Agenda
- Paul Biscop
- Financial Report
- Silly Soiree
- Letter of Understanding Re: Food Forest/Update
- Strengthening relationships w. Bayview/John Barsby schools
- Miner’s Heritage Picnic/fund-raising letters
- SECA participation in local parades/events
Other Business
- KB Associates/Coastland
- Fires, vacant and cleared lots
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Acknowledgement that we meet on traditional Snuneymuxw territory
Introductions
1. Paul Biscop: Announcement of passing of Paul Biscop and comments in his honour. A Memorial will be held on April 16th. The Location and details will be posted on our blog at nanaimosouthend.ca.
2. Financial Report
3. Silly Soiree: Although we did not raise any funds, the event worked to build community. The Executive will discuss how to improve fund-raising efforts for next time. Thanks was extended to all who volunteered and supported the event with donations of food and labour. Comments were shared regarding the costumes, dancing and fun had by all.
4. Letter of Understanding Re: Food Forest/Update: B. Geselbracht has spoken to P. Squires regarding signage for the Livingston Food Forest. Lumber that he has from the old Buckerfield’s building will be used in construction. On April 30, 10-4 a work party will be held for mulching, plantings of blueberries and fruit trees in the upper half, and spreading wood chips etc. In preparation for installing irrigation later in the summer. MyCDC has just received a $3,000 grant for the project and workshops on food forestry and permaculture. The work that Mr. Geselbracht and partners have done to get the Grant was acknowledged and applauded.
5. Strengthening Relationships w. Bayview/John Barsby schools: E. Hemmens commented on the current programs and opportunities that exist to contribute to education in our neighbourhood. Projects such as the Wellness Centre initiative at J.Barsby Secondary have been very successful and is meeting the needs of many students with involvement by VIHA, Tilicum Lelum, student volunteers, etc. This program has been running since September and will be offered again next September.
6. Miner’s Heritage Picnic/fund-raising letters: The Picnic is in it’s 24th year and will be held on June 18th this year. It is looked forward to as a community event providing activities and a fun day for all. Volunteers for fund-raising are needed as well as any items individuals wish to donate for our silent auction and volunteers in general. At present, help is needed to visit businesses that donate regularly and request this year’s donation. A Letter of Authorization from SECA is available from S. Larocque – call 753-1394 to contact her to volunteer for this or any other job.
A suggestion was brought forward that the pancake breakfast and hot dog sales take place by the central building this year, with pancakes being available from 8:30-11. Another suggestion was made that we explore the possibility of including a dunk tank in the festivities!
7. SECA participation in local parades/events: The membership is informed of the Heritage Day Parade on May 22nd and the value of making our presence felt by this and other events with option of using the Tea Wagon. Several members expressed interest in marching along. A sign up sheet was circulated for those interested in participation.
- Heritage Days Parade – May 22 (float deadline May 6th)
- Nanaimo Pride Parade – June 12
8. KB Associates/Coastland: Keith Brown, a land consultant working with Coastland, addressed the meeting. They are seeking to relocate their Office and are considering placing it on the corner of Woodhouse and Haliburton on the current parking lot there. They would install curbing and shoulder plantings to improve the street-scape. They plan a two-story building with ground level parking. This is a preliminary discussion and plans are not yet in the presentation stage.
In discussion, it was pointed out that this use (office) contravenes the existing neighbourhood plan and zoning but that attention to making sure any proposal enhances the neighbourhood feel of the area would make such a proposal more attractive.
It was also pointed out that the roadway along Haliburton is designated for bike-lanes and this fact would need to be considered in planning.
Mr. Brown brought forward the thoroughness of his discussions with his Coastland clients around the neighbourhood plan, and the Nicol St./Terminal Corridor/My Street initiatives in working toward presenting an acceptable proposal.
9. Fires, vacant and cleared lots: Questions and updates around empty lots, burned down buildings and the unfortunate fire downtown were brought up for discussion. Zoning, bylaws, neighbourhood plans, etc. were all touched on as matters of concern.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
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The Livingston Food Forest is ready for more planting, and you are invited to help with the next step of the project: building more layers of mulch, shaping and planting perennial edibles.
South End Community Association 