A full room of members and supporters of the Coast Community Builders Association (CCBA) participated in the non-profit's first annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 24.
Discussion was lively. The CCBA has partnered with the Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) as discussions continue on a marina option for Sechelt.
"This was all new, and there was a lot of pretty dense procedural business, but we came out of it with a larger and stronger board," said CCBA president Clark Hamilton.
Hamilton said the "landmark agreement" with the SIB is a memorandum of understanding a written commitment between the CCBA and the SIB to work together and with others in the community, to explore all options to develop a full-scale marina in Sechelt. It would include a marina and walkways, parks and public spaces as well as expanded commercial and eco-tourism opportunities.
"Our community members have long supported the marine access development project as a means to create sustainable jobs and reconnect to the water," said SIB Coun. Jordan Louie who was introduced at the AGM. "We are pleased to have the support of the CCBA in moving forward with our proposal."
CCBA members did more than elect board members at the AGM. They also elected to put on a public showcase of the men and women of the CCBA and others from all areas of construction on the Coast. A planning committee has been struck to arrange the event currently slated for May 29 at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
"The CCBA is starting to define its direction and have involvement in an ever-expanding array of community-based initiatives in pursuit of its stated objectives," Hamilton said.
"We want to nurture an innovative and collaborative environment, promote trades training and education, manage growth and conserve the environment, and promote economic and social well-being on the Sunshine Coast. With support from the SIB and from our members, we stand a chance of making a difference."
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