The Elphinstone Community Association (ECA) held its virtual AGM on April 14 and as chair Rod Moorcroft noted, it’s been an interesting year in the life of the ECA starting with its first Zoom meeting ever for a (postponed) AGM in May. As Rod said in his report, “The ECA forged ahead into the 21st century with direct deposit, combined with a stellar effort by board member René Mandigo, bringing our membership numbers back up to previous levels.” He listed a number of accomplishments despite COVID and thanked Area E director Donna McMahon for going above and beyond. On behalf of the ECA he thanked Marc Beaupre for his many years of service to the board – sadly, Marc is stepping down. The acclaimed board for 2021-22 are: Clint Budd, Taya Docksteader, Ben Foster, René Mandigo, Lucie McKeirnan, Rod Moorcroft, Gayle Neilson, Janet Oxley, and Trish Wray.
Donna gave an extensive report that focused on recycling, planning matters and the huge range of meetings and committees that she’s attended. Other issues raised included affordable housing, transit and environmental issues related to tourism. Although not a huge turnout, there was a high degree of engagement. Donna announced the “Let’s Talk Water” Q&A event on April 26 at 6 p.m. that will provide residents a chance to hear from the SCRD about addressing the summer water shortage, expanding water supply and how the water meter program has helped. You can participate by going to: www.scrd.ca/water. Donna recently mailed out an April newsletter and there is an excellent article about water in it you may want to read in advance of the event.
People still sometimes call the ECA by its previous name – the Elphinstone Electors Association – but that was not its first name. Before the SCRD was formed in 1967 to provide water and garbage pickup to the rural areas, the association for this area was called the West Gibsons Heights Ratepayers Association. Thanks to Vel Anderson for informing me that the West Gibsons Heights Ratepayers’ name was changed to the Elphinstone Electors and officially registered on Sept. 2, 1977 at a cost of one dollar. Membership fees were two dollars for an individual and three dollars for a family. The ECA, a registered non-profit society, has served the residents of Area E for over 60 years and thanks to the many folks who have kept it alive and relevant in all that time!
Someone who lives just off Gower Point Road, asked me to say something about the atrocious state of disrepair of that road, particularly the S-bend section. His wife recently fell off her bike because of the dipping pavement, but fortunately no cars were coming. Others have noted how scary that section of Gower Point Road is – walkers and cyclists take their lives in their hands as they navigate the incredibly warped pavement. He calls the S-bend “a real threat,” a description that many locals would agree with!
Got Elphinstone news? I’m always happy to hear from you at: [email protected]
