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2025 Minutes

 

HIRRA’s Guide to Meeting Etiquette

Minutes of HIRRA Committee meetings are available for viewing by HIRRA members by contacting the Administrator at (250) 335-131 or office@hirra.ca.

 

Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom 

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Heather Dawn Caton, Secretary; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; and 3 other members (6 in person)
By Zoom: Patrick Lui, Treasurer; 18 other HIRRA members, (19 online)

Regrets: Ted Goodden, First Vice President; Joanne Ovitsland, Financial Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administration Assistant
25 total participants

Call to order: 7:35pm

Introductions: First Nations territory was acknowledged and appreciated, Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda: Agenda was approved by general agreement.
  2. Minutes: December 11, 2024 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  3. Executive report: President Jeff Rabena: AGM will be delayed to May to make time for the Audit, planning bylaw and policy changes for approval in April, Strategic Planning scheduled next week.
  4. BC Parks update: Update from BC Parks on Tribune Bay Park read aloud. Deferring new campsite project to consider options for the Outdoor Education Centre now that the School District has declined to renew their lease.
  5. Community Announcements:
    Dates announced for: On-island water testing, Family Dance, Hall Volunteer party, BC Ferries “pop up engagement”
  6. Hall updates: Committee member, Felicity Roberts: Seeking a new Maintenance Contractor. Modest increase to rental fees. Two grants approved last year: from HICEEC to move memorial Magnolia tree and from Hornby Community Fund to install a hearing loop and to upgrade washrooms. Plan to apply for grants for new accessible washroom. Lots of rentals in 2024. Hall is now on Hornby Community Heritage Register and BC and Federal Heritage Registers. Hall volunteer party planned.
  7. Recycling Waste Management updates: Depot Manager, Stani Veselinovic: New web-site. End of life electronics storage building nearing completion. We Store Building Supply re-use area started. New composters for sale. Depot now accepts: used cooking oil, cigarette butts, disposable razors for recycling. Comparative graphs of garbage and recycling presented.
  8. Ferry Advisory Committee: HIRRA Appointee to FAC, Rob McCreary: Appreciation for the letter sent by HIRRA Executive. BC Ferries still planning to disband all local Ferry Advisory Committees as of April and establish a new digital engagement process. “Pop up engagement” planned by BC Ferries at Shingle Spit and at Denman West. Hornby needs to advocate for a new, better ferry and for a better conventional ferry for the Denman/Buckley Bay route. Kahloke is the oldest ferry still in service and does not have sufficient capacity. Quinitsa is not sufficiently sea-worthy in stormy winter weather.
    M/S/C Rob McCreary/Daniel Siegel “That HIRRA write a letter on behalf of the membership with a preamble justifying retaining the Ferry Advisory Committees, and advocating for Hornby to get a new island-class vessel, and for a more reliable larger capacity vessel, such as the Quinsam, to go to the Denman/Buckley Bay route.”
    People encouraged to write to BC Ferries and MLA Josie Osbourne to advocate for these changes and to complete an online survey.
    Appreciation for Rob McCreary’s commitment to the Ferry Advisory Committee and to all the FAC members.
    ACTION: Rob will send full report to HIRRA Exec. Admin. and post in the Tribune.
  9. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).
    1. Emergency Preparedness: Working on educational information for campgrounds and tourism operators and an updated web-site. Appreciation for Amy LeBaron’s work recruiting Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness volunteers. She is stepping down this year. Request for additional Committee members and NEPP volunteers.
    2. BC Parks: Appreciation for the Tribune Bay Parks advocates in getting BC Parks to consider other development options.
  10. Community Appreciation: Heather Dawn appreciated Colleen Work for her 35 years as Hall Cleaner and Outhouse Cleaner.

Adjourned: 8:36pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Ted Goodden, First Vice President; Heather Dawn Caton, Secretary; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; and 7 other members (11 in person)
By Zoom: Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administration Assistant, 23 other HIRRA members, (25 online)

Regrets: Joanne Ovitsland, Financial Administrator;
36 total participants

Call to order: 7:40pm

Introductions: First Nations territory was acknowledged and appreciated, Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda: Agenda was approved by general agreement.
  2. Minutes: February 12, 2025 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  3. Executive report: President Jeff Rabena: AGM will be delayed to May because of the Audit, proposed bylaw and policy changes for approval in April, Strategic Planning went well. Executive doing some outreach. Appreciation for Joanne, stepping down after 9 years.
  4. Community Appreciation: Annie Fearman appreciated Doug Nixon for his work on Hornby roads, retiring after 47 years, and for his other contributions to the community.

     

  5. Community Announcements:
    1. Dates announced for: Local Trust Committee meeting, Cadet Camp, Joe’s Café, Jazz night at Ballpark, Crop Circle local food potluck, Seedy Saturday, Comox Valley Agronomist coming to Hornby.

       

  6. Islands Trust updates: Islands Trustee, Alex Allen: Trust Council discussed civility at meetings and how to better engage with people.
  7. Hornby Island Fire Rescue updates: Fire Chief, Doug Chinnery: Call outs to date. To, HIFR received several grants that off-set taxes (SCBA cylinders, training, structural protection equipment, bunker gear washing machine, radios and chargers, Fire Smart). Preventative wildfire fuel load reduction project in Crown Land leases in Central Area underway. BC Ambulance more supportive and paying for repairs to patient transport vehicle. New fire truck arrived to replace old #62. Planning to use old truck for summer wildfire deployment with crew, which also generates revenue.
    Still advocating for future BC Ambulance station. Hoping to purchase a new powerlift cot. Ongoing training for rookies, including high-angle “rope rescue.”
    Considering changes to Summer Fire Patrol to reduce risk to lone workers.
    Appreciation for Fire Patrol providing buckets and for beach fire rings.
  8. Hornby Denman Health Care Society updates: Executive Director, Lori Nawrot: Non-profit society since 1979 offering multiple community services on both islands, and Better at Home office in Courtenay. Twenty-two staff plus contractors and many volunteers. Funded by 18 grants and funding sources. Busy Home Assist service fills in the gaps in Home Support (e.g. meals, house-cleaning, re-organizing, firewood, transportation, shopping). May lose funding for Mental Health Support Worker. Considering other support programs (e.g. “home from hospital”) and increasing community communications. Special page on website for “In memoriam” posts.
    Suggestion to seek a feasibility study regarding social services coordination (e.g. family support, emergency cooling/warming, mental health, food services).
  9. Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corp updates: HIRRA appointee to the Board, Marilyn Kopansky: CVRD feasibility study on combining Hornby and Denman economic services. MRDT funding grants available for off-season events/promotions. City West fibre optic approved for increased funding to complete the project for both islands. Short term rentals must register with Province. Hornby/Denman visitor guide available by May.
    Suggestion to include road safety information in the visitor guide.
    As per the five-year tactical plan created with primary stakeholders (vacation rentals), about 50% of MRDT funding is being reserved by HICEEC for community housing, the remaining amount is for marketing/promotion. HICEEC has a small discretionary fund for grants.
    Crown Land Housing project: Board member, Katherine Ronan: Affordable housing is HICEEC’s highest priority issue. In Dec. 2024, HICEEC applied for a nominal rent tenure on 10 hectares of Crown Land in the old gravel pit between Recycling Depot and Cemetery as a community-owned manufactured home park with a resident manager. Relatively light environmental footprint, with phased development. Residents would mostly own their own homes and pay a monthly pad-fee, with some homes potentially available for rent. Hoping to create a gradual multi-stage housing development that is affordable, accessible, stable, environmental harmony, timeliness, controlled by the community, flexible, inclusive. Committed to community engagement.
  10. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).
    1. BC Ferries: HIRRA appointee to Ferry Advisory Committee, Rob McCreary: Many letters have been sent advocating for better ferry service and retaining Ferry Advisory Committees. Response from BC Ferry Authority, mid-Island Rep read aloud.
    2. Part-time resident participation: Encouragement for part-time island residents to volunteer for Committees and Boards. Encouragement for everyone to welcome part-time residents into the Community and for people to talk to friends and neighbours about joining HIRRA and volunteering for vacancies.

Adjourned: 9:37pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Heather Dawn Caton, Secretary; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; and 3 other members (6 in person)
By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administration, 23 other HIRRA members, (26 online) 32 total participants

Call to order: 7:35pm

Introductions: First Nations territory was acknowledged, Executive and staff introduced. 

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and March 19, 2025 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  2. Executive report: President, Jeff Rabena: AGM will be delayed to May because of the Audit, hired a contract accountant for improved financial oversight. Executive doing more outreach/recruitment. Considering a moderated community discussion forum.
  3. Community Appreciation: Jeff Rabena appreciated Joanne Ovitsland for her many years as HIRRA Financial Administrator, and her other work and volunteer contributions.

     

  4. Community Announcements: 
    Dates announced for: HIRRA AGM May 14.
    Ferry Advisory update: FAC has been disbanded. Members have been sending letters of advocacy to BC Ferries and MLA. Suggestion everyone continue requesting improved ferry service. Appreciation for Ferry Advisory Committee members.
  5. Bylaw revisions: Proposed Bylaw revisions were posted and circulated to members.
    M/S/C Jeff Rabena/Heather Dawn:     That two of HIRRA Bylaws be revised as follows:
    Meetings, Quorums and Voting Rights: “The Annual General Meeting shall be held within five (5) months of the end of the fiscal year.”
    Executive Committee and Management Committees:
    “No person shall hold more than one office on the Executive at a given time and no Executive member shall concurrently hold term on a Management Committee. No Executive member shall concurrently be an employee of HIRRA.”
  6. Accessibility Policy: The Accessibility Policy directs that HIRRA and its Committees will assess and improve accessibility to HIRRA services for people of diverse abilities.
    M/S/C Jeff Rabena/Heather Dawn: “That the new Accessibility Policy be approved as presented.”
  7. Conservancy Hornby Island updates: CHI Executive Director, Melanda Schmid-Ochieng: Power point presentation regarding history of CHI, collaborations, projects and activities.
    Question about herring fishery harvest this year. DFO increased annual quota, but there were not enough fish to harvest. Unusually early and late spawns this year.
  8. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).
    Boat Ramp update: Boat Ramp Committee update from Mike Pednault read aloud: CVRD has received funding and plans to proceed with rebuilding the Shingle Spit boat ramp this summer. The new ramp will be longer and wider with a float next to the breakwater.

Adjourned: 8:37pm

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Minutes of HIRRA Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Hybrid at the Hall and by Zoom

Present: In person: Jeff Rabena, President; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator, and 8 other HIRRA members and 2 new members

by Zoom: Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Ted Goodden, First Vice President; xx other HIRRA members, 1 new member, John Moors, Accountant. (28 total online) (41 total participants)

Regrets: Heather Dawn, Secretary;

Call to order: 7:36pm   

Introductions: First Nations territory was acknowledged and appreciated, Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda and Minutes: Agenda and minutes of April 9, 2025 HIRRA meeting were circulated by email prior to the meeting and were approved by general agreement.
  2. Executive report: Presented by Jeff Rabena, President. Attached. [included in Committee Report compilation PDF below]
  3. Community appreciations: Jeff appreciated Gemma Colin, retiring Cemetery Stewards Chairperson for her many contributions to the community over the past 50 years..
  4. Community Announcements:
    Dates for: International day of solidarity for Palestine. Tour of Wildfire risk reduction work on Crown Land. Family Dance. Emergency Preparedness drop-in event. Water testing on-island.
  5. Year-end Financial report: Presented by Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator. Power Point presentation summarized the Robbins and Co. 2024 Financial Statements. 2024 year-end Financial Statements. Question about audit requirement. CVRD will continue to require HIRRA to have an annual audit since HIRRA now manages about one million dollars in tax-funding.
    Appreciation from John Moors for assistance from HIRRA staff and Executive.
    M/S/C Jeff Rabena/Patrick Lui “That the Robbins and Co. Accountants’ audited 2024 Financial Statements be accepted as presented.”
    M/S/C Jeff Rabena/Patrick Lui     “That Robbins and Co. appointed as HIRRA’s Accountant for the 2025 fiscal year.”
  6. Tax-funded Committee reports: Written reports were circulated with the AGM email notice and posted to the hirra.ca website. [All Committee reports except Fire Protection and Water Stewardship are included in the Committee Report compilation Committee annual reports to AGM 2025]
    • Comfort Stations: Presented by Tony Law, Committee Chair.
    • Community Hall: Presented by Felicity Roberts, Committee member.
    • Emergency Preparedness: Presented by Bernie Kowey, Committee Chair.
    • Fire Protection (HIFR): Presented by Doug Chinnery, Fire Chief. HIFR Report to AGM 2025
    • Invasive Plant Control: Presented by Liz Earle, Committee Chair.
      Appreciation to Anna, Eva and Ilze for all their work on broom, especially.
    • Recreation: Presented by Jade Wilson, Recreation Coordinator.
    • Recycling Waste Management report: Presented by Stani Veselinovic, Manager. Attached.
  7. Other Committee Reports: Written reports were circulated with the AGM email notice and posted to the hirra.ca website. [All Committee reports except Water Stewardship are included in the Committee Report compilation PDF above] Highlights were shared verbally.
    • Boat Ramp: Report Attached.
      Update from CVRD Director Daniel Arbour: CVRD is putting out a request for proposals for a contractor to rebuild the aging boat ramp this summer.
    • Cemetery Stewards: Presented by Tina Wai, Committee member.
    • Fall Fair: Presented by Chelka Mackeson, Committee member. Attached.
    • Regional Parks and Trails Advisory: Presented by Leslee Richards, Committee Chair. Attached.
    • Water Stewardship: Presented by Darren Bond, Committee Chair. Attached. Water Stewardship Report to AGM 2025
  8. Elections and acclamations: In general positions are for two-year terms.
    • Executive elected by acclamation: Jeff Rabena is willing to stand for re-election as President.
      Patrick Lui is willing to stand for re-election as Treasurer.
      There is no nominee for Second Vice-President.
      Secretary, Heather Caton, is stepping down half-way through the term. There is a vacancy for a one-year term.
      Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, Jeff and Patrick were declared elected by acclamation. The Executive still has two vacancies. Butch Leslie may be willing to join and can be appointed.
    • Recycling Waste Management: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Jan Kennedy, Ilze Raudzins. The Committee still has one vacancy.
    • Community Hall: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidate was declared elected by acclamation: Margaret Birch, Doug Allen, Felicity Roberts. The Committee still has one vacancy.
    • Fire Protection: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Don Peterson, Randy Wunderlick.
    • Recreation: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Bonita Wexler, Donna Tuele.
    • Emergency Preparedness: Chair called for further nominations. Sheila McDonnell volunteered, but then opted to attend a Committee meeting before deciding. Receiving no further nominations, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Bernie Kowey, Tom Ruth, Thor Kuhlmann, Sheila McDonnell. The Committee still has three vacancies.
    • Invasive Plant Control: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Rachel Platt, Michelle Nakano.
    • Comfort Stations: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Tony Law, Daniel Siegel. The Committee still has one vacancy.
    • Cemetery Stewards: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Iain Palmer, Barb Inglis, Jazzmyre Corrigan.
    • Regional Parks/Trails Advisory: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Leslee Richards, Amanda Zielinski, Dean McKay, Rob White.
    • Water Stewardship: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Darren Bond, Angeleah Hoeppner, Craig Paterson.
    • Fall Fair: Chair called for further nominations. Chelka nominated Therese Schwab. Therese has previously expressed willingness to join the Committee. Chair called two more times for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Chelka Mackeson, Aly Sachedina, Therese Schwab.
    • Boat Ramp: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Rachel Platt, Larry Wasserman.
  9. Appointments to the Hornby Island Economic Enhancement Corporation (HICEEC):
    The following candidates were elected to the HICEEC Board (one year term) by acclamation: Sheila McDonnell, Marilyn Kopansky. 

Adjourned: 9:45pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Butch Leslie, Second Vice President; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administration, and 5 other members (9 in person)
By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; 19 other HIRRA members, (21 online) 30 total participants

Call to order: 7:32pm

Introductions: First Nations traditional territory was appreciated. K’omoks treaty was recently ratified. Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and May 14, 2025 HIRRA AGM minutes were approved by general agreement.

  2. Executive report: President, Jeff Rabena: Support for Pat McLeod’s pamphlet about road rules. New Executive member appointed. Layout of Community Vision booklet completed for printing. Planning a Community Conversation Forum in the Fall. Community Well test result showed high Manganese.

  3. Community Appreciation: Albini Lapierre appreciated Allan Fletcher for his work developing AFC Construction company, building important local infrastructure, and also for his community contributions as a Fire Department volunteer, and in many other ways.

  4. Community Announcements:
    1. Dates announced for: Night Market at Baird & Co., Teddy Bear Picnic at the School

  5. Conflict Resolution Procedures revisions: Proposed revised HIRRA Conflict Resolution Procedures were posted online and circulated to members.
    M/S/C Jeff Rabena/Marilyn Kopansky:     “That the revised HIRRA Conflict Resolution Procedures be accepted as presented.”
  6. Hornby Island Arts Council updates: Hornby Arts Executive Director, Melissa Moore: New Arts Centre is officially opening at the end of June with a number of free events. Main construction is complete, but a few details still need to be finished. Planning an extended local group show through the summer. More formal appreciation celebrations planned for early Sept.
  7. Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corp (HICEEC) updates: HIRRA Appointee to the HICEEC Board, Sheila McDonnell: Hornby successfully repatriated CVRD economic tax-funding a few decades ago. Planning to print and distribute the updated Hornby Community Vision booklet. Other projects: summer bus, EV charging station at Credit Union, support for non-profit and business networking, online events calendar, visitor information, grants for local projects, microloan fund, fibre-optic internet project, ferry advocacy. MRDT “pillow tax” funding primarily reserved for workforce housing.
  8. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).
    1. Community Conversation: CAST meeting is very useful for networking among non-profits. HIRRA Executive is planning to host an open community conversation in late September focussed on “The Future of Living and Working on Hornby.”

Adjourned: 8:27pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Ted Goodden, First Vice President; Butch Leslie, Second Vice President; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator, and 14 other members (18 in person) By Zoom: 10 HIRRA members, and one guest (11 online)

29 total participants
Regrets: Jeff Rabena, President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer;

Call to order: 7:34pm

Introductions: First Nations traditional territory was appreciated. Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and June 11, 2025 HIRRA minutes were approved by general agreement.
  2. Executive report: Vice President, Ted Goodden Planning a moderated “Community Conversation” in early October on the topic of “the future of living and working on Hornby.”
  3. Community Appreciation: Reina LeBaron Appreciating Katherine Ronan for her years on ISLA, HICEEC, and Farmland Trust, particularly her efforts to secure workforce housing.
  4. Community Announcements:
    1. HICEEC: Summer bus is now running. Send event announcements to HICEEC for posting on HornbyIsland.com.
    2. Athletic Association: Multi-use court has been resurfaced. People planning a run around Hornby to raise funds for fitness centre. Talk by Gabor Mate planned. Receiving Community Quilt funds this year for services for seniors.
  5. RCMP: Constable Curtis Three RCMP officers sharing Hornby duties. Focus will mostly be on enforcing parking and traffic laws. Office exterior lights are required for security. Light was adjusted down somewhat to reduce glare down Sollans, but is still problematic. Motion activated lights would blind the cameras. Night vision camera footage is not sufficient for identifying vandals. RCMP following standard security practice.
    Constable Curtis will bring up the issue again with “departmental security.” Request for information on who residents can contact about the issue.
  6. Waste Management Recycling updates: Manager, Stani Veselinovic End of life electronics building is nearing completion. Working electronics and appliances are available at the Free Store. We Store building material yard has been started. Will need volunteers to run it. CVRD is raising prices for construction waste in the Fall. Home composters are available for sale.
  7. Composting Toilet Residuals pilot project: Ed Hoeppner Working on the project for many years. Eight people have expressed interest so far, but hoping to increase participation over time. Committee will be posting in the Fall for a contractor to transport stabilized composting toilet residuals to the Comox Valley biosolids facility. Residuals have to meet certain standards. Project will also be educational for composting toilet homeowners. All information would be confidential. User fee is likely to be about $150 for up to 5 cubic feet per year.
    Provincial regulations in 2016 now allow for certified practitioners to install and file legal composting toilet systems. This project will make it easier to deal with final residuals legally.
    Questions/comments: Some residents request that HIRRA step back from the project as they are not in favour of taking humanure to the Depot (initially proposed as end goal of the project).
    No plans to have composting toilet residuals managed at the Depot.
    Seems like a complex process for homeowners to prepare residuals for pick up.
    Composting toilets can be “pumped out” by a septic truck, but uses water to liquify residuals.
    Appreciation for Ed’s work on composting toilet project.
  8. Village Centre Planning group: Bill Havens and Michael McNamara Informal Village Centre Planning group of people interested in improving the “four-corners” village centre area of the island. Development has usually happened organically on Hornby and often works well, but it would be good to have community consultation to create consensus for any significant changes in the centre. Initial focus was on improving safety of the busy four-way intersection, possibly through a BC Active Transportation Planning grant. Now the Co-op has bought the remaining undeveloped corner, there is an opportunity for Village Centre Planning group to initiate and lead community visioning for the whole area. Any development on the fourth corner would require Islands Trust re-zoning and public support.
    Becoming a HIRRA ad hoc committee or working group would facilitate the community consultation process.
    Questions/comments: Leave the area as it is and don’t develop the “fourth corner.” Suggestion to lower the speed limit. Parking is an ongoing issue. No need for more “hang out space.” Important to Regional Parks and Trails Advisory Committee to have a safer intersection for pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars. Making it safer and more pleasant for cyclists and pedestrians would encourage reduced car use. Co-op Board supports community consultation.
    M/S/C Bill Havens/ Michael McNamara “That the informal Village Centre Planning group become a HIRRA Working Group.”
  9. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).

Con-trails: Heather Dawn Caton Concern about “jet streams” and potential eco-engineering. Request HIRRA to ask provincial and federal government about what is happening in the skies.

Adjourned: 9:31pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator, and 13 other members (16 in person) By Zoom: Butch Leslie, Second Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; 21 other HIRRA members, 1 new member and 3 guests (27 online)

43 total participants
Regrets: Ted Goodden, First Vice President;

Call to order: 7:35pm

Introductions: First Nations traditional territory was appreciated. Executive and staff introduced.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and July 9, 2025 HIRRA minutes were approved by general agreement.

  2. Executive report: President, Jeff Rabena Starting budget preparations. Jeff will be away next month for baby birth. Survey circulated. Planning a table at Fall Fair and hosting a moderated “Community Conversation” on Sunday, October 5 at 2:00pm on the topic of “the Future of Living and Working on Hornby.”

  3. Community Appreciation: Jeff Rabena Appreciated Fire Department volunteers, particularly Duty Officers for dedication to emergency response, especially over the summer.

  4. Community Announcements:
    1. Kitchen/food bank: Food bank is now being run by the Comox Valley Food Bank. The Kitchen may transition to another umbrella organization.
    2. Dates: Arts Centre appreciation event, Fall Fair, Hall pre-booking meeting.

  5. Core Services budget: Power point presentation review. Question about potentially changing the Core Service model.
    M/S/C Reina LeBaron/Doug Chinnery     “That the 2026 Core Service 5-year budget be approved as presented.”

  6. Hornby Is. Fire Rescue updates: Fire Chief, Doug Chinnery Busy summer. No Summer Fire Patrol. Duty Officers have responded to beach fire concerns (including propane braziers). Members and truck went on deployment to Vancouver Is. forest fires. Interface structural protection worked.

  7. Comfort Stations Committee updates: Chair, Tony Law Summer has been fairly uneventful. Appreciation for outhouse cleaner. Ford Cove has restricted public access to the Harbour Authority outhouses a few years ago. Stakeholders met and agreed to a potential location for adding a portable outhouse under the Comfort Stations Service, approximately $3,500. Suggestion to help fund the Harbour outhouse, but they are not interested.
    M/S/C Tony Law/Marilyn Kopansky “That HIRRA endorses the proposal to add a seasonal rented portable privy at Fords Cove during July and August to HIRRA’s Comfort Station Services and instructs the Comfort Stations Committee to include provision for this addition in its proposed 2026 budget.”

  8. Regional Parks and Trails Advisory Committee updates: Chair, Leslee Richards Committee put out survey and received significant support for roadside trail segment from Co-op to Sandpiper. It would be a lengthy planning process with numerous hurdles and probably require grant funding.
    Comments: Central Rd. was widened in the 1990’s to provide cycle lanes between Co-op and Seawright. Suggestion for better signage. Co-op to Seawright paved shoulder works well for cyclists. An off-road trail might not be used much. Curb to limit parking in the bike lane would be better use of resources. Suggestion to have a roadside trail along Seawright to Porpoise. Most dangerous section is Seawright to Sandpiper along Central.
    Director Arbour involved with cross-island trail on Denman. Started with an overall big vision and have been working on it in small stages. Traffic safety is an issue all around the island. Suggestion to establish an island-wide safety plan.
    M/S/C Kent Lukinuk/Crystl Hansen “That HIRRA supports the development of an additional section of the Roadside Trail from the Co-op to Sandpiper Rd. and requests the CVRD to include provision for this project in its 2026 5-year budget plan.”

  9. Hornby/Denman Animal Control Bylaw feasibility: Originally requested joint feasibility study in 2021, but was not approved at that time. Denman Is. Residents Association has requested that it be brought forward again.
    Comments: Many animals have been killed by dogs. Opposition to a leash law on Hornby.
    Director Arbour: without an animal control bylaw, there is no legal way to deal with dangerous animals. Feasibility study will bring back potential options to the community within 2 years. How would bylaws be enforced?
    M/S/C Heather Dawn Caton/Jan Kennedy “That HIRRA request a CVRD Animal Control Bylaw feasibility study for Hornby and Denman in collaboration with DIRA.”

  10. Public Participation: Open forum to bring up a topic of interest (max 2 min).
    1. Lighting and road safety: Does Hornby have a “dark skies” policy? How can we slow traffic down in the playground Zone (e.g. flashing “your speed” signs)? Unincorporated rural roads are under the jurisdiction of the Province. Regional Districts have been advocating for the ability to lower speed rates.
    2. Farmers Market parking: Farmers Market parking is too congested. Suggestion to build a new parking area for the Hall, Arts Centre, Market and other community needs.

Adjourned: 9:45pm

 

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NOTE:

Minutes of HIRRA meetings are posted after approval by the HIRRA assembly (usually at the following month’s meeting). Generally there are no HIRRA meetings in January or August.