As the situation continues to evolve with COVID-19, CBLCA is starting to plan our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). At its September meeting, the Executive will discuss potential options, from using the now-familiar Zoom online platform to staging an outdoor event. The AGM is typically held in October or November, and this year we need to start the planning conversations early.
CBLCA plays a variety of roles in the community. We are responsible for managing and booking activities at Maki House. We typically hold two community events a year — Wheel Day and Winter Carnival — and help residents organize street parties.
It’s not all fun and games: we advocate for the community in dealings with developers, the City, and other levels of government. Remember the Transitway maintenance facility or the Ministry of Transportation patrol yard proposed for Moodie Drive? CBLCA mobilized the community and, together, we stopped those developments. We can only mobilize in these ways if residents get involved with CBLCA. You can do that by volunteering for the Executive, joining a committee, or helping out at one of our events.
At the AGM, we will have our elections for CBLCA’s executive. It is important to have a good mix of new people (to ensure our long-term viability) and experienced members for their “corporate knowledge.” Please consider putting your name in the hat. Whether you have no experience in community organizations or are a seasoned pro, we need you! We are a dynamic group of all ages and backgrounds, and while we don’t always agree (and that’s not a bad thing), we always act in the best interests of the community.
The only criteria are that you live in our community, are open to good faith discussions, are willing to express your opinion, and can spare a little personal time for the greater good. Please take a look at our About Us page for more information about the various positions.
At the time of publishing this post, we are unsure which positions will be open. But we do know that we’ll need a Communications Chair, as our current chair has decided to pursue other volunteering options (resounding thanks to Emma for all her hard work over the years!). While experience would be an asset in this role, don’t let that stop you if you don’t have it! There will also be at least one Zone rep position available and possibly one or two more positions.
Joining CBLCA is a great way to get to know people in the neighbourhood. It’s a rewarding experience; getting to know the members of the Executive, meeting residents at events, and working with various levels of government on issues that matter to all of us. Communities with strong social ties among residents report less crime and are more enjoyable places to live. A vibrant and effective community association is an essential asset for every healthy neighbourhood, so help make sure CBLCA is just that.
If you want to get involved or want a little more information contact us at CBLCApresident@gmail.com.
If I remember well, the bylaw required the AGM to be held before Halloween and required the organisation be dissolved if this did not happen. So I recommend a first attempt at an AGM (with quorum) a the end of September and failing that, a second attempt the 3rd week of october. The AGM was also the occasion for folks to buy their membership.
Hi there – there is no bylaw governing community associations, but our constitution states the AGM is to be held “in the fall.” We also no longer collect membership fees. As with other community associations, all residents are members by virtue of living on our community.