Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce

June 11, 2008

Present:  Betty Paul, Gord Tomte, Lynne Tonita, John Kirinic, Tanis Downey, John VanWeber, Bruce McPhail, Sharron Easson,
 Marv Garriott, Jason Spicer, Deidre Spicer, 
Rachael Roulston, Pat Lothrop, Maryanne Jespersen, Jim Lawton, Carney Zukowski-Young, Christine
 Waddell, and Barb Froud



John introduced the executive



Financial Report - Jim reported that we have $7910

We recently did a full page ad in the Gateway Gazette for Discovery Days including
All members.

John reported that we have had a 50% increase in membership from start of year.



Signage - Tanis reported that her and John attended the council meeting 
Presentation to Black Diamond Council as below:

The signage committee has had an opportunity to examine the endless issue revolving around the varied needs associated with "signage" in the community.
 We feel this debate has resulted in an "impasse" when it comes to developing a favorable outcome for parties directly affected by this issue.



 As a Chamber, we have viewed this issue from both sides, one of council and the as representatives of business community. Through our efforts
 over the past six months, the signage committee has narrowed down the issues which are pivotal in the resolution of this debate.



The committee has identified the following as three keys issues requiring remedy;



Store Front Signage: VISIBILITY due to strategic placement conforming to          bylaw.



A-Boards / Sandwich boards: VISIBILITY due to strategic placement conforming to bylaw.



Compliance with bylaws: A process ensuring conformity and adherence to set bylaws resulting from this joint effort to resolve this matter.




We are fortunate to uphold a designation as a "historic" community and as a result, extra measures should be considered when designing a signage
 policy. We have been fortunate to discover Fort Langley, BC, has signage challenges which are similar to the "Diamond Valley" area. "Fort Langley's" By-law's
 will mesh in many ways but do need some refinement to meet the needs of the Black Diamond Business Community and area.

 

The committee has referenced sections from the Fort Langley bylaws as they are relevant to this issue and are as follows;



4.2.11 Free Standing Signs (Sandwich Boards?).
 
4.2.12 Temporary Signage.

4.3. Non-conforming signage.
 
4.5.2 Size and strategic placement.

**** In addition: Compliance and remedy.



The Fort Langley Bylaws may be referenced as requested.




The vision of the committee is sincere and incorporates the need to seek uniformity, inclusion, fairness and compliance.  As it stands,
 the greatest obstacle which must be overcome is the inability of both sides to expend the "extraordinary ambition" to resolve this matter expediently.
 We do not state this to create conflict but rather identify the underlying problem which obstructs any form of resolution.



This said, we have the following recommendations;

1.	Projecting signage of a tasteful and non-obstructive manner. Style, size and position to be approved by the town of Black Diamond.
  Size of projecting sign to be visible to all traffic going east - west bound & / or north / south bound.  Size to be same for all buildings
 not based on the size of the building.


2.	A boards (or sandwich boards) that can be placed so as to attract and guide customers to the various services provided in Black Diamond.
 Position, size and regulation of hours to be approved by the town of Black Diamond.

3.	Locations within the community which may designated as "Open Advertising" spaces incorporating less restrictive bylaws. This "zone"
 would serve as a venue in which to market the community, businesses and/or private interests.

4.	An EFFECTIVE and CONSISTENT means of enforcing compliance to the policies derived from this effort. It is incumbent upon all
 parties to adhere to this effort and abide equally to the "spirit" and the "letter" of this revised bylaw.   


In closing, the members of the committee are confident the proposed solutions are reasonable and attainable. It is imperative we all approach
 this project with sincerity and an ambition to break away from our separate agendas and work in a manner worthy of a community effort.

 

It has been a privilege to present this to council.



Black Diamond Council will be setting up a meeting with their planner and us.

Presenting to Turner Valley Council next Monday evening.



Position Papers - prepare - distribute at meeting - members have for one month - then publish.



Art Walk - things are coming together.  John is covering the insurance for the Flare n Derrick for the Art in the Park event.
  Business list has been compiled.  Business registration has been sent out via email to the membership.  Legion will be doing a Beer Garden and Food at the Flare n Derrick.
  Looking at getting entertainment for the Art in the Park event.  Eva Levesque has started a jam at the Legion on Saturday, look at holding in the park for that day.
  Jan from Skyline Design will be working on the brochure that they are hoping to give out at the Millarville Market prior to event.
  Business Registration deadline is June 15th.  Insurance on Art to be covered by the Artist.



Visitor Center - John  has visited with Talisman, they are unable to help out at this level but invited us to send in a proposal to head office.
  Town of Turner Valley willing to give
The space at the Flare n Derrick along with electrical and washroom facilities.

Looking at a P3 partnership to get a building put up.  This year look at July to September long weekend.  Need to talk
 to seniors to see if they are interested in manning the
Center.  Betty Paul has offered a 18' trailer to be
 used to get us started this year.  Chamber would need to cover the insurance, repairs and maintenance and hire someone for $10/hour.  Need to
 put up some kind of sign to recognize the trailer donor.

Moved by John and seconded by Pat that we approach the total membership to see if they are willing to look a visitor center this year for no
 more than $3500  , carried.
Jim to put a budget together.  Once the request goes out to membership no response me acceptance.

 

TDR Brochure - John has met with Shane Olson - Okotoks EDC Specialist.

Looking at 100% funding from TDR (Tourist Destination Region).  Okotoks is eagar
To get this done.  Brochure to be inserted
 in The Calgary Herald, The Calgary Sun, Okotoks Western Wheel, Gateway Gazette and possibly the Regional.

Okotoks, Millarville, Longview, Turner Valley and Black Diamond to be showcased.

Need good pictures of the communities.  Contest to bring them to the website for tracking purposes.  To be done for just after the Stampede.
 Pat suggests that we ask Jan to be on doing the layout.



1st Annual Rock & Roll Classic - July 20th, Marv Garriott at Marv's Soda Shop for more
Information will be promoted through Sun Country.



Meeting Adjourned

Next Meeting September 10, 2008

Tentatively Flare n Derrick, Turner Valley