General Meeting - 2026

Written By Kyla Cottom

Clear Lake Cabin Owners Association/Old Campground Cabin Owners Association GENERAL MEETING

4TH JUNE, 2026, 10:00 AM

PARK THEATRE, WASAGAMING

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DIRECTORS AND ROLES

BOARD MEMBERS / CONTACT INFORMATION

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Past President – stays on automatically until replaced by outgoing President

Christian Robin; robin.t4c0@gmail.com

President – two-year term to end in September 2027

Terry Botterill; botts57@me.com

Vice-President – two-year term to end in September 2026

Rick Grimshaw; trgrimshaw@gmail.com

Treasurer – two-year term to end in September 2027

Dan Leitch; daniel.leitch@gmail.com

Secretary – two-year term to end in September 2026

Colin Gilmore; colin.g.gilmore@gmail.com

Director No. 1 – two-year term to end in September 2027

Kyle Bazylo; bazaaa@gmail.com

Director No. 2 – two-year term to end in September 2027

John George; jageorge@mymts.net

Director No. 3 – two-year term to end in September 2027

Carl Adam; 1. cdadam19@gmail.com

Director No. 4 – two-year term to end in September 2027

Kyla Cottom; kybrecot@gmail.com

Director No. 5 – two-year term to end in September 2026

Andrew Urbanowicz; urbanowiczandrew1@gmail.com

Director No. 6 – two-year term to end in September 2026

Gale Simpson; galeas@shaw.ca

No. 7 – two-year term to end in September 2026

Michael Hance; mjhance@gmail.com

Director No. 8 – two-year term to end in September 2026

Jill Lee; lee.jill0504@gmail.com

AGENDA

1-Call to Order, 10:09 AM. 

Land Acknowledgment

As we meet today to advocate for the Clear Lake Cabin Area and advise Parks Canada on how best to administer these lands, we acknowledge that the Cabin Area and the surrounding lands and waters which we love and care for so deeply, are at the heart of Treaty 2. We support, in the spirit of Reconciliation, Parks Canada’s relationship with First Nations of Treaty 2, 4, and 1, and the Red River Métis.

2-Approval of the Agenda

Motion: Rick Grimshaw  

Second: Ron McPhail

Opposed: none

Motion passed. 

3 – Motion to Accept 2025 AGM Minutes as Circulated

Motion to approve the 2025 AGM Minutes, Rick Grimshaw

Seconded Patrick Saurrette (25 1st5 street south)

Opposed: None

Motion passed. 

4-President’s Report 

  • We have had some technical difficulties in the past with emails being blocked, problems with lists of membership, problems with online meetings. We have moved everything for google workspace as a non-profit pricing process.

  • In addition, we cannot get board insurance or sign official agreements with the park without being registered as an official not-for-profit.

  • Through this process, we realized that CLCA was not officially incorporated (we couldn’t 

  • We tried to get ‘Clear Lake Cabin Owners Association’ registered at the Manitoba Companies office. It was denied for being too close to ‘Clear Lake Cottage Owners Association’ (who are registered already)

  • We have thus selected ‘Old Campground Cabin Association’ to register. See the motions below.

  • We have been having excellent conversations with the park, both with Tom Sheldon (Superintendent) and Jim Avram (Townsite Manager). They will be providing remarks later in this meeting. 

  • The group ‘Fairness for Clear Lake’ (the combined super-group of Cottage/Cabin/Business Owners association originally formed to deal with the boat ban), is in conversations with the Park to have a formal agreement with the Park for an official structure. 

Regarding the change to ‘Old Campground Cabin Owners Association’: 

  • Background: CLCA waws not formally incorporated – the name was not registered with Manitoba Companies Office. 

  • Our initial request for ‘Clear Lake Cabin Association’ was denied for being too close to ‘Clear Lake Cottage Owners Association’ (that was previously registered – 3 years ago). 

  • Board has selected ‘Old Campground Cabin Association’ and it was registered December 2025, and incorporated January 2026. Cost was $90.00 total. Further incorporation cost is $120 one time, plus $40 ongoing. 

  • Benefits:

  • This gives us legal standings to enter contracts, hold assets and operate in the associations name. It allows us to apply for grants and funding that require incorporation. Importantly, we can enter agreements with the Park. 

  • It provides limited liability for the Board members. 

  • As an incorporated non-profit. We get access to preferred pricing with email/technical providers ($1500 per year reduction in our costs).

  • Continuity beyond any board cycle. 

  • Increased credibility and transparency through a membership adopted and strengthened governance platform that includes enacted policies and procedures.

What stays the same: 

  • Interim operations under an amended CLCA constitution

  • Mission, purpose and priorities for the association remain consistent

  • Day-to-day operations and member experience are the same

  • Current board will sit as planned until the AGM

What changes: 

  • Legal name becomes: ‘Old Campground Cabin Association Inc.’

  • Legal Status: Manitoba non-profit corporation

  • Annual filing requirement: $40/year

Rick Grimshaw motions to accept Terry’s report as tabled. Christian Robin seconds, passed. 

5- Incorporation of the ‘Old Campground Cabin Association’ (OCCA)

Motion 1 Summary:

Motion One is about transferring membership and responsibility to the new incorporated organization.

In plain terms, it does two key things:

• Confirms that all current 2026 members of the existing association (CLCA) will automatically become full members of the new incorporated organization (OCCA) for the rest of the 2026 season.

• Transfers everything from the old association to the new one as of July 4, 2026, including all assets (e.g., funds, property, records) and all liabilities (e.g., obligations, debts, commitments).

Simple way to think about it:  

This motion officially moves the entire organization—its members, finances, and responsibilities—from the old structure into the new incorporated entity so operations can continue seamlessly under the new legal framework.

Rick Grimshaw Motions the following, 

Seconder: Micheal Reed, 42 1ststreet south

Motion 1:

Be it resolved that all currently identified and duly recorded 2026 CLCA members will be afforded Full Membership within the newly Incorporated non-Profit organization registered under the name of the Old Campground Cabin Association Inc. (OCCA) for the remainder of the present 2026 season. Be it further resolved that all assets and liabilities of the predecessor CLCA will be assumed by the OCCA 

effective on July 4, 2026.

Discussion:

  • Why does this expire and end ‘at the 2026 season’? 

    • This current motion is an interim arrangement until the Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

    • At the AGM, we will need to re-do a similar motion and elect the ‘new’ board at the AGM.

  • How many members are there?

    • Before this meeting it was 179 paid members

    • More members registered this morning, do not have the total yet

  • What does full membership mean? 

    • If anyone pays for a membership (currently $10/year) they become a full member

  • Do we not only have motions at the AGM? In the past, motions are usually only at AGM (Lytle 31 5th street north)

    • Constitution allows for motions at special general meetings (which this is)

    • Again – this motion is only for now until the AGM. We need this motion to operate until the AGM. 

    • At the AGM we will have votes on the board etc.

    • We need to bridge the gap and have temporary board

Vote Called – In Favour (all) Against (none) MOTION CARRIED Unanimously

Motion 2 Summary:

This motion is about ensuring stable leadership while transitioning to the new incorporated organization, while still respecting existing term limits.

In plain terms, it does three things:

• Appoints the current board as an interim board so the organization can continue operating without interruption.

• Confirms that directors with terms running to 2027 will stay in place, while positions with terms ending in 2026 will be open for election at the Fall AGM.

• Sets the Fall 2026 AGM as the point where members formally elect directors for any positions whose terms are ending.

Simple way to think about it:  

It keeps the current board running things during the transition, but still allows members to vote on any positions that are due for renewal this year.

Rick Grimshaw Motions the following, Christian Robin seconds,

Motion 2:

Be it resolved that the identified members of the CLCA Board of Directors, each holding a valid 2026 Full Membership and having agreed to continue serving, are hereby appointed as the Interim Board of Directors of the Old Campground Cabin Association Inc. (OCCA).

Be it further resolved that each Director shall continue in their previously assigned roles, responsibilities, and established terms of office. Directors whose terms extend to September 2027 shall remain in office for the duration of their terms, while Directors whose terms expire in 2026 shall be subject to election at the Fall 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Be it further resolved that the Interim Board of Directors shall govern the affairs of the Association until the Fall 2026 AGM, at which time the membership shall elect Directors for those positions whose terms are expiring.

Vote Called – In Favour (a))  Against (none) CARRIED Unanimously

6-Treasurer’s Report (Dan Leitch)

See the report as circulated, there is a handout at front desk as well. 

Started the year with ~11k. Had ~1.7k in income before today (our fees), but more this morning as people signed up. As of yesterday, we were at a balance of more than $12k.

Expenses are as listed. 

Many of the costs listed were one-time transition costs. 

Questions/Discussion

  • (note we sent an insert with the park fee forms this year) 

  • Jill Lee noted that the insert means people should be aware that ‘if you want on the email list, pay your $10.00). 

7-Membership Report (Michael Hance)

As of yesterday it was 179, we now are at 215 paid cabins (members).

8-Report from Parks Canada Representatives 

Tom Sheldon, Field Unit Superintendent 

  • Tom’s Background: grew up in St. Rose Du Lac, family has been coming to Clear Lake since 1950’s, extensive family connections to the town and park. Spent time and got education in Winnipeg and spent time in Northern, Eastern, and rural Canada in various positions. Decided to move with family back to St. Rose 4 years ago. Became Field Unit Superintendent approximately September 2025. 

  • Immediate priorities: re-calibrating relationships, improved communications. 

  • Want to make reasonable, evidence-based decisions, learn from those decisions, and get better over time. 

  • Note that north end of park received 6 inches of rain, and infrastructure (Lake Audy road, Boreal Trail) that was re-done due to flooding of 2022 have held up just fine. 

  • While Tom has history, knowledge of the park, he wants to learn from everyone else’s experience/knowledge (e.g.. CLCA/OCCA inputs). 

  • Park Management planning was launched October 2025. Keep in mind its not just townsite, many other towns near the park (etc Russel) have concerns that are not the same as just Wasagaming/townsite concerns. 

  • Thanks to those who filled in the online survey. A ‘hears what we heard’ document will be forthcoming. There will be a draft of a Park Management Plan will be released at that time (hopefully August).

  • Aquatic Invasive Species program: Three parts (1) monitoring results, (2) literature review of impacts of motor craft on freshwater lakes (3) consultation and engagement. 

    • More than100 meetings leading up to the decision [of 5 days a week of boating with the control program in place, time limits]. Ecological integrity, balanced with user experience. From the lit review, impacts of motor craft are largely on the shorelines. This resulted in an expanded no-wake zone. It also was requested by paddlers. Minimize user conflict. The time limits [08:30 to 20:30 for boats], this is maximum wildlife time, especially along shoreline. Also: 2 non-motorized days per week to accommodate different user-groups (not so much an ecological perspective).

    • Tom thinks not any single individual will be fully satisfied, but hopefully this is balanced and everyone can appreciate aspects of the decision from the other user’s perspective. 

    • Note that boat cove parking lot is not built for what it is currently doing (AIS program, launches, parking, etc). Please exercise patience with the staff and be careful. Any concerns, please reach out to Tom’s office. 

    • Park will evaluate and re-assess over time.

  • Trails update: Please get out and use the trails (e.g. Ominick Marsh, Boreal Trail) and enjoy the re-built trails. There is another major initiative with trials (in partnership with Northgate, Province, City of Dauphin). At least 30km of new trail. 

Jim Avram, Acting Townsite Manager

  • 2nd Street Dock: 

    • park is working on aesthetics (got rid of blue construction fence). Orange fence will stay for this season to allow the vegetation to recover. If fence is going to become permanent (not clear yet), a stronger, better looking fence will be built. 

    • Short term paddleboard/boat storage, park is open and is having discussions with the CLCA/OCCA about this. Open to solutions, discussions are ongoing. 

  • Some garbage pickup problems on the North End/Back lanes and is very had for the staff doing pickup. Many people want garbage bins farther from their cabins. Layout of garbage bins needs to change. One idea was a central depot in boat cove parking lot. Another option is to put them in the avenues and former washroom sites.No decisions yet, but please let the park know, they are open to suggestions. 

    • Re: Westman communications and fibre-optic internet to the Old Campground. 

      • In meeting last July, Westman suggested that overhead connections would be used (not-inground). 

      • Park required a proposal for this but is generally ok with it. 

      • Park has followed up 3 times with Westman, but there has been no  proposal. 

  • Park is working on a ‘community plan’. Park will seek input from stakeholders (like us). Please look for communications and opportunities to provide input. 

  • Park recognizes the desire and is interested in re-instating the Wasagaming Tenants Association [the super group of cottage/cabin/chamber of commerce] and establishing a formal relationship. 

  • Note that fuel reduction is happening throughout the townsite, and Jim encourages us to ‘fire smart’ and reduce fuel at our cabins. The Onanole fire chief has put on clinics. 

    • Park did have an expert assess that fire moving into the OC is ‘low’ because of the roads/lake surrounding the OC, plus primarily deciduous trees around the periphery. The main risk would be a fire starting inside and then spreading. 

  • The park does have a townsite evacuation plan. Start with a non-mandatory evacuation advisory, then would transition to mandatory. Would use many channels of communications: social media, then the provincial emergency phone system, and even door-to-door (eventually). 

Townsite points:

  • Doctor’s residence open Thurs/Fri Afternoons, Saturday mornings. Hoping to expand. 

  • Ominick Marsh is up and running. 

  • Washroom #3 will be renovated. 

  • South gate park entrance will be getting new siding.

Questions for Tom and Jim: 

  • Lyle Grob, 37 3rd street south. (1) Shower Building is in disrepair. (2) Concerns about pedestrians and electric bikes. (3) Request for Weekly bulletin board/list of events (suggest on the website). (4) Waste management: where can we take our yard waste? Want to avoid the garbage cans.

    • (Tom) (1) shower: Yes, shower building is on the ‘list of things to do’. Each field unit makes a capital construction/maintenance plan, this gets aggregated at the national level, then a federal group allocates the dollars. There are a lot of capital needs nationally and locally. The exact date is not something that our Park (i.e. Tom/Jim) have control over. Short answer: it in the hopper. Note that Riding Mountain budget has been cut by 5% and it will get cut again. 

    • (2) E-bikes. It’s a challenge everywhere. There is some guidance on e-bikes in the newsletter. Educational reminders will continue. Tom asks that we all do some to help. Reminders will also be sent to law enforcement. 

    • (3) Bulletin board: generally this is all generally posted on social media. Tom open to posting (maybe every couple of weeks) 

    • (Jim) (4) Waste management: previously have had a ‘slash pile’ for small waste. Have had problems with dumping stuff that is not just vegetation. This should be going – please reach out to Jim. Larger deadwood – deadwood Wednesdays is still going on once per month. 

  • Shaver: Re: fire risk, asks the park to look at the forested area that goes towards the tennis courts. Lots of dead standing and fallen trees. 

    • (Jim) Someone will do an assessment. 

  • Christian Robin: Question about new cabin owners coming in and are not in compliance with the rules. What happens when someone comes out of compliance? 

    • (Jim): Compliance is still something Park is concerned with. Park has staff are watching for compliance and is enforcing compliance with the rules. Not fair for 95% who remain in compliance. Some people are trying to out-wait the park, but they will be on it. 

    • (Tom): Personally reviewing an writing letters for people to come into compliance and letters have gone out. Park is taking it very seriously. Don’t want to give and inch and take a mile. 

  • Jill Lee: Would it be helpful for us to reach out to Westman Comms? 

    • (Rick): notes that CLCA/OCCA has already sent an official letter to Westman. Please go ahead. 

    • (Tom): Suspects that there may be a business plan problem, the return on investment may not be there. 

    • (Terry): Sent a letter last week. 

  • (No Name): Boat parking question: are we allowed to park motorized boats in the cabin area? What about the boat cove parking lot and what is the plan? 

    • (Tom): From park perspective, officially allowed. It is question of working it out between neighbors. Please be reasonable. 

    • Boat cove parking lot: rules were sent out. Don’t park overnight in the middle. Currently can park overnight on the periphery. Don’t want to go into hard enforcement, but please be respectful of other users of the lake. Park recognizes that the lot is not adequate for the 10-15 days per year the lake gets heavy boat usage. 

  • (Andy): Does the ‘no park fee’ for the past two years have any impacts on the Riding Mountain Budget. 

    • (Tom): ‘No’. 

  • Carl Adam,, #3 4th street south: (1) Can you give an idea of future water craft plan? (2) boat cove dock maintenance? (3) Question about matching Waskasew’s boat launch. 

    • (Tom): The decision was made with the intention that ‘the broad parameters are constant over time’. Part of the lit review was to make the decision durable. Expect tweaks, but broad parameters should be durable. 

      • There is a cost to the field unit (Park) of having motorcraft on the lake, and fees are being considered. 

    • (Tom): Boat cove is not ideal for the prevailing north-west winds on the lake. Park is taking a ‘big look’ at the area and considering revision for launches, parking, ramps, breakwaters. Docks are very vulnerable. Even the new lakeshore docks were damages recently. 

    • (Tom): (3) We do talk. 

  • Karen Smith, 92 3rd street south. Can we get bicycles off the Ominick Marsh. Signs exist, but are not closely visible. 

    • (Tom): Agreed there should be no bikes on the board walk portion. Signage will be reconsidered.

Jill Lee thanks Tom and Jim for coming to our meeting. 

9- Question and Answer With CLCA/OCCA Board

  • Noted a lemonade stand fundraiser for Cancer Care Manitoba, July 25th on 3rd street

  • Noted a Old Campground Cruise on the Marteese, July 30th. See Sandy *2nd street South) for tickets. 

10- Adjournment

  • Motion to Adjourn: Colin Gilmore, seconded by Dan Leitch

  • Meeting adjourned.  12:09 pm.

  • Motion passed. 

Next meeting: September 5 | 10:00AM - 12:00 PM | The Park Theatre.

Kyla Cottom https://ridgemarketing.ca