they tossed out the idea to Make the Christmas Concert Great Again, hold it at the school gym, challenge the community to perform for the first time, and welcome event favourites. Thanks!

Skate With Santa and Christmas Pot Luck Supper on December 22 – super special as always. Fit Santa, thank you.

Winter programs continue with: 

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Laura Penner on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, $6 admission and self-lead on Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, no charge. Introductory HIIT was a sound success, and participants have either dropped out, left the country or graduated to regular HIIT. We are approaching the 2nd Anniversary of HIIT with Laura in Field. Excellent program; and

Yoga with Mardi Elliott on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, $6 admission fee. Mardi is away for the next three Thursdays; classes with Mardi resume on February 13 at the Community Hall. We’re planning to do TV Yoga on January 23, 30 and February 6, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm as long as we can get the internet and Wi-Fi working.

The FRAA received a wellness grant of $1260 from Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) in the fall of 2019 to subsidize HIIT and Yoga for $6 per attendee per session to boost attendance at both programs. To date, we have used $618 of the grant, and will review attendance again in two months to see where we’re at with it.

3rd Annual Pond Hockey Tournament organized and operated by Kurt Devlin took place on January 10 and 11. Thanks Kurt! Financial reports in process.

This has been a really challenging year to keep the rink maintained. Thanks to the tractor operators, shovellers, flooders and skaters for keeping the rink as clean as possible, and for cleaning up the change room. Looks really good downstairs. Suggestion by Jen Coffman to train additional people to use the Kubota and share the workload of rink maintenance. Kathryn to talk to Dave Allen about how to implement.

Gentle reminder to all hall and change room users: please make certain the lights are off inside and outside the hall; close all the windows and turn down the heat; change room rules are posted on the wall – read them and take them seriously, specifically, please put the skates back on the shelf and take ALL your garbage when you leave. It’s a public space.

Yoho Blow starts in less than two weeks. We have confirmation that Craig and team will again design and administer the Heritage Relay and Small Town Revival will play at the dance on Saturday, February 1. Posters and details like sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board this week.

Parks Canada Trans Canada Highway Twinning Project Open House – Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Vegan Pot Luck ‘Supper and a Movie’ on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Details and poster in process. Start looking for vegan recipes!

Groove Is In The Heart with Elk Run and Riot from Canmore on Friday, February 14, $10 entry fee. 

3rd Annual Yoho Nordic Challenge hosted by Kicking Horse Ski Club on Saturday, February 15 starting from Field VRC at 10 am. Poster has been circulated and is on the bulletin board as well.

Kicking Horse Ski Club has also faced weather and snow challenges this year, but as always, has cleared, packed, groomed, set and maintained the trails really, really well. Thanks Joe, Flint, Lorraine, Heather, Paulina, Lucy, Hans and all others who give residents and visitors fantastic trails in Yoho National Park.

The Mould Remediation Project is complete. The FRAA now does a weekly walk-through of the building.

Change Room Door replacement is in process. Flint is dealing with Olson Construction to get an estimate.

Board is working on the Constitution. Really. Working meeting scheduled for February 10, 2020 to start revising specific articles. Changes will be presented at public consultation meeting.

The FRAA renewed the lease for the Community Hall property at 315 Stephen Avenue with CP for five years, effective November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2024. 

St. Joseph Project: Received word from the Gaming Grant application submitted in July 2019 that our request for $200,000 was not approved, based on their belief that we would not have enough money to complete the project and to apply again on the next intake when it’s posted. Waiting to hear from designer on engineered drawings; once received we will put the project out to tender. Lots of discussion about timeline, grants to pursue, fundraising ideas, impact of highway construction and Development Permit Application. Helen Dickenson has offered to do the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Development Permit process, pro bono. Thanks Helen.

Snow Removal and Storage in the Townsite of Field continues to be an annual conversation. General feeling is that the Field Unit is underfunded given the scope of the kilometers on Highways, secondary roads and townsites to maintain in a high elevation environment. 

Discussion on adequate resources: Highway Services Centre (HSC) will probably never have the resources they need.

BC Hydro Line Update from Diane Tammen, January 20, 2020: 

“Our understanding is that CPR has removed over 200 dead hazard trees with the recent work they have done through the Yoho corridor. They have also slashed out regrowth and completed some widening of the corridor. Overall it looks to be in excellent condition.  Please check with CPR if you wish to confirm this information, or for more details.

BCH currently has a contractor working on the distribution feeder between the ESF and Town. They are slashing regrowth and removing the four hazard trees we identified last year. This work is planned to be completed by week’s end.

There are still some hazard trees on Parks Canada property and a small section of regrowth to slash this year.  A BCH vegetation specialist is meeting with Parks today to look at these remaining hazard trees, and if conditions are favourable we are going to try to attend to these over the next month.”

Working with Jen Coffman to post information in the washroom lobby at Field VRC on services available in Field in the winter season. Parks Canada has offered to translate and format the information. The FRAA feels that it would be far more beneficial to have the facility open in winter to serve visitors and support leaseholders in Yoho National Park. Request noted by Alex Kolesch.

Next Meeting Cycle:

February 17, 2020: FRAA Board Meeting

February 26, 2020: Field Utility Board/Municipal Services Meeting

March 9, 2020: Town Hall Meeting

2. Treasurer’s Report

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA
Reports attached to the Minutes distribution email.

Motion by Greg, seconded by Flint that Financial Reports be accepted as presented. Carried.

3. Parks Canada Reports 

         Alex Kolesch, Interim Townsite Manager

  • Parks Canada working through steps with Rocky Mountain School District #6 (RMSD 6) to surrender RMSD 6 lease to Parks Canada. Renovation planned to increase office space. Gym slated to be available for community use. 
  • When Parks Canada is able to move out of current Administration Building the lease with CP will be terminated. Use of building post Parks Canada? Community Plan identified site as public park. May be options for community commercial opportunities.
  • Snow removal guidelines and Plough Map will be circulated this week.
  • Field Fire and Rescue (FFR): Parks Canada understands the efforts required by members to operate FFR and is working with FFR to find acceptable solutions that will give a year to come to better solution.
  • Park Management Plan Update: Drafts are in process. Public consultation in spring.

Michael Vanderveen, Highway Service Centre

  • Best Management Practises are not necessarily written in stone, guidelines HSC hopes to achieve. Matter of patience as there are many variables that guide actions. There is a higher level of residential service in Field than in Lake Louise.
  • Private contractor to fill in when HSC not able to meet desired timeline is an option, but given that CP now has their own snow removal service and is no longer contracting with an operator from Golden the cost of bringing a company occasionally from Golden is prohibitive. Option for a local contractor? Worth examining.
  • 2019/2020 is a year with above average snowfall. Frustration comes with more demand on places without the resources to maintain and offer services.
  • Craig Chapman observed that windrows present a challenge for some residents, especially in light of the aging demographic in Field. In Golden, people who need assistance with clearing snow have their properties marked with a flag, and after ploughs clear the streets, Town of Golden employee comes around in a bobcat and clears the windrow. Michael Vanderveen said a similar program in Field is not an option; recommended establishing a Snow Angel Program.
  • Residents noted that there are no street signs for Burgess Avenue.
  • Patrick suggested different transportation management options during Yoho Blow weather events to give Travel Advisory that travel is not recommended, specifically for 10 k section of Highway 1 from top of Big Hill to Boulder Creek Compound, i.e. road signs, Drive BC. 
  • Is closing the Highway an option when conditions are exceptionally bad? Michael says that criteria for closing the highway are fatality or avalanche; political pressure to keep Highway 1 open is applied as soon as the highway is closed, no matter the reason. Apparently the loss of commerce is $1,000,000 for every hour the closure is in place.

         Travis Wert, Asset Manager

Report given by Alex Kolesch on behalf of Travis Wert:

  • Construction on triplex at Dollhouse lot (next to Superintendent’s Residence) slated to start spring 2020.
  • Triplex on former teacherage duplex lot now complete and ready for occupants.
  • Bunkhouse renovation is underway and expected to be ready for occupants for 2020 season. Generally 25 employees are housed at the Boulder Creek Bunkhouse facility.

         Jed Cochrane, Visitor Experience

No Report

Dwight Bourdin, Resource Conservation

Report given by Alex Kolesch on behalf of Dwight Bourdin:

  • TransCanada Highway (TCH) Twinning Project Open House coming up on February 4, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Graduate student is working in Yoho, studying elk behaviour and movement, interactions with TCH with goal to improve migration route movement for herd.
  • 2020 Aquatic invasive Species: Mandatory Self-permit system will continue to clean, drain and dry all equipment used for aquatic recreation – boats, fishing gear, wet and dry suits, basically everything
  • Emerald Lake has tested negative for whirling disease. Closest location that tested positive is Little Herbert Lake, just north of Lake Louise on the Banff-Jasper Highway; the lake was depopulated. Discussion about status of Ross Lake? There have been anecdotal reports of erratic fish behaviour there.  Alex doesn’t know if the lake has been tested but will follow up.

4. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

No report presented tonight.

5. British Columbia Emergency Health Services

         Craig Chapman, Community Paramedic

Calling for Emergency Services.

  • Four agencies that we can reach through calling “911” – Fire, Ambulance, Police, and Parks Canada.
  • CP Rail can be activated through “911” but for specific railway related situations call – 1 (800) 716-9132.
  • For all emergencies calling “911” is the best plan. If you want to try other options get someone else to call “911” while you pursue those. Contacting a local member of the Fire Department / Ambulance or trying to call other numbers can slow down the response to an emergency.
  • Calling “911” can involve lots of questions, transferring call to different dispatch centers, but it is necessary. There are processes in place to protect everyone and they need to be followed. So when you call you need to be patient and stay on the line as long as required.
  • 911 call goes to Burnaby and is answered “911, do you require Police, Fire, or Ambulance” – default is ambulance.
  • Transferred to BCEHS Kamloops dispatch. “BC Ambulance, for what city?”
  • No ambulance is dispatched without this information. This can be challenging if the location is a highway. If it is an MVA they will ask for cross streets / landmarks to reference. 
  • What is the address? Very important, no help coming without this information. Landline phones were better for locating callers, with cell phones if caller does not know this information it is not easy to get coordinates from A cell phone and the response will be delayed. Have your address written in a prominent place in your home; if there is child in the house show them how to use a cell phone and can override the pass code for an emergency call.
  • What is a phone # that you can be reached at? This is not a stopping point and dispatcher can continue if this information is not known.
  • Exactly what happened?
  • Now dispatcher will provide assistance. BCEHS dispatchers are mandated to stay on the phone for “Not alert” patients or patients with breathing difficulties.
  • When expecting an ambulance – unlock door, put outside lights on, put pets away, move vehicles blocking access. If there is an entry code for the building let the dispatcher know and make sure your address is visible on the side of house.
  • Parks Canada is an additional piece for our area. Think of it as a backcountry vs on the pavement situation. Parks Canada will be involved in all wildfires / rescues / human wildlife conflicts. 
  • In BC the coordination with Banff Dispatch is not as smooth as in Alberta but you still need to call “911” and be specific in your request. If another person is present have them call Banff Dispatch directly.
  • If human life is endangered call:
  • Banff Dispatch Emergency:           (403) 762 – 4506
  • For other situations call:
  • Banff Dispatch Non-emergency:    (403) 762 – 1473
  • Often residents of Field who call an ambulance want to decide which hospital they go to. The attending crew will decide based on presentation of patient, location, road conditions, and direction from employer.  
  • In BC for residents getting transported to a hospital the cost is $86.00. Inter-facility transfers between BC hospitals following an admission by BC Ambulance are generally not charged. If we transport a BC patient to an Alberta hospital and there are inter-facility transfers by ambulance within Alberta the patient can expect to be charged. It will probably be over $1000.00. 
  • 8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. 
  • By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist. 

6. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Patrick Caïs, Acting Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

Call Outs –

  • 7 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April, 3 in May, 3 in June, 2 in July, 4 in August, 3 in September, 5 in October, 7 in November, 13 in December.  57 for 2019.
  • 10 on Sundays, 11 on Mondays, 8 on Tuesdays, 3 on Wednesdays, 7 on Thursdays, 14 on Fridays and 5 on Saturdays. 
  • Wires down 2, vehicle fire 2, mva rescue required 33, mva 12, investigation 1, hazmat 1, gasoline diesel spill 2, grass fire 1, assistance call 3, alarms 1

Members – Sitting at 13 members. 

  • 5 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 5 Probationary Members, 3 Recruits

New and Planned Purchases

  • New purchases
  • Heat in blankets, new pads for AED, bottles for gas monitor, new software for beacons,  
  • Propane generator is in place in case of power outage

Completed Training 

  • ICS 300 2 members.

Upcoming Training 

  • Nothing until springtime.

Apparatus

  • Engine 1 (all good) 
  • Rescue 1 (all good) 
  • Rescue 2 (all good considering its age).  
  • Ongoing Projects
  • Waiting from BCEHS for our agreement for first responders.
  • Discussions with PCA about importance of fulltime fire chief on FFRD (Fire Chief) ongoing

7. Round Table 

  • Discussion on how residents can support more resources for emergency services like Field Fire and Rescue, and ongoing maintenance requirements for services in Yoho National Park. Residents can appeal to government representatives and other organizations. Parks Canada employees cannot advise.
  • New CP Rail crossing malfunctions often. In event of malfunction, call CP Community Connect at 1-800-716-9132.

Meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting, January 6, 2020

In Attendance: Paulina O’Brien, Greg Dowman, Flint Palmer, Sonya Leenders, Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron

1. Board Membership Paperwork; Who’s Here and Who’s Away

Paulina and Sonya completed their paperwork. Six confirmed Board Members on the Field Recreation Advisory Association!

Greg will be away from the end of January until mid-March.

Kathryn is away from January 9 to 13.

Sonya is away from January 10 to 12, and from January 17 to February 1.
Paulina is away from April 8 to 28.

2.  Event Recap

Christmas Concert, December 19: Great big Thank You!! to Karen and Flint for organizing an exceptionally fun and entertaining evening. Well done! To all the performers – excellent! All the laughter was as good for our abs as a HIIT session . . . 

Skate With Santa and Christmas Pot Luck, December 22: Lovely evening to share delicious food, visit and celebrate community. Santa, we know how busy your schedule is in December so a very special shout out to you for making time to come to Field on December 19, 22 and the 25th to bring us Christmas spirit.

3. Winter Programs and Upcoming Events

Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Friday, January 10 at Field Elementary School (due to 3rd Annual Field Pond Hockey tournament at the Community Hall) from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Introductory HIIT from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm with Laura Penner, $6 each session; self-lead HIIT Monday January 13 from 6:30 pm to7:30 pm. Regular Wednesday sessions (regular and Introductory) with Laura Penner resume January 15, with self-lead sessions returning to Friday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on January 17.

Yoga with Mardi Elliott starts up again on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Community Hall. $6

Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Grant subsidy to build participation in programs: To date, Yoga has been supported for $252; cheque issued to Mardi. Waiting to hear from Laura on participation in HIIT, then will issue her a cheque. Thanks to CSRD for the support.         

3rd Annual Field Pond Hockey Tournament, courtesy of Kurt Devlin, at the Community Hall from 5:00 pm on January 10 to 2 am on January 12, 2020. For details, check out Facebook: 3rd Annual Field Pond Hockey Tournament.

Town Hall Meeting Monday, January 20, 2020 at Community Hall at 7:00 pm.

Yoho Blow, our winter festival, Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2. Information on dates and a tentative schedule of events to be posted on Yoho Blow Daze Facebook page January 6, with information starting to go up on the Bulletin Board this week. 

         Friday, January 31

7:00 pm– Doors and Bar Open

8:00 pm – Games Night, Shinny Hockey, Tickle Trunk Karaoke, Bocce Schedule Announced

         Saturday, February 1

9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Food Service: BOBs, Burgers, Dogs

9:00 am to Noon – Bocce Tournament 

Noon to 2:00 pm – Heritage Relay

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Bocce Tournament

9:30 pm to 1:30 am – Dance (Band TBA)

         Sunday, February 2

10 am to 3:00 pm – Food Service: BOBs, Burgers, Dogs

10 am to 4:00 pm – Bocce Tournament

4:00 pm – Anything Goes Downhill Race

6:00 pm – Pot Luck Supper and Event Wind Up!

Paulina: Liquor Licenses and Volunteer Coordination

Flint: Social Media and Band

Sally and Kathryn: Food, Donations

RAP for Firepit 2020: Kathryn

Groove Is In The Heart: Valentine Day Dance on Friday February 14 with Elk Run and Riot from Canmore, $15 entry. Door goes to the band, bar proceeds to FRAA. Poster with more details in process

3rd Annual Yoho Nordic Challenge: Kicking Horse Ski Club Fun(d)raiser on Saturday, February 15 starting at Field Visitor Centre, 10 am. Poster attached.

4. Hall Rentals
Friends of Yoho Pasta Supper, November 23, 2019 – Invoiced and paid.

December 9, 2019 Parks Canada and BC Ministry of Transport KH Canyon Project  – Invoiced 

December 18, 2019 Parks Canada Asset Management Annual Christmas Party – Invoiced and Paid

Parks Canada Trans Canada Highway Twinning Project Open House – Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

5. Mould Remediation Project
Last few items to clean out of the room. Salvaged equipment stored on shelves. Thanks for all the hard work cleaning and painting Flint. Thanks to Lorraine and Heather for cleaning the Kid’s Room and putting it together, and for cleaning the bathrooms for Skate With Santa and the Christmas Pot Luck. Instituted weekly building walk-through to check for issues, upkeep, etc.

6. Change Room Door Replacement and Rink Etiquette
Olson Construction to give quote in January. In the meantime, Greg tightened the screws January 6 so the door closes. 

Gentle reminders to rink and change room users: please put the skates back on the shelf, take your garbage with you when you leave, follow the rules posted on the wall by the light switch for the outdoor lights, hang the shovels on the outside wall after you clean the rink and turn off the lights (outside and inside) when you are finished using the rink.

7. Constitution Update
Board Members asked to write down their ideas of what we do and how we do it, with recommendations for Board membership by January 20, 2020 for presentation and discussion at Town Hall Meeting. Board to meet on February 10, 2020 to draft updated Constitution.

8. CPR Lease
Amending Agreement for a second five-year lease starting November 1, 2019 signed and sent to Claudio Kaschel, CP Specialist Real Estate – British Columbia. Once he signs on behalf of CP, an original copy will be sent to FRAA for our records. Anticipate receiving an invoice for land rent at the same time.

This table shows the FRAA land rent paid and to be paid to CP for 315 Stephen Avenue from November 1, 2014 through to the end of this second five-year agreement based on an annual increase of 3% per year.

2014$1500
2015$1545
2016$1591.35
2017$1639.09
2018$1688.26
2019$1738.91
2020$1791.08
2021$1844.81
2022$1900.16
2023$1957.16

9. St. Joseph Project

Received word from the Gaming Grant application submitted in July 2019 that our request for $200,000 was not approved, based on their belief that we would not have enough money to complete the project and to apply again on the next intake. Board members pointed out that generally organizations received more nays than yeas on grant applications, so our track record is really good. General discussion about scope of project – we are all in favour of plan we’re working on. To start weekly meetings again on January 7, 2020, 3:30 at the hotel. Focus on fundraising, grant applications, engineered drawings, communication. We carry on!

10. Town Hall Meeting Agenda

FRAA Report

Treasurer’s Report

Parks Canada Reports 

         Townsites

         Assets

         Highways Service Centre

         Resource Conservation

         Visitor Experience

Friends of Yoho

Field Fire and Rescue

Round Table

11. Round Table

Sally: Preliminary request for confirmation of information and operations received from Johnston Meier Insurance before renewal process. Board reviewed information; Sally to send revisions to Janice Ottoson. Sally also reported that Parks Canada has been invoiced for Water, Sewer and Garbage (WSG) for use of the Public Washroom at the Community Hall for June through September 2018 and for the Honorarium for 2019/2020. Plans to invoice for Parks Canada soon for WSG for use of the Public Washroom at the Community Hall for June through September 2019.

Flint: To talk to Kicking Horse Ski Club about upgrading equipment to groom trails. Summer Music Festival early bird tickets are on sale for $40 per person until January 15, 2020. For details on the line-up of musicians, ticket sales and more, please visit the website: www.fieldmusicfest.ca

Sonya: International Women’s Day is on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Proposed presenting The Vagina Monologues on Saturday, March 7, 2020 to celebrate. Also proposed more public presence of where we are at in fundraising for St. Joseph Project. To discuss in depth at project meeting January 7, 2020.

Greg: All good.

Paulina: All good.

Kathryn: To send email to Acting Townsite Manager Alex Kolesch about snow storage and removal concerns, i.e. community access and snow storage in front of the church; banners on the bridge need to be replaced; ploughing the parking lot behind Truffle Pigs.Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting, November 25, 2019

In attendance: Paulina O’Brien, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron

Excused: Sally Watson, Sonya Leenders, Greg Dowman

1. Meeting Calendar for upcoming year:

FRAA Board Meetings
Mondays, 7:00 pmField Community Hall
Field Utility Board Meetings
Wednesdays, 10:30 amYoho Admin
Town Hall Meetings
Mondays, 7:00 pmField Community Hall
January 6, 2020February 26, 2020January 20, 2020
February 17, 2020May 6, 2020March 9, 2020
April 6, 2020September 16, 2020May 11, 2020
June 1, 2020November 4, 2020June 22, 2020
August 31, 2010 September 28, 2020
October 12, 2020 November 16, 2020 (AGM)

2. Programs

Kudos to the rink people who have started to prepare the ice rink for the season. Thank you!

HIIT with Laura Penner: Wednesday evenings to December 11, 2019, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, $6; Introductory HIIT with Laura Penner: Wednesday evenings to December 11, 2019, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, $6; Group Lead HIIT Sunday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, no charge.

Yoga with Mardi Elliott: Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm to December 12, 2019, $6

Kids’ Cooking Class: Looking for a teacher. Contact a member of the Board if interested.

Note: At the end of an evening program, please set thermostat to 10° C.

3. Event Review 

AGM: Great turnout. Delicious supper. Spicy meeting.

Friends of Yoho Spaghetti Supper: Really nice event, well done Friends of Yoho! FRAA operated the bar; report will be presented at the next Town Hall Meeting with Financial Reports.

3. Events for Upcoming Year

Pencil them in – it’s an ambitious agenda!

DateLeadEvent
December 19/19Karen, FlintChristmas Concert
December 22/19Sally, KathrynChristmas Pot Luck Supper
January 10/20Kurt DevlinPond Hockey Tournament
January 31, February 1, 2/20Flint, Paulina, Kathryn, Sally, Sonya, Greg, KarenYoho Blow Days – Winter Festival
February 14/20FlintGroove Is In The Heart
April 13/30Sonya, FlintEarly Earth Day, Easter Bunny Hop and Pot Luck Brunch
June 7/20PaulinaSpring Fling
July 1/20KathrynCanada Day
July 11/20FlintField Summer Music Festival
September 6/20Tentative EventSummer End Event

4. Townsite Manager

Alex Kolesch is Acting Townsite Manager.

5. Carla Evans’ suggestion for presentation on historic use of Yoho National Park

Board is looking at the message and maps Carla sent to the FRAA. Will forward the message to the Friends of Yoho for potential to co-host the event one evening this summer. Super interesting.

6. Lease Renewal with CPR

CPR sent the signed lease from 2014 along with an Amending Agreement. Board Members to review the files and give feedback by November 27, 2019. Lease expired October 31, 2019. Looking at 5-year renewal of existing agreement.

7. Building Maintenance and Mould Remediation Project Plan

Flint to start painting storage room surfaces Wednesday morning. Plans to install insulation and drywall once paint is dry. All the cleaned equipment and material currently in the change room to be packed and ready to move to storage area once the work is complete (tentative completion date December 6.2019).

HIPI construction is not able to do repairs to outside entrance to change room, broken window in change room and broken shelves in kitchen this year. Flint to contact Olson Construction about doing the work.

8. Board Members

We currently have six of eight positions filled. Looking for two more members. Please let us know if you are interested.

9. Round Table

Residents have received Registered Letters from Parks Canada with information about how land rent increases will be managed in the new year.

CPR controlled crossing project: waiting for window when track demand allows for eight hours to complete the work. Project Manager has been given A/Townsite Manager contact information in order to communicate when, where and how, including access to Field while the work to install the last section of third track is done. Update from Townsites on November 27, 2019: “Please be advised that CP will be closing the rail crossing in Field for up to 6 hour blocks, evening hours, starting at 20:00 hrs (8:00PM) on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th.  There will be alternate access to Field via the Field back road. Please contact the Townsites team if you have any questions or concerns, 403-522-1186 or llyktownsites@canada.ca.”

Parks Canada, working with the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), has tentatively booked Field Community Hall for Monday, December 9, 2019 for presentation on the Kicking Horse Project by MOTI. Confirmation and details to follow.

BC Hydro Update from Diane Tammen on November 12, 2019: “CPR has started clearing its right-of-way and they plan to do from Field to Golden.  I hope once they’re done we’ll notice an improvement/reduction of trees falling on the line.  The work is scheduled to be completed by mid-December, 2019.”

Work Party at Community Hall on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 2:00 pm.Decorating Party for Christmas Concert and Skate With Santa and Christmas Pot Luck on Monday, December 16, 2019, starting at the school and then moving to the Community Hall.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Annual General Meeting and Town Hall Meeting, November 4, 2019

In Attendance: Helen Barry, Ryan Cameron, Dave Selkirk, Brenda Selkirk, Juliet Van Vliet, Craig Chapman, Doug Mostert, Pauline Boisier, Bruce Bembridge, Marilyn Toulouse, Jeremy Shaw, Alicia Afeltra, Stephanie Fenton, Jerry Gallant, Beth Ashfield, Patrick Cais, Jana Skrlatova, Francis Bertrand, Josephine Bertrand, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron, Boomer Lahti, Greg Dowman, Sally Watson, Miguel, Zoe Cristiano, Felicity Frost

Excused: Sonya Leenders, Karen Schmidt, Paulina O’Brien, Charisse D’hamers

1. FRAA Report and Annual Report August 6, 2018 to August 5, 2019

         Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

Thanks to everyone who brought delicious food to share tonight!

Since the last Town Hall Meeting on September 30, 2019, we:

  • Bid farewell and offered best wishes to Mike, Charisse and Estelle as they move to Elkford, BC
  • Carried on with regular HIIT and introductory HIIT on Wednesday evenings with Laura Penner, and group lead HIIT on Sunday evenings
  • Started Yoga with Mardi Elliott from Banff, with a short hiatus for Halloween; resumes Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 pm
  • Attended two Not For Profit courses offered by College of the Rockies in Golden: Financial Management on October 2 and Fundraising on October 9
  • Met with Townsite Manager Juliet Van Vliet and Highway Service Centre Manager Mike Vanderveen to review snow removal operations and expectations for the coming winter season
  • Transferred ownership of the skidoo and trailer from Marilyn Toulouse and Kicking Horse Ski Club to FRAA, and licensed and registered both
  • Opened a chequing account with Columbia Valley Credit Union, deposited some money and initiated online banking options for the FRAA
  • Received excellent building maintenance service from Miles Dickinson. He replaced the failed hot water tank (and cleaned up the standing water mess) and replaced the cartridge in the upstairs bathroom sink faucet
  • Had mould contamination remediation work done in the storage room area, kids room and janitor closet in the basement by NexGen Super Clean from Golden
  • Did research on Advisory Board function by attending a Lake Louise Advisory Board meeting in October 2019
  • Communicated with CPR for answers to questions about the new controlled crossing operation, and the material piled in the CPR yard adjacent to the toboggan hill
  • Met with the Parks Canada Development Office October 30, 2019 to go over the Development Permit Application Process. We want to have the application submitted by December 1, 2019. We’re very close to starting the fine details: discussion with neighbours, and write the narrative to support the project and variances
  • Communicated with Field Fire and Rescue Department, Parks Canada and the community about cancellation and subsequent renewal of Field Fire and Rescue Department’s Group Accident and Health Insurance
  • Initiated lease renewal process for Community Hall site with CPR
  • Doug and Pauline swung the coquet mallet and tied the knot – twice! October 2019 – Congratulations!

Annual Report During the FRAA “Year” – August 6, 2018 to August 5, 2019

Condensed version. Minutes of Board Meetings and Town Hall Meetings are available online or in your email in-basket.

Programs

  • Tabata High Intensity Interval Training was offered two times a week
  • Yoga was offered twice weekly until the end of August, then weekly with short breaks for Christmas and a Spring vacation for the instructor
  • Shake It Up with Paulina débuted in June 2019
  • Kids’ Room was used by Josephine and Estelle on a frequent basis

Hall Rentals

Sally will report

Events

  • Mike Legrice 40th Birthday Party – September 2018
  • Christmas Pot Luck Supper and Concert – December 22,2018
  • Music at the Church with Carrington and Syena Mitchell – December 28, 2018
  • Pond Hockey Tournament organized by Kurt Devlin – January 2019
  • Yoho Blow – February 1, 2, and 3, 2019
  • Yoho Blow, Power Outage, Phone Systems Failure – February 3 to 4, 2019 (unplanned, not an FRAA event)
  • Yoho Blow Pot Luck Supper – February 10, 2019
  • Groove Is In the Heart – February 14, 2019
  • Sam Weber – March 28, 2019
  • Earth Day Town Clean Up, Bunny Hop and Easter Pot Luck Brunch – April 22, 2019
  • Spring Fling – June 2, 2019
  • Music at the Church with Pablo Euphoria – June 15, 2019 
  • Canada Day Celebrations – July 1, 2019
  • Field Summer Music Festival – July 7, 2019 

Projects

  • St. Joseph Project – Contracted with russell and russell design of Canmore to start the conceptual design, started weekly project meetings, held two public consultations, applied for three more grants (received one, received a second contingent on receiving the third which we are waiting to hear about), planning to apply for at least two more grants and do a public funding campaign, working on Development Permit Application with intent to hire contractor and start construction in spring 2020
  • Update Field Emergency Plan – in process, lead by Parks Canada
  • Update Constitution – in process
  • Memorandum of Understanding or Terms of Reference, formalize agreement with Parks Canada – in process
  • Kicking Horse Ski Club – management changeover in process

Meetings

  • Board Meetings – six: September 11, 2018, November 26, 2018, January 7, 2019, February 18, 2019, April 8, 2019, June 3, 2019 
  • Field Utility Board Meetings – three: September 19, 2018, February 18, 2019, May 1, 2019 
  • Town Hall Meetings – five: October 1, 2018, January 21, 2019, March 11, 2019, May 13, 2019, June 24, 2019
  • Town Hall Meeting and Annual General Meeting – one: November 19, 2018

Passages

  • Paulina and Darren became Canadian Citizens in July 2019 

2. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Financial Report

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAAGreg moved to accept financial reports as presented. Flint seconded.

Files included with Minutes email to community.

3. Parks Canada Reports 

         Juliet Van Vliet, Townsite Manager

  • First, to address the cancellation of Field Fire and Rescue Department (FFRD) insurance policy, there were problems processing the invoices. Parks Canada respects FFRD decision to not respond to calls from October 22, 2019 when the policy was cancelled by the provider through October 29, 2019 when insurance was reinstated. A new process to deal with invoices is in place. Juliet offered an apology to FFRD and to residents for the lapse, and for additional stress the issue caused.
  • Snow removal priorities for this area of the Field Unit explained. Hollie to send out digital copies of Highway Operations Unit Best Management Practise – Winter Maintenance in the Village of Field and levels of service in the Field Unit. Complaints and comments about how the guidelines are met will be addressed. Please communicate respectfully.
  • Emergency Management Protocols will focus on more frequent events. Anticipate a round table event in December to address relationships and focus on scenarios.
  • Field Elementary School: Parks Canada is working on License of Occupation Agreements with current tenants of school and teacherage to ensure valid agreements are in place before the lease transfer.
  • Anticipates a six to eight month process to complete either a Terms of Reference or Memorandum of Understanding with Field Recreation/Advisory Association.
  • Request for business signage at Field Visitor Centre in winter under consideration. Included short discussion about Parks Canada operating VRC in winter; Parks Canada not considering the option. Questions about the role of Field VRC in the Emergency Plan when it is not operational in winter. No resolution. FRAA wants to the building open and staffed by Parks Canada people year-round.
  • Management Plan Update: Draft expected in New Year to be followed by second round of public consultation.

4. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

  • Fall Event on November 23, 2019 at Field Community Hall – Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction. Posters in town and online.
  • $700 donation to St. Joseph Project, all from donations presented by participants in the Historic Walking Tour programs this summer. Thank you Friends of Yoho!

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Pauline Boisier, President, Field Fire and Rescue Society

  • Household Preparedness Guide available at the door. Great info from the Province of British Columbia
  • Fire Prevention Week Theme for 2019: Have a proper escape plan in place in case your house starts on fire. Fire Escape Checklist also available at the door.
  • Winter Safety: Information shared about safety when using space heaters; advised to regularly check all heating systems; danger to be aware of when using extension cords – use only for purposes they are rated for; smoking in bed when tired or under the influence of alcohol deemed the #1 source of death by fire.
  • 2020 Field Fire and Rescue Calendar available soon

         Patrick Caïs, Acting Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

  1. Call Outs –
    1. 2 in September, 4 in October.  51 for our year.
  2. Members – Sitting at 17 members (13 active only). 
    1. 5 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 6 Probationary Members, 1 Recruit
  3. New and Planned Purchases
    1. New purchases. Nothing significant.
    1. Planned purchases.  Heating one time use blankets
  4. Completed Training 
    1. Exterior fire (2 members), air brakes class, 4 members renewed their first responder certification (in house with Maggie).  
  5. Upcoming Training
    1. Strategies and tactics (2/3 members), 2 members to ICS 300
  6. Apparatus
    1. Engine 1 (all good) 
    1. Rescue 1 (all good) 
    1. Rescue 2.  Light bar.
  7. Ongoing Projects
    1. Waiting from BCEHS for our agreement for first responders.
    1. FFRD had a meeting with Superintendent and Townsite regarding a full time fire chief.  PCA position is to maintain a full volunteers fire department.
    1. Generator for Firehall – PCA is working on it.  Concrete pad has been built, generator in place.  Just need wiring.
  8. Events
  9. Fire department was not operational for a week Oct 22nd-Oct 30th
  10. Congratulations to Pauline and Doug who got married
  11. Upcoming AGM

Nov 5th.  No candidate for the fire Chief Position.

Discussion on Parks Canada position to maintain Field Fire and Rescue Department as a full volunteer organization. Concern expressed that Parks Canada appears to want reduced level of service from FFRD, to focus on Townsite service, that Highway, outlying commercial accommodations and CPR not priorities, but no conversations have led to this. What about hazardous material spills, avalanches or fires on the TransCanada Highway or on CPR property (with one longer siding in CPR yard there is elevated risk)? Current support for equipment, training and call-out is appreciated but given the level of due diligence necessary and administrative demands, it needs to increase to fund the department adequately to include a paid Fire Chief position and ensure there is still a Field Fire and Rescue Department in the future. Parks Canada and FFRD to continue discussion after results of FFRD AGM on November 5, 2019.

6. Election of Officers

Thank you to Sally Watson, Paulina O’Brien, Flint Palmer, Charisse D’hamers, Greg Dowman, Sonya Leenders and Karen Schmidt for the community- building volunteer service over the past year. 

  • For the first time in many years serving on the FRAA Board, Karen has decided not to stand for re-election. Karen, thanks for everything you have done to bring a lot of fun to events and thought to what the FRAA does. Come back anytime! 
  • Charisse has moved to Elkford; Field has lost a champion and Elkford has gained a wonderful resident. Same message – Charisse, come back anytime!
  • Sally is the longest serving member of the FRAA. # years? Many. Treasurer, beautification, sober second thought, adventurous, leadership on every level. Staying on!
  • Paulina is full of energy, great ideas, action and positivity. Staying on!
  • Flint – sometimes you leave me speechless with your creativity (not an easy accomplishment!), ability to get things done and contacts within the community. Staying on!
  • Greg is an accomplished juggler who has carved a place in his busy life (family, business owner, employment) to contribute to the community. Staying on!
  • Sonya demonstrates daily that life happens one day at a time, meets challenges, talks about what matters to her and brings energy and commitment to all of her projects. Staying on!
  • Kathryn to stay on Board for one more year to see the St. Joseph Project through to completion and to update the Constitution. 
  • Diverse and really interesting group to work with – we truly do need each other in the community.
  • Six people have submitted nomination papers. Still need two more Board members.

7. Round Table – Yoho Blow tentatively scheduled for January 31,February 1, and 2, 2020. Christmas Concert on December 19, 2019 and Christmas Pot Luck Supper on December 22, 2019. Stay tunes for details, but definitely mark your calendars.Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting, October 22, 2019

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Flint Palmer, Paulina O’Brien, Kathryn Cameron

Excused: Charisse D’hamers, Karen Schmidt, Greg Dowman, Sonya Leenders

1. Calendar Review

  • Kathryn is away October 23 to 28, 2019
  • Paulina is away October 26 to November 14, 2019 
  • Flint is away for a few days in early November.
  • Sally is away November 9 to December 14, 2019 

2. Events Recap

Lovely Farewell Party for Mike, Charisse and Estelle on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at their place. Thank you for helping to make Field a good place to live. We’ll miss you and hope you are able to visit often. Elkford is lucky to have you in their community now. We wish you three all the best!

Federal Election October 21, 2019: Great voter turnout in Field! Good work everyone.

3. Fall Programs and Upcoming Events

  • Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Laura Penner is on Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Field Community Hall, $6 drop-in fee
  • Introductory Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Laura Penner is on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 to 8:30 pm at Field Community Hall, $6 drop-in fee 
  • Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) group lead is on Sunday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Field Community Hall, no fee
  • Yoga with Mardi Elliott is on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Field Community Hall, $6 drop-in fee, starting November 7, 2019
  • Note: The FRAA received a grant of $1260 from Columbia Shuswap Regional District to pay instructors $6 per participant in Tabata and Yoga classes to encourage participation
  • FRAA Town Hall and Annual General Meeting is on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Field Community Hall. Door and Bar open at 5:30 pm, Slide show and Pot Luck Supper at 6:00 pm, Meeting and Election of Officers at 7:00 pm. Poster: Flint, Slide Show: Craig, Liquor License: Kathryn
  • Friends of Yoho Pasta Supper and Silent Auction is on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Field Community Hall. Details and poster are in process.
  • FRAA is expecting a written proposal from a resident who is interested in offering a four to six week youth cooking class that would start in November and end by Christmas.

4. St Joseph Project

  • Craig, Sally and Kathryn have a meeting scheduled with Parks Canada Development Officer Kathleen Wilker on October 30, 2019 to discuss where we’re at with the church re: Development Permit process. 
  • We have asked russell and russell design for plans and site plan that include the selected option for the elevator/lift. 
  • We have asked the Development Office for clarification on definitions of Lot Coverage and Site Coverage in the context of Parks Canada guidelines. 
  • We’re into the fine details now. Hoping to move on to engineered drawings and the contractor tender process soon.
  • We expect to hear the results of our Gaming Branch grant application at the end of October.

5. Snow Removal Meeting with Parks Canada October 8, 2019 

  • Parks Canada will circulate the plough map and Best Practises Guidelines that outline our level of service. No changes to past protocols. 
  • Discussed attitudes and behaviours. General call for civility and respect in all communications. 
  • The FRAA wants Parks Canada to ensure the entrance to Field is cleared so access and egress to the community has clear lines of sight on the highway (safety), that visitors aren’t intimidated by huge snow piles and single lane clearance over the bridge, and that 1st Avenue doesn’t get forgotten this winter.  

6. Kicking Horse Ski Club

Marilyn, Kathryn and Sally completed the paperwork on Monday, October 21, 2019 with Johnston Meier Insurance to transfer ownership of the skidoo and trailer from Marilyn to the FRAA. 

7. Banking Changeover

We opened a chequing account for the FRAA at Columbia Valley Credit Union on Monday, October 21, 2019, deposited the CSRD Grant in Aid cheque for Tabata and Yoga, and cheques from Laura Penner and Hayley Markel for Community Hall use, ordered cheques and set up online banking. The process is underway!

8. Hall Repairs

  • Miles replaced the hot water tank at the Hall on Saturday, October 12, 2019, gave us a bill for the tank and disposed of the old tank. He also replaced the cartridge for the upstairs bathroom sink tap – it’s been a dripper for some time now. Whew. Big accomplishment. Thank you Miles!
  • As a result of the flood when the hot water tank failed, we have mould contamination to mitigate. Super Clean from Golden will do an assessment this week and we’ll proceed from there. Flint taking the lead on project.
  • Joe is on track to complete repairs to shed roofs, replace external door and repair broken windows in change room, and repair broken shelves in the kitchen by the end of October.

9. Constitution Update and Advisory Board Consideration

Kathryn attended a Lake Louise Advisory Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Similar to our Town Hall Meeting but heavy on business owners/stakeholders and thin on residents. More input from Parks Canada; Kurt Devlin reported on infrastructure projects currently getting done (water and sewer lines) and planned for the spring (traffic lights at the first 4-way stop). Rick Kubian gave a presentation on traffic management. Interesting. Also, they meet in the late afternoon, generally 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Juliet has expressed interest a Field Advisory Board structure, with late afternoon meetings in Field. When we have had afternoon presentations or consultations, attendance was really low. Lots to consider as we update the constitution and negotiate a Terms of Reference or Memorandum of Understanding agreement with Parks Canada. It’s all still in process. 

The FRAA feels that it’s important for residents and businesses to hear information directly from the organizations we work with, which is the intent of Town Hall Meetings. There are definitely options to operate as one organization with defined duties.

10. CPR Information

  • Lease renewal for the Community Hall and rink area is in process.
  • CPR confirmed that bells on the new full crossing apparatus will be on the river side only. The arms will be down and the bells will sound for the duration of the signalled crossing. The bells will not disengage when trains are on the crossing.
  • FRAA has asked what CPR has planned for the huge pile of dirt in the yard below the hotel, if the soil is contaminated and what soil tests have been done on the material. Reply received October 23, 2019, “. . . the material has been tested and has been found to be inert and has not, nor is it now, leaching into the ground. We will be moving all the materials out of Field starting tomorrow.” – Pete Bayerle

11. Round Table

Nomination Papers to be an FRAA Board Member are at the Post Office and have been emailed to residents. This is a hands-on organization, dedicated to enriching our lives here. If you have questions about time commitments or what you are interested in doing, please talk to a Board member. You will be part of a great crew!

Confirmed that the FRAA Logo is the train.Field Summer Music Festival: Received $1500 sponsorship grant from Columbia Basin Trust and is working on a grant from Creative BC. Also working to secure headliner and professional event stage. 

Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting, September 30, 2019

Field Recreation Advisory Association (FRAA)

Town Hall Meeting – Monday, September 30, 2019

1. Canadian Pacific Railway – Field Projects Update

            Pete Bayerle, Senior Public Works Manager, Calgary

Pete was not able to attend the meeting due to bad weather in southern Alberta and poor highway conditions. He sent this information to share with residents at the Town Hall Meeting tonight.

The current projects are straightforward. 

  • CP is adding 1800’ of track to an existing siding in order to accommodate grain trains. The intent is to ease congestion at the crossing and make movement through the rail yard more fluid. There is no change to crew change location.
  • The new warning system at the crossing is designed to give an extra layer of safety. Low decibel bells will be installed. They are at the low end of a high decibel rating, and will be at about 85 decibels, not much louder than the noise of a train at the crossing. Flashing lights and signals will happen for the duration a train is on the crossing. Lights are LED (replaces incandescent) and focussed toward the traffic, so will not throw a big arc of light.
  • The material stockpile in the yard will be cleaned up at the end of the projects.
  • Both projects are anticipated to be complete between the end of October and the middle of November.
  • The Field Bunkhouse stays. CP has no plans to close the facility or shift the crew change to Golden. 
  • If anyone has questions, please contact Pete by email at Pete_Bayerle@cpr.ca or by phone at 403-835-9372. 

Clarification requested from CPR:

Questions about the full crossing warning system, specifically the bells:

1.Will there be bells on both sides of the system, or only on the riverside of the tracks? 

2. What is the expected duration of the signal?

Questions about the clean up currently taking place where the roundhouse used to be located. There were piles of dirt moved to that site some time ago that a contractor is currently moving up against the bank and levelling the area where it had been located. Someone called it “contaminated soil”. 

1.Where did the material come from?

2. How long has it been in the yard?

3. Is it contaminated material? Has it been tested? If yes, please provide details on testing and contamination. If no, when will testing be done to determine chemical composition of material?

Hearing health and safety websites to consult courtesy of Craig Chapman, Community Paramedicine:

This is probably the best one as approved by a significant global safety organization:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html

This is a site showing the general recommended apps and apps for different devices:

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47805-The-best-phone-apps-to-measure-noise-levels

Canadian Safety Association wording on noise exposure and other useful sites/info:

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/laws-regulations/labour/interpretations-policies/074.html

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/exposure_can.html

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/noise_basic.html

WorkSafe BC Info:

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/noise

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/noise/hearing-loss-prevention/annual-hearing-testing

2. FRAA Report 

            Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

What a summer! Welcome to the next season!

We have so much to appreciate – beyond a smoke-free summer.

Thank you to Sally, once again, for planting and watering the beautiful plants and flowers that grace the Community Hall area and contribute to the beauty of the village.

Thank you to Bonnie Brandt for a initiating a low-waste Canada Day celebration by rounding up and purchasing glassware for the Community Hall, and doing dishes at the Pancake Breakfast. 

Thank you to The Friends of Yoho who offer history, entertainment and a bit of the inside story about Field through the summer Historic Walking Tour of Field.

Thank you to Flintaroo Productions and all the volunteers who put on the 2nd Annual Field Summer Music Festival. 

Thank you Sonya for grooming the public spaces that showcase the community, and for the Perennial Plant Swap in August.

Thank you to the leaders and instructors who offered yoga, fitness and dance programs this summer.

Congratulations to Paulina and Darren O’Brien who received Canadian citizenship on July 21, 2019! 

Congratulations to Reg Hawryluk on your retirement from Parks Canada, and thanks for bringing so many familiar faces back to Yoho for your party at the ranch on Friday, September 27, 2019. It was blustery and wind blown, and the weather was dynamic too. It was so great to visit with everyone!

Fall Programs and Upcoming Events

            Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has a new schedule: Wednesday evenings with Laura Penner from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, drop-in fee of $12. New this fall, starting Wednesday, October 9, a six-week beginner HIIT program with Laura Penner from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, drop-in fee of $12. No charge for first-time participants at Wednesday evening HIIT. Self-lead HIIT continues on Sunday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, no charge.

            Shake It Up With Paulina is on autumn hiatus. Paulina will let us know when winter classes will start. The summer program ran from June 7 through September 13, with 2 sessions cancelled, for a total of 11 classes with an average of three participants per class. Donations to the St Joseph Project collected: $240, which were passed on to Sally.

            We have a yoga teacher interested in taking on the Field yogis: Mardy Elliott from Banff. Details are in discussion. Fingers crossed!

            The FRAA received a grant from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) to subsidize participation in Tabata and Yoga classes this winter. Each attendee will pay $6 per class and the CSRD will pay the other non-Field Fire and Rescue participants $6 of the attendance fee. The intent of the grant is to boost participation in both programs.

            Monday, October 21, 2019 is the Federal Election. Field Community Hall is the polling station for our area.

            Monday, November 4, 2019 is the FRAA Town Hall Meeting and Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers. Prepare for a slide show of the past year, a delicious Pot Luck Supper, a new slate of potential Directors and a vote. Nomination papers will be circulated this week, and will also be available at the Post Office.

            Make The Christmas Concert Great Again, date to be determined. Flint and Karen to spearhead event in the school gym in December. Start your instruments and be on the program! Ideas or suggestions? Talk to Flint or Karen.

Hall Repairs

            Hipi Construction is working on a new outside door for the change room, windows replaced in the change room and shelves repaired in the kitchen, with a completion date of October 31. Miles Dickenson is replacing the hot water tank if it can’t be repaired (quote on new tank received today), and repairing leaking taps in the bar and upstairs washroom, with completion date imminent.

Banking

            FRAA will move our accounts to Columbia Valley Credit Union when we have a chance to go to Golden to do the work.

Highway Construction East of Golden in 2020

            Two residents have communicated with MLA Doug Clovechok’s office to gather information about the upcoming highway construction and road closures. Apparently there will be a public meeting this fall/winter sometime to answer questions about access for school bus and students, commuters, emergency vehicles, regular local traffic for groceries, banking, picking up liquor orders, etc., power supply/lines and impact on local businesses. No date set yet.

For updates on the Kicking Horse Canyon Project – Province of British Columbia: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/kicking-horse-canyon-project

St Joseph Project – Presentation by Craig Chapman

  • Final Reports submitted to CSRD (for $5000, used for the Lot Survey and designer plans consultation) and Rural Dividend Fund ($10,000 used for conceptual drawings).
  • $150,000 grant from Built Heritage (managed by Columbia Basin Trust) confirmed.
  • $150,000 grant from Columbia Basin Trust confirmed, contingent on approval of Gaming Grant or Gas Tax Grant.
  • $200,000 grant application submitted July 30, 2019 to the Gaming Commission. Anticipate an answer in October.
  • Once we have engineered drawings, the FRAA will put the project out to tender. We need three bids to submit an application to the Gas Tax.
  • Working on Development permit with Parks Canada Development Office.
  • Working on final conceptual drawings, then the FRAA will hold community consultation to get resident feedback and go-ahead.
  • Fundraising options in discussion.

3. Treasurer’s Report 

            Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA

Moved by Flint, seconded by Kathryn to approved the financial reports as presented. Carried. Files attached to the distribution email.

4. Parks Canada Reports 

            Juliet Van Vliet, Townsite Manager

  • Water and sewer rates have been capped at a current rates. Costs for both are subsidized by Parks Canada: water at 60% and sewer at 50%. 
  • Working on recycling to get full understanding of who is taking recyclables to which centre. Campground staff in Alberta return drink containers to facilities in Alberta, campground staff in British Columbia return them to facilities in BC, highways staff pick up material in the bins (plastic, tin, glass, cardboard and paper) which enters the Town Of Banff stream. Reminder: look at the Town of Banff website for recycling specifics. If material in the bins is contaminated, the whole bin load goes to the landfill.
  • In discussion with FRAA on Terms of Reference or Memorandum of Understanding to give clarity to relationship. Monthly Advisory Board style meetings also in discussion.

            From Michael Vanderveen, Highway Service Centre, via Juliet Van Vliet

  • Fully staffed for winter at this point. Night shift starts October 13, 2019
  • Preparing for snow removal meeting on October 8, 2019 to review level of service, past issues, expectations for future.

5. Friends of Yoho Report 
            Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

  • The Friends of Yoho store at Field Visitor Centre will be open until October 31, 2019, from 9 am to 5 pm starting October 1.
  • Water fill station initiated by Friends of Yoho has been paid for and installed at the Visitor Centre by Parks Canada. Located in the washroom lobby, which will be open all winter.
  • Historic Walking Tour of Field was a resounding success again this summer. Total of $693.25 was donated to the St Joseph Project.

6. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
            Patrick Caïs, Acting Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

Call Outs –

8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April, 3 in May, 3 in June, 2 in July, 4 in August, 2 in September.  The lowest number in 8 years.

Members – Sitting at 17 members (13 active only). 

5 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 6 Probationary Members, 1 Recruit

New and Planned Purchases

New purchases

Flash hoods, Top tarp for rescue one.

Planned purchases

Heating one time use blankets

Completed Training

Team Leader, Exterior Fire, Incident Safety Officer, Ventilation, High Hazard Flammable Trains (Crude by Rail in Colorado), Interior Fire, APO, EVD

Upcoming Training

Exterior fire (2 members), Strategies and tactics (2 members), air brakes class, 

4 members renewing their first responder certification (in house with Maggie).  

Apparatus

Engine 1 (all good) 

Rescue 1 (all good) 

Rescue 2 (all good).  Just needs a bulb.

Ongoing Projects

Waiting from BCEHS for our agreement for first responders.

Discussions with PCA about importance of fulltime fire chief on FFRD (Fire Chief) meeting with Juliet Van Vliet and Rick Kubian on Oct 7th.

Generator for Firehall – PCA Assets is working on it.  Should be done this fall.

Society contribution for HIIT classes.

Upcoming AGM

Oct 29.  No candidate for the fire Chief Position.

7. Round Table

The westbound lane at the Lake O’Hara junction with the TransCanada Highway has a merge lane, but many people go directly to the passing lane. It is quite dangerous and needs better direction on entering the westbound traffic flow safely.

Benches and tables in the Plaza have been damaged by weather and need to be sanded and painted. In the past this work was added to the landscaping contract. Juliet to look at options. Also suggestion that it could be a project for International Volunteers next summer.Meeting adjourned at 8:45.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting, September 9, 2019

1. Calendar Review

  • Sally is away from November 9 to December 14.
  • Motion by Greg, and Seconded by Flint that we reschedule the AGM from November      18, 2019 to November 4, 2019. Passed. 
  • Kathryn is away from October 24 to 28.
  • Paulina is away from October 26 to November 14.
  • Greg will be away in early October.

2. Events Recap
Canada Day

  • Two thumbs up on events throughout the day, especially for the Pot Luck Supper. 
  • Let’s keep the option of a Canada Day Dance open next year, potentially to hire a band for the dance.
  • Final Report to Canadian Heritage sent August 29, 2019. Celebrate Canada grant application for 2020 due November 16, 2019.
  • Receipts submitted to Sally. 

Field Summer Music Festival

  • Overall really superb event.
  • Much support was received from Flint’s Mom and aunts cooking up loads of great eats! There were 35 music people and 45 volunteers.
  • Date for 2020 set for Saturday, July 11. Music line-up almost filled, with completion expected in a month. Considering groups like Barney Bentall, Red Elvises, The Boom Booms. Hotels and hostels booked for performers. Having the date announced now means festival attendees will be able to book accommodation in town or at Kicking Horse Campground. Potential to have block of sites set aside in Kicking Horse Campground for festival attendees. 
  • Different price strategy for ticket sales in 2020.
  • Identified more funding agencies and partnerships. 
  • Some vendors still to submit % of sales. 
  • Discussion about continued operation under the umbrella of FRAA until Field Summer Music Festival (FSMF) has completed Not For Profit Organization process. Flint to share spreadsheet with Board. Board is comfortable with current arrangement and supports FSMF move to society status. 

Summer Programs at Community Hall

  • Last Just Breathe Yoga session with Hayley Markel was on August 21, 2019. Hayley has moved to Edmonton to work for Indigenous Services. Thanks for all the great yoga Hayley; we wish you all the best!
  • Tabata High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) continues to be a big hit . . . 
  • Shake It Up With Paulina will end the current session on Friday, September 13, 2019. Stay tuned for winter high-energy dancing!

Perennial Plant Swap: Wednesday, August 28 at Sonya’s place. Really nice, low-key event. Good opportunity to share plants and ideas. Nice start to the fall!

3. Fall Programs and Upcoming Events
Yoga: We’re looking for an instructor.
HIIT: There will be a new winter schedule, and poster available soon. In the meantime, HIIT will meet at 6:30 pm on Sunday evenings (group lead, no charge) and 7:30 pm on Thursday evenings with Laura Penner, $12 drop in fee. 
Pickleball: The weather is good. Pickleball nets are set upon the courts behind the community Hall.

Retirement Party for Reg Hawryluk: At the Government Ranch, Friday, September 27 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Poster attached to minutes email.

Farewell Party: for Mike, Charisse and Estelle, who are moving to Sparwood, in the Far-East Kootenays at the end of October. The FRAA will host a farewell party for them in October. Kathryn to coordinate a party date with them.
AGM: New date is Monday, November 4, 2019. Pot Luck Supper, slide show and election. Mark your calendar!

4. Hall Rentals
Only summer rental was Erin Evans’ Yoga teacher training in August. One fall booking at this point for the Federal Election on October 21.

5. St Joseph Project

  • Final Reports submitted to CSRD (for $5000, used for the Lot Survey and designer plans consultation) and Rural Dividend Fund ($10,000 used for conceptual drawings).
  • $150,000 grant from Built Heritage (managed by Columbia Basin Trust) confirmed.
  • $150,000 grant from Columbia Basin Trust confirmed, contingent on approval of Gaming Grant or Gas Tax Grant.
  • $200,000 grants application submitted July 30, 2019 to the Gaming Commission. Anticipate an answer in October.
  • Once we have engineered drawings, the FRAA will put the project out to tender. We need three bids to submit an application to the Gas Tax.
  • Working on Development permit with Parks Canada Development Office.
  • Working on final conceptual drawings, then the FRAA will hold community consultation to get resident feedback and go-ahead.
  • Fundraising options in discussion.

6. Hall Repairs

Kathryn will talk to Miles about plumbing repairs and Flint will talk to Joe about the other work. We would like to have everything done by the end of September.

7. Parks Canada Honorarium: Dispersal Proposal sent by email to Board Members June 6, 2019 – Motion by Sally and Seconded by Flint to accept proposal.
            Honorarium Payment, Based on Meetings, Events and Operational duties:
Board (6), Town Hall (6), Field Utility Board (4) meeting attendance: $25 each = $400 x 8 potential attendees = $3200
Event lead/organizer: $50 each event, 12 events per year and generally 2 organizers per event = $600
Operational duties: Treasurer 18 probable sessions – 6 financial reports, 12 monthly entries: $50 each = $900
Secretary – 12 sets of minutes: $50 each = $600
Total: $5300, which leaves us $700 for volunteer appreciation or board development or in the event we have more people who take a lead on organizing an event. Any amount not used for meeting attendance can also go into this fund.

The Board agreed it’s better that Board members make individual cash donations to the FRAA if that’s their interest.

8. FUB Agenda, Wednesday September 18, 2019 10:30 am at Field Admin

            1. Quarterly Reports

            2. Recycling Protocol Review

            3. Discuss Memorandum of Understanding or Terms of Reference option for Advisory Board role with Parks Canada, and Contribution Funding Agreement

            4. Set date for Snow Removal Meeting, preferably before the end of September

            5. TransCanada Highway Construction Project – What information does Parks Canada have about the project and how it may impact the community of Field

            Flint, Paulina and Kathryn will attend the meeting.

9. Town Hall Meeting Agenda, Monday September 30, 2019

            1. FRAA Report

            2. Treasurer’s Report

            3. Parks Canada Reports

            4. Friends of Yoho Report

            5. Field Fire and Rescue Report

            6. Round Table

10. Round Table

  • Flint, Paulina and Kathryn to attend Not For Profit Workshops at College of the Rockies in Golden: October 2, Financial Management and October 9, Fundraising. 
  • Discussion about CP Rail rumours re: closing Field Bunkhouse. Kathryn to call Brenda Lam at Community for clarification.

In the Gaming Commission grant application process, we found that Columbia Valley Credit Union is very customer service oriented, and offers fee-free banking to societies and not-for-profit organizations. Motion by Greg, seconded by Paulina that the FRAA move our banking to the Credit Union. Kathryn and Sally to coordinate research and process. Greg expressed support for great service offered to residents and FRAA by Columbia Valley Credit Union.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting, June 24, 2019

In attendance: Pierre Lemire, Wendy Edge, Dave Selkirk, John Schlichting, Brenda Selkirk, Karla Gaffney, Randle Robertson, Mike Furfaro, Pauline Boisier, Lloyd Lafrance, Sophie Cais, Carla Evans, Dennis Evans, Sally Watson, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron

Excused: Sonya Leenders, Karen Schmidt, Paulina O’Brien, Charisse D’hamers, Greg Dowman

1. Information from CP Rail on Projects in Field slated to start in August 2019 Peter Bayerle, Senior Manager for Projects and Public Works was originally scheduled to attend the Town Hall Meeting to present this information and answer resident’s questions about the projects, but not able to attend the meeting. In his absence, CP Rail recommended that residents visit www.cpr.ca for information and send comments or concerns to Community Connect. Here’s the website information:

“Track reconfiguration / extension project – Field

Beginning in early August 2019, and running until the end of November 2019, Canadian Pacific (CP) is completing a track reconfiguration project in Field Yard. The project will extend the length of CP tracks through the 2nd Street crossing to the west end of CP’s yard.

         Currently, long trains staged at Field must be split among a number of tracks. This type of train movement requires the intermittent occupation of the 2nd Street crossing, blocking the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Once complete, the track extension work will accommodate longer train lengths on a single track, resulting in fewer blocked crossings.

         As part of the project, and to further enhance public safety, CP will be installing a full railway crossing warning system with bells, lights and gates. 

         During the project timeframe, people should expect to see or hear heavy machinery, rail equipment, banging, idling trucks waiting to proceed, dust, voices, and reversing trucks. Construction-type work will occur during daytime hours; night time work is also expected.

Contacts

         Residents with questions or concerns about our operations can call our 24/7 toll-free Community Connect line at: 1-800-766-7912 or email community_connect@cpr.ca.”

Action

FRAA will communicate with Parks Canada and CP Rail with the intent to work together to minimize construction noise and to secure an exemption from Transport Canada in order to have a silent crossing. Apparently Canmore has silent crossings, achieved by a local bylaw. The FRAA will confirm the information and process. FRAA supports existing Parks Canada construction guidelines of 7 am to 7 pm. Leases stipulate quiet hours in the community are from 11 pm to 7 am. These guidelines are in place to protect quality of life in the community.

         What can residents do? Email Community Connect; let CPR know now what your concerns are and offer suggestions on how to mitigate noise issues, during construction and post construction with a “full protection” crossing. 

1. FRAA Report 

         Kathryn Cameron, President FRAA

Event Recap: Two successful events since our last Town Hall Meeting. 

         On June 2, the FRAA hosted the annual Spring Fling. Great participation. Thanks to Paulina and Flint for organizing the evening. Thanks to Logan, Connor and Flint for their DJ skills. Thanks to the volunteers who worked in the bar and did clean-up.

         On June 15, we held our second offering of Music at the Church featuring Pablo euphoria from Golden. Really fun outdoor evening at St. Joseph’s. Super entertainment! Thanks Flint and Craig for organizing the evening.

Upcoming Events: Canada Day!! Monday July 1, 2019

Schedule of Events

8:30 am to10:00 am – Pancake Breakfast at Field Community Hall, BC Ambulance

8:30 am to 10:30 am – Pickleball Tournament, Field Community Hall

11:00 am – Parade 

11:30 am to 1:00 pm – Barbeque at The Pond, Field Fire and Rescue

1:00 pm – Happy Birthday Canada!! Cake Contest Judging, Sing Oh Canada,                     cake and ice cream

1:30 pm – Boat Race at The Pond

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Friends and Family Bocce Tournament, Soccer Field

6:30 pm – Pot Luck Barbeque and Supper at Field Community Hall, outside if the                weather is good, inside if the weather is bad

  • Posters and Sign Up sheets are on the bulletin board by the Post Office
  • To reduce waste, Bonnie Brandt has opted to wash dishes at the pancake breakfast. Don’t hesitate to support this initiative by rolling up your sleeves and taking a turn at the sink. Bonnie has also scoured thrift shops for glassware for the Community Hall. Thanks Bonnie!

Field Summer Music Festival, Sunday July 7, 2019 – Flint Palmer

The countdown is on!

  • Tickets are still available.
  • Parking will be in town on the west end of Stephen Avenue to the yard waste station and on 2nd Avenue. Community supports the plan.
  • Email confirmation to include green message in addition to logistics for the day.
  • Outside water station will be fed by hose from inside the Community Hall.

Next meeting cycle:

FRAA Board Meeting Monday, September 9, 2019
Field Utility Board Wednesday September 18, 2019
Town Hall Meeting Monday, September 30, 2019

Summer Programs at the Community Hall

HIIT – Sundays, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, free admission, and Thursdays, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm, $12 Drop-in fee
Just Breathe Yoga Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm from June 5, 2019 to July 17, 2019 $12 Drop-in Fee or $70 for all seven sessions

Shake It Up with Paulina Fridays, starting June 7, 2019, by donation

Pickleball on the paved surface behind the Community Hall

Friends of Yoho Historic Walking Tour of Field, Tuesdays and Thursday at 8:00 pm starting July 2, 2019 to September 12, 2019

St. Joseph Project

Working with designer on revisions to include an elevator to meet accessibility codes. Once plans are complete we will move to the next step in the Development Permit process with Parks Canada.

Waiting for announcement by Columbia Basin Trust on Built Heritage Grant application for $300,000.

Online Training for Volunteers with RCMP Victim Services Program

It is a more formal process than anticipated. Will continue to work with program coordinator Nuala Wolfe.

Hall Repairs

Hipi Construction contracted to replace the change room exterior exit door and repair the door frame; replace shingles on the shed roof, repair shelves in the kitchen and replace the broken window in the change room.

Honorarium and Insurance

Thank you to Parks Canada for sending the Honorarium and for paying the FRAA insurance with Johnston Meier of Golden.

Spring Bins

In the parking lot behind Truffle Pigs Lodge. Both are now full and ready to be taken away. Suggestions that the garage sale take place in May rather than June, and that we hold at least one “Weekend Givaway” event prior to getting the bins in the future. This gives residents the chance to dispose of usable items and pick up items they need rather than just tossing them into a bin. Reminder that the cost of spring bins is included in calculating solid waste costs.

2. Treasurer’s Report 

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA

Financial reports are attached to the minutes distribution email.

3. Parks Canada Reports 

         Juliet Van Vliet, Townsite Manager

  • Is community interested in pursuing the pilot project to have a 15 minute parking zone in front of the Post Office? Response from people at the meeting was “It’s not really necessary.” Pilot project will not proceed.
  • Townsites Office has moved back into the Lake Louise visitor Reception Centre. Visitor Experience anticipates moving back and opening the centre once renovations are complete, around mid-July. 
  • Hollie Tataryn is the first point of contact with concerns about Townsite management. She can refer people to the proper department or answer questions immediately. General email: pc.llyklotissementsurbains-llyktownsites.pc@canada.ca. Contact Hollie: 403 343 6106 hollie.tataryn@canada.ca
  • Discussion about speeding in Field, the need for line painting at STOP signs and a request to have the seasonal STOP sign installed at the intersection of Wall Street and Stephen Avenue.
  • Discussion about shovelling snow off the sidewalk on the bridge in winter. Added to the August meeting with Highways about winter maintenance along with notification methods for snow removal, i.e. email or portable signs.
  • Townsites supports a pedestrian friendly community. Reminder to residents that parking on sidewalks is illegal.
  • Some water meters still to be upgraded. Assets are working on the project; all upgrades will happen. Questions about billing? Contact information is on invoices. Questions about water meters? Keith Parkinson: 403-522-3623 ext. 31
  • As noted at the last Field Utility Board Meeting on May 1, water and sewer rates will not increase for the 2019/2020 budget year. 
  • Parks Canada has contracted with the Town of Banff to deal with solid waste as of July 1, 2018. Their service is more expensive but also more efficient so increase in solid waste removal costs expected to be minimal if there is any change. 
  • Parks Canada confirmed that Field recycling is still being picked up by highways and brought to the Banff recycle centre. 
  • Baptiste Caïs and Lucy Schmidt both collect refundable containers. If you don’t want to go to a bottle depot yourself, please contact either Baptiste (250-343-6380) or Lucy (250-343-6813) for pick-up or delivery options.
  • Thank you to Chief Furfaro for his leadership skills and service during his tenure as Fire Chief. Parks Canada appreciates everything he has done to manage and help develop Field Fire and Rescue.

4. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

Everything is great!

  • Members can renew their membership at the store.
  • Historic Walking Tours of Field on Tuesday and Thursday evenings start on July 2, 8:00 pm and go until September 12.
  • The Friends of Yoho plan to celebrate Parks Day on Saturday, July 20 with S’Mores at Kicking Horse Campground –weather, fires and construction dependant! Stay tuned for details.

5. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Mike Furfaro, Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

  1. Call Outs –24 as of 01 January 2019.
    1. 8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April, 3 in May, 3 in June
  2. Members – Sitting at 21 members. 
    1. 6 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 7 Probationary Members, 3 Recruits
  3. New and Planned Purchases
    1. New purchases
      1. No new purchases as of last meeting
    1. Planned purchases
      1. New Helmets, Flash Hoods, Heated one time use blankets
  4. Completed Training 
    1. Team Leader, Exterior Fire, Incident Safety Officer, Ventilation, High Hazard Flammable Trains (Crude by Rail in Colorado), Interior Fire, APO, EVD
  5. Upcoming Training
    1. Awaiting Fall Training Calendar (CSRD), Auto-Ex
  6. Apparatus
    1. Engine 1 (all good) – Annual Inspection done last week
    1. Rescue 1 (all good) – Annual Inspection to be done this week
    1. Rescue 2 (Siren and light Issues) – Annual Inspection done last week
  • Field Emergency Plan
    • Field Emergency Plan? Review old Plan, Review new plan
      • FFRD will conduct initial size-up and potential initial containment then may assist in notification and evacuation of residence of Field.
      • Town notification options (Siren=1min continuous blast, Vehicle PA systems, door to door)
      • FEP hopefully to be reviewed by PCA and updated
  • Ongoing Projects
    • Work with PCA to formalize mutual aid agreements with L.L. (ID9) and Golden BC
    • Discussions with PCA about importance of fulltime members on FFR (Fire Chief)
    • Generator for Firehall – PCA Assets working on this
  • Mike Leaving FF&R
    • I have bought a house in Golden and I will be moving next week. I will be stepping down as Fire Chief of the FFRDS as of 02 July 2019. Patrick Cais will step into the Acting Chief position until the Elections at the end of October. I will continue to work as an Auxiliary Member for the FFRDS for the purpose of discussions with PCA in regards to a fulltime Fire Chiefs position. All enquires to the Chiefs’ Email will be forwarded to Patrick Caïs.

Field Recreation Advisory Association recognizes the great commitment to training, equipment maintenance and prepared emergency service Field Fire and Rescue provides to the community of Field and visitors to Yoho National Park. We support at least one full-time paid position on the department. Volunteers in the department juggle responsibilities of family, employment, and personal interests along with meeting the demands of a volunteer position in an organization that offers critical service when people are vulnerable and need help. It becomes an unreasonable expectation for a volunteer Fire Chief to successfully manage all these elements without burning out. Michael, thanks for the initiatives you sparked (pun intended!) to improve the department. We’re so glad you are staying on as an Auxiliary Member to see the processes through to resolution.

6. Round Table

Noise

1. Residents noted that Music at the Church on July 15, 2019 lasted until 1:35 am, with a fire pit and music piped through the speakers used during the performance. Discussion again about lease stipulation of quiet hours between 11 pm and 7 am, and that in the future, FRAA events at the Church will follow that guideline. Concern also expressed that this was an indication of how future events will unfold once the Church is renovated and rented for weddings, meetings, exhibitions, etc. The FRAA commits to following guidelines of quiet hours, with respect for residents and visitors. Discussion included options; noise complaints can be directed to the RCMP.

2. The FRAA received a letter from a resident expressing concern about late night noise from staff accommodations. Advised of lease stipulations regarding quiet hours, advised to call the Townsite Office to have Parks Canada remind the leaseholder of quiet hours guidelines, and that there is also the option of calling the RCMP with a noise complaint.Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting, June 3, 2019

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Paulina O’ Brien, Flint Palmer, Kathryn Cameron, Greg Dowman

Excused: Karen Schmidt, Charisse D’hamers, Sonya Leenders

1. Calendar Review
Sally away June 12 to 19 (?)
Town Hall Meeting Monday, June 24, 2019: 7:00 pm
Kathryn away August 15 to 24
FRAA Board Meeting Monday, September 9, 2019
Field Utility Board Wednesday September 18, 2019
Town Hall Meeting Monday, September 30, 2019

2. Events Recap
RCMP Presentation – Thanks for organizing the presentation Sonya.
Spring Fling – Thanks to Paulina and Flint for organizing a very excellent and fun event! Thank you Connor, Logan and Flint for the DJ extravaganza! Thank you bar shift and clean-up volunteers!

3. Upcoming Events
Clean-Up Work Party, June 10, 2019 7:30 pm

Yoho National Park and Field Community Spring Clean-Up, Wednesday June 12, 2019, 9:30 am with bbq lunch at noon, hosted by Parks Canada and Friends of Yoho.

Spring Bins in parking lot behind Truffle Pigs June 11 to 24, 2019
Garage Sale Saturday, June 15, 2019 10 am to 4 pm

Commemoration Ceremony, Natural Bridge, June 22, 2019 
Canada Day Monday, July 1, 2109, 8:30 to sundown! 
Field Summer Music Festival Sunday, July 7, 2019

4. Spring/Summer Programs at the Community Hall
HIIT – Sundays, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, free admission, and Thursdays, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm, $12 Drop-in fee
Just Breathe Yoga Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm from June 5, 2019 to July 17, 2019 $12 Drop-in Fee or $70 for all seven sessions

Shake It Up with Paulina Fridays, starting June 7, 2019, by donation

Pickleball on the paved surface behind the Community Hall

Friends of Yoho Historic Walking Tour of Field, Tuesdays and Thursday at 8:00 pm starting July 2, 2019 to September 12, 2019

5. Hall Rentals
June 4 – Parks Canada

June 11, 12 – Parks Canada
June 21, 22, 23 – Jill Drader

July 4, 5 – Parks Canada (tentative)

July 16 – Parks Canada
August 16, 17, 18 – Erin Evans
October 18, 19, 20 – Jill Drader
November 8, 9, 10 – Jill Drader

6. Constitution Update – Tabled to next meeting

7. St. Joseph Project
Reviewing proposed plan revisions and Alasdair’s comments and recommendations.

No word yet on the Built Heritage grant application for $300,000 submitted March 15, 2019. Expect to hear from the committee soon.

8. Online training for Volunteers with Victim Services

Kathryn to contact Nuala Wolfe, RCMP Victim Services, for details on how  to initiate the training.

9. Amber Church – Field Reunion Question

Ian Church, Amber’s Dad, was Superintendent of Yoho National Park for several years. He died about 2 years ago. His family plans to come to Yoho in September 2019 for a visit, and may host an event to bring people together. Kathryn to communicate with Amber re community hall availability and options.

10. Field Emergency Plan Update
Protocols for major vehicle incident with mass casualties are already in place and most responders at the meeting feel they use the guidelines/protocols for every incident. Researching transportation options in area in event large group of people need to be moved to a safer location.
Next meeting in the fall.

11. Hall Repairs:
 Flint to ask Joe for timeline to do the work.
Change room outside exit door
Replace shingles on shed roof 
Shelves in kitchen

Replace broken window in change room

12. Banff Fire and Safety (BFS) Recommendation & Conversation with Field Fire and Rescue (FFR)

Following the annual inspection, BFS recommended that the FRAA install a tie-in feature to communicate with the Fire hall if a fire starts at the community hall. Initial installation cost is around $1700 with an annual monitoring fee of $700 to $800. Field Fire and Rescue has offered to pay installation costs for the system. The FRAA Board doesn’t feel that it’s a necessary function at this time. Further conversation with FFR has identified new nets at each end of the rink and support poles as a potential project to work on together.

13. Town Hall Meeting Agenda

FRAA Report

Treasurer’s Report

Parks Canada Reports

Friends of Yoho 

Field Fire and Rescue

Round Table

14. Parks Canada: Honorarium and Insurance

Honorarium has been received. Kathryn to work on formula for dispersing Honorarium to Board members based on meeting attendance, volunteer hours to organize events, and operational work.

Insurance has been paid.

15. Round table

  • Date for community bins: Flint to talk to Hollie.
  • Water station for Field Summer Music Festival: Board has opted for potable water hose from the tap in the janitor’s room to an outside water dispensing system rather than to install a permanent outside water tap on the outside of the Community Hall.
  • Parks Canada has asked to use tables and chairs from the Community Hall for a Commemoration Ceremony at the Natural Bridge on June 22, 2019. New panels that explain the history of immigration detainees at Camp Otter during World War I will be unveiled at the ceremony. Board approved.
  • Policy discussion about events that we co-host with performers, DJs, etc. FRAA takes the bar, and co-hosts take the door. Events we collaborated on this year have confirmed this model works.

Issues with our former website host. Chris moved us to a new host, and ensuring systems work.

Field Recreation Advisory Association Town Hall Meeting, May 13, 2019

1. Special Presentations: Field/Golden RCMP 

         Sexual Assault and Harassment/ Safety Awareness

         Nuala Wolf, Golden RCMP Victim Services Program Manager

Identified as a cultural problem. There are cultural shifts taking place with increased reporting. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are a pervasive problem. No community is immune.

What can community members do to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault? A really important tool involves a change in response through bystander intervention. A bystander is a witness to an event that makes someone uncomfortable, from verbal to physical attack. Speak out; intervention can reduce severity of an attack or an incident.

1. Direct intervention: Using a statement like “Please stop doing that.”

2. Delayed intervention: You see something happening but it might be a bit tricky to deal with at the moment. Give reassurance to the person through a statement like “We’re going to talk to your supervisor.” 

3. Distraction: Talk to the harasser, say “Excuse me can you tell me what time it is?” It’s a small intervention that takes the pressure off the target. 

4. Delegate the response: If you can’t do anything about the situation call 911, or get help from a friend, or communicate with the supervisor – ask for help. Using bystander intervention can lead to impactful cultural change. Don’t be afraid to say “Your behaviour makes that person uncomfortable. You need to stop.”

To have a full understanding of sexual assault or sexual harassment, to know what is legal or illegal, here’s the definition: unwanted touch of any kind that is sexual in nature is sexual assault. 


Sexual-harassment falls under harassment in the Criminal Code of Canada. Verbal messages, text messages, inappropriate photos are all considered harassment. It’s important to make an effort to stop any behaviour that makes a person feel unsafe. The RCMP takes all files seriously. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault.

Work safe BC is an excellent resource for definition of harassment. It’s important for employers to have a policy in the workplace. Employees have the right to ask what the employers’ policy entails.

There are many options for reporting depending on the comfort level of individuals involved. People can report to the RCMP or to the Women’s Resource Centre in Golden. There is also the option of third-party reporting where a person doesn’t want to give their name but wants to report a person or certain behavioural traits that identify a person. RCMP keep information-only file for example on what you have witnessed


The RCMP recognizes these are heavy topics but it is important to talk about sexual assault and sexual harassment in order to create change. We are all responsible to create the community we want to live in.

         Property Protection and Community Security

         Robyn Diddams, Field/Golden RCMP

In the past three months, Field has experienced an increase in property crime, for example: vehicle theft, and break and enter in sheds, workshops and vehicles. Basic rule of thumb: lock things – doors, bikes, everything. The RCMP recognizes there are different cultures in different towns but remember, Field is on Highway One that provides easy access for crimes of opportunity. Often addictions drive the behaviour.

Crime prevention can be achieved through environmental design; for example, bright motion-sensor lights are a big deterrent. Ensure your home is visible from the road – no shrubs over 4 feet tall. Establish a nightly routine to lock your doors, cars, sheds, bikes. Use bike identification systems like registration numbers. Cars are easy to break into; leave nothing visible in your car – no cash, no charging cables, keep your car clean.

In terms of police presence and Field, there are eight RCMP members to give 24 hour coverage as far west as Rogers Pass, south to Spillimacheen and east to the Alberta/BC border. In four years Constable Diddams has been to Field four times for property or personal offences, most in the past year. RCMP traffic presence can serve as a deterrent.

If you see suspicious behaviour or changes in the community that concern you, call to report. The RCMP have an obligation to respond and investigate. If you see something that concerns you, you can take immediate action: call the RCMP, activate a car horn, turn on lights. Report vehicles you see in place for several days. Suspicious vehicles or suspicious people – call it in. 

Response time in the event of an emergency can range from 17 to 30 minutes depending on conditions. Stay safe. Don’t put yourself at risk or in a position of committing an offense. Golden/Field RCMP communicates with RCMP offices in Lake Louise and Banff. Lake Louise can respond to incidents in Field when the response time needs to be fast. 

2. FRAA Report          

Events Recap – Kathryn

  • Sam Weber “Ain’t It Always a Tour?” at Field Community Hall on Thursday, March 28. Great evening!
  • Earth Day Town Clean Up, Bunny Hop and Easter Pot Luck Brunch, Monday, April 22. Lots of clean-up participants, great Bunny Hop, and the Easter Pot Luck Brunch was delicious!

Upcoming Events – Kathryn

  • BC Hydro Planned Power Outage Friday, May 24 midnight to 6:00 am. Field will be on the Energy Storage Facility (ESF) for the duration.
  • Ladies Night, Sunday May 26, 6:00 pm at Carla Evan’s place 202 Burgess Avenue
  • Spring Fling, Sunday, June 2 at Field Community Hall: Field welcomes resident DJs to give generational approach to music!
  • Garage Sale Event, Saturday, June 15: Community event, at people’s own homes rather than at Community Hall, advertise in social media, radio.
  • Canada Day, Sunday, July 1: Details TBA

Spring Programs at the Community Hall – Kathryn

  • HIIT: Thursday evenings with Laura Penner, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, $12 drop-in fee. Sunday evenings 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, no fee.
  • Just Breathe Yoga: Wednesday evenings 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm until May 29 with Hayley Markel. No classes on April 17 or 24. $70 for all seven classes or $12 drop-in fee
  • Shake It Up With Pau Pau!: Zoomba on Monday evenings 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, starting May 27 at the Community Hall.
  • Pickleball, outside behind the community Hall. 
  • St. Joseph Project – Kathryn
  • Final report for Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) grant for $5000 submitted April 8, 2019. 
  • BC Built Heritage Grant for $300,000 submitted to Columbia Basin Trust on March 14
  • Discussing other grant applications
  • Conceptual plan revision in process
  • Development Permit process started
  • Fund raiser dinner and silent auction postponed to fall

Field Summer Music Festival: Sunday, July 7 – Flint

  • Exciting line up of performers
  • Tier two tickets on sale now $40, available by contacting fieldsummermusicfestival@gmail.com
  • Received $1000 grant from Columbia Valley Credit Union, applying to CSRD for funding
  • Continue to work on plans for food, toilets, parking, vendors, merchandise

Field Utility Board Meeting Report – Flint

  • Snow Removal Meeting will happen in August or September rather than November.
  • Rates for Water, Sewer and Garbage (WSG) remain frozen for one more year.
  • Parks Canada to establish billing for WSG one month after end of each quarter. If you have concerns about billing, please contact Hollie Tataryn by phone 250-343-6016 or email hollie.tataryn@canada.ca.
  • Spring Bins: Hollie is working the contract and dates. Request by FRAA that the bins be placed so guests at Truffle Pigs Lodge and Bistro are not privy to contents of the bins.

3. Treasurer’s Report 

         Sally Watson, Treasurer FRAA

Motion Kathryn, Seconded by Sonya to accept financial report as presented. Files sent out as email attachments with minutes, and posted inside Post Office.

4. Parks Canada Reports 

         Hollie Tataryn, Realty and Municipal Officer:

  • Street cleaner returning this week. Residents ask for notification so vehicles can be moved from streets.
  • Booking bins for second week in June to cover Garage Sale Day.
  • Highway line painting in process.
  • Highways currently clearing snow off Moraine Lake Road, then will clear Lake O’Hara Road and Yoho Valley Road.

         Keith Parkinson, Asset Management – Water and Waste Water

  • Water meter upgrade almost complete. Remaining work to be done May/June. Townsites will notify residents whose meters are slated for change.
  • Streamlined how meter readings are reported to Finance.
  • Tracking meter reading to compare to past use, identify discrepancies, and examine trends and averages.
  • 93 subscribers to the system.

         Dave Allen, Asset Management

·      Planning to re-establish the drainage ditch on 2nd Avenue.

·      Monitoring the water issues on Emily’s Hill. Existing abandoned water lines to be tied into storm sewer.

·      Mount Dennis Slope Stabilization project: continue to monitor dewatering system as well as regular GPS surveys to monitor slope movement. Plans to have detailed design for mitigation complete by December 1.

·      Work on bridge over Kicking Horse River from Highway to Field to start this week with scattered instances of alternating traffic over the next two weeks, then work to start again in the late summer/fall.

·      Construction to start soon on Parks Canada staff housing project on Kicking Horse Avenue. Contract  awarded to Olsen Construction from Golden.

·      Boulder Creek Bunkhouse renovation project going to contract tender soon.

5. Friends of Yoho Report 
         Brenda Selkirk, Manager Friends of Yoho

  • Store is open at Field Visitor Centre, which also staffed by Parks Canada and Travel Alberta staff now.
  • Annual General Meeting will take place Saturday, June 1, 6:00 pm at the Plaza again this year, with a wiener roast to follow the business meeting.
  • Hoping to bring Fran Drummond, Twin Falls Chalet, back for a presentation in June.
  • Historic Walking Tour of Field program will start in July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Looking for volunteers; a script is available. Contact Lorraine Zirke if interested in leading a few evening walking tours: zirke@uniserve.com

6. Community Paramedicine Report

Craig Chapman, Community Paramedic

  • 911 has been quiet; Field crew has been giving cross coverage in Golden.
  • Home Health Monitoring program available for persons in the community who are being treated for diabetes, congestive heart failure or COPD. If you know anyone who may benefit from the program, contact Craig. Recommended that the potential participant(s) consult their doctor.
  • Babylon app available from Telus; connects to doctor.
  • No identified opioid issue in Field, but if you or someone you know may be at risk, contact Craig. Naloxone kits are available.

7. Field Fire and Rescue Report 
         Mike Furfaro, Chief, Field Fire and Rescue Department

  1. Call Outs –18 as of 01 January 2019.
    1. 8 in Jan, 7 in Feb, 1 in March, 2 in April
  2. Members – Sitting at 21 members. 
    1. 6 Officers, 5 Firefighters, 5 Probationary Members, 5 Recruits
  3. New and Planned Purchases
    1. New purchases
      1. Thermal Imaging Camera, Turbo Flares, Hose Wrenches, Glass Cutter
    1. Planned purchases
      1. New Helmets, Flash Hoods
  4. Completed Training 
    1. Team Leader, Exterior Fire, Incident Safety Officer, Ventilation, High Hazard Flammable Trains (Crude by Rail in Colorado)
  5. Upcoming Training
    1. Interior Fire, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Apparatus Pump Operator
  6. Apparatus
    1. Engine 1 (all good)
    1. Rescue 1 (all good)
    1. Rescue 2 (Siren Issues)
  7. Field Emergency Plan
    1. Field Emergency Plan? Review old Plan, Review new plan
      1. FFRD will conduct initial size-up and potential initial containment then may assist in notification and evacuation of residence of Field.
      1. Town notification options (Siren=1min continuous blast, Vehicle PA systems, door to door)
      1. FEP hopefully to be reviewed by PC and updated
  8. Ongoing Projects
    1. Work with PC to formalize mutual aid agreements with L.L. (ID9) and Golden BC
    1. Discussions with PC about importance of fulltime members on FFR

8. Round Table