From the inaugural meeting in November 2004 to April 2005 an incredible 110 individual, family and corporate members have joined GaLTT. This represents a very significant level of community support and confirms the desire and need for community parks and a trail network. Top of Page
Land acquisition trust funds on hand $ 1,300 Top of Page
(Note: Richard Welsh was appointed by the Board as replacement for David Swanson at his resignation.) Top of Page
The Board members devoted a full day in February to successfully develop a strategic plan with prioritized action items to guide us though our first year. One of our products included a simple vision statement for GaLTT; "Achieve a system of interconnecting parks and trails from Descanso to Drumbeg by 2010" Top of Page
A significant amount of time has been spent on start-up essentials such as establishing a membership database, consolidating interim arrangements with the Nanaimo Area Land Trust to provide tax receipts, acquiring liability insurance, creating press releases, logo (decision soon) and newsletter development, production of a map/brochure, and communications planning. Top of Page
A GaLTT Acquisition background plan is established. Grants research is well underway, along with our application to establish Charitable Tax status for GaLTT. The most significant acquisition event was the acquisition of the "UREP" lands for Gabriola to be held by the Islands Trust Fund as a nature reserve. It is a transfer of provincial assets to Gabriola of over one half million dollars and the first substantial implementation of the acquisitions and fundraising plan. We are very excited to be a part of the process! Top of Page
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For more information, contact Kerry Marcus or any of the Board members at the phone numbers noted on the Board page or email us. Top of Page
GaLTT has received two generous grants for project work. The Gabriola Recreation Society, under the Grants-in-Aid program provided $500 towards the production of a map brochure for community distribution showing Gabriola's Parks and Trails. It is now completed and has been distributed through the Gabriola Sounder to each Gabriola household. Please let us know what you think of it. The Shell Environmental Fund provided a $5,000 grant for restoration, trails work and signage in Cox Community Park over the next 2 years. The first new trail segment has been completed with the assistance of the RDN. Top of Page
The real progress to date has been the development of 4 new trails in 4 months! This has only been possible through the great support of some very dedicated volunteers!! Working in conjunction with the RDN, the new YOGI Trail in Cox Community Park now connects the McConvey entrance with the main trail heading (later this year) to River Place. Significant work has occurred at the Petroglyph Trail Community Park and there's more to do. GaLTT and POSAC members collaborated on a new trail on undeveloped Road access from Chelwood to Daniel Way. Lastly, a roughed-out trail now connects Cresta Roca to Timber Lane. Guidelines for trails projects on undeveloped road accesses, detailing the important steps in undertaking a neighborhood project have been developed. The Regional District of Nanaimo's website has an interesting mapping tool called RDNMAP, available at the following link: http:/ /www.rdn.bc.ca It's quite user friendly and useful to research where undeveloped road accesses exist, roads and neighborhood lot layouts,etc. If you have some time and energy for trail work, contact Paula (250-247-8635 or madongab®shaw.ca) or Em (250-247-8376 or em_gavin®shaw.ca) for work party information. Every hour of volunteer time really helps and it's fun too! (Every Sunday after a trail building work party, those interested participate in a pot luck dinner.) Top of Page
The GaLTT Board has closely followed several major park/trail opportunities in the past months. We have met with landowners and provided input to two exciting density transfer plans, each with the potential to significantly increase trails and community lands on Gabriola. In return for transferring residential density to their property overlooking False Narrows, the Centre Stage Holdings ltd. application would see a 700+ acre block of forest land in the heart of the island dedicated to the community. Potlatch Properties Ltd. proposes to create a waterfront park near the ferry, connecting trails to Descanso Regional Park, new community land and trails connections off Church Road, along with other community benefits resulting from the transfer of density to waterfront property on Taylor Bay Road and 4 new lots off Church Road. Top of Page
Many trails frequently used by the public are in fact on private land. For GaLTT to succeed in the long-term we must promote respect for private property. The success of our developing trail system will rely heavily on the Islander's sense that "it works." The Gabriola Fire Department emphasizes that fire is our island's greatest danger. Please ensure that any smoking material is safely dealt with. Campfires are not allowed on property you do not own, or on the beach, including the area 100 metres out to sea from the high tide line. Broken glass can easily magnify sunl ight and cause deadly fires. Please take the time to remove broken glass and garbage when you are out in our parks and trails. lastly, it is advisable to carry a cell phone with you when walking, and to be aware of your location at all times in case you need emergency assistance. Top of Page
Whatever your volunteer skills or interests, they have a niche, or can be developed, at GaLTT (including communications, acquiring parks, fund raising, and trail building). If you love parks and trails, care about the environment, want to leave a legacy, or simply like to do interesting activities with creative people, GaLTT has a place for you. Top of Page
Special thanks to all of you, our members, who provide moral, financial and material support to GaLTTs purpose, and as well to many community businesses and individuals who have generously contributed services, materials, tools and expertise to projects. For more information contact Kerry Marcus or any of the Board at numbers noted above. kerryandtommarcus@shaw.ca. |
Membership Update