Following the traditional administrative protocols required by the Society’s by-laws, a number of topics were discussed that are outlined in this summary.
The membership year of the Society was discussed at the 2nd, annual meeting in 2015. This year, motions to have the regular membership fee reduced from $50 to $30 per year and to have the membership year coincide with the calendar year, passed. While on the topic of membership, if a person joins, or pays membership dues using the PayPal method on the WSU website, the membership is considered a subscription and will be renewed annually. However, the site gives the person paying the membership the option to by-pass that selection.
Our treasurer, Joel Robinson, presented an audited financial statement that was approved by a membership vote. Joel commented that despite WSU being in existence for only three years we have been successful in raising $220, 000 for specific project operations. He was commended, by the membership, for his outstanding work as he has been instrumental in obtaining over 98% of those funds. Well done Joel.
David Cameron and Geoff Nishi of the Inverness South Angler’s Association, an affiliate of WSU, presented a brief report on the remediation work currently underway on the Graham’s river. This work, partially funded by WSU, will make the river habitat more acceptable to the introduction of smolt, later. Both thanked WSU for its support.
Clifford Boudreau of the Richmond Wildlife Association, another affiliate of WSU, gave a brief overview of the work currently underway on the Grand River. Clifford has worked diligently to get a program started on that river and he is now confident that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are willing to work with him and his group to make things happen. Many thanks go to Clifford for his work. It has been a struggle; good work Clifford.
Lowell Weir, our fund raising chair, informed the group that he is in talks with three major corporations to garner their support for our cause and is optimistic we will see some action in the very near future. He extended a thank you to Joel Robinson for his fund raising work.
A new Board of Directors was elected. They held their first meeting immediately after the AGM and elected a new executive. The names of both Board and Executive members are listed on this website under “Board and Advisors.”
Overall, it has been a successful year for WSU. We have received Charitable Status from the Canadian Revenue Agency, raised a considerable amount of money, got two affiliate projects underway and finally got an update to our website completed.
Immediately after the meeting, draws were made for two Pieroway salmon rods. The winners were Gordon Olford and Greg Lovely. Mr. Lovely donated his rod back to WSU for use as a future fundraiser. WSU and its members thank Mr. Lovely for his generosity.
Winners of four door prizes were then announced. Geoff Nishi, of the Inverness South Angler’s Association, won a fishing related poster donated by Peter Hill. Lowell Weir won a book titled, “Salmon People,” by author and WSU inaugural annual meeting speaker, Hugh McKervill. The book was donated by P.J.Wall. Greg Lovely was lucky twice in one day as he won the one-night accommodations for two at the “Salmon Pool Inn,” donated by Bob Shortt. Finally, Freddie Burns of Margaree, won the beautiful Larchwood cutting board donated by Larchwood Enterprises of Margaree.
We are very grateful to those who donate door prizes for our AGM. Equally so, to our long-time supporter, Geoff Pieroway President of the Pieroway Rod Company, who donated the two salmon rods for our ticket draw.