NHAABC Conference 2011 Nanaimo BC
The 14th annual Harbour Authority Association of BC Conference and AGM was held from January 18 to 21 at the beautiful new Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. The conference was well attended and response to both the venue and presentations was enthusiastic.
The conference theme was:
Myths, Misconceptions and Realities, Planning for success in Uncertain Times.
The theme was well supported by the speakers and information sessions.
The conference started with a meet and greet reception, we were entertained by the Wellington High School Jazz Ensemble and were treated to some sumptuous appetizers supplied by the Conference Centre catering staff.
The next morning started off bright and early. After introductions from Art Childs and Janet Rooke we got into the meat of the agenda.
Alec Finnsson of Mission Harbour took the stage. Alec gave a brief presentation on the progress that Mission HA has made in the last few years.
Ken Smith of SCH spoke about the success of the Economic Action Plan for SCH and the plans for the future. Collaborative planning and connecting with HA Boards are tops on the list. SCH achievement awards were presented to:
Lorraine Williams: Individual Commitment
Ladner Harbour Authority: Harbour Authority Achievement
Tsehum Harbour Authority: HA Environmental Stewardship Award
HAs from the South Island, Mid Island, and North Island gave harbour updates during the first Ports of Call session. HAs have clearly been busy with EAP project implementation.
Paul A. Michaud, an accountant from North Vancouver, spoke about the importance of the board. The board’s role is to give direction to the harbour. Policies, plans and budgets are some of the most important issues the board must pay attention to. In addition, they ensure the right people are hired to run the day-to-day operation of the HA. Paul supported his presentation with a great handout.
Vahid Kahnamelli, Acting Regional Engineer and his team gave an overview of project planning, allowing for questions from the audience.
Ben Mabbereley gave an update on the HAC insurance plan, paid volunteers working at your harbour are now covered under the plan.
The AGM rounded out the day. Three new directors were elected; Alec Finnsson, Lower Mainland; Eric Gregory, North Island; and Lutz Budde, North Coast.
Day 2 began with an electronic survey and this continued periodically throughout the day. The information gleaned from the survey helps the HAABC and SCH make plans for the future.
Shelly Chapelski from the law firmBull Housser Tupper, was joined this year by Kaitlin McKinnon also from BHT. They spoke about derelict and delinquent vessels and offered some strategies and solutions.
Mario Govorchin’s workshop on ‘Challenging Conversations’ was both entertaining and informative. After lunch the North Coast, Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland harbours had their opportunity to give updates during the final session of the Ports of Call.
This was followed by a breakout session; ‘Harbour Admin and You’ was facilitated by Dave Garrett. This café style brainstorming workshop focused on developing systems in your organization. Robin Richardson and Mike Doutaz gave an excellent session for directors outlining the process for undertaking projects in Harbours.
A fabulous banquet featuring Wild BC Sockeye was followed by some special entertainment. Joe Jewell, harbour manager at Des Moines Washington provided a Frank Sinatra review that was highly entertaining. Chris Lougheed of Ladner HA won the raffle prize, a painting by Campbell River artist Dan Telosky. Bruce Haynes won the 50/50 draw.
The final day of the conference began with David Mailloux of Nanaimo Port Authority introducing the concept of forming a partnership between the HAABC and Tourism BC to market the Marine Sector. Henry Helin, from Western Canada Marine Response, shared his experience working on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the devastation that occurred and the challenges faced.
The group divided into their zones for a round of zone meetings to close the conference.
If your harbour did not attend the 2011 conference, you may want to start to plan now to attend next year. It is truly a great forum to learn and share. For either HA directors or HA staff the conference will rebuild your interest in your HA.
New Fisheries Minister Announced May 18, 2011
New Brunswick Member of Parliament Keith Ashfield has been appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
Minister Ashfield, first elected to the House of Commons in 2008 for the federal riding of Fredericton, has previously served in Cabinet as Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
Prior to his election to Parliament, Minister Ashfield served in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. He was provincial Minister of Natural Resources from 2003 to 2006, and served as Deputy Speaker of the Legislature from 1999 to 2003.
Minister Ashfield studied business administration at the University of New Brunswick.
He lives in Lincoln, New Brunswick and is married with two children.
Dave Thorne Memorial Bench
A Memorial Bench for Dave Thorne has been erected on the boardwalk at Steveston Harbour. If you are in Steveston, please take the time to visit the bench and pay tribute to this inspirational man. He would be so proud and pleased with the progress the HAABC has made in the 2 years since his passing.
