Home »
MCA celebrates 10 years of accomplishments
On Sunday, June 26, about 80 people gathered at Cherry Creek Falls Park to celebrate the 10 year history of the Meadowbrook Community Association (MCA).
The weather finally turned sunny and warm, and the falls were predictably, magnificent.
Some attendees like Margaret Mayes, the initial discoverer of the plans for a quarry on this site, recalled the community’s opposition and savoured the beautiful park that now exists.
Others, like long-term MCA members, Dale and Ivan Mather, seemed to appreciate the chance, once again, to engage with friends and neighbours.
The celebration was designed to be a drop in event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., but many attendees spent the entire time relaxing and visiting.
Our invited dignitaries, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok, Regional District of East Kootenay Board Vice Chair and Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok, and City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick and wife Bev stayed for most of the three hours enjoying the festivities and the people.
The moment was a special one for Doug and MCA President Bob Johnstone.
When Doug was merely a wannabe MLA, they worked closely for more than 18 months to oppose the quarry at Cherry Creek Falls, and with the help of East Kootenay MLA and former Minister of Mines Bill Bennett, to navigate the process of removing the claim from the mineral tenure system. It was the beginning of a relationship that has since enabled the MCA to successfully advocate for control of invasive plants, highway safety, access around Cherry Pit, and safer, more responsible land use.
The celebration was organized by the MCA and funded through a Columbia Basin Trust Sponsorship Grant. Just another example of the contribution that the CBT, this unique entity, makes throughout the Basin. MCA truly appreciates the financial and other support CBT has provided for so many of our initiatives.
The event included displays about MCA efforts during the last decade to achieve its Constitutional Purpose: “To preserve and enhance the Meadowbrook and Woods Corner areas for residents and other recreational users” and our plans for current and potential initiatives.
The first display traced the intense campaign that was required to stop the quarry that would have prevented future public access to Cherry Creek Falls.
September 2011
Resident Margaret Mayes questions someone flagging trees near the Falls. She discovers a quarry is planned for the area that would eliminate public access.
September 2011 to April 2012
Citizens have been protesting for six months with no success. A group of community members meets at Don and Marjory Fabro’s, decides to form an incorporated society, and elects the MCA’s first board of directors.
June 2012
The MCA organizes a Save the Falls Picnic. More than 200 people attend. The campaign gains momentum.
September 2012
A public meeting is held to consider this proposal:
if the MCA provides compensation, the owner will forfeit the claim, the province will remove the claim from the mineral tenure system, and the RDEK will create a Park.
The response is a resounding “YES”. That evening $8,000 in pledges kicked off MCA’s fund-raising efforts.
September 2012 to March 2013
In less than 6 months, the MCA raises $55,000 and reaches an agreement in which the tenure holder forfeits the claim and the Province removes it from the mineral tenure system.
March 15, 2013
The Gold Commissioner for BC notifies the MCA that the claim of 420+ acres has been removed permanently from the mineral tenure system.
RDEK Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter, had been a staunch opponent of the quarry. She also became an advocate for creating a regional park. With her support, the process of creating the park became and has remained a collaborative venture. RDEK and MCA representatives continue to meet annually and to contact each other as needed to review and address issues involving the use, maintenance and development of the park.
McGinty Lake Interpretive Forest
The creation of McGinty Lake Interpretive Forest also required numerous steps and a designation by a provincial authority. In addition, the MCA had to enter into a Recreation Sites and Trails Agreement with the Province so the association could maintain the trails.
On May 28, 2014, a group of key stakeholders met to assess the current situation with McGinty Lake. Those in attendance supported undertaking an initiative to protect and enhance the area with MCA leading the project.
To protect the riparian zone and improve the area for agriculture and recreation, MCA developed a plan for re-fencing the entire lake. Once the plan was approved by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD). MCA applied for and received a grant from the Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program (GREP). The GREP funds plus in-kind contributions from MCA and MFLNRORD enabled the entire lake to be re-fenced.
To ensure the recreational value of the McGinty Lake area was officially recognized, the MCA successful in getting the province to designate it as an Interpretive Forest. The MCA also signed a Recreation Sites and Trails agreement with the province. It authorizes the MCA to maintain the trails, provides liability insurance for volunteers doing maintenance, and gives MCA status as an organization to be consulted about any proposed land use in the area.
With surplus MFLNRORD infrastructure, funds from several grantors, and generous donations from individual members, MCA’s dedicated volunteers were able to install and continue to maintain amenities and signage that enhance access and enjoyment for visitors.
The MCA also erected a bench to recognize the Howe family’s stewardship of McGinty Lake.
Each year MCA raises the funds and contracts with Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook to deliver this educational program to elementary students in Kimberley area schools. The program is based on the BC curriculum for each grade. Students participate in pre and post field trip activities, but the highlight is their annual full or half day hands-on experience at McGinty Lake or Cherry Creek Falls.
Attendees were invited to share their feedback on the MCA’s performance during its first 10 years and provide their thoughts about current and future initiatives. But by the end of the day, no one had, and the chart paper was blank!
Nevertheless, several took the time in person to express their appreciation for MCA’s work and support for the initiatives being contemplated. Some even identified other groups who might assist our future efforts. Thank you for your interest in helping us strive for success.
The MCA wishes to thank everyone who joined in our 10th anniversary celebration. The past 2.5 years have been challenging and stressful, and at times have not brought out the best in all of us. It was enjoyable and encouraging to see happy faces and feel the positive vibes.
Sincere thanks to our suppliers, donators and funder. A special shout out to all the volunteers who made the event a success. And much appreciation to the directors and other members, past and present whose vision, passion and dedication over the last decade helped to make our community association what it is today.
Meadowbrook Community Association photos
Meadowbrook Community Association
