COUREURS DE BOIS VOYAGEUR TRAIL CLUB
General Meeting - Tuesday, 17th June, 2008
1. Phil Barnes opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed everybody. Thanked John Barker from the Astronomy Club who came with the projector. Scott
Helman possible new member.
2. Minutes of previous meeting on the blog and a copy on the notice board. No
comments by members. Canes presented by Franz Ohler have been installed at
The Civic Centre. Plates showing who they were awarded to for 2007 (Alan
and Diana Day) have been ordered.
3. Hikers’ Responsibilities: An incident on the Cobre Trail recently prompted the
Executive to review the responsibilities of hikers and leaders. A trainer will be
coming from Hike Ontario and will give a training session. Alan will speak to
that later. There is a hike protocol which must be adhered to on the trail.
This is not voluntary, but mandatory. As follows: “In the event of an injury
that would prohibit the hiker from continuing or completing the hike, that
person must be returned to the start or where the vehicles are parked and by
the least strenuous route.” This is an obligation of the hike leader and what
that person says, goes - hikers must obey these rules. Also no hiker should
leave the group without notifying the leader. Pets must be kept on a leash.
MNR regulations clear about smoking - nobody is to smoke while mobile. To
hike at any time of the year without water, is foolish.
4. Trails Report: By Chuck Zietsma. If adopting a trail programme, any one
person or group can take on the reasonability to let Chuck know if there is any
problem on the trail. Sign-up sheet available for trail clearing next Tuesday.
Meet at the ATV Clubhouse on the Ski Hill at 1:00 p.m. Shelley indicated
Marg Reckhan might be arranging the Manitoulin Island visit that day - Chuck
will call her. Trip to be arranged to Manitoulin island to see orchids, etc. on Saturday, 21st June. Meet at Sears at 7:00 a.m. A number of portages need to
be cleared - possible day trip. Sign-up sheet on table.
5. Treasurer’s Report: Presented by Phil. As of 31st March, 2008 balance of
$4,071.23. After deposits and expenses, balance as of 8th May, 2008 $3,832.31.
Jean Guy leading a canoe trip on Wednesday, 18th June, meet at the Sea Cadets.
Comment by Mark re availability of walkie-talkies. Chuck said 2-way radios
good for trail clearing. On a hike we should not be so far apart, they would be
needed.
6. VTA Update: Presented by Alan. Katie, representative from VTA has had to
retire due to ill-health. Has been replaced by Beth. Beth has found out about
Government funds available for leadership skills courses involving women - will
check into it. At the last Executive meeting, it was decided to check with Hike
Ontario re training courses for hike leaders. Wendy Hirney will be coming to
Elliot Lake in late September, early October to hold a course. Maximum 20
members. If there are 20 participants, the fee will be $52.00 per person. If any
non-Club members wishes to participate, they will be asked to pay. The Club will
pay for any members taking the course. The weekend at Mississagi Park has to
be confirmed.
7. Upcoming Events: Potluck in Westview Park on Friday, 20th June at 4:00 p.m. If raining, will be held at the Clubhouse. Phil will check with Jerry Bertrand if available. Jewel in the Wilderness, 28th June. We will be in the parade as walkers,
No float. 1st July, hike from the Cenotaph to Spruce Beach
8. Other Business: Diane Day was taken by ambulance from Cobre Lake to Elliot
Lake, at a cost of $45.00. Motion by Jerry Jean that the Club defray the cost.
Seconded by Ingrid Farquhar. AIF.
9. Next Hike Leaders meeting 19th August. Next Executive meeting 9th September.
Next General meeting 16th September. Guide Books available to members for
$25.00; non-members $35.00.
10. 50/50 won by Nancy-Jo Wannan in the amount of $23.00
11. Phil gave a presentation of photographs taken by members of the Club - the best
of 2006 and 2007. All photographs were excellent.
12. Meeting adjourned approximately 8:30 p.m.
