Meeting Minutes (draft) - Apr 27, 2015

SPC Monthly Meeting Minutes draft

Apr 27, 2015 - 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Location: Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society

In attendance (from sign-in sheet): Bruce Mack, Rosanna McGregor, Carla Bullinger, Matt Neufeld, George Atamanenko, Larry Stranberg, Melinda Mitchell, Jan Hermison, Shannon Thom, Janice Fichtner, Jessica Knodel, Leah Selk, Diane Wright, Sheila, Julie Bowser, and Kathie Vilkas.

Accept Mins & Agenda

During lunch we:

·   Review & Accept meeting minutes from Mar 23, 2015  - Motion FSC

·   Review meeting agenda for Apr 27, 2015 - Motion FSC

·   Revisit action items from last meeting (all completed)

·   Roundtable Introductions

Introduction to Strategic Planning Session

This is the first time this exercise has been done at the SPC table. There was a table for each section of the OCP (see below) and participants were asked to spend some time at tables that were relevant or of interest to them. Discussion was encouraged and each person was given a worksheet (see next section).

Some tangible examples of how the SPC has and can provide assistance with (Jessica):

• Share your information through our networks via online, community updates and Facebook
• Networking and information sharing,  save you time (and money). Community Action Employment Plan (Karen Newman). She stated we saved her 3 months of research in one phone call and one sit down meeting.
• CCPL mentioned losing Kiwanis funding for Book for Babies at this table, and after the meeting George went to the WLDCU who then called CCPL with a funding opportunity.
• Bring presentation and guest speakers to topics that are relevant to our members and community (e.g. Seth Klein, Dr. Glen Schmidt)
• We are an organized platform for getting the info you wanted shared, with the people you want it shared with (e.g. We converse regularly with Council, the CRD and local MLA and the United Way)
• Monthly presentations - by member request, or organizations that want to share with our group
• Write Letters of Support
• Provide advice & feedback, and any support you might need. If we cannot do it directly, we can connect you with people who can.
•  Provide links and documents (e.g. want a copy of the Project Comeback presentation? Want a copy of Venture Connect? Want to find the OCP?)
• Reduce the duplication & overlap of work (e.g. similar to Let's Talk About Mental Health in the Cariboo).
• Reduce the duplication & overlap of work (e.g. similar to Let's Talk About Mental Health in the Cariboo).
• We celebrate and highlight the great work in the community. Geoff Bourdon said hearing from the SPC was one of his favourite committees to hear from because everything was always so positive.  
•          www.accesswilliamslake.org - a project initiated at this table in response to there being no regularly updated community resource database.
•          Communities that Care is another example of how the SPC helped the community. We took it on when no one else had the capacity, and pass it over when there was capacity.
    
  Official Community Plan - Social Well Being and Resilient Economy Section Summaries - viewable online at http://www.williamslake.ca/310/Official-Community-Plan-OCP
  
  
  
  SWB - Coordinated Planning:
  The following polices will promote working in partnership with the community to increase capacity and address social issues in Williams Lake. Coordinating the delivery of services ensures that gaps in services are identified and duplication of programs is eliminated. Strengthening organizations governance so that they can deliver quality services and explore new and innovative programs is important to a small community like Williams Lake where social service organizations serve a wide region.
  
  
  SWB - Youth:
  Williams Lake has a high percentage of youth under 19. For the community’s well-being it is important to provide educational opportunities and employment possibilities for these youths.  These policies will support the development of programs to help youth in the community.
  
  
  SWB - Children and Families:
  The well-being of families in the community is key to ensuring the economic success of Williams Lake. Families require access to a diversity of programs and a built environment that is safe and provides opportunities for children to play. The following policies will work to ensure that Williams Lake is a child and family friendly community.
  
  
  SWB - Poverty & Access to Employment:
  The well-being of a community depends on the ability of its residents to access employment, have safe and affordable housing and the ability to participate in community life. The following  policies address issues of living wage, literacy, and access to employment to promote equity in the Community. Please also refer to the PA-RE-Resilient Economy in this OCP.
  
  
  SWB - Literacy:
  Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy was established in response to literacy as a serious social and economic issue in the Cariboo Chilcotin. More important than the simple ability to read and write, literacy focuses on the ability to use printed information. Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society (CCPL) has been leading community based literacy activism in the Cariboo Chilcotin, forming in 1997 and becoming a registered society in May 2000.
  
  
  SWB - Homelessness:
  Homelessness may be related to affordable housing but in our region homelessness frequently involves other issues such as education, mental health and addictions. Currently the existing shelter meets demands during the winter months. The following policies will ensure that the City plays a part in advocating for homelessness in the future.
  
  
  SWB - Seniors:
  Williams Lake is home to many seniors who live and have moved into the community from the region to access medical and other services. Statistics show that the number of seniors in the community will increase over the next decade. To address this trend the following policies support services needed for seniors in our community.
  
  
  SWB - Sense of Belonging:
  The connection of residents to their community promotes safety, volunteerism, and the development of community well-being. The following policies will promote the participation of community members of all ages, life stages and lifestyles to feel connected and valued within the community.
  
  
  SWB - Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity:
  Municipal governments can play a lead role in enhancing the diverse nature of their communities and in fostering respect and equality for all residents. Municipal governments can make equity a basic tenet of their own operations and seek the same commitment from their partners in the public and private sectors. The following policies are designed to foster an environment that celebrates the multicultural and aboriginal aspects of Williams Lake, while working to promote cooperation, communication, and harmony between various groups.
  
  
  SWB - Accessibility:
  An accessible community provides an environment where all residents with challenges can participate in activity. Accessibility has been addressed inclusively in the development of other chapters of this OCP. The following policies are designed to ensure that all residents can fully access community services, use public transit, and feel safe in the city. 
  
  
  SWB -Resilient Economy:
  Goals and Objectives: Our economy relies on a diversity of resource-based industries, the strengths and assets of our local community, and innovation. We are committed to designing our local economy to fulfill community-held strategic goals for the future and the principles of sustainability, resulting in prosperity for all community members. Further, the City will also support the following objectives as they are consistent with the input from the Imagine Our Future process includes:
  
  
  1. Sustainable Economic Benefit: Focus on Economic drivers that generate new and sustainable wealth that enhances economic diversity of Williams Lake.
  2. Employment: Create new, long-term quality jobs that provide opportunities for the local labour force.
  3. Supporting Infrastructure: Provide a physical infrastructure that strengthens business competitiveness and better connects businesses to their markets.
  4. Community Image: Reaffirm and create awareness of Williams Lake’s competitive advantages as the service centre of the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
  5. Quality of Community Life: Maintain and enhance the quality of life of the community.
  
  
  Worksheet Questions
  Under which Official Community Plan area(s) does your organization’s work fit best?
  SWB: Coordinated Planning
  SWB: Youth
  SWB: Children & Families
  SWB: Poverty & Access to Employment
  SWB: Literacy
  SWB: Homelessness
  SWB: Seniors
  SWB: Sense of Belonging
  SWB: Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity
  SWB: Accessibility
  RE: Resilient Economy
  
  
  Please describe your organization through the "lens" of the OCP
  What type of work is your organization doing this year?
  What type of work does your organization want to develop in the future?
  What are the most common obstacles your organization faces on a regular basis?
  In what ways can the Social Planning Council help your organization?
  Are there other comments, suggestions, recommendations or information you would like to share?
  
  
  Roundtable Updates (those not sent out via community updates)
  Julie Bowser (TRU) - The continuing studies department at TRU needs to think outside the box for programming (e.g. Camp Cook, traditional Aboriginal Languages). TRU is at a public programming stage, and ideas for courses are always welcomed.
  
  
  Rosanna McGregor (Cariboo Friendship Society) - 1) Canadian Health Institute for Research is starting a diabetes initiative program to address underlying health concerns rather than just the symptoms of, 2) Seeds of Empathy training is ongoing, 3) The Cariboo Friendship Society has been approved to start a social enterprise in partnership with the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy - looking at a training program in commercial painting (helps people gain employable skills in areas where jobs are needed.
  
  
  Bruce Mack (CCPL) - The SPC can help ask people what their barriers to employment are and can engage companies in this discussion (e.g. does a Janitor actually need grade 12?). Note - the GED exam is no longer offered in Canada.
  
  
  George Atamanenko (Seniors Advisory Council and Accessibility Committee - 1) There used to be a skills centre in Williams Lake that had funding (but no more). Longevity of funding is required to maintain consistent programming. Hospital Renovation are still scheduled to take place but there are major delays taking place. George has been writing to officials to help expedite this process and is collecting and encouraging people and organizations to write letters of support.
  
  
  ACTION: the SPC will write a letter of support and send it to George (motion was FSC).
    
  Motion to adjourn the meeting was FSC. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2015 at 11:30 am location TBA

Community Updates (18) - May 22, 2015

Table of Contents:

1) Next Social Planning Council Meeting - this Monday May 25th

2) Boosting your Mental Health Workshop- Tues May 26th from 12:30 - 2pm

3) Bike to Work & School Week - May 25 - 31st

4) May is Speech & Hearing Month - Communicating is Connecting

5) Book Launch at the Williams Lake Library - May 28th at 6:30 pm

6) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week

7) March Against Monsanto - May 23rd at noon

8) School Board No. 27 seeks your input right away

9) Annual Williams Lake Children's Festival - Sunday May 31st from 10am - 3pm

10) Free Salon Day for Graduation - Jun 6th from 1 - 4 pm

11) Free Fitness in the Park - Jun 2 - Aug 25th in Boitanio Park Tuesday's from 6 - 7pm

12) Caribou Brain Injury Society's  Third Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser - Jun 13th

13) Monthly Support group for new parents - You had a baby! Now what?

14) Caring for Kids New to Canada - Webinar on Jun 10th at 1:30 pm (registration required)

15) Reminder - Success for 6 - funding for projects supporting local children 0 - 6

16) Register today - Enterprising Non-Profits (ENP) Workshop - Jun 2nd

17) Canada Day Performers & Vendors Wanted

18) Western Economic Diversification Canada - Grant applications (until Jun 17th)

 

1) Next Social Planning Council Meeting - this Monday May 25th

The Next Social Planning Council meeting is this Monday May 25th at 11:30 am at the City of Williams Lake downstairs boardroom. There will be a presentation and Q&A discussion with the Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Association at the start of the meeting during lunch (coffee, tea and light lunch will be provided - donations are appreciated but never required!). Hope to see you there! Last month's meeting minutes will be available on our blog before the meeting, or in hardcopy at the meeting. Last month's meeting will also be a topic of discussion at the May 25th meeting so if you missed it please join us on Monday.

2) Boosting your Mental Health Workshop- Tues May 26th from 12:30 - 2pm

Self Care means nurturing yourself - filling up with good things - especially when dealing with daily stress. Music, art, poetry, activity, and people can all help.

Everyone is welcome to come and explore self-care strategies with us on Tuesday May 26th from 12:30 - 2pm at the IMSS office, 118C N. 1st Avenue in Williams Lake.

For more information please call 778-412-2999 or email sharont@imss.ca

3) Bike to Work & School Week - May 25 - 31st

Dust off your pedals!

Bike to Work & School Week - May 25-31st - Have fun, improve your health and air quality by cycling to work, school, and everywhere you need to go!

Register at www.biketowork.ca/williams-lake for your chance to win great prizes for children, youth, and adults.  Track your kilometers pedalled, emissions saved and calories burned. Every day you log kilometres you will be entered into a draw for prizes, including the Grand Prize: Prague to Budapest Cycling Trip for 2! Bike events happening all week for all ages!

Please join the event and share it with all your friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/801129423336451/

Events for all ages, all week long!  For more information please contact:

Tammy Keetch

Air Quality Educator

Scout Island Nature Centre / Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable

250-620-0598 (home office) Office day: Monday OR Friday

www.breatheasywilliamslake.org

Recognizing the value that clean air brings to our health & environment

http://www.biketowork.ca/williams-lake

4) May is Speech & Hearing Month - Communicating is Connecting

The ability to communicate is your bridge to the rest of the world. 1 in 10 British Columbians experience a communication disorder which can lead to isolation and loneliness. To celebrate Speech and Hearing Month in May, communicate. Send a postcard to someone you love, to someone you want to connect with, or to someone in need of support.

The Speech and Language Programs from Interior Health and the Child Development Centre will be pairing up to host a booth at the Children's Festival in Boitanio Park on May 31st. For more information please contact your local Interior Health office.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice rose in the Legislature this morning to make a short statement on the importance of acknowledging May as Speech and Hearing Month. A short clip of her statement can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1JFE6Yc.

5) Book Launch at the Williams Lake Library - May 28th at 6:30 pm

"Gerry get you gun": Gerry Bracewell launches new book at the Williams Lake Branch Library

Thursday May 28th at 6:30p.m.

BC's first woman to become a licensed hunting guide! "Gerry, get your gun" packs the wallop of a 30-30 rifle. Legendary hunting guide Gerry Bracewell recounts tales of extraordinary toughness and perseverance in the untamed Chilcotin. Books for sale at event from the Open Book.

6) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week

The Positive Action word of the week of May 25, 2015 is: Forgiveness: To give up anger and resentment.

The Positive Action word of the week of Jun 1, 2015 is Self Improvement:  To make yourself better by taking positive actions.

If you would like more background information about Positive Action please contact Carla Bullinger at 250-267-8249 or email comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

7) March Against Monsanto - May 23rd at noon

This march starts at 12pm from the Cariboo Growers parking lot (corner of 3rd & Oliver Street) and will head up Oliver Street, left on 7th Ave and then down Mart Street. This march (restricted to the sidewalk) is to raise awareness about genetically modified organisms (GMO) and the demand for food products in Canada containing GMO's to be clearly labelled.

8) School Board No. 27 seeks your input right away

Board Seeks Input!

The Board of Education is seeking input from the public and its stakeholders on the following policy revisions:

1. Policy 3513 Community Use of Facilities

2. Policy 4111 Recruitment and Selection of Teachers and Support Staff

3. Policy 2100 Administration and Management

Click on the link below to complete a brief on-line survey and to review the proposed policy changes:

http://www.sd27.bc.ca/policies-bylaws/ 

For more information please contact:

Connee Newberry

Executive Assistant (Board of Education and Secretary-Treasurer)

School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)

350 Second Avenue North

Williams Lake, BC  V2G 1Z9 

p. 250.398.3833

f. 250.392.3600

w. http://www.sd27.bc.ca

9) Annual Williams Lake Children's Festival - Sunday May 31st from 10am - 3pm

The annual Williams Lake Children's Festival is on Sunday May 31st in Boitanio Park from 10am - 3pm with tons of free and fun activities, music and door prizes. Science world will be on the main stage for three performances. For more information please contact the Women's Contact Society office at 392-4118.

10) Free Salon Day for Graduation - Jun 6th from 1 - 4 pm

At the Glass Slippers Boutique which helps graduates with low income attend their festivities. Loans prom dresses, arranges tux rentals; possible support with grad fees, hair appointments, or other grad expenses.

Drop-in from 1 - 4pm for Hairdressing, Nail Art, Make-up, and snacks at #70 South 1st Ave (across from Red Shreds).

Note - donations are still needed for young men's black dress shoes. Also needed are volunteers, a flat iron, large safety pins, and beauty supplies including hairclips, hair spray and makeup. Donations can be dropped off at the Boys & Girls Club of Williams Lake. Contact Lora at 250-267-1467 or email lora.fairbrother@sd27.bc.ca for more information.

11) Free Fitness in the Park - Jun 2 - Aug 25th in Boitanio Park Tuesday's from 6 - 7pm

Enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, and exercise in your own community park. Join certified instructors from the Recreation Complex for a free one hour fitness class in Boitaino Park each Tuesday evening from Jun 2 - Aug 25th. Meet at the Gwen Ringwood Stage at 6pm with your own mat and water bottle and join the fun.

Jun 2 - Yoga

Jun 9 - Yoga

Jun 16 - Yoga

Jun 23 - Zumba

Jun 30 - Zumba

Jul 7 - Zumba

Jul 14 - Boot Camp

Jul 21 - Boot Camp

Jul 28 - Boot Camp

Aug 4 - Belly Dancing

Aug 11 - Belly Dancing

Aug 18 - Yoga

Aug 25 - Cardio

12) Caribou Brain Injury Society's  Third Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser - Jun 13th

With all proceeds benefitting the Caribou Brain Injury Society, head out to Bell-E-Acres on Jun 13th from 10am - 3:30 pm (awards start at 4pm). Concession, silent auction, hidden balls and hole prizes. Fun for all ages with many prizes to be won in the following categories: 1st place golfer, 2nd place golfer, 3rd place golfer, 1st place Team/Couple, 1st place mini-golfer, Long Putt and closest to the pin.

Golf tournament: Groups of two, singles, or we can match you with a partner. Fees are $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Mini-golf tournament: Anyone can play with prizes awarded to children only. Fee is $5

Sponsored by Bell-E-Acres with prizes donated by Heartland Toyota, Denny's, McDonalds, and Community Businesses. 2015 Toyota Corolla Hole in One Prize. Contact Courtney at 250-392-7772 for more information.

13) Monthly Support group for new parents - You had a baby! Now what?

Join this new monthly support group for a safe space to talk about the good, bad and the ugly of having a baby and the postpartum process. Babies in arm are welcomed! Held the second Tuesday of each month (next one is Tuesday Jun 9th) at 202 N. 4th Avenue (back entrance).

For more information check "You had a baby Now what?" on Facebook or call Krista at 250-392-3583

14) Caring for Kids New to Canada - Webinar on Jun 10th at 1:30 pm (registration required)

Join us on June 10th at 1pm (eastern time) for a Canadian Paediatric Society webinar about ways the "Caring for Kids New to Canada" website can be used by health professionals to prevent, identify and manage key health issues affecting newcomer children and youth. Practical website tools to aid in the screening process, such as the e-checklist and the signs and symptoms tool will be highlighted.

The webinar will be presented by Dr. Tony Barozzino of Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital, and Dr. Susan Kuhn of Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. There is no cost to attend, but you must sign-up in advance. For more information or to register please visit www.chnet-works.ca or http://www.kidsnewtocanada.ca/

15) Reminder - Success for 6 - funding for projects supporting local children 0 - 6

We want to hear from you! Success by 6 in Williams Lake is delighted to announce that we have funding available for projects supporting local children 0-6 and their families! This funding is for programs running from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and the deadline for completed proposals is May 31, 2015.

Success by 6 is a program administered through United Way which provides support for aboriginal and non-aboriginal community organizations and programs that benefit children up to the age of six. We receive funding every year from the BC government, United Way and BC Credit Unions, which we disperse throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin to non-profit groups to support young children and their families.

Collaborative programs and partnerships that fit these priorities and directions are encouraged! Some of our funded projects include the Family Literacy Festival and the Children’s Festival, playground equipment, computer software, toys, craft supplies and cultural programs for First Nations preschools and daycares, and equipment used by professionals working with children with developmental challenges.   

If you are a non-profit group with a great idea for an initiative, a program or an event in the Williams Lake area please contact LeRae Haynes at leraehaynes@gmail.com, phone or text me at 250-398-9848 or contact me on Facebook (Williams Lake Success by 6.) If it would be helpful, I would be delighted to meet with you to help work out the details of your proposal.

If your proposal is successful, you will be required to sign a letter of agreement with Success by 6 before receiving the funding, and fill out an online survey for our records at the completion of your project.

16) Register today - Enterprising Non-Profits (ENP) Workshop - Jun 2nd

A business operated by a non-profit organization is called a social enterprise. They can take many forms and operate across almost every sector. Social enterprise allows a non-profit to generate income by selling a product or service while creating social, cultural or environmental value.

Presented by the United Way and hosted by the CCACS, "Building your Social Enterprise" workshop provides a unique opportunity to have your questions answered. Learn about social enterprise, hear examples from across the province and qualify to apply for an ENP grant to plan and/or develop your social enterprise project. The workshop introduces the what & why as well as an overview of the stages of business development: readiness, pre-feasibility, feasibility studies, and business planning. You must register in advance to reserve your seat.

In Williams Lake, this workshop is taking place:

Tuesday Jun 2nd

Starts at 9:00 am

@ the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (90 Fourth Ave North)

Registration: $20 first person (2nd registrant free)

http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1670&EID=19422

The Social Planning Council is attending and can bring one more person for free. If interested please contact me asap by phone at 250-243-2126

17) Canada Day Performers & Vendors Wanted

The Williams Lake Canada Day Committee is seeking local performers and vendors interested in helping to celebrate Canada Day July 1, 2015. The committee is also looking for local businesses and organizations with unique products and services to make this a truly special event.

There are no fees ,but a number of submission guidelines must be met. For more information and application forms please visit www.williamslake.ca or contact Suzanne Cochrane at the Recreation Complex or scochrane@williamslake.ca. Deadline is May 29th.

18) Western Economic Diversification Canada - Grant applications (until Jun 17th)

In 2017, Canadians across the country will celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation (Canada 150), a key milestone in the life of our country. The overarching theme to celebrating  Canada 150 is “Strong. Proud. Free”, which includes a vision to Give Back to Canada, through lasting legacies that extend beyond 2017.

As part of the government-wide Canada 150 celebrations, the Government of Canada has launched the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, which will invest $150 million over two years to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure across Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will deliver the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada and will invest $43.2 million in projects aiming to rehabilitate existing cultural and community infrastructure.

These projects will reflect our shared history and optimism for the future while leaving a lasting legacy in celebration of Canada 150.

Detailed information on the delivery of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada,  including important details on eligibility, application requirements and program priorities, are available on the WD website http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/18872.asp.

Applications in Western Canada will be accepted from Tuesday May 19th until Wednesday Jun 17th at 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.