Hello!
It’s been two months since I became President of the Sproat Lake Community Association (SLCA), and I wanted to take the time to formally introduce myself and provide you with an SLCA update.
My name is Tamara, and my involvement with the SLCA began when I was asked to develop our association’s new website. I saw it as a great opportunity to contribute to our community’s digital presence, enhance communication, and promote community engagement. Over time, my involvement deepened, and I took on the role of Community Engagement Coordinator, working to promote and strengthen our sense of community. Â
As the new President, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our past board of directors. Their dedication, wisdom, and efforts have shaped our association. And of course, I would also like to sincerely thank our current board of directors. They are a dedicated group of individuals whose perspectives and passion for Sproat Lake promise exciting times ahead! Here are some updates:
Change to Constitution
At our Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in February, community members voted resoundingly in favor of amending our constitution to include stewardship activities, including raising environmental concerns, promoting conservation efforts, and organizing community activities to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the lake ecosystem. Our board looks forward to working on this, with key partners and the broader Sproat Lake community.Â
Committees
Our board committees are the driving force behind our community initiatives. Here’s a glimpse of the active committees formed by the new SLCA board of directors since the AGM:
- Stewardship Committee:
- Promote and advocate for the conservation of our beautiful lake and its surrounding area.
- Road Committee:
- Advocate for maintaining and improving our community roads.
- Rental Committee:
- Manage bookings and usage of our community hall.
- Hall Committee:
- Take care of the community hall; keeping our hall welcoming and functional.
- Governance Committee:
- Focus on association governance, including SLCA bylaws review and community survey.
- Engagement and Social Committee:
- Promote a strong sense of community by organizing engaging events, activities, and initiatives.
- Pickleball Committee:
- This new board committee will address everything pickleball. They will act as liaisons between the pickleball community and the board of directors.
Weir Plates
As of April 23rd, the weir plates have not yet been installed. We understand that this is despite a letter, signed by key stakeholders, being sent to Catalyst last month requesting that they be installed.  The SLCA has sent a letter to Penny Cote to express our deep concern about the already low lake level and lack of snow in the mountains. Our Stewardship Committee is currently monitoring this matter closely and will be advocating for the plates to be installed each spring to preserve water for river flows during spawning, and removed again each fall, as was done in past years.
Water Testing
Water testing will be offered again this spring or early summer. This is a great way to determine if your household water system is functioning optimally. More information will be provided once the date is set.Â
Community Survey
The development of a Sproat Lake Community Survey is currently underway by our Governance Committee. The purpose of the survey is to gather your feedback to guide the direction of the SLCA, as well as the efforts of its Board of Directors and its committees. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, do encourage your Sproat Lake friends and neighbors to subscribe to the SLCA updates on our website, so that they’ll receive the survey information email.
Active Transportation Network Open House
Please mark your calendars! The ACRD is holding an Active Transportation Network Open House at the community hall on May 15th from 4:30pm to 7pm. This will be an opportunity for community members to view highlights from the draft plan and the engagement to date, and to also provide more feedback.
Court Project Update
I’m happy to report that the outdoor courts are now re-opened. The old and rotting fence posts have all been replaced and all that is left to do is the cleanup around the perimeter of the courts. This will be completed after a stretch of dry weather.Â
A big thank you to John Thorpe and his army of volunteers for their dedication and contribution to getting this massive job done!
Hall Projects Update
The bar renovation is nearing completion. All that is left to do is the installation of the roller shutters. Â
Another big thank you to John, who not only oversaw the project but contributed many hours of labor to get it done. Thank you also to Nancy Harvey for sourcing all of the appliances and fixtures, and for her design contributions.
The under-stage doors are now complete, as are the table and chair dollies.
Free AED Training with Basic First Aid
There are still spots remaining for the free AED Training on May 16th at 6:30 pm at the Community Hall. Visit https://sproatlakecommunityassociation.com/aed-registration/ to register. There are limited spots so don’t delay! Thank you to our Regional Director, Penny Cote for sponsoring this training.Â
Annual Broombusters Cut Event
This years Broombusters cut event will be held on Saturday, May 18th.  If you can help out, or want to learn more, please visit https://www.broombusters.org/alberni-valley/. Thank you once again, to the organizers of this very important event.
West Coast Dragon Boat Open House
Have you ever wanted to try Dragon Boating? The West Coast Dragon Boat Society is holding an open house on Sunday, May 5th between 1 and 3 pm at Sproat Lake Landing. For more information visit them on Facebook or email to westcoastdragonboatsociety@gmail.com.
Social Committee
Our new Social Committee has met twice now and is planning something extra special for this summer. Stay tuned for more details! If you’d like to join the committee, sign up here.
Board Meeting Minutes
For those who may not be aware, all of the SLCA board of director meeting minutes are available on our website. We welcome you to check them out regularly.
To conclude, I’d just like to remind everyone that myself, and the SLCA board of directors can be reached either through the contact form on our website or by emailing: getinvolved@sproatlakecommunityassociation.com
That’s all for now. Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!
Sincerely,
Â
Tamara Thorpe
