September 14, 2024
1) Call to order
Grant Temple called the meeting to order at 2:35 pm, September 14, 2024 at 3148 Vaseux Lake Crescent and introduced the Board Members.
2) Roll Call
The following persons were present: Grant Temple, Norm Gaumont, Michelle Gaumont, Christie Sacre, Colin Worth, Leslie Worth, Julie Martineau, Bruce Hirtle, Bernadette Hirtle, Bruce Hay, Alison Hatfield, Lori Evans, Orval Shattenkirk, Annette Shattenkirk, Monika Jones.
3) Minutes of Last AGM
Grant reviewed the previous minutes. Norm moved to accept the minutes of last year’s AGM. Julie Martineau seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4) Financial Report
Financial Report was presented by Norm Gaumont. Orv Shattenkirk moved to accept the financial report, Bruce Hay seconded, motion was passed.
5) Chairman’s Report
Grant Temple thanked the Board and the membership for attending the meeting and presented his report.
He explained that the VLSA is a “quasi environmental group”, concerned about the environment and the local ecosystem. He gave a quick overview of the purpose of the Association and the main initiatives which will be discussed.
6) Milfoil Harvester
Thank you to Norm Gaumont for his efforts in securing the brand new milfoil harvester which has now completed its work for 2024. The new harvester will no longer be restricted by Vaseux Lake low water levels since it has its own tracks to enter the lake. Norm Gaumont has requested the harvester be put in the lake on the 3rd week of July instead of mid-August. The Okanagan Basin Water Board now has a 5-year permit so there will no longer be delays in future years.
Norm Gaumont also encouraged residents to inform him of the location of any notable areas of milfoil for next year.
7) Shuttleworth Creek
Norm Gaumont – Large amounts of silt are being taken out from the sediment pond at the end of Shuttleworth Creek every two years to reduce the amount of silt entering the lake. The sand is available if anyone wishes to haul it at their own expense.
8) Invasive Species
Julie Martineau presented her report regarding the yellow Flag Iris and the long term project in place to deal with this invasive species.
Further information, and pictures of the plant, can be found on the VLSA website and on the VLSA Facebook page. An information sheet is also available.
The Canadian Wildlife Services will be seeking volunteers from Vaseux Lake residents to assist in some of this for 2025 and is asking residents to remove this plant if it appears on their property.
Siberian Elm and the Tree of Heaven are two other invasive species that can be removed without permit, residents are encouraged to do so. Discussion followed.
9) Vaseux Bighorn National Wildlife Area
Grant Temple provided update on the review presently being completed on the proposed bike path through the Wildlife Sanctuary. The VLSA has written to numerous governmental/political/environmental organizations expressing concern about the possibility of a bike trail on the west side of the lake. A response was received from the Minister of Environment acknowledging our concerns, informing us that as yet there has not been an application made, and assuring us that our concerns will be addressed if/when an application is brought forward.
Three independent biologists are assisting in preparing a report which will review all relevant government and scientific materials associated with the proposed bike path. This document will review and make sure all laws and regulations were followed as it relates to species at risk in an environmentally sensitive area before any bike path is allowed to move forward.
Residents are encouraged to take photos of any individuals that are seen venturing off the provincially owned trail onto the protected areas as this is against regulations. Signage has increased to inform users that they are not permitted to venture off the provincial access area. Discussion followed.
10) Sundial Rd Public Access Maintenance Updates
Norm Gaumont explained the Association gets $1000 each year from area “C” RDOS director Rick Knodel. This has greatly helped in keeping the two public accesses on Sundial Rd much cleaner and safer for the public.
11) Okanagan Basin Water Board Water Testing Grant
A $6000 grant has been secured for a two-year period for water testing on a monthly basis between (June to September) on the South, East and at the Provincial Park on Vaseux Lake. During the rest of the year testing will take place every two months at the north end of the lake.
Norm Gaumont and Colin Worth have been doing the testing, but a volunteer is sought from the East side of the lake.
Norm explained what is involved with this.
12) New Business
Christie Sacre attended a meeting of the OSCA (Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance) in June. Where VLSA is mostly about advocacy, the OSCA is about education and creating awareness, dealing a great deal with school groups and funding eco-studies. They are currently looking for “interpreters”, a paid position, to work at the bird sanctuary for a few weeks in the fall. If interested contact Ella Braden bradenek@gmail.com.
13) Adjourned Meeting
Colin Worth moved to adjourn the meeting; Norm Gaumont seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 pm.
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