BRVCA Annual Report 2024 FINAL

2024 BRVCA Annual Report

Contents
Who We Are 3
Purpose 3
What We Offer 4
Accomplishments 2024 5
Committee Accomplishments 2024 18
A Message from the Board
2024 brought BRVCA a measure of calm and "getting back to normal" for the community and for our committees and
other activities.
That said, recovery activities, particularly in the first half of the year, continued to be a major focus of BRVCA with
both the United Way Emergency Relief for Wildfires Program and the fundraising for the BRV Preservation and
Conservation Fund.
The BRVCA core programs including the Visitor Info Booth at the Haylmore Heritage Site, the management of the
Bralorne Pioneer Museum and the various events such as Canada Day, all operated successfully if not necessarily at
the same level as 2022. Fortunately, through the funds of the Vancouver Foundation Resilience Program, we were
able to hire an operations manager late in the year. Robert has been a huge help already and he is keen to learn more
about non-profits. We are very excited to have him on board and this should be a real help to us accomplishing
the goals of BRVCA and the committees.
We wish everyone a very wonderful end of 2024 and a highly enjoyable 2025.

Who We are
Directors 2023-2024
Allan Moritz - President
Debbie Demare – Vice President
Michelle Nortje – Treasurer / Secretary
Angie Brennan
Benno Chapman
Pat Dahle
Norris Girling
Tennille Riddolls
Jessica Shoubridge
Janis Irvine – Museum Assistant
Regan Dixon - Heritage Assistant - Haylmore
Laurie Reimer - Grant Writer Kaitlin James - Bralorne
Recreation Area Coordinator / Trails Coordinator
Cole Krider - Community Assets Groundskeeper
Blake Rowsell - Bralorne Recreation Area
Annie Gaudette - Bralorne Recreation Area
Contractors
Susan Medville – Heritage Consultant
Staff
Robert Blount – Operations Manager
Jenny James – Relief Administrative
Assistant & Editor-Mountain Telegraph
Emilie Larsen – Administrative Assistant,
Summer Supervision BRVCA/Haylmore
Cara DeMare – Financial Administrator,
Special Projects, Admin Support
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
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.
We are:
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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

What We Offer
Support for committees, societies, and other groups as autonomous enterprises.
Pooled resources to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness so that more resources (time and money) can be
spent on tangible accomplishments.
Consolidation of legal and financial responsibilities and delegation of these responsibilities to the BRVCA board.
Protection from liability with group insurance.
Improved communication through a single point of contact and central repository for information in the Bridge
River Valley.
Facilitated access to resources with a “one shop stop” community services hub.
Strong advocate on community issues.
Benefits and Services
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Financial Management – pooled bookkeeping services
Funding Support – facilitated access to funding through grant-writing support
Insurance Coverage – group coverage at group rates
Visitor Services – year-round promotion of local resources
Research and Development – support to explore, develop, and implement new ideas
Legal Structure – non-profit status and structure without the hassles
Training Support – access to training and other resources
Heritage Management – support for heritage-related initiatives
Community Marketing
Administration Support – shared office and operational costs
Communication Resources - Shared toll-free teleconferencing and free on-line ZOOM meetings

Accomplishments 2024
Under the Umbrella
Continued strategic direction to develop the “umbrella” structure of BRVCA using the model of the Hornby Island
Residents & Ratepayers Association www.hirra.ca.
Maintained
There were 12 different staff/contractors throughout the year.
Board Governance
There were 8 board members for the 2023-2024 term.
New BRVCA Operations Manager
In 2023, the Bridge River Valley Community Association went through a process
which ended with the organization being awarded 3 years of funding from the
Vancouver Foundation Resiliency Fund. The final paperwork was being finalized on
the day of the firestorm, August 17 and we thank our grant writer Laurie Reimer
and our board treasurer, Michelle Nortje for their heroic work getting everything
signed and submitted in the middle of such chaos.
The organization then went through a significant process with committees,
volunteers, staff, contractors to identify the key needs in the area of resiliency.
Putting a manager in place was the key and top priority that surfaced. At that point
we developed a job description and began advertising for a manager.
We are very happy to announce that after a delayed process we have hired Robert Blount as our manager.
"I am happy to join the amazing team at BRVCA, which will allow me to live in the BRV full time and become an active
part of this amazing community" Robert says about his new job. BRVCA, its committees, staff, volunteers &
contractors will all be supporting Robert in this role as he learns and transitions to managing the BRVCA.

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,
Gun Lake Boat Launch Committee, Marshall Valley Community Association, LaJoie Lake Residents Association,
Bralorne TV Committee and the Bear Working Group.
Delivered the systematic outdoor Community Maintenance Program: Gold Bridge sign, Cemetery, Community
Resource Office, 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.
Maintained the website www.bridgerivervalley.ca . This site had 26,505 unique visitors during the year and 33,446
visits in total.
Maintained the website www.liveplay.ca with 3,457 unique visitors and 5,717 visits during the year.
Maintained the website www.isurvivedthehurley.com with 27,016 unique visitors during the year and 43,523
visits in total.

Grant Writing
The Grant Writer position is a shared service with SLRD Electoral Area A and Electoral Area B, with employment
and supervision for the position provided through the Bridge River Valley Community Association.
The Grant Writer provides funding research, grant development, project support, and capacity building to nonprofit
societies, community groups, and committees within the Bridge River Valley Electoral Area A and Electoral
Area B.
NDIT Final Summary Reporting 2024
46 Submissions from January 1 to September 30
21 – Electoral Area A
25 – Electoral Area B
28 Approved
13 – Electoral Area A
15 – Electoral Area B
4 Declined
1 – Electoral Area A
3 – Electoral Area B
13 Pending
7 – Electoral Area A
6 – Electoral Area B
1 Did not advance for consideration
$756,876 in funding applied for
$141,797 in funding awarded
22 Community Groups Assisted
12 – Electoral Area A
10 – Electoral Area B
499 hours and 55 minutes in Grant Writing Hours completed
240:40 – Electoral Area A
259:15 – Electoral Area B
Emergency Response and Recovery Assistance
We want to start by thanking everyone who has generously donated and those who have donated again.
The Bridge River Valley was in an unprecedented emergency as a result of the Downton Lake Fire in 2023. Not only
was it a devastating situation then, but it will be long into the future before we are fully recovered. The impacts of
this fire will be felt in every part of the area and in every community sector for years to come.
As a response to requests by donors, we set up the BRV Preservation and Conservation Fund, a charitable fund, to
allow donors to contribute in a way that will directly benefit the community in as simple a fashion as possible.

Purpose of Fund: To preserve and conserve in all sectors of the Bridge River Valley.
Focus for 2023/2024:
Recovery from the Downton Lake Wildfire.
Funding Priorities:
The BRV Preservation and Conservation Fund will endeavor to provide funding when:
• Funding is not available through other sources (i.e. a funder of last resort);
• Immediate response is critical; and
• Leverage funds are required for other funding requests.
In 2023 and 2024, priority will be given to immediate needs resulting from the Downton Lake Wildfire. Overall
disbursements will aim to support all sectors and all areas of the Valley.
Donations and fundraising to date totals: $70,112
Disbursements and Commitments are: $42,291
Surplus to date: $27,721
Disbursements and Commitments include:
Evacuee Support (during the fire)
Water Testing for Gun Lake (this ended up not being needed so redeployed)
Clarks Nutcracker Winter Feeding;
Support for Debris Removal Riparian Zone Assessment (this ended up being exempted so this amount was
reduced);
Leverage funds for the United Way Emergency Relief for Wildfires (now complete);
Bralorne Pioneer Museum - 2023 reduced revenues replacement;
Support to an uninsured property owner for a Danger Tree Assessment;
Grasses Seeding Program (Gun Lake Ratepayers Assn) for destroyed properties
We are now working hard to raise additional needed funding to:
Augment the grass seeding program. Many of the destroyed properties have older owners or have other
barriers and seeding themselves is just not possible. We are raising more funds to potentially hire support to do
the seeding for those that need it. As many of you have seen with these properties "moonscape" situations, getting
growth happening is important to the overall environmental issues related to run-off into the lake. We have
currently committed $12,000 to this and the estimates are that another $10,000 to 15,000 will be needed to do a
very thorough job.

Debris Removal for a group of 9 uninsured/underinsured properties:
While with deep gratitude the group of 8 properties with asbestos that were underinsured/uninsured received the
$200,000 donation to clean up their debris (metals, building materials, ash, concrete) from Tyax Adventures/Alp-x
(McLeans), there remains 9 property owners who do not have asbestos but do not have insurance or were
underinsured. We have accepted one of two bids to do this work and are trying to raise 50% of that amount (or
around $50,000) to support these property owners and most importantly make sure it gets done. Again, a
collective environmental concern.
If you are interested in making a 2024 donation, as you can see it will be well used in benefit of the collective
interests of the Bridge River Valley and in particular those areas most impacted by the Downton Lake
Wildfire. The Canada Helps link to donate is: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bralorne-pioneermuseum-society/campaign/brv-preservation-and-conservation-fund/
You can also mail a cheque to Bralorne Pioneer Museum, note BRV Preservation and Conservation Fund in the
memo, to PO Box 40, Bralorne, BC V0K 1P0
United Way Emergency Response for Wildfires Program
Thanks to the BRVCA relationship with the Vancouver Foundation, we were connected to the United Way
Emergency Response program for Wildfires. Laurie Reimer, the area's grant writer, dropped everything and got an
application in and the BRVCA was awarded $43,000 which along with $2,500 from the BRV
Preservation and Conservation Fund, has provided a source of funds to support charitable and recovery needs of
people in the
community.
The program started late in September 2023 and ran through, with a requested extension to the end of May 2024.
The program has provided:
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Food Replacement Support for Fridges/Freezers lost during the power outages of the Downton Lake
Wildfire. 100 Residents and Property Owners provided support
Fuel, Food and Incidental Support for Full Time Residents in Financial Strain in the Upper Bridge River
Valley: 17 full time community members served.
Wildfire Counselling Program is being offered free of charge, with 3 different therapists to property owners
and immediate families who lost structures, and to volunteer firefighters in formal organizations or who
were assisting informally. This program serves 21 different people over 7 months and was very well
appreciated.
Housing financial support to those full-time residents who lost their homes, housing supports were
provided to 3 different people over 3 months.
Event support for bringing people together in the community

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Direct administrative support to help people complete forms and applications, and significant support to
coordinating and communicating with those people that lost structures.
Thank you to everyone for their cooperation, it was a difficult time to take on a major program for BRVCA but we
got it done. We would like to thank our staff Emilie Larsen and Sandra Galbraith, while also dealing with their
own personal recovery, got to work and got the various aspects of the program done.
Cemetery
This was a quiet year for the cemetery with no new interments or burials.
The Remembrance Day ceremony was held on November 11, 2023 with approximately 50 people attending. The
Gold Bridge Hotel hosted a lunch
and tea following the ceremony and did a lovely job.
$647 in poppy and wreath donations were donated to the Lillooet Legion.
The Gold Bridge Cemetery is registered and renewed its licence with the Consumer Protection BC which overseas
funeral and cemetery providers
Tourism
Participated in an inaugural circle tour digital marketing program with Pemberton and Lillooet called Range
beyond Range. Designed and geared towards off-grid enthusiasts.
Maintained the externally focused website: www.bridgerivervalley.ca
Highly successful website on Hurley FSR 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/
4gateway/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.
During the 2024 season:
● Total Sales from May 18 to September 30 were $12,797.00
● Total Visitors 1162
● Two social media channels were maintained with a mix of visual and informational content
Another very successful season at the Haylmore Heritage Site wraps up for the year. It seems that there are more
families visiting than ever before, and some are making site visits a regular thing. Hurrah!
Special events included Bear Awareness Day at the beginning of the season, and the Bike Rodeo Day toward the
end of August, a last hurrah of summer, for the younger set.
September tends to bring folks revisiting old haunts, and this year was no exception. We were honored by visits
from Florence Westbrook, who thoughtfully gave us a copy of Will Haylmore's version of the early placer history of
this area; and Kelly Brigden Wade, who was able to answer so many questions about how the site appeared, when
the Wades took over the Haylmore claim.
New groundskeeper Gannon Ward kept the site looking spruce, giving it much needed attention after last year's
premature closure due to wildfire threat. Regan Dixon continued reconstruction of damaged sections of the rock
walls.
We wouldn't have had such a successful season without our artisans, volunteers, and staff who make things
happen, and of course our visitors, without whom all would be for naught. So, thank you one and all for the part
you play!
Haylmore visitors by origin:
Visitors (not attached to BRV) 850
Visitors (attached to BRV) 312
Of the Visitors not attached to BRV, this is the origin of those visitors (when we can identify):
Lower Mainland 33%
Interior BC 21%
Regional (Sea to Sky/Lillooet) 18%
Vancouver Island 3%
Other Canada 9%
Europe/British Isles 11%
Australia 1%
US 2%

Bralorne Church
This year the Bralorne Community Church was open to the public on
4 different Saturdays throughout the summer. Members of our
Heritage Committee volunteered to act as guides to the public for any
questions they had on the history and heritage of the Bralorne
Community Church and the Bralorne area in general.
On September 6, the Museum Day hosted the public and those
attending the Bralorne Reunion. Approximately 15 people attended
and were provided information on a range of topics related to the
Bralorne area as well as
current community members seeking information regarding the
history and heritage of the Bralorne area.
From May to October, there were 6 other 3rd party bookings which
included church services, training courses and meetings.
The Church is registered on the Heritage Register which has been
recently updated.
Events- Canada Day
A great turn-out for Canada Day 2024 with an
estimated 150 attendees. Tyax Resort cooked and
served delicious Canada Day fair. And there were
carefully crafted moose and maple leaf cookies and
delicious cake. All the kids enjoyed the bouncy
castles and games too.

Committee Accomplishments 2024
New Committee Established – The Gold Bridge Group
The Gold Bridge Community has decided they need a voice! After various considerations, they have decided to
become a committee of the Bridge River Valley Community Association. The group developed a Terms of Reference
which is quite general in content, however they all mention that the improvement of the water system in Gold
Bridge is a top priority. Key people from the group attended the BRVCA Board Meeting on September 23, where a
very good conversation occurred and ended with the BRVCA Board of Directors accepting the Gold Bridge Group as
part of the BRVCA. This is great news for Gold Bridge and the future of the community, particularly with the big BC
Hydro project coming along with the continued wildfire concerns. The Chair will be Jane Roberts and the
Treasurer will be Meghan Meservia.
Training Committee
The Valley Wide Training Committee is a partnership with the Gold Bridge Fire Protection Society, Gun Lake Fire
Protection Society, Bralorne Fire Department Society, Tyaughton Lake Ratepayer's Assoc., the Trails
Committee, Marshall Valley Community Committee, and the Bralorne Recreation Area Committee.
Between May and November 2024, the Valley Wide Training Committee put on a total of 9 courses with 1,526
hours of training provided.
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Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Transportation Endorsement - 11 participants
S100/S185 Fire Suppression– 2 courses, 38 total participants
S100A Annual Refresher: online – 66 re-certifications
Crew Leader Training - S 230/212/232/ICS100 – 2-day course with 11 participants
Basic Chainsaw Safety – 1-day course with 7 participants
Wilderness First Aid with Occupational First Aid Add-on - 2 -1-day course with total 15 participants
Incident Command (ICS) 100 - 10 participants
The Training Committee would like to thank this year’s training sponsors – BC Hydro, Blackcomb Helicopters,
and the SLRD northern PILT fund whose support, and contributions made the training possible.
We would also like to thank the cooperation of the Community Cooperation Wildfire Response program for
working with the Valley Wide Training Program.
Also, a big thank you to the course instructors and to the community members who contributed to creating the
training plan for the year and to everyone who participated in the training this summer.
If you are interested in future training opportunities, please keep an eye out for the annual training survey which
will be distributed next spring.

Economic Development Committee
This year was a pivotal year for the Economic Development Committee, bouncing back from the 2023 Downton
Lake wildfire that gave us much to discuss and work through. This year we took the time to discuss Wildfire
Recovery, post wildfire business assessment, tourism marketing with BC local tourism organizations (CCCTA,
MBTA), digital media showcasing the resilience of our community, hiring Clear Course Consulting to help develop a
sustainable economic development plan, the return of the BRV trade show and a few small community endeavors
to highlight businesses in the Bridge River Valley.
Wildfire Recovery
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Worked with SLRD to assess damages to the BRV
Discussed Park opening and usage with BC Parks
Worked with CCCTA to highlight the BRV in their gold rush trail campaign
Post wildfire business assessment to address the impact of the wildfire on BRV businesses
Tourism Marketing
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Met and worked with CCCTA to discuss what visiting the BRV looks like
Introduced CCCTA to businesses in the valley
Reconnected with Mountain Bike Tourism Association
Joined MBTAs consortium of mountain biking networks of BC
Digital Media
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Using Funds from NDIT we teamed up with local business owner and photographer Blake Jorgensen to
create a video as well as photos showcasing the resilience of our BRV community
Community Economic Development Plan
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Clear Course Consulting was hired after submitting a Request for Proposal
We used grants from NDIT to hire Clear Course
First steps have been made with community engagement
This is the beginning, and we look forward to what they have to bring to the BRV
Community Engagements
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BRV trade show held at the Gold Bridge community club drew a large group to help showcase local
businesses and connect community members
Hurley Turn off Sign adjustments- slated for spring 2025 the Hurley-East Hurley turn off will be cleaned
and re organized, there will be a few new signs added to the turn off
Outreach to many of the BRV businesses

Heritage Committee
Bralorne Pioneer Museum - Management Agreement
Visitors to the Museum between Jan - October totaled 312
Items that were donated to the Museum and Deed of Gifts completed:
Family of Stan Savage 1930 era photographs of Bradian Mine and Crews
Jean Watt – various straight pens, nibs, stamps and ink well from the 1950 era
David Snow – 150–200-year-old Buckskin leather coat with beading done with porcupine quills
Norm Gonski’s personal standing radio from the 1940 era
Harvey Lewis childhood books, clothing, items donated by Phyllis Lewis
-This year the Museum hosted a successful Fishing Raffle
-Book sales continue to be profitable
-Inquiries of people looking for relatives up by 50%
-Maintained Facebook and Instagram accounts
Past Perfect Collection
4441 Photographs
2164 Objects Archived
880 Archived items
533 items added to the library
Donations and Sales
Great Canadian Giving Challenge $3525.00
Square Donations $834.00
Books Sold through Square $804.00
Other Sales through Square $145.00
One Line Book Purchases $645.61
Fishing Raffle Cash & E Transfers $1,160.00
Bralorne Pioneer Mines Ltd. Office
The Bralorne Pioneer Mines Ltd. Office (BPMO), built in 1938-1939 by Bralorne Mines Ltd. is a key structure that
contributes to Bralorne’s heritage character. From 1939-1971 the building served as the center of administration
for the Bralorne and Pioneer Mines as well as the organizational operations of the community. In the fall of 2021,
the SLRD included the building on its Heritage Register, recognizing the heritage value of the structure locally and
regionally.
The BRVCA purchased the building in 2017 with the goals to move the Bralorne Pioneer Museum into the space for
its permanent home and to ensure that the building would stand and be usable for generations to come. After much
planning work and effort in securing grants on the local, provincial and federal levels work began on the building in
the summer of 2022. The end goal of the work being done is housing the museum at the BPMO the building,

creating a flexible space that will be used for meetings and gatherings, space to display local art, a small theater
room, a renovated caretakers suite, studio apartment, office space, an accessible washroom, an upgrade of the
public laundry facility, and improvements to the back courtyard.
While progression of work on the building has suffered a few setbacks in 2023 including the
major wildfires in the area, change of general contractor and an unauthorized occupancy in the building, much
work has been accomplished on the rehabilitation. Unfortunately, late in 2023, we also ran up against
budget/funding issues. Much time has been spent in 2024 assessing the current status of the renovation and
planning around completion. It is estimated that the renovation is 85% complete overall and the
Museum/Apartments are closer than that.
At the end of 2024 the following will be completed:
Form work and pour concrete for front entry
Fire suppression and sprinkler system complete installation
In addition, work planned for completion includes:
· Install railings on front steps
· Activate sprinkler and fire alarm system
· Complete electrical installation of all fixtures inclusive of lights and baseboard heaters.
· Plumbing installs - all fixtures.
· Finish windows.
· Complete drywall work and paint.
· Installation of the remainder of the marmoleum flooring.
The Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office is an ideal place for bringing together diverse cultures, abilities, and generations
of residents, visitors, and tourists for learning, teaching, as well as community and economic growth. The project is
viewed as an opportunity to solidify the community's past as a route to strengthen its future.
Trails Committee
In 2024, the Bridge River Valley Trail Committee (BRVTC) cataloged trails affected by the 2023 Downton Wildfire.
Throughout the year, the committee engaged with Interwest Timber to advocate for the preservation of trails that
then fell within proposed salvage cut blocks. Interwest Timber directed BRVTC members and community
volunteers to proactively flag trails that intersected proposed cut blocks, ensuring trails were visible by forestry
equipment operators and preserving them during logging. Unfortunately, several trails were inevitably affected by
salvage logging activities. The BRVTC is working with Interwest to restore these trails.
The BRVTC applied for a grant under the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC, a funding program created by the
Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC). The grant was applied for to aid funding a Heritage Field
Reconnaissance (HFR) assessment of the Green Mountain Trail and Fire tower Area. Unfortunately, the BRVTC was
not awarded this grant.

Section 57 applications from 2023 for the following trails are still in processing with RSTBC:
● Stelly’s Trail (Gun Lake)
● Lick Creek Trail (Tyaughton)
● Taylor Creek Trail (Tyaughton)
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No further Section 57 authorizations were applied for this year through RSTBC; however, the committee will look
to work with Xwisten to complete HFR assessments on the Green Mountain Trail and the Taylor Creek Trail in
early 2024 and submit Sect 57 applications before the end of the year.
The Xwisten Lands Department completed a Heritage Field Reconnaissance assessment on the Gun Lake
Recreation Trail (GLR Trail) in 2024. A Partnership Agreement between RSTBC and BRVCA for the GLR Trail was
also signed this year.
The BRVTC planned to organize a Community Trail Work Bee this year for the GLR Trail, as the trail was greatly
affected by the wildfire and needed maintenance. Unfortunately, the crown land surrounding parts of the trail were
then scheduled to be salvage logged. The logging planned for later in the season would cause disturbance to the
trail, and undo the maintenance efforts that were planned. Therefore, the Trail Work Bee was removed from this
year's work plan.
BC Hydro reached out to the BRVTC this year to begin discussing the upcoming Lajoie Dam Project and the role
recreation plays in employee retention. The BRVTC and BC Hydro will look to mitigate negative impacts caused by
increased recreation through sharable educational resources that can be distributed to future BC Hydro
employees.
The BRVTC is working with a local private landowner to develop a Trail Access Agreement that will be used to
guide the public use of the trails that intersect their private property. The document may serve as a template in
future to guide working with more private landowners in the BRV. The document includes agreement of general
liability insurance coverage and describes limits for the parties involved.
We also gave the BRVTC website a makeover and will be incorporating fundraising memberships soon!
Bralorne Recreation Area
In 2024 the Bralorne Recreation Area Advisory Committee (BRAAC) went through committee personnel changes.
Heather Roberts resigned from the role of Treasurer, Siobhan Uy joined the committee in the role of Fundraising
Director, and Kaitlin James resigned from the paid Coordinator position but stayed on to fill the role of
Treasurer.
The Annual BRA Fundraising Trail Event was held on May 25th. Volunteers gathered to clear deadfall, rake, and
maintain trails on Sunshine Mountain. The BRAAC hosted a silent auction and provided a BBQ meal to volunteers
at the cabin. Thank you to Norco and Pat Mulrooney for supporting this event. A second spontaneous community
lead trail day occurred on October 8th. The BRA supplied food for the volunteers that attended.
Throughout the summer and fall months, BC Wildfire Crews generously assisted with firewood collection, glading
the ski runs and danger tree removal in the tenure.

This year the BRVCA hosted a Labour Day event on the September long weekend. Bike ladders and wood features
were set up around the Haylmore Site. Directors of the BRAAC attended to promote BRA memberships and offered
bike maintenance checks.
The BRA Membership currently consists of 39 Members. Fundraising memberships in 2024 raised $4,970.00.
In 2025, our goals include installing informational kiosks within the Sunshine Tenure and increasing engagement
with our members by hosting monthly rides.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made 2024 a great year!
Gun Lake Boat Launch Committee
The Boat Launch Committee reports a fairly quiet year and busy
times only during the long weekends. We continue to remind users
that the makeshift dock, while handy for some, is not legal and
is NOT managed by the BRVCA (use at your own risk).
During the application for tenure on this site we included a proper
dock that was abruptly denied. We were fortunate just to get the ok
to replace the unsafe launch pad which we did and have the
dangerous trees removed. We continue to worry about the children
and pets that are swimming amongst boats being launched that could
cause a serious injury. On several occasions we witnessed children
on floaties dangerously close to propellers. This site is designated as
a Boat Launch and we encourage people to use the official recreation campsite on the west shore about 2 KM away
for day use.
Considering the traffic and popularity of the site there was some real concern of a forest fire that could start so we
successfully applied for funding to have the site cleaned and fuel mitigated but still please be careful with your
cigarettes.
We still hope the SLRD might get the go ahead from the Ministry of Transportation to have the turnaround for boats
and trailers clearly marked and No Parking signs installed. Although it is improving, there has still been some
unnecessary delays locating the drivers of vehicles parked in the way.
The Gun Lake Boat Launch Committee is only overseeing the south end Main Boat Launch at this time.
We want to thank all the boat owners for supporting the volunteer 2$ Boat launch fee and keeping the site clean and
respectful.
Fisheries
We continue to see some nice catches and improved fishing opportunities on Gun Lake. Little Gun (Lajoie Lake)
has also improved considerably mainly due to the ambitious aeration project that is now installed and working,

thank you to all of those involved. I am sure there are many sons and daughters that have caught there first fish on
this little Gem of a lake.
Fisheries have commented that in their experience forest fires in and around lakes with fish habitat have little or
no permanent effect so we can continue to enjoy a great fishing experience. Tight lines!!
They have indicated an interest in resurrecting the Bull trout population. Walker Creek is the site of interest as this
was the main spawning stream for these beautiful fish but so far, no action has taken place. We will continue to
remind them.
Wow, we have never seen so many Kokanee returning to Lajoie Creek attempting to spawn. This is another great
sign that the habitat is healthy. The spawning success rate of these landlocked Sockeye Salmon is solely dependent
on an adequate flow of water in this creek. Fisheries have indicated in their main report that the culverts exiting
Lajoie Lake are choking the flow and is a hindrance to this species as well as Rainbow Trout. They have advised the
Ministry of Transportation, who originally installed these culverts, that they should be replaced with fish friendly
designs. We will continue to push for this to be improved.
Remember to keep only what you plan to eat and practice catch-release to help preserve our fish stocks. Bull trout
are 100% catch-release.
LaJoie Lake Residents Association
Since its formation in 2017, the Lajoie Lake Residents Association has endeavored to improve the ecological health
of Little Gun Lake, the local name for Lajoie Lake. With appropriate BC government permits in place, the first
aeration of the lake commenced for a brief period in the spring of 2024, using two 7.5 hp air compressors,
approximately 350 metres of submerged industrial hose, and a stainless-steel aerator. Based on a small sample
size, the early results were encouraging, showing improved water clarity, a rise in bottom temperature and an
increase in dissolved oxygen.
Aeration will recommence in mid-October 2024 and run for approximately eight weeks. The next aeration after
that will begin in the spring of 2025 after the ice is off the lake.
A sign explaining the project and acknowledging the many donors, institutions, government agencies and
volunteers who supported it has been erected at the Little Gun Lake boat launch.
Scientific studies concluded that Lajoie Lake is under biological stress due to a lack of dissolved oxygen, which led
to the plan to aerate it. Dr. Ken Ashley, renowned limnologist and former chair (now retired) of the Rivers Institute,
BCIT, supervises this project.

Bralorne TV Committee
The Bralorne TV Committee continued to operate with a broadcasting TV signal in 2024.
Natural Resources and Land Use Committee
In the latter half of 2024 the Natural Resources and Land Use Committee assisted in ensuring that information was
provided to the community and stakeholders regarding the salvage logging from the Downton Lake Wildfire. The
committee also worked on consultation with the forest company and government contacts as it related to the
proposed salvage logging from the Downton Lake Wildfire. The committee is continuing to bring together
community stakeholders to plan around community recovery concerns particularly on crown land and as it relates
to private property tree planting.