If you live in the Qualicum Woods area of Qualicum Beach, we have great news for you.  The Qualicum Woods Residents' Association has been created. The idea was the brainchild of Carol and Fred Dowe, of Hawthorne Drive. At a pot-luck party in their house the in November last year, several residents of the area showed interest in forming such an association. It will be open to people living in Qualicum Woods, the pie-shaped area of Qualicum Beach between Village Way and the old Island Highway.

For a while, we will remain in the ad hoc stage, until we can select a president and
treasurer and other officials. Several issues were discussed at the meeting, and we all felt something important has been achieved. As always, in a organizational effort like this, thanks must be given.

Thanks to Carol and Fred Dowe, for opening their home to us, and getting the ball rolling. Also, to Lynn Johnson for taking minutes of the meeting. I have included her report on the second page of this newsletter. Thanks also to the telephone volunteers: Lynne, Francis, Mary and Nanea. Wolf  Christiansen. and myself will be running this blog, to keep you all posted. There are also plans for a monthly newsletter.
Item 5 -- Emergency Preparedness
There was limited time to discuss this item, general discussion supported further action and need for residents to support each other.

Next steps -- invite Rob Darman to give a presentation at the February meeting.
Lynne Johnson
562 Aspen Avenue
Qualicum Beach
V9K 1A6

For everyone's information, I have added the minutes of the first meeting, as composed by Lynn Johnson.
The following notes document discussions regarding forming a Qualicum Woods Residents' Association and issues of concern to those attending the meeting. The informal meeting was held at the home of Carol and Fred Dowe on November 22, 2014. The work of Roy Kleibil and his wife in addressing safety concerns including paving Qualicum Road was noted.

Item 1 -- Qualicum Woods Residents' Association
Two options were discussed -- creating a formal association through provincial regulations for non-profit associations with executive positions or operating as a free lance group. Given the advantages of a formal association -- more clout with Council, opportunities to speak to Council with a stronger voice and funding on issues such as safety/road repairs, increased likelihood of
receiving detailed information from Council, providing a more democratic forum for all residents of Qualicum Woods to become involved and join -- this option was endorsed by meeting participants. Yearly membership fees of $10.00 were endorsed. Also agreed to include Evergreen residents as this area is an extension of Qualicum Woods.

Next steps - - communicate with residents of Qualicum Woods to provide an overview of this meeting and to inform of the next meeting to be scheduled likely in February 2015. Location and date to be determined. Carol to provide lists of Qualicum Woods residents to following volunteers who make the phone calls -- Mary for Evergreen residents, Francis and Lynne.

Item 2 -- Entrance sign to Qualicum Woods
Initial discussions have been held with Daniel (instructor with KSS) , residents association to provide materials, students will create signage at a cost of $150.00 -- $200 and the town will install sign. There was general discussion on font size and design, a preference to have a sign in keeping with the history of Qualicum Woods.

Next steps -- Wolf agreed to design a mock up of a potential sign and forward to meeting participants for feedback. Trevor to put a temporary plywood sign in location to assess effectiveness of signage. Betsy to send an email regarding the possibility of a second sign located on the Old Island Highway.

Item 3 -- Intersection at Qualicum and Village Way
While a roundabout has been recommended, it is unlikely to be installed in the near future. Given the immediate safety issues, the following options were endorsed. A flashing light at the intersection, a lined crosswalk, improve the line of sight by removing obstructing trees, improve the street sign so that it is legible to traffic coming from both North and South, move the bus stop to the West side of Village Way.

Item 4 -- Truck Traffic on Qualicum Road
Safety issues discussed including increased truck traffic, trucks carrying hazardous materials.

Next steps -- Charlene Fisher to document specific concerns and Wolf to take photos for submission to Council.

250-752-8081

I hope this will be the beginning of something beneficial and of interest to everyone living in the area!

Hendrik Witmans
Blog coordinator