WEST PORPOISE BAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF AGM FEB. 17, 2003

Called to order by President Renee McCall 7:30 pm at the Christian School 5895 Reef Road. All Directors in attendance. The Council was very pleased to have so many members in the audience (45).

Sandpiper Development

Renee introduced Ray Parfitt, Planner DOS who posted various maps on re-zoning subject area, i.e. Lot 28 of 5 acres. Ray explained this proposal has to go through several Departments before approval. Major input from audience seems to be the community is not happy about this proposal. Future lots could be under the same problem but needs roads and other commodities, not to mention approval of Community Association.

Renee called for questions from the floor of which there was several, i.e. do we want to be the Shaughnessy of Sechelt. Future development is inevitable but many obstacles have to be overcome. Questions about bus routes were considerable, i.e. connecting North and South Gale Ave. Objections got very high about the possible new development, including density, wildlife, etc. not to mention the “view”.

**Three Members (Colin Crown, Ken Matheson and Bob Lanctot)**

Two members ( Colin Crown and Ken Matheson) had taken the trouble to outline disadvantages which were read for all to hear.

**Mention was made of a petition signed by 150 residents of the area strongly opposed to redevelopement of this area.**

Consensus was do not want it part of the community plan. Motion by Hugh Monroe, seconded by Colin Crown: To petition the DOS to do an updated plan for the OCP. Carried

Several viable recommendations were put forth but we are going to have to fight to keep what we have. Discussion went on for considerable time and too many items to be included in the minutes. Proposal was put forth to inform Council that WPBCA not in favor of rezoning as per consensus taken at this meeting. Agreement in total was overwhelming!

Petition to be submitted to Council and Planning Dept. Suggestion put forth to attend the Planning Meeting on subject “en masse” which is a Tuesday in March. (probably second Tuesday). Plus call Council members individually. Over an hour was spent on this topic after which Ray thanked for his input and we carried on with regular business.

Treasurer’s Report

Gus Butt reported bank balance of $929.89. Shares at Credit Union Class C & B at $35.77 & $27.75. Not included are dues paid tonight.

Review of the year

Renee put forth a review of past year and our input on various problems from noise of floatplanes, gravel trucks without tarps, use of Reef, Fairway and Gale N. to construction sites etc. Attendance of a director to G8 meetings has been ongoing. An explanation of the G8 was provided for those who didn’t know what it was.

Unfortunately our annual picnic was cancelled at the last minute thanks to an all day downpour, but expenditures had already been spent amounting to approximately $ 120,00. The food was donated to the Food Bank while soft drinks were returned to Shop Easy who had kindly donated.

Short Term Rentals

Bylaw 25-Renee covered this in some depth. Most of the audience at the meeting did not realize what this was all about. Some questions from the floor an that topic.

Future of WPBCA

Only 5 directors this past year. Need at least 7 0r 8. Do we want an organization? More members required. DOS is asking 25% of neighborhood to be an Association. That means with a population of 386 minus 135(SHORA) we need at least 51 households, before tonight only 15 paid memberships.

Renee posts all our activities on the G8 web site on the internet. Newsletters, minutes, agendas, meetings, etc. Log on www.sechelt.net and click on West Porpoise Bay Dolphin.

Elections to the Board

Nominations from the floor:

Bob Milton, Colin Crown, Bob Lanctot, and Ken Matheson.

** Elected by acclamation**

Current:

Renee McCall President

Wendy Pierrara Director

Ivan Fox Director

Les Wilson Director

Gus is stepping down having served two years as a very valuable member. He will be missed.

Mike Bakst volunteered to help wherever possible, but not on the board.

A secretary is urgently needed. Please try it’s not that difficult.

Questions from the Floor

Very last minute; a motion by Hugh Monroe, seconded Jason Herz Carried unanimously

To ask the District of Sechelt to consider purchasing the Duck Pond and adjacent piece of property located on Fairway Ave. To make this into a park and have trails and/or benches for enjoying the ducks and the surrounding area..

Some further discussion on a variety of topics.

Good meeting and a big thank you to all who did their “ homework” and to the others who took the time to attend. If we are to succeed in our endeavors we need you.

Adjourned 9:40 pm

Patricia Couchman

Temporary Secretary