The OGCS Newsletter has a new look for 2020. Many thanks to Paul Hundal for all his work on this.
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the 1990 Golf Course Referendum, the newsletter includes coverage of a special publication from Paul Hundal on the story behind the referendum. Paul was a key player in the opposition to the golf course and chronicles the actions that led to the protection and creation of the Old Growth Conservancy.
The newsletter also covers adapting the summer guided tours so they could safely be held during the pandemic and remembers a favourite OGCS Director, Hugh Hamilton, who passed away in April.
Just in time for the 30th anniversary, the story behind the 1990 Golf Course Referendum is now available here.
This is the story of a community battle to save a hidden grove of giant old-growth cedar trees up to 9 feet wide and close to a 1000 years old. The municipality that owned the land had not disclosed the existence of these trees on land they owned and tried to have them cleared for a semi-private golf course. The story reveals how the community won that battle from the personal perspective of one of the leaders of that campaign. These giants are now protected in the Old Growth Conservancy of West Vancouver and after you read this book I hope you will visit them. The book is a gift to the public that voted, in the hard fought referendum, to save these amazing natural wonders.
In light of the recent public health orders, the 30th Anniversary Celebration on Nov 22 is cancelled. Directors are monitoring the situation and will consider rescheduling the event in safer times.
The OGCS holding a Socially Distanced Celebrationin recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the 1990 Golf Course Referendum.
Join us on Sunday, November 22 at 1 PM in Parking Lot #5 to reminisce with old friends, make some new ones and celebrate West Vancouver citizens rejecting a golf course in favour of protecting old growth.
During COVID times there haven’t been many opportunities to safely bring people together. We’re fortunate to have both a reason to celebrate and a large, outdoor area with plenty of room for social distancing.
RSVP Required
Please RSVP to ogcs.wv@gmail.com including a phone number for contact tracing.
During COVID-19 crowds must be kept below 50. The event is outdoors, reducing the risk of transmission, but extra efforts are needed to keep each other safe.
People without an RSVP with a contact phone number cannot be accommodated.
Do not attend if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever over 38 degrees, coughing or respiratory issues.
Observe respiratory etiquette (cough or sneeze into tissue or elbow)
Masks are optional, but social distancing is not. Maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from people not in your household.
With any luck, there will be snow, so dress warmly. There will be cupcakes, but no beverages, so please bring something to drink.
COVID-19 Update The July tours have been cancelled. The August and September tours are accepting reservations by email.
During the COVID-19 pandemic extra efforts are made to reduce the risk of transmission. Participants must be free of any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever over 38 degrees, cough or respiratory issues. Masks are optional, but participants will be required to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres from people not in their household and to follow respiratory etiquette (cough or sneeze into tissue or elbow).
The dates for the 2020 Guided Tours have been announced. There are 6 tours of the Old Growth Conservancy and 2 tours of old-growth areas outside the Conservancy. These tours are part of the Society educational program and are free to all participants.
Sunday, July 5 – Lighthouse ParkCOVID-19 Cancellation
Mother Nature has been generous with the snow this year, so the OGCS is having a snowshoe hike through the Old Growth Conservancy on Sunday, February 2nd.
This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the better old-growth in the Conservancy without impacting the forest floor. We meet at Hi-View Lookout at 10 AM for car pooling or at 10:30 at Parking Lot #5.
The hike will last 2.5 to 3 hours. Bring some food and a beverage. Water-resistant outerwear over layered winter clothing is recommended, as are sturdy, water-resistant boots. On past hikes, footwear has varied from boots to snowshoes to crampons. Hiking or ski poles are advised.
