These are the minutes of our past Annual General Meeting. They will be adopted or amended by the Members at a future society meeting.

BURNABY MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Minutes of 2024 AGM Held on March 2, 2025 @ 2:00pm

Meeting was called to order at 2:07 pm by Glen Porter

A quorum was confirmed and notice of the meeting was approved

Agenda was discussed and adopted

Self introductions of ten attendees

President’s Report–   Margaret Flaherty provided a history of the steps taken to register the Society and events in which the Society has participated to date including a) a local Climate Change Conference at SFU (30/06/23); (b) the Great Salmon Send-Off at Stoney Creek Community School (11/05/24); (c) World Rivers Day at the Burnaby Heritage Museum at Deer Lake Park (22/09/24).

Margaret Flaherty also reported that as of March 2, 2024, the Society had a membership of 15 people.

Vice President’s Report– Brian Ferguson described the addition of a Society website, booth banner and business cards for use at community events.

Treasurer’s Report– Glen Porter detailed the receipt of a contribution from Pine Ridge Housing Co-op that has covered a portion of the start up expenses incurred to date. Consideration of whether and how additional revenue could be sought through grants or fees. Donations are also welcomed. We collected $50.00 in donations of which $40.00 will be used for AGM filing fees.

New Business

Indigenous relations – It was agreed to have an indigenous landacknowledgement on our website. We also need to advise local indigenous Nations of the existence of our Society and invite them to become members or reach out to us with any concerns they may have. Tara Shushtarian offered to forward an email of introduction from the Society to her contacts in the indigenous community.

Walking tours – Ernest Harrop offered to take people on educational walking tours in the Conservation Area. It was decided to look into liability/insurance issues before accepting this kind offer.

Membership in BC Nature/their insurance program – it was agreed the Society would look into this matter further.

Children’s Art Show – Discussion held about holding a children’s art show. We will look into partnering with a teacher at Forest Grove elementary school and/or Stoney Creek elementary school. The idea would be to challenge children to draw, paint or sculpt a species of their choice that is found in the Conservation Area. The Society would post photos of all the artwork on our website. Maybe a prize would be involved.

Socials – It was decided to hold two social events during 2025 for members that would include a presentation followed by snacks and socializing. Ernest Harrop offered to do his presentation, “The Joy of Discovery: Finding Fungi on Burnaby Mountain” at one of the Socials, an offer that was enthusiastically embraced.

Tabling at Community Events – It was agreed that the Society would have a table at the following events:

March 17, 2025 – Community Town Hall at SFU on Burnaby Mountain Fire Preparedness – Jasmine Nicholsfigueiredo offered to assist

May 3, 2025 – Burnaby Blooms Festival

May 10, 2025 – Stoney Creek Great Salmon Send-Off

September 28, 2025 – Burnaby celebrates World Rivers Day

Other Business:

There was discussion about invasive species on Burnaby Mountain. Margaret contacted the Invasive Species Council and will follow up. Christy Cunningham will attend to the mapping project.

Election of Officers

Joanne Borle resigns her position as Secretary.

Three positions were filled by acclamation. Continuing in their roles for 2025:

Margaret Flaherty – President

Brian Ferguson Vice – President and Secretary

Glen Porter becomes Treasurer

New Business

Other group members have volunteered for non-Board roles: Simone Harrop and Brenda Krause willing to volunteer for children’s activities when we have tables at festivals. Jacky Nelson to act as recording secretary. Christy Cunningham will attend to the mapping project.

A Town Hall Meeting at SFU on March 17, 2025 will hear discussion about the topic of wildfire response preparations.

The BMPS will have a booth at the Burnaby Blooms event on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Burnaby Village site. The Society will be at the Salmon Send Off on May 10, 2025 at Stoney Creek. We will also participate at the World Rivers Day on September 28, 2025

Meeting was adjourned at 3:45.

Food and conversation followed.