BRVCA Annual Report 2020- FINAL

2020 BRVCA Annual Report
1

Contents
Contents 2
Purpose 3
Contact 3
Who We Are 4
What We Offer 5
Accomplishments 2020 6
Committee Accomplishments 2020 11
2

We Are
Giving voice to the unique people of the Bridge River
Valley
Balancing growth to ensure a viable future
Protecting the natural beauty and resources of the
Bridge River Valley
Keeping the history of the valley alive
Building a Sustainable Community in the Wilderness
Purpose
BRVCA is an umbrella organization, driven by the interests of the community that encourages
autonomous group development and promotes the economic wellbeing of the Bridge River Valley.
Contact
Bridge River Valley Community Association
104 Haylmore Ave, Gold Bridge, BC V0K 1P0
250-238-2534
bridgerivervalley@gmail.com
www.bridgerivervalley.ca
www.brvca.ca
www.liveplay.ca
www.isurvivedthehurley.com
Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
3

Who We Are
Directors 2020-2021
Vanessa Abbott
Benno Chapman
Pat Dahle – President
Debbie Demare – Vice President
Norris Girling
Scott McKenzie
Michelle Nortje – Treasurer / Secretary
John Robins
Shayne Selluski
Dave Sharpe
Terri Smith
Staff
Jenny James – Business Services Manager, Editor-Mountain Telegraph
Cara DeMare – Financial Administrator, Special Projects, Admin Support
Janis Irvine – Museum Assistant
Emilie Larsen – Special projects, Summer Supervision BRVCA
Regan Dixon - Heritage Assistant - Haylmore
Laurie Reimer - Grant Writer
Contractors
Roger Geeves – Community Asset Coordinator
Susan Medville – Heritage Consultant
Suzanne Denbak – Economic Development Consultant
4

Benefits and Services
● Financial Process
● Funding Access
● Creation of non-profits without all those headaches
● Shared and Pooled Insurance
● Year-round visitor services
● Assistance with grant research and development
● Insurance and Liability Coverage
● Advertising
● Legal Structure
● Access to training
● Pooled bookkeeping
● Heritage Management
● Community Marketing
● Shared office and operational costs
● Shared toll-free teleconferencing account
● Shared on-Line ZOOM meeting ( free)
What We Offer
Support for committees, societies, and groups as autonomous enterprises who have to follow a few rules, such as
financial accountability, that we all build and decide on together.
Pooled resources to simplify committee and group efforts.
Consolidation of legal/financial responsibilities of societies and delegation of these responsibilities to the BRVCA
board.
Time efficiency to save volunteers from attending meetings so their time can be spent making tangible
accomplishments.
A way to protect activities and groups with liability insurance and to assist monetarily with routine practices and
events.
A single point of contact for the Bridge River Valley as a “one shop stop” community services and administrative
office, central repository of information and a strong advocate on community issues.
We work to make a difference when and where it really counts!
5

Accomplishments 2020
Under the Umbrella
Continued strategic direction to develop “umbrella” structure of BRVCA using the model of the Hornby Island
Residents & Ratepayer’s Association www.hirra.ca.
After operating as an informal group in 2020 we added the Bear Working Group as an official committee of the
BRVCA.
Maintained
In 2019-2020 we had 17 board members as a result of aging bylaws and significant interest.
There were 9 different staff/contractors throughout the year.
Board Governance
As a result of significant interest and outdated bylaws, in 2019-2020 we had 17 board members. An extensive
board governance and orientation process was completed.
COVID – 19
Developed specific COVID 19 safety plans for our operations including the Museum, Community Resource Building
and Haylmore Heritage Site.
Developed a tourism based COVID 19 plan and messaging and placed it on our websites and media.
Organized and delivered a Red Cross funded program to make personal protection equipment (PPE) available to
community residents in response to Covid-19.
Significant Advancements or Completions
Organized and delivered a Red Cross funded program to make personal protection equipment (PPE) available to
community residents in response to Covid-19.
Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building
The Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building was purchased in 2017 and is owned fully and outright by the Bridge
River Valley Community Association. The building was purchased with the intent of conserving this historically
significant building and undertaking the adaptive use of it primarily for the Museum.
Late in September the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District agreed to add the building to its Heritage Register which
will begin the process of official recognition of the heritage value of the building.
Normal maintenance and repairs have been ongoing. Due to damaged front stairs, a temporary repair was
completed to ensure their safety.
6

Scope of work and estimates have been completed in 2020 for the structural repair of the Engineer's Wing,
correction of drainage issues in the courtyard which are affecting the foundation, painting the exterior and interior,
electrical and mechanical, repair of the foundation and complete replacement of the front stairs to return to 1939
look, accessibility upgrades, roof to seismic standards, replacement of floors. Using this work, two funding
applications have been submitted for a total of over $600,000.
Provided
Local newsletter - BRVCA has been publishing the Mountain Telegraph since March 2016. The paper is published
monthly with a regular paid subscription base and a growing number of digital subscriptions as well. It is delivered
at no charge into 135 local mailboxes monthly. Residents rely on the monthly publication for information on
upcoming events and important community notices.
Ongoing staff and volunteer support for the Bralorne Community Advisory Committee, the Heritage Committee, the
Trails Committee, the Economic Development committee, the Resource Management/Land Use Committee, and the
Gun Lake Boat Launch Committee, Bralorne TV Committee and the Bear Working Group.
Delivered the systematic outdoor Community Maintenance
Program: Gold Bridge sign, Cemetery, Community Resource
Office, Gold Bridge Community Complex, Bralorne
Community Hall, Boultbee Memorial Church, Bralorne Ball
Diamond, Haylmore Heritage Site and Gateway Entry Kiosks.
Business Services: phone, fax, Internet, photocopying,
printing, flyer development etc
Affordable teleconferencing for community organizations
and shared free Zoom meeting account
Equipment service including high quality LCD projector
and screen
Office space/other services to Minto Communications
Technology & Websites
Maintained a very active social media presence with 5 Facebook pages, a Twitter Account and 4 Instagram
accounts
Maintained an extensive internal community website www.brvca.ca & continued Community Advisory emails to
residents and regular visitors updated in accordance with the Canadian anti-spam legislation
Continued to refine our ability to supply financial reports to each committee, event, and group
7

Maintained the website www.bridgerivervalley.ca . This site had 15,122 unique visitors during the year and 23,409
visits in total.
Maintained the website www.liveplay.ca with 3,715 unique visitors and 9,576 visits during the year.
Maintained the website www.isurvivedthehurley.com with 36,642 unique visitors during the year and 109,280
visits in total.
Grant Writing
Provided funding research and grant development and project support to Bridge River Valley Community Nonprofit
societies and community groups.
28 submissions totaling: $807,019
2 submissions (Area A and Area B partnering) totaling: $100,838
22 Approved totaling: $109,773
2 Declined
6 Pending
Assisted community groups with grant application follow-up activities.
Completed annual reporting for past and current grant funded projects.
Discussed society and committee options with community members wanting to formalize their group to advance
community-based initiatives.
Participated in Webinars, Workshops, and Training specific for improvement of community resilience and
advancement of community driven projects.
Cemetery
In 2020 there were no internments of cremated remains or casket burials.
Work has continued on refurbishment of the plots in the cemetery with an
emphasis this year on the plots in the centre of the cemetery, particularly
those of the children. Rock borders were re-aligned, landscape cloth put
down and new lava ash put on top.
A new wayfinding sign was erected.
Remembrance Day raised $102 for the Poppy Fund along with Wreath
Donations of $360 for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66 in Lillooet.
8

Tourism
Maintained the externally focused website: www.bridgerivervalley.ca
Highly successful website on Hurley road conditions: www.isurvivedthehurley.com
Actively maintained Social Media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Continued participation in the Sea to Sky Biking Consortium led by Mountain Biking BC: www.mountainbikingbc.ca
Continued membership in Mountain Biking BC — https://www.mountainbikingbc.ca/project/caribou-chilcotin/ 4
gateway/entry kiosks throughout the Bridge River Valley which provide key directional, tourism, and hospitality
information
Maintained gold panning at the Haylmore Heritage Site
Haylmore Heritage Site- Tourism
The Haylmore Heritage Site operates as our Tourism Information Booth, a Heritage
Site, a location for local artisans to sell their products and a community venue. This
year two great staff members, Regan Dixon and Emilie Larsen, operated the
site. They did a fantastic job of greeting visitors knowledgeably, maintaining our
social media, and most of all, often going beyond the call of duty to look after visitors
whilst diligently maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols.
• We had 738 visitors during the 2020 summer season. The vast majority of
visitors this season were B.C. residents with few exceptions being from
Alberta and Ontario.
• 16 local artisans exhibited their products with total sales of $2,370.75
• Sales of books, hats, t-shirts, gold panning etc. totaled $3,205.63
• We hosted one event this year – A Bear Aware & Book Signing with 80+ attendees organized by Bear
Conflict Prevention Coordinator, Kenny Walker.
• Continued expansion of the Haylmore Garden – great work by Roger Geeves.
• We received several stories and historic photos of Haylmore and the site courtesy of the Bralorne Pioneer
Museum
• Upgraded the Square device to a touch free option in keeping with safety protocols.
Haylmore Heritage Site – Heritage
COVID 19 certainly slowed down work from a Heritage perspective at the Haylmore Heritage Site.
6 Interpretive signs were installed.
A research project was completed on the centre island including information on the top of the island, the flag pole
and the machine guns. It is hoped work will continue on this next year.
9

Bralorne Church – Heritage
Work was completed on the Bralorne Church Foundation/Porch Project - in late 2019 - the front and back porch
were replaced and painted, and the cracks in the foundation that were letting water in, patched. After a winter of a
dry basement and hall, the washroom was drywalled, cupboards reinstalled, a new floor put in. The concrete steps
leading into the hall were repaired and a slip resistant coating put on. The outside was painted with two coats of
paint.
A very nice interpretive sign was installed on the lawn of the church.
Operations such as use of the Hall and Church have been limited due to both the construction and COVID 19.
General
The Heritage Committee held a public meeting in early September regarding
establishing a Heritage Register, seeking other heritage designations for four
locations in the Valley, and explaining the Heritage District Guidelines in the
Official Community Plan.
In late September, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District agreed to the first
step of adding the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office building to the already
existing Heritage Register.
The Heritage Committee was also in frequent contact with BC Hydro with
regard to Minto and its heritage aspects. Good progress was made on a mutual
understanding and steps that can be taken to protect what remains of that site.
The Heritage Committee met with representatives of Talisker Resources, the
new owner of the Bralorne Gold Mine and made plans to conserve the historic
maps of the original Bralorne Gold Mines as well as, discussed the preservation
and interpretation of some legacy artifacts on the Pioneer Mine Site.
Events
Canada Day
We were unable to organize a Canada Day Parade and hot dog cookout
due to Covid-19. However, with available funding, a photo contest
was organized via Facebook and Instagram. Prizes were awarded to
anyone who submitted a video or photo of their group celebrating
Canada Day in a unique and safe way.
10

Winterfest
The BRVCA funded, coordinated and delivered the
11th annual Winterfest, a successful event with well
over 200 people attending for curling and hockey
tournaments.
Prizes from local businesses were raffled off as well
as sightseeing tours from Blackcomb Helicopters,
who were able to take and off and land on Little Gun
Lake again this year. Hot dogs and hamburgers
were sold by the Gold Bridge Hotel and the BRV
Snowmobile/ATV Club held a fundraising raffle
with a lot of fantastic prizes donated by area
businesses.
Committee Accomplishments 2020
Bear Working Group
In early 2020, the Bear Working Group developed a Terms of Reference and became a committee of BRVCA.
The Bear Working Group has a vision that human activity in the BRV supports healthy and sustainable populations
of grizzly and black bears and that the BRV region sustains healthy populations of grizzly and black bears, with
human activity in the region consistent with that vision.
Guiding Principles
We value biodiversity and recognize the critical role of conservation in sustaining bears in the rich and diverse
ecosystems in which they occur.
We believe that bears and humans can and should co-exist safely and without significant disruption to either
species.
We believe that awareness, education, and applied scientific research all contribute to the safe and non-disruptive
co-existence of bears and humans.
Specific Responsibilities
Engage and advocate with businesses, governments and outside groups that have a stake or interest in bear
conservation communication of information with regard to bear conservation and bear awareness and safety to
businesses, governments and outside groups.
11

Bear Hazard mitigation through signage.
Bear safety back and front country via Bear Spray training in all formats – face to face, one-one, online, social media
etc.
Contribute to local monitoring of bear populations and their response to human industrial and recreational
activities, with outreach based on the results.
Activities
In 2020, in partnership with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative, the Bear Working Group hired a Bear
Conflict Coordinator to implement recommendations in the Bear Hazard Assessment of the area done in 2019.
The activities of the coordinator included developing public awareness of residents and visitors alike on managing
attractants and safe use of our area with an eye to grizzly bears.
A very successful and COVID safe bear awareness day was put on in late August and included bear spray training.
A Facebook page was created - Bear Awareness in the BRV and has garnered many likes and been very active
Signage was placed a number of times over the summer and early fall indicating where grizzly bear sows and cubs
were seen.
Training Committee
Funding was received for a FireSmart educational event but due to Covid-19 the event and funding is being heldover
until May 2021.
All other proposed courses including Food Safe and Occupational First Aid are being held-over to 2021 as well.
12

Economic Development Committee
• First Nation Relationship Building Forum held on October 13th with 19 participants. Follow up session
requested and scheduled for December 3, 2020
• Key players handy reference guide to St’at’imc and non-Indigenous communities initiated – Excel
spreadsheet of contacts produced
• Bridge River Valley Survival Guide produced for new residents as a downloadable PDF
• BC Hydro Community Open House scheduled for December 2, 2020 to review LaJoie Dam project
• Memorandum of Understanding finalized between BRVCA, SLRD, Talisker Resources, Blackstone Minerals,
Endurance Gold – will be presented for final approval to SLRD in December, 2020
• Summary of employment/skills needs for the next 4-5 years in development working together with major
employers in the Valley
• First artisan’s ‘lunch and learn’ session offered virtually – Introduction to creating a Business Plan – future
sessions are planned on topics of Logistics and on Social Media
• Supported the efforts of the Area A Regional Director related to access improvements on Road 40 and the
Hurley FSR
• Investigated potential locations for a pilot housing project and solidified relationship with Tsalhalh
Development Corporation as potential partner in development
• Initial review of BC Housing Community Housing Fund application requirements and identification of
potential Crown Land suitable for transfer to a Housing Authority
• Continued participation in Mountain Bike BC and Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Consortium – focus in 2020
was on COVID recovery and messaging safe and responsible travel through summer 2020
• New cooperative marketing campaign designed and grant application made to Destination BC Open Pool
Fund together with Tourism Pemberton and Tourism Lillooet
• As a part of the ongoing signage project begun in 2017, five timber
frame wayfinding signs were completed and erected.
Heritage Committee
Bralorne Pioneer Museum - Management Agreement
• Fourth full season using the Management Agreement between the Bralorne Pioneer Museum and BRVCA.
• Opened in late June once all Covid-19 protocols were in place for visitors.
• Museum Assistant 6 hours per week (Mondays) year around, total 46 weeks per year.
• Total museum revenue from merchandise sales was $1960.00
• Over 425 recorded visitors between June & Oct. 2020. This is slightly down from 2019 due to the late
season start.
• Completed two on-line fundraising drives – Giving Tuesday (December 2020) and Win $10,000
• Supporting and advising the relocation planning of the Bralorne Pioneer Museum into the Bralorne Pioneer
Mines Office.
• Supported the supervision of staff and work at the Museum via our Summer Supervisor, Emilie Larsen with
assistance of Heritage Consultant, Susan Medville and advice from the Heritage Committee.
13

Collection Management Project
• The Museum has now received six gifts from donors (artifacts, photographs, paper, CDC’s) and Deed of Gift
forms have been sent and received for 2020.
• Collection Management Policy is being carefully followed.
• Continued work and hours of research for our up and coming “Heritage Community Project”. To date 7
draft pages of historical facts including photograph’s depicting the story and facts of this project. A 42” TV
was donated to project these pictures and story to the public.
• The Brexton Esso Sign will be sent to the Canadian Conservation Institute sometime in the Spring of
2021. The Canadian Conservation Institute apologizes for the delay because of Covid-19, stay tuned for
more on this valuable artifact.
Past Perfect Museum Collections Software by the numbers to date:
• 3482 photographs
• 1803 Objects
• 735 items in archives
• 376 items in the Library
• 44 Archival Boxes
Despite the Covid-19 restrictions the Museum has continued to have much engagement with visitors. Protocols
were in place and all visitors wore masks and were hosted in small groups. Visitors continue to be extremely
interested in the history of the Bridge River Valley and express their deep appreciation of the connections the
Museum is able to provide for them. It is truly rewarding for both Museum staff and visitors.
Trails Committee
Like everyone, the Trails Committee had a challenging year.
Our two-year Pilot Project, a partnership with the Lillooet Tribal Council (LTC) ended its term in June. The pilot
was initiated as a test to see how we could work through the process of collaboratively collecting data and
registering six key trails in the region.
With Covid-19 limiting interactions and providing uncertainties, our activities as the summer progressed, were
limited, although discussions were had, on how to best move forward.
To date, we have options we are considering, and look forward to some concrete action in 2021:
• Commence work on the Gun Lake Recreation Site and Trails, which will entail improvements to the
recreation site and the trail network around it (east of Gun Lake and south of the airport). This project has
been generously funded by the McLean Group.
• Work through potential options for partnership agreements or find another way to move forward
cooperatively with the St’at’imc as we collect data and work toward registering trails with the Province.
• Complete data collection on the six trails from the Pilot Project, and apply to the Province to register them.
• Facilitate coordination of people's efforts on trail maintenance and organize a trail maintenance work day in
the spring to increase awareness and help get trails ready for summer use.
14

• Continue to administer TrailForks for the region, to provide quality mapping and information on the
condition of trails.
Trails are used by everyone, in some way or another. They provide an opportunity for us to reconnect with our
natural world and allow us to re-create ourselves, while we recreate. The Trail Committee is committed to finding
ways to maintain trails in the region for all user groups.
Gun Lake Boat Launch Committee
It seems improvements to the Gun Lake Boat launch pad were made just in time because we have seen a huge
increase in boaters enjoying the lake in the summer of 2020.
So far, our $2 User Fee donation box has collected over $800 since its placement 2 years ago. Proceeds go to the
insurance and maintenance costs and recently we purchased and placed an emergency oil spill kit.
We are working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on a plan to remove the large, dead trees at
the site. MOTI is responsible for Keir Rd., as it is a public road to the boat launch.
BCAC
Planned events were unable to be carried out due to social distancing and gathering restrictions. However,
through overwhelming local donations, the BCAC had a fantastic firework display on Halloween night
The local ice rink in Bralorne will be up and running for this winter thanks to residents volunteering their time.
Bralorne Recreation Area – Sunshine Mountain
• Spring 2020 brought the huge success of an approved Rec Sites and Trails BC Section 57 Tenure for Bralorne
Recreation Area – Sunshine Mountain. We have been approved for works and working plan for Phase One.
The whole process took a long grind of over 8 years and wouldn’t have been possible without the support
from BRVCA, NDIT, SLRD Area A, Cascade Environmental, and the fundraising members and supporting
businesses. Thank you to all.
• Despite the crazy economic times of the year BRA fundraising memberships still raised $3,420.00 which is
over a 10% increase from the previous fiscal year, interest in the project is still growing. Funds raised go
towards the operational/administrative costs of keeping the cabin tenure going and infrastructure
development.
• SLRD Area A funds provided great support this year with $22,144.00 that went towards contracts for the
next steps of the revival plan. This included the brushing and clearing of the old ski run above and below the
cabin, reports and recommendations from a Qualified Environmental Professional and Cultural Sensitivity
Assessor, and a Licence to cut application for future gladed areas. As of November 2020, these contracts are
90% complete and we are waiting for final reports from the QEP and CSA before assessing our next steps.
• More information on the history of the area, future developments and revivals, and how you can help by
becoming a fundraising member can be found at www.bra-sunshine.ca
15

Bralorne Ball Diamond
• Due to the Pandemic there was no Ball Tournament held this year.
• This spring the Ball Diamond dug-out was completely refurbished.
• Two used ovens and a grill were purchased and installed in the cook shack.
• Ball Tournament volunteers also installed a stainless-steel back splash and new flooring in the cook
shack.
• The 4 porta potties received new enclosures to make them less unsightly.
• A total of $13,292.00 in grants was received for this work.
• The SLRD have been asked to add the connection of a sewer hook up to the cook shack. This decision will
be made in the spring of 2021.
Bralorne TV Committee
Due to the elimination of the use of analog signals, which is what the Bralorne TV and radio service operated on,
we were required to buy new equipment to receive the new digital system such as new dishes, receivers, cables,
and realign the new dishes to the new satellite system. This would be a daunting and expensive task but,
fortunately, the government allowed us to receive in digital but continue transmitting in analogue. This allowed us
to continue using our antenna’s instead of new dishes and tv’s in our homes. The cost for us to do this switch over
was just under $ 2,500 and took about 6 months to complete.
As well, because we were analogue then digital, we were required to apply to the government for new transmitting
licences and swear to the safety of same. A very complicated process that has now been completed.
The goal of the Bralorne TV Committee is to provide information, entertainment, emergency warnings, and save
costs for our residents.
16