The community association was formed a few years ago to represent property owners in such issues as governance options, promoting a safe, recreational use of Mount Washington, building a public safety facility and promoting harmony and co-operation between all strata corporations, the alpine resort, business and commercial owners on the mountain as well as government regulatory bodies, chairman Al Walker said.
While the association’s focus last year was on the public safety facility, that is but one facet, Walker said. The MWCA has also dealt with transportation and road issues, snow clearing and other issues that effect the Mount Washington Community. The Association last year met with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways to deal with newly created traffic issues on Henry Road. The Board has also expressed concern about the safety of the corner of Nordic and Strathcona Parkway – a corner that board members says is “very dark and hazardous. Every single motor vehicle has difficulty navigating this corner properly and it needs to be attended to now,” according to Board minutes from November. The Association would like the Ministry to install a light or some manner of ensuring that this is a safe corner.
High on the MWCA’s agenda is the emergency services building. Last year a proposed building was narrowly turned down in a petition conducted by the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona.
However, both the MWCA and the Resort agree that at the very least, a fire hall is necessary for the owners’ protection and the Resort’s progression.
The Resort has agreed to fund another study, this time with the MWCA’s input. Ryan Thorburn arranged to have someone in the fire service help the Association assemble a needs list for a fire facility and accompanying equipment.
There will be changes this time around, the Association decided at a meeting in November. Board members will clarify who is an “elector” in any petition, and put this in writing to avoid the same confusion that occurred last year.
For more information on the community association or an update on the emergency services building, visit the new Web site at www.mwcommunity.com.