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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Meeting called to order at 19:00hrs
The first part of the meeting was a debrief for the recent search in Sheet Harbour for a 36 year old
woman and her 3 year old son.
Amy, Joe Young (RCMP), and Tom F did the debrief.
Tom talked about the Everbridge response for the search. The response was low. There were 20
members at the search.
Craig asked why the trucks and trailers have been disconnected. It takes time to hook them back up for a
search.
Safety moment (Alana): Safety around ice. In the woods there is still ice and water to be careful of.
Action log review:
Freightliner body mounts
Food unit axel upgrade
2 printers
Minutes of previous minutes. Approved as read and posted. Moved by: Susan
Seconded by: Tom G
Motion carried.
Correspondence: Municipal of Colchester contacted us to make sure CGSARA registers with the County,
so they can support us financially.
NIF: 5 tents with heating and air conditioning. 1/2 million dollar project.
County financial presentation: Tom and Jeff will present to council. They would like to talk about
sustainable funding.
Operations (Amy):
2 callouts in the last month. Oxford – the lost person showed up at home.
Searcher course ongoing.
Continue with scenario training.
Ice rescue – same day as the search in Sheet Harbour.
Winter survival: went well.
Planning (Tina):
Working on the ASIST training guide.
Searchers course: 4-6 people Team leaders are doing good training.
Team leaders course: delayed. 4 are needed to do the course.
March 23/24 – Mock search. It will be 1 – 12 hour period.
Training meeting with East Hants: Still waiting for a response.
Preplan, SOPs – review and development – need assistance.
Logistics (Tom): Laptop is set up in comms room.

1 Wiggy bag is cleaned and the other ready to go.
Food unit axel – replaced. Food stocked.
Freightliner- body mounts replaced, lights,controller, exhaust repaired.
Winch on unit 2- installed.
Argo repairs- needs to go to Halifax for servicing.
Vehicle maintenance evening: possibly Sundays
Comms – TMR radios colllected.
Admin/Finance (Jeff):
Admin/finance (Jeff):
Main Account $35,109
Search Float $14,240
Capital Funds $75,016
Mental Health Project $7,000
Special Projects $7,471
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $356
Accounts receivable $47,447 Search Invoicing
Funds Received $778 Search claims reimbursed
Notable Expenditures $3,145 Food trailer repairs
$1,192 Dodge muffler work x2
Special Projects Roll-over account $1,500 RRV Top Replacement
$5,250 RRV Track Replacement
$700 Rescue Trailer Reno
Truro Pride Parade quote submitted and accepted, $2085, June 22/24
NCSS web-dev program admin confirmed a student will take on the webpage project as work experience
placement.
Land Deed has been signed at Patterson Law by Tina and Jeff, finalized documents should be available
soon.
Lost Person Behavior course confirmed for Mar 16-17, CGSARA has 9 members confirmed.
Colchester Council requested a funding presentation for Mar 5, we declined and will be scheduled for
April or May.
Feb 1st 50/50 draw was for almost $15,000… CGSARA sold $1550 in tickets (so we get about half of
that) 4th overall for ticket sales.
Debert Winter Carnival – Jeff, Jackie, Corey & Emma served hot chocolate as community involvement.
Information (Jackie):
Futureworx presentation – March 4th: Tom F, Tina, Jackie presented.
Nasty Nuttby – July 27th – confirmed. Tina and Jackie will attend.

Social media posts are well responded to.
Safety (Alana): 2 safety cards filled out.
Instead of Wilderness first aid, can we have basic first aid.
After the search there was a small fire in the wiring in the command trailer.
Muster point will be moved when land ownership is confirmed.

Old Business:
Food unit generator- shorted out. Ground support will be responsible.
GERMA – still waiting for invoice so bill can be paid.
New Business:
ARC GIS reviewing and potential.
Printers – in process.
Round table:
Ed – training on medicine and insulin training during Wilderness training. RCMP would have to approve.
Mark – internet. Has it been set up Yes.
Crystal – has anyone found bag tags on training nights.
Can there be an evening of comms training.
Amy – CISM session on Thursday.
Meeting adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Regrets: Amy, Tina
Safety moment: One safety card submission. One WCB claim submitted 2 weeks late. They need to be
notified within 5 business days.
Action Log: Undercoating, building and floor, fundraising.
Minutes of last meeting: Will post on website to be reviewed.
Correspondence:
SARVAC Assesor: Training would be accredited. There would be an exam.
SARVAC NIF: Tent approved for each zone. $750,000 for the 5 tents.
Holiday renos and updates: James, Craig, Tom G and others involved. The building looks amazing with
all the work done.
Reports:
Operations: Searcher training almost completed.
Monthly themed training will be done.
Feb. 6th – a new searcher, and team leader course to start.
Winter survival: it was a good weekend with good weather. Sound searching done, shelters, signal fire.
Ice rescue – tentative for Feb. 10th at McElmons Pond. Need a permit for usage.
Planning: Searcher course Feb. 6th using new team leaders as teachers.
New team leader course – need 6 to do it.
Quarterly mock search: March 23-24th – 12 hours needed.
Training neeed analysis: The meeting went well. Issues and concerns were addressed. 20 participants.
Training meeting with East Hants: waiting to hear back from them.
Team leader meeting: if ice rescue cancelled, there will be a leaders meeting.
Preplan, SOPS, review and develop- need help.
Logistics (Steve):
Driver training will continue, as well as a new Argo course.
The Freightliner is still not in service. There are a few repairs left to do: body mounts, hood, 4 new
batteries. Steve recommneded that it be sent out to have the body mounts repaired.
Misc. repairs have been done the other vehicles: oil and filters changed, brakes replaced. Both trucks
need mufflers.
Unit 2 has an EVAC leak and will be sent out for the repair.
James B has been working on the trailers.
Trailer repairs (done by James, Craig, Steve, Adrian): hole in the floor of the command trailer, heat tape
put on mast, installed a better system for the mast antennas, found a drain hose for the mast and

installed it, brakes on trailer were fixed.
A second coffee machine was installed in the food unit, by Cory and a couple of helpers.
Food unit restock – complete.
Quotes have been gathered for the axles on the food unit.
Wall, heater, abd deep cell batteries were installed in the black rescue trailer ( by James).
Battery for the brake breakaway system was purchased and installed, lights are now working on the
trailer, James installed ans varnished a table for members to use.
The Hovercraft will be posted on marketplace for $10,000
Freightliner-Body mounts- needs to go to a shop for repair.
There will be one more Argo training.
Argo repairs – ROPs need to be removed for powder coating, repairs at Dartmouth Argo servicing.
Comms: Crystal, IT Unit – Craig
Building (James): Work done:
Cracks in concrete, painting throughout building, HDMI cables installed, trim work, classroom tables
sanded and shellaced, half wall built in meeting room, coats hooks, garbage box built, landing steps
made for for food unit, moved lighting in meeting room, mounted projector on wall, installed power outlet
in classroom, paper towel holders built and installed, cleaned out boiler room, emptied and hauled away
flammables in tool room, shelving installed in tool room, office, and kitchen, built bench for tool room,
reorganized tool room, built and installed lost and found box, mounted civic sign out front, cleaned out
and restocked first aid kits, repaired loose and damaged chairs, cleaned out sea can and hauled away
junk to recycling plant, installed storage cabinet in bay, repaired electrical wires, etc, cleaned vehicle bay,
heat tape on mast, vent installed on inverter box, man door latch repaired on rescue trailer, scene sign
repaired, rescue cleaned, lights repaired, heat in rescue, cleaned comms area, tool chest mounted in
rescue, pegboard in rescue, satellite phone mounted on wall.
Jan. 6th facilities work day:
tops of lights cleaned, basic cleaning, food unit cleaned, chairs cleaned, bathrooms deep cleaned,
cleaned office.
Financial:
Main Account $47,467
Search Float $13,461
Capital Funds $75,016
Mental Health Project $7,000
Special Projects $7,471
Outstanding Cheques against main funds $290
Accounts receivable $44,916 Search Invoicing

$3,258 Marquis Search Invoice to be submitted

Funds Received $2,580 Truro Parade Marshalling
$250 Debert Parade Marshalling
$350 Donations

Notable Expenditures N/A
Special Projects Roll-over account $1,500 RRV Top Replacement
$5,250 RRV Track Replacement
$700 Rescue Trailer Reno

Telder Fuel – account set up for automatic furnace oil delivery
Dusk 2 Dawn – contracted for winter snow removal
Provincial Volunteer tax report submitted
Federal tax letters issued to members
Land Transfer still in sub-division phase with
Correspondence with Shawn Reynolds regarding details of Kruger claim (EMO is auditing claim)
Correspondence with Scott Fraser, Colchester Municipality CPA regarding funding
Truro 2024 Grant funding application submitted
Team Annual Report created, needs editing by remaining sections
Website tweaked – Members Resource & Training Resource
Information: Contact made with members on leave, Working on Volunteer Success website,
presentation at Furtureworx in February.
Safety: Safety book to record injuries.
Fire safety plan – updated
Miloxim (sp) for drug overdoses. Could we carry it on searches for despondents. They (injectables) are
free, except for the nasal ones which are $50
Debuty safety officer position needed.
Colchester firefighters – electrical safety at searches. NSP will do training sessions. Alana will look into it.
Old Business:
Generator for food unit: it’s no good
Med unit: Wiggy bags need to be washed, then vacuum packed.
Germa vacuum splint: Waiting for the invoicing.
New Business:
Freightliner: needs to be sent out for repair. Mounts need to be removed and welded.
Motion #1: To get quotes for body mount repair on Freightliner. It would be done locally.
Moved by: Tom G
Seconded by: James
Motion carried.
Food unit – axle repair. Needs to be replaced by an outside source.
Motion #2: To upgrade the food unit axles to 5000 lb for approximately $2800.00
Moved by: Steve
Seconded by: Mark M
Motion carried.
Printer purchase (2):
Motion #3: To purchase 2 Xerox C235 printers for $490.00 each.
Moved by: Crystal
Seconded by: James
Motion carried.

ARC GIS (mapping program) – reviewing and potential: the present system is outdated. Craig, Cory,
Tom, and Scott will be involved.
Roundtable: steps on food unit are bent.
Motion #4: To have two sets of steps built and installed on food unit for $600.00
Moved by: Steve
Moved by: Malcolm
Motion carried.
Website: needs to be updated. NSCC students will do it as a project.
Update on 50/50 raffle. $560 bought in our name for December, over $700 for January.
Debert fun day – Feb. 17th Jackie and Cory – serve hot chocolate
Riverside Speedway: We will wait to see if they contact us before making a decision.
BICO website – has changed to pay to use.
Susan Smith thanked people who ran tracks for her and her dog.
Meeting adjourned.