Executive Planning 2024

At our first executive meeting on July 27, discussion centered on planning. Traffic and water safety emerged as top priorities along with communication and social activities.

We hope to identify members to give some time and share their expertise to coordinate action aimed at improving safer communities. Teamwork can be satisfying as you work with like-minded people. Volunteers can comment here or on Facebook to learn more or express an interest in joining a team.

We believe that member involvement will make the Association stronger and more responsive to the needs expressed by members. We know that we have a wealth of knowledge and skills to make a difference.

1. Following a report on water rescue at the AGM in July, three options were outlined: purchase a rescue boat, provide names of volunteer willing to make their water crafts available or do nothing. Our role is promotion of the initiative linking volunteers with the coordinator in the RM of St Laurent. To date two families have signed up for the program.
2. The management of Camp Sandy Haven has consented to donate their marker buoys to us so that we can establish a designated safe swimming zone at Meindl Park. It adds to safety and also helps define the area of the park at the shoreline. The park is managed by the RM of St Laurent. We have met with the CAO and our council rep, Maurice Leclair to share our views and to ask for a review of signage at the site to replace, repair and add others to make the rules and operation of the Park safe and clean. We will provide the donated marker buoys cost for the placement of the buoys and anchors but ask that Public Works be responsible for storage and installation.
3. Road safety continues to be an issue. We are seeking a system to monitor traffic speed and vehicle identification. We have requested the return to Venice South of the speed sign.  We are researching cameras to be placed near the junctions of Venice N and S. Signage will be a deterrent and the images captured by the cameras with time stamps to provide useful data that can be reported to the RCMP to pursue vandalism and break-ins. There is no expectation for privacy for motorists on public roads. Costs for the new cameras and data monitoring would be borne by the Association in consultation with the RM and the RCMP.
4. We has launched the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) in our area. Coordinators, Mavine Smit, Trevor Wuerch and Jack King organized an orientation for fourteen volunteers with a training session to follow. Our group will patrol by car or walking the length of Twin Beach, Venice S and N. They will be vigilant noting any suspicious activity and report these incidents to the coordinators who will contact the RCMP.
5. Many folks have expressed the need for social activities. We are encouraging members to come forward to help plan and organize fun, family events for our friends and neighbors. Already we have suggestions for summer activities for kids: swimming and kayak lessons, sandcastle competitions. Fun for the whole family might include such things as movies and games on the beach, concerts and more.
6. We know that we must protect our an environment. While we enjoy the benefits of life at the lake we hear concerns: zebra mussels, abandoned nets and a need for shoreline cleanup. In some cases research is needed to operationalize action plans. In others organization for things like cleanup can be recommended to the executive to provide funds and identify government support options. Working with a group of committed friends and neighbors can be satisfying on many levels with the benefit of preserving the beauty of Lake Manitoba.