2020 VLSA AGM Minutes

The General Membership meeting took place on the 3rd of October at 14:00. In attendance were board members Barry Underwood, Phyllis Radchenko, Myles Radchenko, Diane Worth, and Norm Gaumont. Other attendees included Steve and Monika Jones, Neil Hartman, Allyson Hatfield-Hayes, and Michele Gaumont.

• Norm Gaumont provided an update on the past three years of accomplishments of the Association and discussed what is still outstanding. See the ongoing list of Association Accomplishments, since its inception.
• Barry Underwood provided a financial update showing that we now have $5075.59 in our account. See the Association Budget for 2020.
• The Association in 2020 was given $6000 to do water testing throughout the year. The water testing started this summer and will continue for the next two years. Water sampling results can now be found on the Vaseuxlake.com website. Vaseux lake was the only lake in the Okanagan Basin not testing the water on a regular basis. Myles Radchenko provided an overview of the testing now being done during the winter and summer months.
• In both 2020 and 2021, the Association applied for a grant to study the siltation issue on the North end of the lake. This is the biggest issue for Vaseux Lake at present. An aerial photograph comparing 1967 to 2020 now shows that approximately 10% of the lake has now silted over and there is a danger of losing another 10% in the next 10 years unless we can slow down the amount of silt entering Vaseux Lake from Shuttleworth Creek every spring.

  The Association has applied for a $35,000 grant to provide an in-depth study of the issue and come up with remedial action to slow the process. This issue is directly related to the damming of both sides of Vaseux Lake and the straightening of Okanagan River which now acts like a slingshot shooting Shuttleworth Creek’s silt directly into the lake every spring.

• The Association is continuing to try to move forward with the pilot project for a rototiller in Vaseux Lake. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is working with the Okanagan Basin Water Board on the pilot project but the Coronavirus has slowed the process.
• Vaseuxlake.com website now has a membership area where you can log into and get information relevant to members only. To access this area simply click on the member login on the top right of the website, enter your email, and click on forgot password and it will ask for your email to send you a username and password. Once you receive the email a link will be attached where the new info can be used. Once you’re logged in, change the password go to the profile area, and change the password to whatever you would like to use.
• The Association will be working with the Ministry of Transportation to review Highway 97 road safety as it relates to the present speed limit and also asking for dedicated left hand turning lanes at Sundial Rd and Vaseux Lake Crescent.
• The Association is exploring a new project that involves working with the wineries surrounding Vaseux Lake to create a covered information board on the public access off Highway 97. The information board would be used to educate the public on the various wildlife in the area, the history of the bird sanctuary, and some of the regulations in place to conserve the area, such as the prohibition on any type of engines on the lake. The information board would also have a map of the various wineries in the area.
• The Association has now been provided with $1000 to help maintain the 3 public accesses around the lake and the Association will be asking the RDOS to make this a yearly contribution.
• These are the priorities for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. If you wish to remain a member of the Association and continue to receive updates on our activities, please submit your annual dues to any board members or to the VaseuxLake.com PayPal by October 31st, 2020.

Just a reminder – Lock up your cars and other belongings as there has been a rash of thefts and vehicle break-ins on Sundial Road. On the 16th of October, my security camera and my house recorded an individual checking my truck doors to see if they were unlocked, unfortunately, the person had his face covered. A few vehicles on the street had articles stolen. Bears have been very active around the neighbourhood, so please keep your garbage locked up and don’t let your pets out unattended. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.

Hope everyone is keeping safe and well!