Villa James Shaw Committee meets for first AGM since pandemic

Villa James Shaw Committee meets for first AGM since pandemic

The Villa James Shaw committee met at the Shawville Community Lodge on Tuesday evening (May 31) for their first AGM since the start of the pandemic.

The AGM was presided over by the group’s community organizer Michel Laporte, and started off with an adoption of the minutes as well as a reading of the financial statements by treasurer Dave Gillespie. Due to a lack in fundraising opportunities revenue was much lower in 2021 than 2020, ($42,244 compared to $182,663). This, combined with the fact that the committee spent money on architectural drawings and various engineering surveys, meant they spent $94,768 more than they brought in, leaving them with a total equity of $346,679 for 2021.

President Ken Bernard then read out activities reports for both 2020 and 2021. In July 2020, the committee was informed by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the organization that they’ve partnered with to build the facility, that their application had been withdrawn since they were unable to submit certain paperwork before deadline. Bernard emphasized that the project wasn’t cancelled, just on hold until they can put together a business plan, as well as finalizing the necessary construction plans.

Speaking with CHIP 101.9 after the meeting, he explained that their two priorities at the moment would be to work with their project management consultants ROHSCO, as well as GRT-Abitibi, to come up with a business plan for the residence. The latter company has a large body of experience in constructing seniors homes. They would also need to solve a drainage issue, as they are seeking approval from Environment Quebec to divert water from the property down towards the 7th Concession.

Jane Toller was also present at the meeting and ended up joining the board of directors. Bernard said that the drainage issue was a “showstopper” and was one of the top priorities to figure out moving forward.

The full interview with Bernard is available here.