CGSAR Exec. Meeting April 22nd, 2025

In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Tom, Cory, Jackie
Safety moment: Wear sunscreen and tick repellent.
Action log: Cell phone booster- needs pole mount.
New building phase 2- mortgage approved.
NSGSAR quarterly meeting- Kevin will attend. He is requesting to be on the RPAS SOP committee.
Dr. Luke Schneider (psychologist) has online support for first responders. Is willing to come to the base
to present to the team.
Chamber of Commerce: Marketing brand free of charge. Kevin will follow up.
SARVAC national survey- link sent by Jeff by email to team, plus it’s on the web page.
Reports:
Ops: Miller lake search – stood down.
Dorts Cove search for 4 year old boy.
Rope training – continuing on Thursdays.
Tracking – 1 more section to do.
Traffic control course – 20 members completed.
Planning – Cory is now trained in SMART, has signing authority at the bank.
Cory is working on a Google workspace document with Craig. Cory would like to have permission to go
forward. It would mean moving email to gmail. Access options for members, unit leads, search
managers, exec.
Cory and Crystal attended a meeting about RTT neo nitrate replacement.
Mental Health -Tina – Resilient minds preparation continues for May 31st.
Tina is researching canine therapy.
Working on SOP for ASIST.
Documentation – SOP for command trailer set up.
WiFi- Craig will set up a guest account for users.
May 3 & 4 Dort Cove search conflicts with Litter training.
50th Anniversary Committee:
3 new members (Caitlyn Creelman, Dave Snetsinger, and Cathy Ellsworth
We have secured the Truro Legion as a venue for our event on Sept 27th
Currently getting pricing and availability on catering.
13 entries in the crest contest. April 22 is last day to send them in. Winner will
be chosen by ballot at the AGM
Documentation: Bernard, Richard, Patti and Cory.
Started a litter SOP; waiting for the litter weekend to gather all the needed

information to complete.
Still working on the command trailer setup SOP, based on comments
from Logistics, breaking it down into several SOPs (e.g., generator, hooking up
trailers, etc.
Mental health:
Delivered the online Resilient Minds through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs on Mar 24-25.
Finished the Strategic Resilience for First Responders course at the NSCC and created a resource
document to capture the information I attained during the course.
Reached out to team regarding teaching assistant for Resilient Minds workshop scheduled for May 31
and for members to self-identify interest in taking the Resilient Minds Train-the-Trainer course through
CAFC and sent information to the interested members.
Attended a Mental Health Helper Club meeting at the Portapique Community Centre on Mar 15.
Attended With a Little Help from My Friends suicide awareness and fundraising event at Julia’s Lounge
on Mar 15.
Attended the Understanding Dementia workshop at Brookfield Fire on Mar 16.
Created a Mental Health Resource Binder that may become part of a Mental Health Resource Space
at
the base.
Finished the draft Mental Health Education Planning documents for our mental health education
projects that fall under the CGSARA Mental Health Initiative: Despondency, Resiliency, Dementia,
Autism, and Mental Illness.
Started organizing guest presentations for the lost person behavior categories: dementia, autism, and
mental illness.
Created training and prepared materials for the ASIST Roleplay and ASIST in Action scheduled for
April
15 and 22.
Attended a meeting with Kevin Maclean and Luke Schneider regarding free mental health resources,
training, and therapist support through the Public Safety Personnel Network (PSPNET).
Permission to hold an event to host a discussion on the issues and concerns with using ASIST on
searches identified by mock search scenarios to help with ASIST SOP Development
Permission to have a bulletin board with pamphlet holders that is located in the base to provide
members access to information on mental health resources and services
Permission to apply for a mental health grant to cover costs of mental health activities (annual ASIST
and
Resilient Minds training, ASIST and Resilient Minds SOP Development events, annual or biannual guest
presentations for Dementia, Autism, and Mental Illness, support equipment and/or equipment training

to aid search efforts for lost person categories with mental health component, and other mental health
activities)
Discussion to decide whether to move forward and book a presentation by Luke Schneider regarding
free mental health resources, training, and therapist-supported services through the Public Safety
Personnel Network (PSPNET)
Discussion to decide whether issues identified with using CISM as per article by EMS World (leading
authority on providing expert-guided clinical, management, and regulatory content) warrants an
undertaking of further investigation of the case
Logistics:
James has agreed to be the facilities unit lead. Patricia and Karen will help.
Ground support – Need to fix the water issue with the mast, and improve wiring.
Working on back up cameras for the Dodge trucks.
Command and rescue trailers have been inspected.
The water heater for the food unit is being fixed.
Hole dug for sewer. Will need team help with in- floor heating.
The stripe on the Ford needs to be fixed.
Food unit food needs to be replenished.
Admin/Finance:
Main Account $13,552
Search Float $25,724
Capital Funds $147,362
Mental Health Project $6,810
Special Projects $5,000
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $2,485
Accounts receivable $10,000 NSPC Donation
$10,000 Sobeys Donation Funds Received
$891 Search Expense Reimbursement
$85 Not Since Moses
Notable Expenditures $2,192 McNutt Trailer (rescue trailer repairs)
$4,188 Fundy Textile (searcher gear)
$591 Atlantick
$2,052 D&D Bookkeeping
$20,518 Fyltbox (drone)
$4,275 Oakley search expenses to date.

$1,140 Traffic control course
Special Projects Roll-over account $3,375 Marine Unit
$1,625 RPAS program
EMO ID cards received
Mortgage paperwork forwarded to lawyers with insurance coverage document
New Searcher PPE received and paid for in full Website active, all members provided access .
New EMO mileage rates, forms have been updated.
Submitted Millbrook WIndturbine Community Benefit Fund Grant.
$30,000 for kitchen relocation Rockie Talkie grant submission denied.
Town of Truro providing GSAR $1000 this year.
Mileage claims for Dort’s Cove sent out.
CISM scheduled for Wed & Thurs
Recruiting brochure approve at ASE and being printed.
DJI M30T Drone ordered at Fyltbox.
Humanitarian workforce survey sent out to team.
Fundraising report: Tata brew run, Not since Moses, Truro Pride Parade.
Information:
Amanda Lynds from the Truro Middle School asked for us to come to do an exploratory with 32 students
on May 16th. We will decline.
Jackie will talk to a UCW group about SAR on May 5th.
Safety: WHMIS Training – Is it required by all team members. There is a free online course.
Maybe just MSDS is needed.
Food handlers course: 2 members should have it.
Old Business:
Web page – completed
Criminal record checks completed.
New Business:
Vehicle storage: Richie brothers have agreed.
Bi Law review:
D. Levels and descriptions.
F. Ended at ‘prescribed forms’.
Removed i.
ii.: Remove ‘interview’ and ‘applicaton’.
G: Removed.

H: Added ‘clear’ criminal record check…
I: Changed ‘he’ to ‘they’. Removed the ‘s’ after ‘cease’.
1V: Finances
C. Changed to ‘5’ business days
H. Changed to ‘them’ ( not ‘him’), and ‘their’.
M. 1.’he’ changed to ‘they’, and ‘his’ changed to ‘their’.
May 3/4 – could be Dorts Cove search. Could move the litter training to May 31st as an alternate date.
Meeting adjourned.

CGSAR Team Meeting April 29, 2025

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs

Regrets: Amy

Safety Moment:  Do tick checks. Lemongrass is said to work to prevent ticks.

Minutes: Approved.

Action log: Cell phone booster – need to finalize the install.

New searchers presented with certificates and shirts, Etc.

Jeff Horsman, Hazel Caldwell, Lucy Roberts, Patty Cooper, Agatha Kunich, Machaela O’Halloran, Chase Macawong, David Snitsinger.

Correspondence:

HGSARA Pride Parade: July 19th – open invitation to all teams. T-shirts are $11

PSP ( Professional service personnel) Luke Schneider (Psychologist) -Free  online support. He is willing to attend a Tuesday evening training session to discuss it.

SGSAR- would like more info about  RPAS. Scott will reach out to them.

Ops: 3 searches – Miller Lake (stood down), Dorts Cove  (recovery), Noel ( stood down).

Old Business:

Website is complete. All members have access.

50th Anniversary: Venue is at the Legion, Date it Sept. 27th.

Crest competition vote:  13 entries

Vehicle storage while the building is being worked on: Ritchie brothers. There will be power available.

Motion to adjourn.

Moved by:Marianne

Seconded by: Craig

Meet adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs Regrets: Amy
Safety Moment: Asking for help is necessary in workplaces and volunteer groups to prevent injury. Some
reasons for not asking for help are: fear of judgement, wasting someones time, pride, ego. Some
examples of when to ask for help in the SAR environment are: backing up a truck/trailer, lifting heavy
items, etc.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Action log: Starlink SOP is completed.
Cell phone booster – in progress. Need a pole mount to be completed.
Correspondence: HGSAR will be hosting an Eco Endurance Challenge on May 4th at Blue Mtn. Birch
Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. The cost to participate $84 per person.
Reports:
Ops: No searches. Jeff will continue rope access bi-weekly on Thursdays.
RPAS: RCMP reported that CASARA will be deployed on searches, and will also send drones on search
sites.
RPAS trained in Trenton. There were 5 flights. There is a blanket agreement for RPAS in NS parks.
NSGSAR did not sign the agreement. Letter of support from Economy Fire Brigade.
We have received a few contacts from CGSAR members for issuing financial support letters to
corporations (Michelin, Sobeys, Tim Hortons Distribution, Blaikies, and NSPC).
March 1 the RPAS Unit operated during the mock search. A firmware corruption issue grounded the unit
for the AM flight however the flight was a go for the PM and tasking completed with no issues. Was
coordinated with Debert aerodrome.
March 11 was an RPAS Unit night which involved taking Search Managers through the processes and
capabilities of the unit (Tina, Malcolm, and Kevin).
Tracker training will begin next week.
OHV: Mark N is considering a ride in the Spring.
K-9: Susan and 2 other canine trainers are scheduling training exercises. She is going to participate in a
human remains session. Also, a human remains seminar in Ontario in June.
Training: Team leader and searcher training almost completed.
Planning:
Cory and Craig met to work through the structure of Google Workspace. It will take a lot of work to get it
sorted.
2 new laptops have been set up for presentations (one in each classroom).
Starlink SOP was completed and tested during the mock search.
Working on litter training SOP.
Worked on part of the bi-laws at the exec meeting.
Developed and OPS order for the mock search, organized a training discussion night, developing a
training schedule.
50
th Anniversary committee:

Sept. 27
th
is the tentative date. Invites will be sent out on April 29
th
, awards were discussed, an MC and

volunteers will be needed. It will be held at the Legion. Caterers are being looked into.
6 crests have been received so far for the contest. Due by April 22nd.
Litter training is May 4th and 5th.
Resilient Minds: May 31st (Tentative date).
Traffic control – April 12th -21 confirmed.
Mental Health: Tina completed the Resilient Minds online delivery for the Fire Chiefs on Mar. 24
th
and

25
th
Tina sent an expression of interest to see if the team could qualify for a Facility Dog through CTFFR.
Finished an online course for the strategic resilience for First Responders course at the NSCC. The last
two day was in person retreat on Mar. 20
th
and 21
st
.

Began the process for developing a SOP for using ASIST on searches.
Two ASIST training sessions will be held on April 15th and 22nd.
Logistics:
Food unit: All food has been restocked. The vacuum sealer was purchased.
Comms: members were trained during the mock search.
Ground support: Oil changes have been done.
Masts will be rewired. Two trailers need inspections.
The Freightliner has new decals, and brakes are fixed. North Nova donated batteries.
The generator is working.
Medical unit: Restocked trauma bags. the First Aid kit in the food unit needs to be secured.
Unit 2 contents are being moved to the Freightliner.
Budget is being updated.
K-9 and Medical need budgets.
Need more MFR’s trained.
Working on SOP’s for all equipment, unit leads, logistic chiefs roles and responsibilities.
The bays will need to be emptied before construction starts.
Admin/Finance: Main account: $27,000, Search float: $30,000, Capital funds: $166,471, Mental Health:
$7,017, Special projects: $5,519
Facilities Unit description created.
Budgets were sent out for 25-26 section chiefs and leads.
HSAR and Shubie Fire requested an ARGO course. It has been deferred until we know what the ground
and equipment access will be with the construction starting.
New account signees have been completed at the bank.
Mortgage has been signed.

New ID cards are ready.
New searcher gear has been ordered (15 sets).
Website: Basically finished. Each member will have their own ID and password.
Associate Member: Tata Beer Run – June 22nd at the trail head by the Train Station Inn. Would like us
to provide medical assistance. 3 members @ 4 hours would be $450.00 Jackie confirmed with the
organizers.
Truro Pride Parade: June 28th
Not Since Moses: July 13th
Operational budgets: Unit chiefs need to complete their budgets. Jeff needs the info by mid April.
Flagship – estimate has changed to $402.5k
Information: Jackie sent the pamphlet to ASE for printing.
Tata Brew Run on June 22

nd will be used as a recruitment/information opportunity. Jackie, Tina, and

Darlene will attend.
Safety: Mark is Looking for volunteers to form a health and safety committee. It would be 1 meeting a
month.
Old Business:
Criminal record checks – 1 left.
Debert signage – confirmed.
New Business:
Vehicle storage – possibly at the church in Debert. Also at the Richie Brothers auction site.
Nomination committee for AGM needed: operations, safety, logistics are up for election. Gillian and
Crystal have volunteered.
Roundtable:
James: tracker training – for whomever is interested.
Crystal: asked for suggestions of long term members to invite to the 50th anniversary banquet.
Karen: asked how to get your SAR license plate.
Tina: Tina, Tanya and Heather went to a dementia seminar. Tina has contacted the presenter to come to
the base. Tina would like some mental health business cards. It will be added to the mental health
budget. Tina and Cory talked about giving presenters a gift as a thank you. It would be included in the
budget.
Tina would like to attend a course (Maritime Living Works Safe Talk and ASIST Trainers Conference.)
and would like to be reimbursed for travel/lodging on May 7th-9th
She asked what process would be taken for the dog therapy project if it’s approved. More information will
be brought to the next executive meeting.
Malcolm: First aid training should be available, not just the wilderness first aid. Bi-laws: lower standard for
team leads. Make it so members who are not team leaders can volunteer as unit leads,
etc. Meet adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs
Regrets: Amy, Kevin
Safety Moment (Mark): Cold stress hazards – The body needs to work harder in the cold. The dangers of
the cold are frostbite, trench foot, hypothermia. Mark talked about preventing these issues and how to
treat them.
Guests:
Paul Vickers of the RCMP visited and said he has just completed the ICS course for GSAR and is
looking forward to working with CGSAR.
Minutes of January meeting read and approved, with 1 correction: Scott would like two monitors in the
Freightliner, not two computers.
Tina (seconded) and Gillian (moved).
Action log:
Starlink SOP: almost complete
Cell phone booster – need to figure out how to install.
Correspondence: NSGSAR is requesting input on support software for RTT radios. Crystal will look into
it. The deadline is March 1st
Traffic control course: Sat. Apr. 12th – 8 hours – $1000 cost for the team.
SARVAC insurance: All members need to fill out the beneficiary form and return to Jeff.
Rope access training: Jeff will resume the training bi-weekly on Thursday evenings.
OHV: Mark N would like to organize a team ride in the Spring. Mark still needs more info from some
members who have access to an OHV.
K-9: Susan reported that training is ongoing. Land requirements: set up in Stewiacke and almost at
Dal/Ac. GPS for dogs has arrived. Susan will need to learn how to use it. Training hours should be
recorded in SMART.
Tracking (James): Working on a power point program.
RPAS (Scott): more equipment arrived: C drive to store images, monitors installed, approval was given
for using drone at any provincial park and beach. Camera on RPAS is not working.
Training: Team leader – almost finished. The mock search should complete it.
Searcher training: should be finished in the next two training evenings.
Planning (Cory): Documentation: drafted starlink SOP, NSGSARA standards guide was discussed, and
recommendations were offered, Goodle workspace is being set up by Cory and Craig. Bi-laws will be
reviewed. Parts of the bi-laws will be reviewed during executive meetings. OPS order is being done for
the mock search on March 1st.
Mental Health (Tina): preparing resilient minds training certification for fire chiefs, which will be March
24th/25th
Tina wrote a piece and provided pictures for the new recruiting pamphlet. Looked into therapy dogs for
first responders. ASIST training participants have been entered in SMART.
She attended of the in-person retreats and about half of the online community practice activities for the
Strategic Resilience for First Responders course at the NSCC.

IT: Craig suggested making a more secure network . Training computer is set up for mental health.
50th Anniversary: Crest submission due by April 22nd
Possible dates have been considered in Sept. or Oct. Venues are being looked into. VIPS will be invited.
Past search subjects could be contacted to talk at the banquet.
Logistics (Tom): Jonathan has stepped down as Facilities lead.
RPAS desk has been installed in Freightliner, LED lights for the Dodge have been purchased, and new
lightst are in the Freightliner, A quote for decal removal on Freightliner at Conway Customs.
Comms: Crystal – would like a comms course.
Medical: First aid kits are updated. One litter has been moved to the Freightliner.
Food unit: More food will need to be made after the mock search. NR Fire Hall will be asked to use their
kitchen.
Motion #1: To purchase a Food Saver plus supplies for the food unit up to $200.00
Cathy will price them and report back.
Moved by: Crystal
Seconded by: Mark M
Motion carried.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main account: $36.840
Search float: $30,000
Capital funds: $160,000
Mental health fund: $7,017
Special projects: $5,519
Scott declined to present the RPAS program to Truro council. Apparently any fund request has to go
through the grant program which is already closed.
All member ID card headshots have been entered in SMART.
Colchester municipality agreed to provide a loan guarantee for a renovation mortgage.
Information (Jackie): pamphlet cost is $285.00 plus tax ( regular $450)
Girl Guides of Truro would like us to talk to 30 9-12 year olds about what SAR does. Patty, Tanya, and
Brooklyn will do it, possibly on May 6th from 6:30-8:00
Safety (Mark M): Do we require WHIMIS training? Mark will find out.
Old Business:
Website is still being worked on.
Debert signage: We will receive a new SAR sign free of charge.
We could also have one added to the main sign by the highway. The cost would be $325 a year (regular
$650).
Motion #2: To have a CGSAR sign added by the highway at $325 per year.
Moved by: Heather

Seconded by: Tina
Motion carried.
New Business:
NR Fire has invited two people on March 15th
Truro Pride parade is June 28th
Motion to adjourn.

• In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Cory, Mark, Tina

• Regrets: Amy, Tom, Jackie

• Tina was invited to present an update on the Mental Health Unit initiatives:

• Shared her mental health course ranking rubric
• Resilient Minds Training ranked highest
• Executive agreed we should proceed with Resilient Minds
• Recommended making it highly recommended for all team members
• Trying to get 2-3 trained trainers (start with MH unit)
• Tina discussed the concept of the team getting a canine therapy dog; executive encouraged her to seek more information

• Minutes of January meeting read and approved.

• Safety Moment

• Mark talked about cold injury safety

• Action log:

• SOP for Starlink – In progress
• Cell phone booster – pole mount complete
• Fundraising replacement – nothing new
• New Building (phase 2) – loan guarantee secured
• Kevin, Cory, and Gillian read and commented on NSGSARA draft standards

• NSGSARA: Looking for member to be on a working g\roup for RTT solution longer term. Evan?

• NSGSARA: Looking for feedback on RTT and mapping software. Crystal?

• Traffic Control Course: Saturday April 12, ~ 6.5 hrs. starting at 08:30 Max 20 for $1000+tax
• SARVAC Insurance beneficiary form.  Mail to whole team – Jeff

Operations:

• Searches: No searches
• Group reports:

• Rope Access
  • Jeff has taken on responsibility for training
• RPAS
  • ROC-A course tonight
  • Blanket agreement for using RPAS in NS parks during searches in the works
• OHV
  • Mark N planning a ride / training event in the spring
• Training Report
  • Team Leader: In Progres – 4 members CO, 1 member PI – practical taskings remaining
  • New Searcher training: In progress
  • Mock search(es) Sat March 1

Planning:

• Documentation Unit
• Updated to SOP template
• Working on Draft SOP for Starlink
• Reviewed the “Standards and Operational Guide for Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue”
  • made a few comments – no major concerns
• Applied for and received a license for google workspace for CGSARA
• Working on a document to describe the structure for google workspace that will work for our team. It will be presented to the executive.
• By-Law Review – Suggest breaking the bylaws document down into smaller chunks and reviewing one chunk at each executive meeting until we are finished. Aim to be finished by the AGM in 2026.

Mental Health

• Tina has been preparing and practicing for the online delivery of Resilient Minds through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs to complete trainer certification.
• She sent the mental health resiliency course assessment for email consultation with unit.
• She sent the Summary of the Potential Mental Health Training and Supports Needs, Mental Health Initiative, Despondency Project, and Resiliency Project to the executive to bring everyone up to speed on Mental Health Unit work.
• As requested, Tina did a brief search for mental health grants that may be applicable to help fund the drone project resources/equipment and sent the information to Scott.
• Tina is registered to take a free six-day Strategic Resilience for First Responders course at the NSCC.

IT

• Craig suggests we modify the settings in the router so we have one network “CGSARA1” for all of our computers and networked gear and another “guest” network for everyones phones etc. He feels this would increase network security.
• Craig connected the generator to the modem for Internet connection (waiting for final setup to test the app)
• Setup the office computer to use wireless due to insufficient connections on current internet modem.
• Did updates on the training computers in the classroom.
• Cleaned the Training laptop for Tina to use as the Mental Health Workshops
• Update the sign in laptop so it has latest security patches
• Started looking at the Google Workspace as a new data repository and email platform

50th Anniversary committee

• Sent out an email for the crest contest. Submissions due on the 22 so people can review them before the AGM where we can vote on the winner.
• Plan to give everyone a crest at the banquet.
• Possible banquet dates September 20th or 27th or October 4th or 18th.

Logistics:

Big shout out to Mark N and James for all their work this month.

• Need to get trucks and trailers ready for searches.
• Require more drivers – spring
• Rewrote unit report document

Facilities – Jon has stepped down, looking for a replacement.

Communication – comms course for more members required.

Ground Support –

Freightliner – RPAS desk installed. Straps to secure litter installed.

Purchased set of LED lights for Dodge.

Dodge brought to dealer to repair source of engine light coming on.

Waiting on quote for Freightliner decals (Conway Customs)

Text group set up for vehicle work efforts

Updated work sheet – posted in tool room.

Medical – litter installed in Freightliner.

Finalizing moving med equip to Freightliner

Checked and updated 1^st Aid kits. Kit in Food Unit needs to secured to the wall.

Food Unit – no updates

Supplies – use the form

Admin/Finance:

Main Account                                                $36,840

Search Float                                                             $30,000

Capital Funds                                                           $160,073

Mental Health Project                                              $7,017

Special Projects                                                       $5,519

Outstanding Cheques against main funds           $318

Accounts receivable                                    $5,850

Search Invoicing

Funds Received                                                       $69,605 (Search Expense Reimbursement)

Notable Expenditures                                              $1,955                        Commercial Appraisal

$413               RPAS docking station

Special Projects Roll-over account                       $3,375                        Marine Unit

$2,144                        RPAS program

• Property Appraiser received & forwarded to Community Credit Union
• We declined to present the RPAS program to Truro, we were informed any fund request had to go through the already closed Grant program
• All member ID card headshots entered in SMART
• Colchester Municipality agreed to provide loan guarantee for a renovation mortgage
• Recruiting pamphlet has been revamped

Old Business

Hike NS membership?

Website… still in progress

Debert Business Park signage, free sign at Ventura, $325/yr for sign at McElmons Rd business park entrance

New Business

• Received North River Fire banquet invite – RSVP by Mar 1 (delegate and guest)

Banquet March 15

• Truro Pride reached out, parade on June 28th
• SMART access for whom? – Cory will be trained in smart and will keep training records up to date
• Millbrook has opening for RPAS presentation on Feb 25th

Meeting called to order at 19:06
Regrets: Amy, Jackie
Minutes of November meeting read and approved with one notation: Marine Unit budget is now listed as
“budgeted”.
Action log:
SOP for Starlink- in progress (almost completed)
Cell phone booster – need to finalize installation
New building (phase 2) – waiting on financing (Mortgage info
submitted)
Correspondence:
NSGSARA: draft standards – Kevin and Cory will review it.
Traffic control course- Truro – Possible dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 18, Mar. 10 Discounted for SAR. $75 per
person with possible onsite training with a minimum 20 participants.
Tick survey: There is an online voluntary survey. Jeff will send it by email to all members.
Monthly reports:
Ops: 1 search in December in Milford
RPAS (Scott): Presentation to the county went well. Two drone members are trained pilots, and two are in
training. There has been training on their newest equipment.
Stewiacke presentation was on Jan. 23rd

Scott requested $2000.00 There was discussion of a possible

presentation in Millbrook. Scott drafted a corporate sponsor letter.
There was a recommendation to talk to the owner of Canadian Tire and Home Hardware for drone
support. Kevin and Tom will make contact with the owners.
$250 was raised by councillor Marie Benoit for the building fund, and $250 for RPAS.
Team leader training in progress. The final training session is January 21st. Also need a Saturday search
training exercise. It could be March 1st.
Winter Survival weekend has been completed and was a success.
Rope access: Training will be deferred due to other commitments.
OHV: Mark N talked about the potential for a fun run.
Members asked about an ATV safety training course.
K-9: Susan reported that someone has offered their property in Stewiacke for air scenting. She is
requesting signed waivers.
Planning (Cory):
IT: Cory applied for a free license for Google Work Space.
Craig is working on installing SMART on the new computer in Command.
Mental health: 3 members (Tina, Tawnya, and Matt) attended the Chambers of
Commerce lunch on Nov. 12th
Nov. 17th – ASIST training completed.
Tina did a search for mental health grants. Some might be applicable for the drone project. She will pass
the info on to Scott.

She sent the summary of the potential mental health training and supports needs, mental health initiative,
despondency project, and resiliency project to the executive.
Tina will participate in a 6 day free strategic resilience for first responders course at the NSCC.
Documentation: Richard stepped down as lead. In the interim, Cory will to set up the documentation
format, and then eventually become the unit lead and involve more people. NSGSAR documentaion
processes are under review. Cory suggested sub groups to also review bi-laws. He would also like
feedback on generating a list of needed SOP’s.
50th Anniversary update: the committee met on Feb. 8th. Lack of funding is an issue. More will be known
after the county decision.
Push up Challenge- support for those lost to suicide. The team could also do 2000 steps on a hike which
could also be GPS training.
IT: There has been ongoing updating of equipment and software.
Logistics (Tom): Priorities – Freightliner: Scott would like 2 computers for the RPAS.
Gillian would like medical supplies in the freightliner.
Steve has made a form for people to add what they need in supplies.
Freightliner repairs have been completed.
Unit 2 repairs have been completed.
Generator is hooked up but not quite ready to be used. It needs a gas regulator. It will be covered under
warranty.
Training plan: Ice rescue training on Feb. 8th

at 13:00hrs

Mock search training – March 1st

at 9:00am

Medical: Straps on the litter were replaced. Equipment checked.
Thank you to the food unit team for the excellent meal on on January 11
th
as well as the Wilderness

Training weekend.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main account: $39,411 Search float: $22,169
Capital Funds: $96,678
Mental Health Project: 7,017
Special Projects: $7,189
Search invoicing: $77,900 Rafflebox: $3154
Donation – $500 (Marie Benoit)
Marine project carry over: $3,375
$2,525 – RPAS program
Crest submissions: Contest for members to create a 50th anniversary crest. Due by the April AGM. There
will be a prize of a $100 gift card for MEC.
Website: Still in progress.
Debert signage: No prices yet.
ASIST in Smart – it has been added. Kevin will ask Tina to enter the participants of the course she has
taught.
Information (Jackie): Almost finished pamphlet.
New Business:

WCB: Kevin sent a letter to the premiers office because of the WCB rejection of a reported incident. It
has recently been resolved and the case has been approved.
Ed left binders for anyone who would like one, plus photos of various events.
Meeting adjourned.

In attendance: Kevin, Tom, Jackie, Cory, Jeff

Regrets: Amy, Mark M

Minutes of November meeting read and approved.

Action log:

SOP for Starlink- in progress

Cell phone booster – need to finalize installation

Fundraising replacement – nothing new

New building (phase 2) – waiting on financing

Correspondence:

NSGSARA: draft standards – Kevin and Cory will review it.

Autism NS summit: April 10, 11 – tickets are $500 – Not this year, but It will be brought to the Mental Health Unit.

Traffic control course- Truro Jan. 27, Feb. 18, Mar. 10 – Tom will look into it regarding cost, etc.

Monthly reports:

Ops:  1 search in December in Milford

Rope access – training has been ongoing.

RPAS (Scott):  Presentation to the county went well. Two drone members are trained pilots, and two are in training.

Stewiacke presentation is on Jan. 23rd

There was a recommendation to talk to the owner of Canadian Tire and Home Hardware for drone support. Kevin and Tom will make contact with the owners.

Team leader training in progress. The final training session is January 21st. Also need a Saturday search training exercise. It could be March 1st.

Winter Survival weekend has been completed and was a success.

REMO training Jan. 11th with 5 attending.

Cory and Crystal participated in managing the lost person in Halifax. Amy was the trainer.

Planning (Cory):

IT: Cory applied for a free license for Google Work Space.

Craig is working on installing SMART on the new computer in Command.

Mental health: 3 members (Tina, Tawnya, and Matt)  attended the Chambers of Commerce lunch on Nov. 12th

Nov. 17th – ASIST training completed.

Tina did a search for mental health grants. Some might be applicable for the drone project. She will pass the info on to Scott.

She sent the summary of the potential mental health training and supports needs, mental health initiative, despondency project, and resiliency project to the executive.

Tina will participate in a 6 day free strategic resilience for first responders course at the NSCC.

Documentation: Richard stepped down as lead.  In the interim, Cory will  to set up the documentation format, and then eventually become the unit lead and involve more people.

50th Anniversary update: the committee will meet soon. Lack of funding is an issue. More will be known after the county decision.

Logistics (Tom):  Priorities – Freightliner: Scott would like 2 computers for the RPAS.

Gillian would like medical supplies in the freightliner.

Steve has made a form for people to add what they need in supplies.

Freightliner repairs have been completed.

Unit 2 repairs have been completed.

The Food unit supplied food for the Emergency Management Training session.

Generator is hooked up but not quite ready to be used. It needs a gas regulator. It will be covered under warranty.

Admin/Finance (Jeff):

Main account: $39,411

Search float: $22,169

Capital Funds: $96,678

Mental Health Project: 7,017

Special Projects: $7,189

Search invoicing: $77,900

Rafflebox: $3154

Donation – $500 (Marie Benoit)

Marine project carry over: $3,375

$2,525 – RPAS program

Crest submissions:  Contest for members to create a 50th anniversary crest. Due by February meeting. There will be a prize of a $100 gift card for MEC.

Website: Still in progress.

Debert signage: No prices yet.

ASIST in Smart – it has been added. Kevin will ask Tina to enter the participants of the course she has taught.

Criminal record checks: do a quarterly review.

Information (Jackie): Created a crest. Almost finished pamphlet.

New Business:

Performance improvement plan. To be initiated when a sub standard performance/behaviour occurs. Kevin will forward a sample to Cory.

WCB: Kevin sent a letter to the premiers office because of the WCB rejection of a reported incident. It has recently been resolved and the case has been approved.

Meeting adjourned.

In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Mark M, Cory, Jackie, Amy
Safety moment (Mark): Gasoline safety: Mark mentioned statistics and general info about gas usage
and dangers.
Amy suggested buying fire blankets.
Minutes of previous meeting approved.
Action log: SOP for Starlink: in progress
Cellphone booster: Finalize install – not completed
Fundraising replacement: in progress (Rafflebox)
New building (Phase 2): ongoing
Correspondence:
NSGSAR: They sent their call out procedure – Kevin went over it and found that CGSAR is following the
proper procedure.
NSGSAR Search Recovery procedure: Kevin received documents describing the proper procedure. It will
be brought to the team.
Mail delivery errors: Kevin is having trouble sending emails to certain email addresses.
WCB injury reports: WCB requires snail mail or fax.
Latest access code for ICS100 was sent out from Sherry Venoit.
Operations (Amy): There were 3 near searches (Onslow, Shubie, Rawdon).
1 call out in Truro for an 8 year old boy (he was quickly found by family before we deployed).
TMR radios have all been upgraded. Confidentiality agreement has to be signed.
Mock search was well attended.
CISM session held re: Kruger search.
RPAS (Scott): updated the presentation for the County on Jan. 7th
MLPI: Nov. 23rd and 24th and Dec. 7&8th – Cory and Crystal (Amy as instructor).
LPB – Nov. 30th -Dec. 1st (Amy and Kevin as instructors).
Team leader and Searcher courses are in progress.
ASIST course completed ( 5 Colchester, 3 East Hants, 2 Pictou).
Planning (Cory): Update 50th Anniversary location and cost – it could be between $7000-$10,000 for
location and food. Other options will be considered. It could cost $5000 if the event was downsized. It
could be moved to the Fall to give time for fundraising and easier planning.
Will also look at a 50th anniversary crest, or updating the current crest.
Documentation: Cory met with Richard and Bernard. Starlink SOP is in the works.

Richard has been looking into Google Docs to store the documents. There is a free version for non-
profits.

Mental Health unit: Tina wrote an overview of the mental health initiative. Reviewed the goals and
objectives (the goal is to improve the mental health resiliency of the team in the face of adverse

situations to be better equipped to handle the psychological risks they may encounter during a search.
Logistics (Tom):
Crystal attended a TMR training course.
New members received Comms training during the mock search.
Comms: would like a course to be planned.
Tom would like Steve Wilcox manage the supply unit.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main Account $41,279
Search Float $2,931
Capital Funds $91,678
Mental Health Project $6,817
Special Projects $44,525
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $671
Accounts receivable $79,243 Search Invoicing
Funds Received $2,950 Search Reimbursement
$5,511 GST credit
Notable Expenditures $1,075 RPAS program tablet
$733 Searcher helmets
Special Projects Roll-over account $34,051 Generator Grant
$3,375 Marine Unit
$6,925 RPAS program
Building committee ( Kevin, James, Mark, Jeff, Cory, Malcolm): Met with Flagship
Generator: still need gas price. Tom will follow up.
Mark and Tom will check into a concrete pad for the generator.
Fundraising: $2500 in tickets sales so far.
Information (Jackie): social media posts
Will work on updating the pamphlet. Would like to remove the PLS section and add mental health info.
Jackie will talk to Tina about it.
Safety (Mark): will meet with Alana to hand over info, etc.

Old Business:
Parade of lights, and 2 parades – another call out will be done.
Debert signage: a fee is being worked on for non-profits.

Webpage: still in progress.
TMR Radios: Basic training completed.
Steve Parker – officially retired in Smart, out of Everbridge.
Starlink: keeping active. Will try it for a year. The cost is $240 per month but could be billed to the
province after searches.

New Business:
RPAS presentation is January 7th to the county.
ASIST training in SMART – Kevin will put in a request to have a role added in SMART.
There could be a Mock search in March 2025. Possibly March 8th
It was suggested that ASIST practicing should be done.
If a member doesn’t have a current criminal record check, they cannot attend a search.
Meeting adjourned.

Safety moment (Mark): Watch for deer and other wildlife.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Action log:
SOP starlink – not completed
Cell phone booster – almost finalized
Fundraising – in progress
Building committee – in progress
Correspondence:
Frostbite care: group in Ontario. Could be taught to the members. The info was sent to Mark and Gillian.
Reports:
Operations (Amy):
There were 3 Searches recently (Tarbotville, Five Islands, Margaree Centre).
Hug a tree: 20 kids in Shubie for farm safety day, and 29 kids with Tatamagouche beavers and cubs.
Kruger search- He was found and he was not actually found near his car. He was almost 2kms away.
AGM: NSGSAR has provided all safety officers with tablets.
CISM members have asked for a $2300 donation from NSGSAR for time and travel expenses.
RCMP will be holding an ICS300 course in Halifax.
RCMP is still reviewing the MOU.
There is a new insurance policy for evidence searches (WCB will cover).
NIF for shelters was denied.
Looking for new grant ideas.
Fundraising idea: Kayak or canoe poker run.
In 2023 there were 32 searches.
2024 there have been 51 so far.
Sheet Harbour would like to attend the Argo course.
Invites to other teams will be invited to the mock search on Nov. 8th
Rope access training will be starting – 7 (possibly 8) members.
CFFA meeting – ICS200 in January 25th and 26th in North River (Amy and Evan will be the trainers).
RPAS (drone) report:
Will be scheduling a unit training session once per month, and a flight training one Sunday per month.
Unit members are continuing to work at becoming certified as advanced pilots.
Scott is working on a presentation to the County on the RPAS program for financial support in purchasing
a thermal RPAS for the team.

Need to arrange for a certified Innovation, Science, and Economic development Canada examiner to test
the pilots.
Searcher training started October 15th Crystal made a schedule.
Comms (Crystal):
Crystal manned comms at the recruitment drive.
Scott has requested an ROCA course.
Dismantled the SAT phones, and did battery swap out (RTT).
Would like a comms course training session for unit members.
K-9 (Susan): attended a K-9 training session with HUSAR and Halifax SAR.
Attended two tracking training sessions in Stewiacke with a Halifax SAR member.
Had many training sessions with Rob Hearn.
Made a K-9 presentation for the recruitment drive.
Would like to use Rip in the mock search on Nov. 8th
Logistics:
Deep cycle batteries are in the Freightliner, and the lights are working. The charging system is working.
Mark N is going to fix the hood.
Facilities: John reported that there are critter issues and has set traps.
Rescue trailer has new lights, they just need to be installed.
Food unit: the damage has been fixed.
Application received from Tom G for logistics lead position.
A ground support person is needed.
Generator ordered (Samson equipment). Sorenson Electric will install.
Phase 2 upgrade quotes:
Flagship – $392K, Global $527.5K
Craig from Flagship will meet with building committee and Kevin.
There is still $79K outstanding from RCMP for searches.
Admin/Finance (Jeff): Main account: $46,325
Search float: $0
Capital funds: $9000
Mental health: $6715
Special projects: $31,000
Accounts receivable: $78,426
Argo course: Nov. 2nd and 3rd
Medical (Gillian):
Moved trauma into new pack that was recently purchased . It has chest and waist straps.

Removed 02 from both packs. Reviewing plan to replace with water/hydration system.
The thoracic warmer will be decommissioned and replaced when a replacement items is sourced.
3 members of the medical unit are registered CAWM conference in November.
Purchased a vacuum limb splint set and replacement restraints for one basket.
Planning (Cory): Recruitment drive successful, trained in Everbridge, updating calendar, 50th anniversary
committee formed. Possibly in May 2025. A presentation will be made to the County for possible financial
help.
Cory and Jeff met with the Down Town Partnership re: the Christmas parade.
Cory asked for suggestions/improvements for next years recruitment drive.
Asist Course (Nov. 16/17): 8 responses to call out. Maximum 24. If not enough sign up from our team, an
invite would go out to other teams and firefighters, EHS, CISM team, RCMP, Truro Police, etc.
Tina, Seana, and Ruth would present.
Amy will set up a CISM information session for the team. (Jan/ 7/25).
Information (Jackie):
Recruitment drive was successful. There were about 30 interested people. 3 showed up for Oct. 22nd
training.
A Tatamagouche cadet trainer (April MacKenzie) asked for a presentation and mock exercise on a
Saturday in November. It is not possible as November is a very busy month. It could happen in the
Spring.
Thank you from Tatamagouche Scouts on Messenger as well as a nice FB post.
I now have a contact name and number for a Truro News reporter for future event coverage.
Christmas parade: Nov. 24th
Parade of lights: Nov. 22nd
Debert parade: Nov. 23rd
Safety (Mark): Tarbotville search had an incident. The food unit was hit from behind by a fire fighter
volunteer.
Margaree Search: a lock had to be cut off the trailer and the lock became a projectile. Jeff bought locks
that will all use one key.
Old Business:
Webpage: being worked on.
New Business:
Hike NS: A lifetime team membership fee is $300
Legion wreaths for remembrance day: Have bought wreaths for Truro and Tatamagouche for sure. Jeff
will reach out to the other legions.
Debert business park signage: Jeff asked if there is a reduced rate for non profits.
Starlink: not easy to keep turning off and on. It was suggested to keep it going all month. It would cost
about $120 a month.
Roundtable: James will work on tracking. Ed brough Canada pins. BICO – they are charging a fee, or has
it been corrected and it’s free. Karen brought some items for people to have for their vests. Gillian – the

raffle box draw is on instagram as well. John – hearing protection needed around the generator. Craig –
needs a bracket for Starlink.
Searcher certificates: Bernadette, Kyle, Tanya, Kiera, Dawie, Ally.
Motion to adjourn.

In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Amy, Mark Mc, Cory, Jackie
Safety moment (Mark): Watch for deer and other wildlife.
Minutes of previous meeting approved.
Action log:
SOP starlink – not completed
Cell phone booster – almost finalyzed
Fundraising – in progress
Building committee – in progress
Correspondence:
Frostbite care: group in Ontario. Could be taught to the members. The info was sent to Mark and Gillian.
Emergency treatment fund:
Applications due Nov. 8/24 Determinined that it is not suitable for CGSAR.
Reports:
Operations (Amy):
There were 3 Searches recently (Tarbotville, Five Islands, Margaree Centre).
Hug a tree: 20 kids in Shubie for farm safety day, and 29 kids with Tatamagouche beavers and cubs.
AGM: NSGSAR has provided all safety officers with tablets.
Looking for grant ideas.
CISM members have asked for a $2300 donation from NSGSAR for time and travel expenses.
RCMP will be holding an ICS300 course in Halifax.
RCMP is reviewing the MOU.
There is a new insurance policy for evidence searches.
NIF for shelters was denied.
In 2023 there were 32 searches.
2024 there have been 51 so far.
Possible fundraiser idea: Canoe and Kayak poker run.
Sheet Harbour would like to attend the Argo course.
Invites to other teams will be invited to the mock search on Nov. 8th
Rope access training will be starting – 7 (possibly 8).
CFFA meeting – ICS200 in January 25th and 26th in North River.
RPAS (drone) report:
Will be scheduling a unit training session once per month, and a flight training one Sunday per month.
Ally wore the Sammy search dog costume at the halifax moosehead game.

Unit members are continuing to become certification as advanced pilots.
Working a presentation to the County on the RPAS program for financial support in purchasing a thermal
RPAS for the team.
Need to arrange for a certified Innovation, Science, and Economic development Canada examiner to test
the pilots.
Comms (Crystal):
Manned comms at the recruitment drive, Tarbotville, CB.
Dismantled the SAT phones, and did battery swap out (RTT).
Would like a comms course training session for unit members.
K-9 (Susan); attended a K-9 training session with HUSAR and Halifax SAR.
Attended two tracking training sessions in Stewiacke with a Halifax SAR member.
Had many training sessions with Rob Hearn.
Made a K-9 presentation for the recruitment drive.
Would like to use Rip in the mock search on Nov. 8th
Logistics:
Deep cycle batteries are in the Freightliner, and the lights are working. The charging system is working.
Mark N is fixing the hood.
Power bar needed for cell phone booster.
Rescue trailer has new lights.
Food unit: should be completed next week.
Application received from Tom G for logistics.
Generator ordered (Samson equipment). Sorenson Electric will install.
Phase 2 upgrade quotes:
Flagship – $392K, Global $527.5K
There is still $79K outstanding from RCMP for searches.
Admin/Finance (Jeff): Main account: $46,325
Search float: $41
Capital funds: $9855
Mental health: $6715
Special projects: $41,426
Accounts receivable: $78,426
Argo course: Nov. 2nd and 3rd
Medical (Gillian):
Updated supply lists.
3 members registered CAWM conference in November.

Planning (Cory): Recruitment drive successful, trained in Everbridge, updating calendar, 50th anniversary
committee formed. What is the budget? Possibly in May 2025
Asist Course (Nov. 16/17): 8 responses to call out. Maximum 24. If not enough sign up from our team, an
invite would go out to other teams and firefighters, EHS, CISM team, RCMP, Truro Police, etc.
Tina, Seana, and Ruth would present.
Future training: Ice rescue, Winter survival, litter training/evac.
Need to set up a CISM information session for the team. (Jan/ 7/25).
Information (Jackie):
Recruitment drive was successful. There were about 30 interested people. 11 showed up for Oct. 22nd
training.
A Tatamagouche cadet trainer (April MacKenzie) asked for a presentation and mock exercise on a
Saturday in November.
Thank you from Tatamagouche Scouts on Messenger as well as a nice FB post.
Old Business:
Webpage: being worked on.
Madonna: will make decision in Jan. 2025 – inactive until then.
New Business:
Kevin will contact Steve Parker about retirement.
Kevin – RPAS program presentation for the county. Scott has created the presentation. It should be
emailed to the council beforehand.
Hike NS: should we get a team membership. A lifetime membership fee is $300 for the team.
Legion wreaths for remembrance day: Truro and tatamagouche for sure. Jeff will reach out to the other
legions.
Debert business park signage: Jeff asked if there is a reduced rate for non profits.
Oct. 30th – Jeff and Cory will attend a Christmas parade planning meeting at 1:00pm
Starlink: not easy to keep turning off and on. It was suggested to keep it going all month. It would cost
about $120 a month.

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs
Regrets: Steve
Safety Moment: Convert your packs to Fall/Winter.
Break in your hiking boots.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.
Action log review:
Building committee (Land and floor)- still open
Fundraising option – raffle
SOP starlink: still open
Everbridge – responses are better
AGM ( NSGSAR) October 20th-22nd – Amy will attend.
NS Guard – A summary was sent to Kevin
TMR – will be swapped for end to encrypted version. Oct. 30th Debert Fire Hall. 3 drivers required for
8am
Portables – Oct. 24th at the Hilden Fire Hall
Reports:
Operations (Amy): : One call out in August to Deny’s River.
Light training due to back to school starting/end of Summer.
Rope access training will begin in October.
Searcher, and Team Leader course to start soon. Team Leader – Oct.8th, Searcher Oct. 15th
First Aid course went great on the weekend.
Lost behaviour course will be at the HSAR base November 30th/Dec. 1st (Kevin and Amy – trainers)
MLPI (managing lost person Incident ) Course at HSAR base Nov. 23rd-24th, Dec.7 th-8th – Cory (Amy
to assist training). Also, any other candidates.
Argo Training: Nov. 2nd and 3rd. Jeff will teach it. Valley, Halifax will also attend. Mark and Cory are
candidates.
Walk in our Boots (Firefighters): Oct. 6th They would like a couple of CGSAR trucks to attend.
Oct. 6th – Amy and Susan will go the HGSAR for a search dog course.
North River Oct. 12th – Openhouse for the fire dept.
Mock search – Friday Nov. 8th in the evening. Zone teams would be invited.
Planning (Cory): Completed an Ops order for the recruitment drive.
Documentation (Richard) : Bernard helped and took notes about setting up the command post to create
the SOP.
Cory has been working on ops orders for regular events.

Tuesday Oct. 1st – work date to prepare for recruitment drive.
Steve will retire from CGSAR at the end of September. A new logistics chief will be needed. An email will
be sent out to see who is interested.
John: eavestroughing has been repaired.
Tom: expedition wheel bearings have been fixed. Unit 2’s cracked manifold has been fixed.
Gillian: medical bags have been updated, along with content lists.
Cathy: freezer is stocked. There will be changes to the menu in the future.
Crystal: swapping batteries on monthly basis.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main account: $11,369
Search float: $291
Capital funds: $73,166
Mental Health fund: $6715
Special projects: $40,541
Generator grant – it needs to be used by the end of December or the money will have to be returned.
Kevin would like a committee formed to buy the generator.
Webpage: Domain has expired. It is being worked on.
Information (Jackie): Recruitment ( time has changed to 10am-2pm) – booked the “Not Your Grandmas
Kitchen” food truck, radio ad started this past Monday, porta potty ordered, advertised on FB, will send
again as a reminder.
Motion #1: Budget for food unit for recruitment for up to $300
Moved by: John
Seconded by: Tina
Motion carried.
Safety officer: Mark McMillan has offered.
Old Business:
Initiate 50th anniversary event for 2025. Cory will start the process. It will also be brought to the monthly
meeting to form a committee/chair.
New Business:
Not Since Moses run: The organizer would like to partner with CGSARA with a non profit charity
program – can raise funds for partnership so both groups would receive donations, or pledges. Next
years race is July 13th.
Wilderness conference: Gillian would like to go. Nov. 1st-3rd It is in Halifax. The cost is $380 for a SAR
volunteer.
Motion #2: For CGSAR to pay for 3 people to attend the Wilderness Conference on Nov. 1st-3rd.
Moved by: Malcolm
Moved by: Tom

Motion carried.
Goose Bay member hours: It was decided that they would get all the hours that they were there.
Ed brought some items to donate to those who need them. (back pack, etc).
Oct. 11th – Shubie – Hug a Tree presentation. Amy will go. It is from 9am-2:30
Downtown Truro Partnership – requested our services for the Christmas parade. Jeff sent them a quote
(App. $3000). Nov. 24th (Sunday).
Parade of lights is Friday evening Nov. 22nd. 3 trucks needed.
Debert Christmas parade – Nov. 23rd – They will need traffic control.
Fundraising: Committee – raffle draw plans have started. 30 donations so far ($3000 value).
Mark M suggested a sign be made for the raffle to have at the recruitment drive and Walk in Your Boots,
etc. The committee will have one made.
Round table: Malcolm is concerned about the amount of activity that is happening without much notice.
Scott thanked Amy and others about the wilderness weekend.
Amy – there will be a training night that will be a clean up night for the training area (later October).
Foodsealer for liquids would be a great for storing, rather than plastic containers. Cathy will look into it.
Meeting adjourned.

In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Amy, Jackie, Cory
Safety Moment: Preparation for the change of seasons. Switch packs to Winter items.
Correspondence: AGM- In Debert on October 19th and 20th
Safety Officer: Mark McMillan is interested. No one else offered. Mark is approved.
Reports:
Operations: One call out in August to Deny’s River.
Light training due to back to school starting/end of Summer.
Rope access training will begin in October.
Searcher, and Team Leader course to start soon. Team Leader – Oct.8th, Searcher Oct. 15th
Lost behaviour course will be at the HSAR base November 30th/Dec. 1st (Kevin and Amy – trainers)
MLPI Course at HSAR base Nov. 23rd-24th, Dec.7 th-8th – Cory (Amy to assist training). Also, any other
candidates.
Wilderness First Aid: Sept. 20th-22nd- 12 from CGSAR
Argo Training: Nov. 2nd and 3rd. Jeff will teach it. Valley, Halifax will also attend. Mark and Cory are
candidates.
Walk in our Boots (Firefighters): Oct. 6th- Jackie will contact them to see what they expect from us.
North River Oct. 12th – Openhouse for the fire dept.
Planning (Cory): Worked on Ops order for the RCMP demo – isn’t quite finished.
Working on Ops order for recruitment event.
IT: Craig tried to update SMART on the new Command laptop, but was unable to.
Documentation (Richard) : Bernard helped and took notes about setting up the command post to create
the SOP.
Recruitment: PA system: maybe rent one from Long and McQuade. Cory will call them.
Training: OHV course?
Quarterly mock search – Nov. 8th or Nov. 9th evening? Will be brought to the team.
Logistics:
Crystal – swapped batteries and charges.
Ground support (Tom): Argo work completed. Ford work complete. Unit 2 has a cracked manifold ( will be
fixed Sept. 23rd) and issue with EVAC system. Dawie is now certified as a driver with trailer. Tanya is
working on her test.
Freightliner: Need to fix the crack in the hood. Mark Nearing will be doing the repair. The deep cell
batteries need to be set up.
Food unit: Mark Nearing will get a mechanic to come to the base to check the hot water system and
awning.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main account: $11,369

Search float: $291
Capital funds: $73,166
Mental Health fund: $6715
Special projects: $40,541
Funding 24/25: $76,038
Funds received: Stewiacke $7500, Pride parade $2085, Colchester $56,000, Truro $1000, Truck pulls
$2665
Building committee: Plan for the generator – need to get info before it can be ordered. The $40,000 is
already in the bank. Kevin will look into it further.
Associate Member (Fundraising): Committee – fundraising for a basket raffle. Donations will be acquired
locally. Plus some members will donate items/services. Oct. 1st tickets sales starts and will be drawn on
Dec. 3rd.
Information (Jackie): Recruitment – booked the Not Your Grandmas Kitchen food truck, radio ad, porta
potty, advertised on FB, Will send again as a reminder.
Nasty Nuttby – Kevin the organizer will send a $150 donation.
Old Business:
Initiate 50th anniversary event. Cory will start the process. It will also be brought to the monthly meeting
to form a committee/chair.
New Business:
Not Since Moses run: The organizer would like to partner with CGSARA with a non profit charity
program – can raise funds for partnership so both groups would receive donations.
Tom F is now inactive on Everbridge. Kevin sent an email to Madonna requesting her status.
Goose Bay member hours: How many hours should the volunteers get? It was decided that they would
get all the hours that they were there.
Webpage: Domain has expired.
Downtown Truro Partnership – requested our services for the Christmas parade. Jeff sent them a quote.
Meeting adjourned.

CGSAR Team meeting July 30, 2024

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs

Regrets: Alana

Safety moment: Tick borne illnesses – Petition to make the NS government more aware of the tick illness in NS.

Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.

Action log review:

Cell phone booster – Mark M supplied a quote from his company (App. $750)

Motion #1: Motion to purchase cell phone booster up to $800

Moved by: Malcolm

Seconded by: Richard

Motion carried.

SOP for Starlink – Craig and Richard

Smart update: completed

RTT upgrade: complete

NFLD Deployment: Everyone has returned. Ruth and Bernard went.

Everbridge call outs: Lack of response. The calls need to be responded  to right away, no matter what the response is.

NS Guard meeting: Cory and Amy  reported that the organizers are looking for opinions, suggestions, thoughts. Will focus on extreme weather events. There will be basic training provided. There will be more information as more meetings are held.

NSGSAR Meeting July 25th, 2024:

Public safety and field comms: will contact each team with mobile updates.

Criminal record checks need to be done before you will be covered by WCB.

CISM teams are requesting mileage compensation from NSGSAR when requested by GSAR teams. Kevin suggested an annual donation to them by NSGSAR.

New members: some teams are entering as spontaneous volunteers – not covered by WCB.

MOU: Still waiting for draft from RCMP.

Safety: Don Moser acknowledged CGSAR for hosting the safety officer training.

Association AGM: Oct. 19/20 in Debert.

Adventure Smart: Course is available online. Contact Judy Burke if interested.

Reports:

Operations (Amy):

4 call outs occurred:  Browns Mtn, Prospect, Baddeck, Sackville.

Aug. 7th: Set up at RCMP

No regular training on Aug. 6th

Water training: Aug. 13th

Wilderness First Aid training:  Sept. 20-22

OHV (Mark)- gathering info regarding insurance, etc.

Not much training lately because of clean ups after searches, debriefing.

Planning (Cory):

Richard {documentation): would like to sit down with Cory to discuss storing the documentents .

Need an SOP for Starlink.  Added to the  action log. Richard and Craig will create it.

Cory discussed having a training plan a year in advance.

There will a new searcher training after the recruitment drive. A new Team Leaders course possiblyfor September.

Logistics:

Food unit is restocked. 6 members worked at the NR fire hall to cook, etc.

Gillian found better bags for medical for carrying in to searches. They have waist belts.

Medical was at Debert Days. A sign is needed for the medical tent.

Facilities: John cut the  grass.

Some of the gutterson the new building addition  need to be looked at as they are falling off. The price for a Genie Lift is $350 per day. Safety precautions would be followed.

The contractor will be contacted by Jeff, but hasn’t heard back yet.

Comms: Received the spare batteries for the RTT radios.

Ground support:

Rescue trailer repairs will be done. Freightliner needs deep cycle batteries. Compressor needs to be purchased for the mast.

Litter support in Argo needs to be modified. The ratchet straps loosen. Argo has been serviced, new tracks and canopy.

Admin/Finance (Jeff):

Main Account $11,369

Search Float $291

Capital Funds $73,166

Mental Health Project $6,715

Special Projects $40,541

Funding 24/25 $76,038

Outstanding Cheques against main funds $0

Accounts receivable $81,605 Search Invoicing

($10,000 est) to be submitted

Funds Received $7,500 Stewiacke funding

$2,085 Pride Parade

$56,000 Colchester Funding

$1,000 Truro Funding

$2,665 Truck Pulls

Notable Expenditures $8,280 ARGO tracks/cover/servicing

$3,763 Tax on Freightliner

Special Projects Roll-over account $40,500 Generator Grant

Operating budget: there will be a special meeting Aug. 20th to approve the budget. It will be posted in advance of the meeting.

Associate member:

Fundraising :

Raffle of gift cards – Mark McMillan – Members would ask for donations of gift cards from local businesses. The tickets could sell for $5 each.

Jeff will send out a mass email requesting that someone lead a fundraising group.

Trivia night (Gillian):

Information (Jackie):

Tina and Jackie attended the Nasty Nuttby to recruit new members. 4 contact names were acquired.

Recruitment drive. Two possible dates are Sept. 28th or Oct. 5th

Oct. 5th will be the date for the recruitment drive.

Pamphlet needs to be revamped.

Safety: Alana has resigned, so a new safety officer is required. Jeff will send out an email.

Old Business:

Website – Jeff has been in contact with the designer.

Aug. 27th potluck:  BBQ , side dishes like salads, desserts.

No guests to be brought.

Motion #2: To purchase food for the BBQ up to $300

Moved by: Evan

Seconded by: Mark

Motion carried

New Business:

Not Since Moses Run – Aug. 24th at 7:00am Assist with parking and BBQ. They will pay $1500 plus food expenses.

Food unit – Awning fabric replacement – max $500

Keurig machines – replace with coffee makers? There is a small machine not being used, at the base. Amy will check into purchasing a dual coffee maker.

Motion #3: To purchase a coffee machine for the food unit up to $250.00

Moved by: Gillian

Seconded by: Darlene

Motion carried.

Heat deflector, muffler for generator exhaust is needed.

RCMP (Bible Hill)- Aug. 7th Meet at the base for 18:00hrs for prep and transport to the RCMP station.

Mental Health community grant – deadline Aug. 15th

Motion #4: To purchase fans for searches up to $300.00

Moved by: Gillian

Seconded by: Susan

Motion carrried.

Richard will donate some canopies for searches.

Oct. 12th -North River Fire Hall open house. We can set up a table there for recruitment.

Motion to adjourn.

Meeting called to order at 1900hrs
In attendance: Kevin, Jeff, Amy, Cory, Jackie
Regrets: Alana
Everbridge: Members need to respond better to the call outs.
Safety Moment: Wear sunscreen and bugspray and be aware of the heat.
Chamber of Commerce: Aug. 14th at 11:45am at the Best Western – Governor Mary Simon will be
speaking.
Action Log:
Smart update: completed
RTT upgrade: complete
NFLD Deployment: Everyone has returned. Ruth and Bernard went.
NS Guard meeting: Cory and Amy reported that the organizers are looking for opinions, suggestions,
thoughts. Will focus on extreme weather events. There will be basic training provided. There will be more
information as more meetings are held.
NSGSAR Meeting July 25th, 2024:
Public safety and field comms: will contact each team with mobile updates.
Criminal record checks need to be done before you will be covered by WCB.
CISM teams are requesting mileage compensation from NSGSAR. Amy suggested an annual donation to
them.
New members: some teams are entering as spontaneous volunteers – not covered by WCB.
MOU: waiting for 1st draft from RCMP
Safety: Don Moser acknowledged CGSAR for hosting the safety officer training.
Association AGM: Oct. 19/20 in Debert.
Adventure Smart: Course is available online. Contact Judy Burke if interested.

Reports:
Operations (Amy):
4 call outs occurred.
ESPF- denied
OHV (Mark)- gathering info regarding insurance, etc.
Not much training lately because of clean ups after searches, debriefing.
Need to do water rescue training. Possibly Aug. 6Th? Will be brought to the team.
Planning (Cory):

Richard {documentation): would like to sit down with Cory to discuss the process.
Need an SOP for Starlink. Added to the action log.
Cory discussed having a training plan a year in advance.
Logistics: Food unit is restocked. Gillian is looking into better bags for medical for carrying in to
searches. Participated in Debert Days.
Gutters need to be looked at as they are falling off. The contractor will be contacted.
Litter support in Argo has been modified.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main Account $11,369
Search Float $291
Capital Funds $73,166
Mental Health Project $6,715
Special Projects $40,541
Funding 24/25 $76,038
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $0
Accounts receivable $81,605 Search Invoicing
($10,000 est) to be submitted
Funds Received $7,500 Stewiacke funding
$2,085 Pride Parade
$56,000 Colchester Funding
$1,000 Truro Funding
$2,665 Truck Pulls
Notable Expenditures $8,280 ARGO tracks/cover/servicing
$3,763 Tax on Freightliner
Special Projects Roll-over account $40,500 Generator Grant

Associate member:
Fundraising :
Raffle of gift cards – Sept? Mark M
Trivia night (Gillian)
Information (Jackie):
Tina and Jackie attended the Nasty Nuttby to recruit new members. 4 contact names were acquired.
Discussed the recruitment drive. Two dates will be brought to the team.
The CGSAR pamphlet will be revamped.

Old Business:
Team social – Aug. 27th Make motion to buy hamburgers, etc. then potluck. Jackie will help organize the
potluck.
50th anniversary – needs to be planned soon.
New Business:
Not Since Moses Run – Aug. 24th at 7:00am Assist with parking and BBQ
Food unit – Awning fabric replacement – max $500
Keurig machines – replace with coffee makers? There is a small machine not being used, at the base.
Will be taken to the team to purchase a dual coffee maker.
Command – Compressor for mast is needed.
Heat deflector, muffler for generator exhaust is needed.
RCMP (Bible Hill)- Aug. 7th Meet at the base for 18:00hrs for prep and transport to the RCMP station.
Mental Health community grant – deadline Aug. 15th
Rescue/comfort table – Fans, pop up canopies. Will be brought to the team.
Meeting adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs
Regrets: Amy, Steve
Safety Moment (Alana): Be aware of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Know the signs and differences.
Previous minutes approved as read.
Action log:
Cell phone booster
RTT software upgrade- in progress
SMART system download- in progress
Correspondence: Drone safety report.
ESPF grant for drone, submitted – declined
Operations (Alana, for Amy): would like to do more scenario based training.
Chapel Island search – 7 people responded. Stood down.
Would like to have Susan and her dog out for an information session. Susan explained that her dog is not
a pet, but is a working dog and should be treated accordingly.
Tracking – James will be developing some training sessions. Joe Michaels has agreed to do another
indigenous training program.
Drones – Scott reported that two addictional members joined the unit.
June 14th – at Kruger site where the water had been drained. 3 flights were done at 120 feet.
OHV – group started. A training course will be provided.
4 new safety officers have been trained.
Mock search – after searcher course is complete.
Planning (Cory): Is working on an annual training plan. Created a calendar for training for 2 months.
Unit leads could contact Cory with training ideas.
Pride Parade – helped Jeff with the planning.
IT (Craig): SMART system is being worked on, created a digital calendar, set up the ability for members
to attend meetings virtually, need to make an SOP for Starlite.
Mental Health – focus on education, offer ASIST course for team, using scenarios.
Documentation – Richard would like to meet with Kevin and Cory.
Wilderness First Aid – Sept. 20-22
Facilities – John has accepted as lead.
Ground support (Tom): Argo is going for servicing. Need registration for Hovercraft.
Medical (Gillian): Wiggy bag ( that was melted) will be used for training. Submitted budget request.
Food unit: Cathy and her team will go to the Noth River Fire Hall to replenish the stock.
Comms ( Crystal): swapped batteries. New batteries will need to be monitered. They will be used as
spares, and not left on chargers.

Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Main account – $12,782
Search float – $1031
Capital Funds- $75,026
Mental Health – $6715
Special projects – $47,991
Funding- $970
Information (Jackie): Canada Day parade info, recruiting in October.
Debert days – need parking June 29th
Aug. 3rd – Stewiacke days parade
Aug. 4th – Stewiacke Touch a Truck.
North River Fire Hall Truck Pulls- July 13th – 11am -11pm Hosted at Riverbreeze
We will take the food unit and sell pizza and beverages (supplied by NR). Profits will be split between NR
Fire and CGSAR. There will also be two 50/50 draws. Also, Friday evening to sell tickets on Friday
evening July 12th.
Safety (Alana): Alana explained the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
June 15th – hosted safety officer training.
Will look into a food handlers course.
Chain saw requirements for safety.
Old Business:
Team social and farewell to Tom- August 27th
New Business:
50 year anniversary – 2025
Not Since Moses Run – Aug. 23rd 10am-12pm Parking lot set up, and parking.
Aug. 24th 6am-12pm
Jeff will let them know that we will do it. There will be a call out.
Malcolm – asked if minutes could be read at meetings.
Gillian – Trivia night as a fundraiser?
Motion to adjourn meeting.
Moved by: Craig
Seconded by: Darlene
Meeting adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs
Regrets: Alana
Safety moment: Fire safety – make sure to check the burn map before burning. $25,000 fine.
Minutes of April meeting approved as read.
All in favour.
Action log: RTT software update – in progress.
SAT phone: public safety – phones will expire, otheriwse it’s $800 per year. Suggested to use the TMR’s.
NSGSAR: June 15- asked CGSAR to provide space for safety officer training.
No changes in grants from EMO for teams. $3000 per team as usual.
Town of Truro- Grant submitted in January – requested $10,000 plus. They paid $1000
Voice message on duty phone: Someone named Josh asked about doing show with CGSAR. Amy has
been in contact, but hasn’t heard back.
Monthly reports:
Ops (Amy): lot’s of paperwork, attended CFFA meeting. She offered services for fires in the future ( food
unit). Attended the CFFA banquet. ESPF is being worked on, Rope rescue training has begun. Mock
search will happen in the Summer.
Logistics: facilities – foot sweeper installed, but needs to be bolted. Need a unit lead for facilities.
Flagstar is meeting with James to talk about the next phase of the building addition.
Ground support (Tom) – awning is being repaired. Freightliner is being worked on. Repair days: June 9th
and 23rd ( for Argo). July will be the rescue trailer.
Food unit – has been restocked.
Comms (Crystal): RTT batteries needed. Having trouble sourcing them. Amy has a contact.
Admin/Finance: Main Account $19,150
Search Float $1,322
Capital Funds $75,026
Mental Health Project $6,715
Special Projects $47,991
Funding 24/25 $1,770
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $613
Accounts receivable $48,325 Search Invoicing
($42,000 est) Townsend Claim to be submitted
($1,000 est) Gully Lake to be submitted
Funds Received $1,770 NSGSARA 50/50 (23-24 program)
Notable Expenditures $1,360 Patterson Law
Special Projects Roll-over account $1,500 RRV Top Replacement

$5,250 RRV Track Replacement
$700 Rescue Trailer Reno
$40,500 Generator Grant
Credit card limit increased to $10,000
Riverside Speedway – offer of service has been declined for 2024 season
CGSARA Street sign has been installed at end of Ventura
Confirmed request for service from North River Fire, truck pulls, July 13
th

Registered 2024-2025 Joint Stocks
Meeting With Shawn Reynolds – RCMP – unpaid claims
NSPC meeting
Truro Funding grant reply, $1,000
Information (Jackie): July 1st Canada Day parade – registered. Starts at 10:30am
Aug. 3rd – Stewiacke Town days parade – registered. Starts at 10am
Planning: (Cory): – getting used to position, gathering information, files, etc. Has met with Tina. Will
work on a training, and event schedule. Jeff and Cory are meeting with the pride parade committee. The
parade is June 22nd. Need about 22 members.
Tina – June 15th – invited to partake in mental health appreciation dinner in Portapique. For those who
took the ASIST course.
Truck pulls (Riverbreeze Farm) – July 13th – Saturday- The roles will be food unit, servers, 50/50 tickets
sales. About 15 people are needed per shift.
No safety report.
Old Business:
Joe Michaels: 12 members helped with his clean up. Went into the sweat lodge and chatted about it.
Sign is up at the end of the road.
Website- the person who was going to work on it, did not complete the job.
New Business:
Might need a new fundraiser idea. Please bring ideas forward.
Unit alignment: The bi-law states that members need to align with 1 unit per person.
Next training night, members can talk to the different unit leads to decide which one they’d like to join.
Tom Fitzpatrick has resigned from the team. Marianne will get a card, and we will also host a social
gathering and invite him. It could be held during the last Tuesday of August instead of the team meeting.
Everyone agreed. It would be Aug. 27th
Round table discussion:
Ed asked about a refresher course for advanced first aid.

Malcolm – How will we manage the building addition with the difference between what we have in the
budget and what the cost will be. It could be mortgaged.
Crystal: A family member was inspired by our searches and is going to do a walk on the 311 to raise
awareness in support of mental health.
Meeting adjourned.

In attendance: Kevin, Steve, Amy, Jeff, Cory, Jackie
Regrets: Alana
Confidentiality agreement signed by the new executive.
No safety moment.
Minutes of previous meeting approved as read.
Action log: Marked 3 items completed
Correspondence:
SAT phones: will not be provided by the province anymore, according to Scott Fisher. A more effective
model will be used.
RTT: Version 2 software available. It will be upgraded by Craig.
Non refundable tax credit: Increased to $6000 from $3000 ( 200 hours ).
Survey: Humanitarian workforce – looking to see availability for disasters, etc. Jeff will send it to the team
by email.
Reports:
Ops (Amy): It’s been busy with searches and training.
Planning (Cory): met with Tina for guidance, read bi-laws, set up email, organized files, discussed
planning roles, will need to take the search manager training, Everbridge training, create budget, ICS 100
& 200, make training schedule.
Logistics (Steve): Building – cleaning, change lock box, moved garbage bins, purchased boot cleaners
(possibly donated), purchase requests for building – step ladder, step stools, vacuum cleaner.
Crystal would like a new keyboard for the laptop for comms, info on new batteries. Need a new comms
course taught.
Need a unit sign up list made.
Medical unit: replaced damaged kit in argo,tested AED battery, Body bag is stored in the command unit.
Would like to purchase medical seal bag. Wiggy bags are cleaned and stored. Meds have been checked.
Reviewed first aid guide.

Ground support – fixed brakes on freightliner, inspection after, worked on back door of rescue trailer, food
trailer awning repair booked at Camden welding, litter rack needs to be replaced/repaired ( need quotes),
status of white trailer? Steve suggested it be turned into a new command trailer. It will be brought to the
team. Also, ways to get interest in the Hovercraft.
Admin/Finance (Jeff): main account – $19,150, Search float – $1,322, Capital funds – $75,026, Mental
health project – $6,715, Special projects – $47,991, Funding 24/25- $1,770
Outstanding cheques against main account – $613
Searches to be submitted: Townsend-$42,000, Gully lake -$1,000
Invoiced previously – $48,325
Funds received- $1,770 (50/50) NSGSAR
Expenditures- $1,360 (Patterson Law)

Special projects roll-over account: $1,500 (RRV top replacement), $5,250 (RRV track replacement), $700
(Rescue trailer reno), $40,500 ( generator grant).
Credit card limit increased to $10,000
Riverside Speedway – Declined their offer of service.
Registered 2024-2025 – Joint stocks
Confirmed request for service from NR fire for truck pulls July 13
th,

Information (Jackie): Canada Day parade – July 1st – confirmed attendance. Will need insurance info.
Stewiacke Days parade – Aug. 3rd – confirmed with the organizer that we will attend. The theme is the
80’s
Old Business:
Building upgrade: talks happening with contractors re: upgrade and generator
New Business:
Team leads (11): all recent team leader participants should be added to SMART.
Units: Logistics- Facilities, building (James), comms (Crystal), medical (Gillian), food (Darlene), ground
support (Tom G). Unit leads need to communicate with the Logistics chief (Steve), and the team
regarding everything being done, money spent, etc.
IT (Craig) unit – will be created and placed under Planning.
Tracking (James) – under Ops.
Canine – vacant- under Ops.
Drones (Scott) – Ops.
Documentation – vacant (Tracy Munden?), under planning.
Resources – vacant, under planning.
Supply unit- vacant.
Procurement – vacant.
Mental Health unit (Tina) – will be created and placed under Planning.
Rope access (Amy) (Ops)- ropes and harnesses are going to expire in September. Could get them
inspected and use could be extended. They aren’t used often, so should they be alright.
Tom Fitzpatrick – Marianne will get a card. We will think of a gift for him.
BBQ – late August (instead of a meeting). It will be brought to the team. Invite Tom F.
50 year anniversary – 2025 (April)
CFFA meeting on May 15th – Amy will go.
Meeting adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 1900hrs
Safety Moment: Tick checks should be done regularly.
Minutes approved as read.
Moved by Crystal
Seconded by Mark
Motion carried.
New searcher certificates:
Jasan Burnham, Heather MacLeod, Alex Dillman, Karen Coveyduck, Monique Johnson, Richard
Fleming, Blake Otterson, Bernard (absent) , Luke Jacobs, Alexander?, Emma (left the team).
The deed for the property has been received by Patterson Law.
Muster point has been moved.
Tom Fitzpatrick has resigned from the team.
Municipality of Colchester. Jeff will do a presentation regarding funding.
CRA – Federal tax credit increasing to $6000.00 for volunteers.
Province of NS – NS Guard. Not many details yet. NSGSAR has had discussions with them regarding
SAR involvement.
NSP – twinning main line from NS – NB. They would like to meet to discuss the job and if we’re involved in
any way.
PCGSAR – ICS 200 course being held. 8 members from CGSAR are going.
Old Business:
Street sign – received an anonymous donation for the signage. The sign design has been picked.
Motion #1: To go ahead with the sign purchase and installation.
Moved by: Amy
Seconded by: Mark
Motion carried.
Website: NSCC student is migrating the new site. It will be a few weeks to be finished.
Lost Person Behaviour: Amy and Kevin are now instructors.
New Business:
Joe Michaels: ( Indigenous tracking) has reached out – he needs help with a new building. He would like
help moving things. Tina will contact him with a date.
Riverside Speedway: They have asked for our services again this year. The first one being the Monster
truck Saturday, then the Nascar weekend which is Canada Day weekend, then the IWK weekend.
Motion #2: To decline the Riverside parking events.
Moved by: Alana

Seconded by: James
Motion carried.
North River Fire: Truck pulls fundraiser at Riverbreeze. July 13th 11am-11pm Food unit needed,
generator, members. There would be a 50/50 (would split with NRF).
Motion #3: To participate in the Truck Pull at Riverbreeze with NRF
Moved by: Kevin
Seconded by: Craig
Motion carried.
TEMA Foundation (for first responders) – Mental health workshop May 6th. 8am-4pm Creates custom
mental health training/conference. Many speakers re: RCMP will speak about PTSD. Tina will go. Ruth
might be able to go. Marianne will go.
Traffic control course: Tom will contact the instructor.
Pictou county search – this Saturday for Adair.
Think of new fundraising ideas.
Meeting adjourned.

AGM April 30 2024

Meeting called to order at 20:30hrs
Minute of silence for members who have passed.
Motion to accept previous minutes as read.
Moved by: Marianne
Seconded by: Ed
Motion carried.
Reports:
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Funding was slightly below budget. Town of Truro shorted annual funding request, GST rebate wa sless
than budgeted. Fundraising fell $8000 short of projections. Search income of $16,000 offset short falls in
budget.
Hydro, furnace oil. vehicle insurance all increased as expected. General team expenses within or under
budget.
11 search claims were submitted, 2 more are being compiled as of this report. There were 21 operational
periods with $53,000 in claims submitted with $41,000 pending.
$50,000 grant received for a building generator.
$7,000 put aside for future mental health iniatives.
Capital funds account increased to $75,000 to be used towards the building reno completion.
Chair report (Jeff):
27 new members, 10 departed members.
Training year consisted of: searcher courses, team lead courses, search manager course, wilderness
first responder course, LPB course, LPB instructor course, ASIST courses, ICS200 impending.
It was an extra busy activation year.
The building completion fell through but efforts will continue. The adjacent lot was aquired to expand the
training area.
RPAS program will move forward.
There will be a presentaion to the county council on June 4th regarding funding.
Motion #1: For CGSAR to pay $1 membership fee.
Moved by: Crystal
Seconded by: Gillian
Motion carried.
Operation (Amy)::
Lots of call outs. Good support from team. More report to follow.
21 operational periods.
Planning (Tina):

Meetings attended: Trail Shop GSAR event, Wellness Collaborative, Truro Pride Parade, ASIST
workshop, Atlantic Airshow, Roots of Hope with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Truro
Christmas Parade, POSSE project, Colchester Stakeholder Roundtable on health and wellness.
Workshop attendance: Truro Pride brunch.
Event attendance: Nasty Nuttby 5k, Mental health foundation gala, Mental health training needs
analysis, GSAR presentation at Futureworx.
Event planning and coordination: Three ASIST workshops, Indigenous tracker training, Recruitment
drive, Mental health video.
Specialized training: Resilient minds and train the trainer.
Documentation: Training schedule, ASIST organization for workshops, Member not in good standing.
Business in progress: Lead the development of the Mental Health Initiative, update the CGSARA preplan,
receive SMART training, maintain the training plan, lead the development of SOP’s.
Information (Jackie): Met with Gillian to discuss a new nomination policy, regularly posted pictures and
info of training and events on social media, initiated contact, planned and attended the Nasty Nuttby in
July.
initiated and attended the recruitment event in October , making contact with media (radio, newspaper,
etc).
Initiated contact for the Stewiacke parade, touch a truck, and The Walk in Your Boots event ( at the
RECC).
Corresponded with some new members and gave tours.
Regularly recorded and submitted minutes for most meetings.
Attended the Mental Health Foundation gala.
Logistics:
Courses: Driver training, ARGO.
Continued work on the Freightliner, kept up on regular vehicle/trailer maintenance, posted Hovercraft on
marketplace, swapped old RTT batteries for new ones, received new building reno quotes, heater
purchased for the Argo/Rescue trailer, Food unit supplies rstocked regularly.
Safety (Alana):
Updated fire plan, updated safety documentation, created safety observation cards, made new Muster
point, updated WCB guidelines and information about claims.
Nominations:
President :
Tom Graham – Nominated ( accepted)
Kevin MacLean – Nominated ( accepted)
Amy Hansen – Nominated ( declined)
Mark McMillan – Nominated ( accepted)
Kevin was voted in.
Information:
Jackie Waugh – Nominated (accepted)

Jackie voted in.
Admin/Finance:
Jeff Winters – Nominated (accepted)
Jeff voted in.
Planning:
Tina Brown- Nominated (declined )
Gillian Hatch -Nominated (declined )
Tom Graham -Nominated (declined )
Kevin MacLean- Nominated (declined )
Malcolm Magee-Nominated (declined )
Mark Nearing-Nominated (declined )
Mark McMillan- Nominated (declined )
Scott leblanc- Nominated (declined )
Cory Roberts – Nominated (accepted )
Cory voted in.
Meeting adjourned.

Convene & Introductions Jeff
Regrets Tom, Tina, Alana, Steve, Jackie, Heather
Safety
Safety Moment Tick protection, cover ankles and wrists and

wear tick spracy

Alana

Information
Minutes Approval – previous meeting Crystal approved , 2 nd Craig
Action Log Review
President
Correspondence
Stewiacke Fire Anniversary Dinner invite, Amy to represent

CGSAR at 80 th banquet.

Jeff
Province of NS Generator Grant, $40,500, Dec 31 st deadline,
money in bank account, Kevin has wrote up
proposal and looking at a propane generator.
Jeff

Joe/Jane Public Ehler 50/50 – we are not associated with the

50/50, reported to Truro police.

Jeff

Operations
Monthly Report Not much to report for this month regarding

searches.

Amy
Unit Reports Amy
Training Report Continue to push through training, litter

training next training night.
Mock search was a success, approx. 32
members attended, four East Hants
participants.
-request feedback to help with future training
-lost person training went well, 12 members
Amy

attended and all were pleased.

CISM 2 sessions held Amy
North River Fire banquet, Amy was recipient of
award.
-CFFA Fire Fit games in August and rib fest. Our
team may be asked to support.

Planning
Monthly Reports No updates Tina – absent
Training Plan NO updates Tina – absent

Logistics
Monthly Reports Steve (absent)
Unit Reports:
 Building
 Vehicles
 Medical
 Food Unit
 IT

Building – James report that projector was
installed on wall.
-Switch on classroom wall installed and door
sways.
Kevin – gathering info for bid package for the
building.
Vehicles – we have trickle chargers for trucks,
not hooked up just yet.
Medical – Jill – still becoming familiar with
medical gear. Going through all bags to see
what is there and what may be needed.
First Aid for basic searchers.
Argo – safety issues. Litter cannot be safely
secured to Argo. Working on addressing the
issue. Looking at having a clip instead of using
rachet straps as they keep breaking.

Steve (absent)

Freightliner Work done & still required – mount, lighting

and hitch need to be installed.

Steve (absent)
Building quote package Committee to meet after to confirm Steve
Inventory Update for 2024 – Jeff has a master copy and

Steve is heading that up.

Steve

Admin
Monthly Financial Report Jeff it fill in numbers. Jeff
County Emerg service registration Require drivers list Jeff
Street sign 36” crest double sided, to think about it for next

meeting. Went over some options.

Jeff
Chamber of Commerce Perks Ap Various discounts for CGSAR being a member,
members to download app and sign in.

JEff

Associate Members
Fundraising Report No current fundraising going on at the moment. Jeff
Debert Field day June 29…. BBQ loan requested / parking maybe Jeff

Information
Monthly Report Jackie (absent)
Recruiting Report Jackie

Upcoming Events Jackie
Clean Colchester Event that occurs from April 22 nd for ten days.
Team in agreement to pitch in on the effort.

Safety Officer
Monthly Report Alana absent – no update Alana
Fire Extinguishers All recertified Alana
Old Business
Nomination Committee Gillian & Crystal – President, Information
officer, Planning Section chief and
administration section chief all up for
nominations.
-you can nominate before voting night as well
as from the floor.
Nominees can have a chance to talk to the
group before voting.

Jeff

LPB Instructor Course April 6-8…… 3 seats – Amy, Kevin, and Tom F.
Annual Report Still requiring finalized
Printers Received, to be installed (Command and Recue

trailer).

Craig

New Business
Radio operators course 32 interested, Date to be set in near future.

Round Table Tom – 2025 marks our 50 th anniversary year.
Conversation started to redesign our crest.
Banquet to be held.
-concern for batteries as many of them do not
hold a charge.

Motion to Adjourn