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2026 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 11, 2026 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator, Daniel Arbour, CVRD Area A Director, 15 other HIRRA members and one guest (20 in person)
By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President and 55 other HIRRA members, 76 total participants

7:32pm: Lend your voice: Jodi Laine appreciated the opportunity to sing two songs for the community.

Call to order: 7:42pm

Introductions: Executive and staff introduced and HIRRA’s Etiquette of Meetings guidelines reviewed.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated Dec 10, 2025 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
    M/S/Defeated Kent Lukinuk/Stephanie Wells “That the agenda be changed from “MOTION: to support Hornby Is. Arts Council ongoing tax funding” to “To discuss Hornby Is. Arts Council ongoing funding.”
    TIE: President voted to break the tie and the agenda was approved as circulated.
  2. Community Announcements:
    Dates announced:     Heron Rocks Friendship Centre pruning workshop and Seedy Saturday, Coastline running marathon, Words on the Salish Sea Literary Festival, on-island water testing, tax clinic session, CHI Herring Fest, “Can Machines be Conscious?” talk, weekly life drawing group, Emergency Preparedness FireSmart public education event.
  3. Executive report: Jeff Rabena, President: Two vacancies on the Executive. Receiving first half of tax-funding. New Recreation Coordinator hired. CUPE Collective Agreement up for renewal this spring. Moderated Community Conversation planned for April 26.  
  4. Community Appreciation: Jeff appreciated June Cannon for years of teaching fiddle, organizing the Celtic Festival, calling at Family Dances, and teaching Scottish Dancing.
  5. Recycling Waste Management Committee updates: Stani, Depot Manager: We Store building supply re-use area now open Fri-Sun. Garbage prices increased. Graphs presented of waste and recycling shipped.
  6. Community Hall Committee updates: Vicki Bale, Committee Co-Chair: Plumbing upgrades, hand railings and hearing loop installed. Appreciation for funding from Community Fund including Green Roof completion project planned this Spring. Applying for grant for Accessible Washroom addition. Advertising for part-time Hall Manager position. Hall’s 100th anniversary in 2027. CVRD can give tax receipts for donations to the Hall.
  7. MOTION: to support Hornby Is. Arts Council ongoing tax funding: Melissa Moore, Hornby Arts Executive Director: Hornby Arts is already receiving operational tax-funding from CVRD. Arts Centre opened last year ($3.1 million invested in the building) as a public, non-commercial Arts Centre with mixed income from tax-funding, earned revenue, grants and donations. Seeking increased tax-funding for core administration costs to apply for, oversee and manage diverse funding sources, volunteers, programs and shows. Requesting an increase in tax-funding from $35,000 to $60,000 (which would result in approx. $15 to $20 increase per household per year) as a reliable base of about one third of Hornby Arts’ annual operational costs. Cultural investment brings significant economic returns to the Hornby community as art grant funding flows through to island artists, workers and businesses. Presentation made to CVRD as part of budget request is available online. Public, non-profit Arts Centre will never be completely self-sufficient. Local tax-funding or endowments are required for leveraging larger ongoing Provincial and Federal arts funding. Hornby Arts has to be flexible to organize programming as soon as grants are approved (or not if they are not).
    Daniel Arbour, CVRD Area A Director: Committed to being objective and hearing what the community wants. CVRD looks at each service budget on its own merits. Prefer to not have significant fluctuations in tax requisitions from year to year.
    Discussion: Request for Hornby Arts’ specific financial plan going forward. HIAC does have a draft business plan, but it will take several years to get fully established and stable. Public can attend HIAC Board meetings by pre-approval. Suggest HICEEC contribute $30,000 of MRDT funding for Hornby Arts. (Noted: MRDT funding cannot be used for core operations.)
    In favour: Arts funding has a good “return on investment.” Want assurance that Hornby Arts will benefit a diverse range of people and groups on Hornby. Grant funding for arts is very specific and is not available for other services. Approving this does not take away from other community needs that come up. Arts administration is a highly skilled profession and the Executive Director is organizing a diverse range of cultural offerings in the new Arts Centre.
    Against: Keep tax-funding for Hornby Arts at current level. Concern that organizations will be in competition for scarce funds as many Hornby groups need funding. Suggest considering a tax-function for a Social Service Coordinator (as Gabriola has). Suggest CVRD hold a referendum on increasing Hornby Arts funding. Concern about lack of community consultation on projects and tax funding. Arts Centre was supposed to be “tax neutral.” (Noted: Arts Centre capital costs did not come from local taxes.) Suggest a “forensic audit” of Arts Centre funding. Suggest charging fees for workshops/events/showing art with a large enough percentage to cover all operating costs. (Noted: this would make Hornby Arts ineligible for many grants.) How will Hornby Arts rebuild trust with those who are unhappy with their track record?
    M/S/C Sheila Morissette/Jan Kennedy “That HIRRA provides a letter in support of Hornby Island Arts Council’s request for enhanced CVRD operational tax-funding.”
  8. Public Participation: Opportunity to give feedback on CVRD budgets. Noted that the Regional Parks budget has increased since CVRD took over management.

Adjourned: 10:12pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Second Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator; 5 other HIRRA members and 2 guests (12 in person)
By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President and 21 other HIRRA members, 34 total participants

7:31pm: Lend your voice: Chelka and the Taizé singing group.

Call to order: 7:43pm

Introductions: Executive and staff introduced and HIRRA’s Etiquette of Meetings guidelines reviewed with a reminder for everyone to do their best to communicate respectfully in good faith.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated 11, 2026 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  2. Executive report: Jeff Rabena, President: Melanda Schmid-Ochieng appointed as Second Vice President; audit is underway; discussed strategies for maintaining respectful meetings; agenda is decided by the Executive and publicized before the meeting so is no longer open for revision at the meeting, Digital Assistance/AI Policy for approval in April, moderated Community Conversation planned for April 26 including providing childcare.
  3. Community Appreciation: Jeff appreciated Daniel Siegel for serving on the HIRRA Executive and other Hornby Boards and for his calm, graceful and supportive mentorship.
  4. Community Announcements: Reminder to call MainRoad about any Hornby roads maintenance issues 1-877-215-7122.
    Dates announced:     Coastline Endurance Running Race, Joe King HIAA birthday event, Emergency Preparedness FireSmart public education event, Non-profit Fair, Literary Festival, REDIP Affordable Workforce Housing report, Recreation Community event, Pysanky workshop, Herring Fest art show and sound bath, Community School art auction fundraiser.
  5. Conservancy Hornby Island (CHI) updates: Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Executive Director: Appreciation for everyone making 10th anniversary Herring Festival so successful, including a performance event, art show at the Arts Centre, “herring school” speakers and film, Herring Ball dance. Planning some CHI film nights this summer and Forest Fest in October.
  6. Hornby Is. Community Economic Enhancement Corp. (HICEEC) updates: Marilyn Kopansky, and Sheila McDonnell, HIRRA appointees to HICEEC: HICEEC delivers tax-funded services for economic enhancement via contract with CVRD. HICEEC is involved with advocacy, grants to various community projects, management of MRDT “pillow-tax” funding. Board bases decisions on personal experience, but always responsive to community needs within long-term strategic plan categories (e.g. fibre-optic internet and summer bus). MRDT funding is reserved primarily for affordable housing. A portion is available for off-season community events and projects.
  7. Hornby Is. Fire Rescue (HIFR) updates: Doug Chinnery, HIFR Fire Chief: Renewed Superior Shuttle Tanker Accreditation for reduced insurance rates within range of neighbourhood water tanks. Smaller Community Emergency Preparedness grant from BC Government than hoped for. “Soup can” water tank was moved across the road as community art and replaced by two functional plastic tanks. Co-op water tank also needs replacement with plastic tanks. Potential for the mural to be retained as a screen for new tanks. Reviewed the fire safety plan and practiced using the “dry hydrant” for fire protection at new Beaulah Creek housing. Seven firefighters signed up for the Coastline Endurance running race. HIFR got confirmation that they are within their mandate to transport patients as First Responders. HIFR is becoming a leader in remote rural firefighting. Appreciation for the volunteers’ dedication and skills.
  8. Hornby Is. Education Society (HIES) updates: Caroline Farquhar, HIES Administrator: Seeking Board members. HIES is the umbrella for multiple programs: After School program, Toddler Drop-in, Teen Night, Natural History Centre, Lifelong Learning sessions, Raise a Reader, Adult Literacy program, and The Kitchen. The Food Bank has now transitioned to Comox Valley Food Bank. HIES owns Room to Grow, currently used as a classroom, but also available to rent. Community auction fundraiser this Fall.
  9. Public Participation:
    1. BC Parks advocacy: Does HIRRA have any influence in BC Parks regarding plans for the forested area? Apparently they don’t have any plans for the area at this point. In the current campground project they are creating a rain garden, protecting native crab-apple trees. BC Parks representative Derek Moore will be making a report to the June HIRRA meeting.
    2. HIRRA Meeting requests: Limit time for speakers. Encourage in-person speakers to have visual presentations as well. Appreciation for the volunteer HIRRA Executive for their calm and respectful moderation.
    3. Appreciations: Thanks to firefighters and all the volunteers working for the community.

Adjourned: 9:11pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Jeff Rabena, President; Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Second Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator; 7 other HIRRA members and 1 new member (13 in person)
By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President and 19 other HIRRA members, 1 guest, 34 total participants

7:33pm: Lend your voice: Music by Ted Tanner.

Call to order: 7:45pm

Introductions: First Nations Territory appreciated, Executive and staff introduced and HIRRA’s Etiquette of Meetings guidelines reviewed.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and the March 11, 2026 HIRRA meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  2. Executive report: Jeff Rabena, President:
  3. Community Appreciation: Jala appreciated Jade Wilson retiring as Recreation Coordinator after a decade of dedicated service.
  4. Community Announcements: Transport Canada survey about experiences of headlight glare at night. HICEEC Bus considering running a second bus, but will require additional drivers.
    Dates announced:     Community Conversation
  5. CVRD Animal Control Bylaw feasibility study info CVRD Consultant Monique Janower not in attendance HIRRA and DIRA requested a joint Denman/Hornby Animal Control Bylaw feasibility study several years ago and it is now underway. Survey is happening now until the end of May online.
  6. DRAFT Digital Assistance/AI Use Policy for approval: HIRRA was proactive to establish an AI Use Policy. Draft was discussed at the Dec. HIRRA meeting and some minor revisions made.
    M/S/C Patrick Lui/Melanda Schmid-Ochieng     “That the HIRRA Digital Assistance/AI Use Policy be approved as presented.”
  7. Hornby Is. Housing Society updates Jo Harrison and Michael McNamara Board members: Beulah Creek housing project update: landscaping now being finished. Makola Housing taking over in May and will host an open house. Screening applicants and tenants will move in soon. Presentation on design of 26 units of difference sizes built to highest efficiency standard. Storm water managed with rain gardens and swales. Good fire protection system. Three levels of rental rates: deep subsidy, rent geared to income, low market rate. Site plan displayed and reviewed. About 6 acres of buildable area due to riparian set-backs and wet-lands, with little opportunity for any expansion.
    Question about “minimum income” for rent geared to income units. Makola requires a minimum rental income to meet their operating budget.
    Society worked on strategic planning. Board would like to increase paid staff, but expenses are rising faster than revenue. Newly signed mortgage has a significantly increased interest rate. Elder Housing Village has aging infrastructure.
  8. Public Participation:
    1. BC Parks Campground maintenance bid: Contract posted for maintenance of new plantings in the campground. Would include watering several thousand plants, not from BC Parks water. “Looking for creative solutions from the contractor” for watering plants. Very frustrating that they are not willing to wait on plantings until Fall in order to not need as much water through a hot/dry summer. Derek Moore of BC Parks will be coming to the June 10 HIRRA meeting.

Adjourned: 9:05pm

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Minutes of HIRRA Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Hybrid at the Hall and by Zoom

Present: In person: Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Second Vice President; Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator, and 13 other HIRRA members

By Zoom: Ted Goodden, First Vice President; 25 other HIRRA members, 1 guest: John Moors, Accountant. (27 total online) (44 total participants)

Regrets: Jeff Rabena, President

Call to order: 7:33pm   

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

  1. Agenda and Minutes: Agenda and minutes of April 8, 2026 HIRRA meeting were circulated by email prior to the meeting and were approved by general agreement.
  2. Community appreciations: Melanda appreciated all the volunteers who make HIRRA work
  3. Executive report: Presented by Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Second Vice President. Attached. [See Committee reports below]
  4. Community Announcement dates for: Hunter Jarrett Invasive Plant talk, Ivy Pull at DePape Rd., Heron Rocks Plant Sale and Berry Tea, Ping Pong at 4 Corners, Market opens, Spring Chipping program.
  5. Year-end Financial report: Presented by Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator. Power Point presentation summarized the Robbins and Co. audited 2025 Year-end Financial Statements. Attached. View PDF: HIRRA 2025 Audited Financial Statements
    M/S/C Melanda Schmid-Ochieng/Patrick Lui “That the Robbins and Co. Accountants’ audited 2025 Financial Statements be accepted as presented.”
    M/S/C Melanda Schmid-Ochieng/Patrick Lui     “That Robbins and Co. be appointed as HIRRA’s Accountant for the 2026 fiscal year.”
  6. Tax-funded Committee reports: Written reports were circulated with the AGM email notice and posted to the hirra.ca website. Highlights were shared verbally.  View PDF: HIRRA Executive and Committee Reports for May 2026 AGM: 
    1. Recycling Waste Management: Presented by Stani Veselinovic, Manager. Attached.
      Question about why amount of waste shipped off-island is declining. Unknown.
    2. Recreation: Presented by Emily Cardon, Recreation Coordinator.
    3. Invasive Plant Control: Presented by Liz Earle, Committee Chair.
    4. Fire Protection (HIFR): Presented by Doug Chinnery, Fire Chief.
    5. Emergency Preparedness: Presented by Tom Ruth, Committee member.
    6. Comfort Stations (Privy Council): Presented by Tony Law, Committee Chair.
    7. Community Hall: Presented by Margaret Birch, Committee Co-Chair.
      Question about status of Green Roof project. Proceeding with membrane repair and continuing discussion with Fire Chief about fire risk issues.
  1. Other Committee Reports: Written reports were circulated with the AGM email notice and posted to the hirra.ca website. Highlights were shared verbally.
    1. Water Stewardship: Presented by Darren Bond, Committee Chair. Attached.
      Question about CVRD supporting rebates for cisterns. Not at this time. Working on watershed research and protection in Comox Valley. Consider petitioning for Water Stewardship to become tax-funded. Suggestion to share CVRD water restriction info on Hornby. Different water systems have different levels and timing of restrictions.
      Question about impact of 26 new dwellings at Beulah Creek Village. Unknown. Planning indicated sufficient capacity. They have created rain gardens to slow water down.
    2. Village Centre Planning: Presented by Michael McNamara, ad hoc Committee member. Attached.
    3. Regional Parks and Trails Advisory: Presented by Leslee Richards, Committee Chair. Attached.
    4. Fall Fair: Reina LeBaron presented highlights from the report by Chelka Mackeson, Committee member. Attached.
    5. Cemetery Stewards: Presented by Tina Wai, Committee member.
    6. Boat Ramp Advisory: Reina LeBaron presented highlights from the report by Mike Pednault, Committee Chair. Attached.
  2. Elections and acclamations: In general positions are for two-year terms.
    1. Executive: Ted Goodden is willing to stand for re-election as First Vice President.
      Melanda Schmid-Ochieng was appointed as Second Vice-President in Feb. 2026 and is willing to continue for the remainder of the term.
      “Len” Christina Lenic is willing to stand for election as Secretary.
      Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, Ted, Melanda and Len were declared elected by acclamation.
    2. Recycling Waste Management: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Kathi Sauve, Alsoon Brine and Kayt Chambers.
    3. Community Hall: There are two vacancies. Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Vicki Bale and Doug Allen. The Committee still has two vacancies.
    4. Fire Protection: There is one vacancy. Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Jim Garton, Jason McRae-King, Brian Amos. The Committee still has a vacancy for a one-year term.
    5. Recreation: There are two vacancies. Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidate was declared elected by acclamation: Byron Corner. The Committee still has two vacancies.
    6. Emergency Preparedness: There are two vacancies. Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: John Heinegg, Thor Kuhlmann. The Committee still has two vacancies.
    7. Invasive Plant Control: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidate was declared elected by acclamation: Liz Earle.
    8. Comfort Stations: There are currently no volunteers for this Committee. Chair called for further nominations. Tony Law is willing to stand. Tony was declared elected by acclamation. The Committee still has two vacancies. Appreciation for Tony for getting a portable outhouse at Ford Cove this year.
    9. Cemetery Stewards: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Gloria Herbert, Larry Smith, Tina Wai Kathleen O’Brien.
    10. Regional Parks/Trails Advisory: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Tom Rutherford, Nadeane Trowse, KT Auleta.
    11. Water Stewardship: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Ian Thompson, Michelle Nakano.
    12. Fall Fair: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Sheila McDonnell, Landys Klyne.
    13. Boat Ramp Advisory: Chair called for further nominations. Receiving none, the following candidates were declared elected by acclamation: Mike Pednault, John Ross, Peter Walford.
  3. Appointments to the Hornby Island Economic Enhancement Corporation (HICEEC):
    The following candidates were elected to the HICEEC Board (one year term) by acclamation: Marilyn Kopansky, Meredith McEvoy.

Note: Strategic Planning funding approved by CVRD. Will consider strategies for improving volunteerism (e.g. term limits).

Adjourned: 9:20pm

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Minutes of HIRRA General Meeting

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Hybrid at the Community Hall and by Zoom

Present in person: Melanda Schmid-Ochieng, Second Vice President (Chairing); Patrick Lui, Treasurer; Reina LeBaron, Executive Administrator; Angeleah Hoeppner, Financial Administrator; 9 other HIRRA members and 1 new member (14 in person)
By Zoom: Jeff Rabena, President, with his parents, Christina Lenic, Secretary, and 17 other HIRRA members, 1 guest, (22 online) 36 total participants
Regrets: Ted Goodden, First Vice President

7:35pm: Lend your voice: Music by Phoenix Bee Wolf-Ray.

 

Call to order: 7:44pm

Introductions: “Aboriginal Title” excerpt read from Indigenous Rights in One Minute. Canadian law of “Aboriginal Title” is different from “fee simple title.”
Executive and staff introduced and HIRRA’s Etiquette of Meetings guidelines reviewed.

  1. Agenda and minutes: The circulated agenda and the May 13, 2026 HIRRA Annual General Meeting minutes were approved by general agreement.
  2. Community Appreciation: Michael McNamara appreciated long-time Hornby resident, Glen Rabena, for his art, music, building, theatre, fun, and community participation.
  3. Executive report: Melanda Schmid-Ochieng Second Vice-President: Some vacancies on Committees, but now a full Executive. Planning for an expanded HIRRA Strategic Planning session in the Fall. Contribution to Boat Ramp rebuild. Permits approved for Fall Fair and Festival at Rosemuir Farm.
  4. Community Announcements:
    Dates announced: Farmland Trust open house July 5, Pride events: double-feature film night, Bingo at Seabreeze, Hornby Arts theatre performance, and Parade, Community Fund grant applications, CVRD Community grants.
  5. HIRRA/CUPE Collective Agreement updates for ratification: Noted housekeeping change in 29.02 NO Sept. 31 Memorandum of Settlement revisions to the existing Collective Agreement were presented and reviewed.
    M/S/C Patrick Lui/Phoenix Bee Wolf-Ray “That the Memorandum of Settlement between HIRRA and CUPE 556 be ratified as presented.”
  6. DRAFT Travel Expense Policy for approval: Travel Expense Policy revisions were presented and reviewed.
    M/S/C Patrick Lui/Marilyn Kopansky     “That the HIRRA Travel Expense Policy updates be approved as presented.”
  7. Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT “pillow tax”) presentation: Calum Matthews, 4VI Social Enterprise Group consultant for HICEEEC: MRDT is a BC visitor tax added to “fixed roof accommodations” (does not yet apply to campgrounds) and remitted back to HICEEC for distribution. MRDT funding cannot generally be used for capital projects. It can be used for tourism marketing, visitor services, and affordable housing. MRDT plan must be approved by eligible accommodation providers and CVRD. Priority areas for 2027 renewal of five-year plan: workforce housing, permanent central outhouse, festivals and events, hornbyisland.com marketing and increased visitor information/expectations, administration.
    Consultants are working on draft 5-year plan and an annual “tactical plan” for submission in Fall 2026. Open to further meetings with groups to give feedback.
    Noted that in the previous 5-year plan, eligible accommodation providers gave 100% approval.
    Question about history of the term “workforce housing” and whether it could be changed to “community housing.” Good to be specific about purpose (e.g. to assist
    Can the money be distributed to another organization? HICEEC is accountable for use of funds, but could definitely partner with other groups?
    Could funds be used to rent Beulah Creek Village unit(s) for workers?
    Is there any way to require bylaw compliance of short-term vacation providers? No.
    Appreciation for Calum’s assistance in keeping Hornby separate from the rest of the Regional MRDT plans.
    Could there be dedicated annual funding for Hornby Arts? Possibly. MRDT does require a significant amount of reporting. Festivals and events funding is a pilot program.
  1. Hornby Is. Community Economic Enhancement updates Marilyn Kopansky, HIRRA Board appointee to Executive: Welcome to Meredith McEvoy as a HIRRA appointee to the HICEEC Board. Sheila McDonnell is staying on the HICEEC Board. Workforce housing proposal for Crown Land in Public Use Area is currently held up by Is. Trust Bylaw for the Zone.
    HICEEC has purchased an additional small bus and is hoping to offer two buses in the summer and possibly year-round service in tandem with Denman.
    Challenging to have to seek grant funding and to fit within tax-funding. Business sponsorships for the bus are very helpful in building a reserve to purchase an electric bus. HICEEC offers training for new drivers. New drivers can use the bus to take their test.
    Suggestion for a more formal arrangement between group event organizers and the bus to provide better transportation to popular events.
    Revenue from hornbyisland.com advertising is also helpful.
    HICEEC has grant opportunities for community groups and manages a business micro-loan fund. Interested in working with BC Parks on the future of the Tribune Bay Lodge (Outdoor Education Centre). CHI is interested in participating in conversation with BC Parks. Suggestion to also include the K’omoks First Nation (KFN) in the discussions. There has been research into options for funding and running the Outdoor Education Centre, but it is not looking hopeful. It is an opportune moment to make a community proposal for its use. HICEEC does not have the capacity to operate the facility, but perhaps BC Parks could take on managing the Lodge in partnership with KFN as an eco-learning space and have space available for group camping.
  2. Public Participation:
  • Hornby Arts: Hosting a consultation meeting about landscaping around the Arts Centre. Hoping to include native-plants, a water management demonstration project, seating, signage.
  • BC Parks campground project: Conservancy Hornby Island would like to meet with other conservation groups on Hornby in order to give input to BC Parks for a community vision for the second-phase of “walk-in campgrounds.”
  • Local Elections: Elections coming in October. Appreciation for HIRRA hosting all-candidate debate meetings in other years.

Adjourned: 9:18pm

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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.