The Federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and second Annual Convention were held at the Rodd Hotels & Resort in Miramichi on March 24-25, 2012. The highlights of these meetings included: the election of the President and Secretary, a presentation by the Chaleur ATV Club on their club development initiative, a marketing strategy presentation by Jacques Ouellette and presentations by Kirk MacDonald of the Department of Natural Resources, and Dan Pugh, Manager of the Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement Program of the Department of Public Safety.

Federation President, Daniel Boucher, welcomed delegates and staff at the opening on Saturday afternoon, followed by Kirk MacDonald, whose presentation focused on the Long-Term Provincial Trail Management Strategy. The implementation of the strategy, which involves several stakeholders including the departments of Natural Resources, Public Safety, Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living and Transportation and the three trail user groups (NBATVF, NB Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the NB Trails Council), began in the Fall of 2008. Mr. MacDonald gave an update on the strategy’s major components which relate to a motorized and non-motorized trail system that is strategically located, safe and sustainable. For more details on the strategy, click on the following hyperlink:

http://nbatving.com/download.php?i=AwHgM2IhqaxyZwOzM2IhM3W0oP5wpKZ

 

Dan Pugh gave an update on the enforcement and public awareness/education initiatives that he and the members of his unit undertook in 2011-12.

After the break, Chaleur ATV Club member, Jacques Ouellette, gave an overview of the steps his club took over the last two years that have contributed to the significant development of their club. Mr. Ouellette noted that the development of a new (positive) club strategy not only allowed them to get the necessary funding to purchase a new groomer valued at $265,000 but also to increase the number of members and the quantity and quality of their ATV trails. Mr. Ouellette invited the representatives of Federation clubs to get in touch with him to get more information on the progressive process they went through and which was supported by the Federation.

Miramichi West MLA, Jake Stewart, brought greetings on behalf of Premier David Alward at the banquet on Saturday evening. Mr. Stewart said that the government has supported the Federation in the past and will continue to do so in the future. He could not elaborate at this time on what the Government decision will be in response to the Federation’s request for a trail pass or other trail development system.

On Sunday morning, March 25^th, Jacques Ouellette was invited to speak about the need for clubs to develop marketing strategies that will enable them to get more members and draw tourists to their trail system, their community and New Brunswick for that matter.

The AGM followed with the presentation and approval of reports from the President, General Manager and the Treasurer (2010-11 audited financial statements, 2012-13 budget, and appointment of the 2012-13 auditor).

In the afternoon, the regional director’s reports, the 2011 trail pass report and the Committee reports were presented and approved.

The president of the Signage Committee, Rino Martin, indicated that the last draft of the English and French versions will be sent to a translation company for quality assurance before sending them to the printer at the end of April. Rino gave an overview of the contents of the manual and took the opportunity to thank the Fédération Québecoise des Clubs Quad that gave us permission to use their manual in order to produce ours.

Annually, the Federation sponsors three major events organized and presented by the clubs. This year, the Major Events Committee, that evaluates the applications from clubs, chose the following events:

Tri Country ATV Poker Run - Route 101 ATV Club

This four-day event will feature a number of activities including  a jam session (bring your own instruments/voices), meals, DJ dance, poker run, door prizes, 50/50 draw, and a possible night run on some of the 240 km of trails the club has to offer. The club is planning on inviting the Premier and the ministers responsible for trails. Local MLAs Jack Carr and Jody Carr have expressed an interest in attending the event.

 Jamboree - Club VTT Acadien

The goal of this three-day event is to allow visitors and newcomers alike the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the trail system in the area. Maps with GPS coordinates and guides will be available to help ATV enthusiasts access the trails. A one-day excursion starting at the Carrefour de la mer is planned along with a number of fun activities including a bonfire, fireworks, music, a poker run, a daily 50/50 draw and more. Towing services will be available as required as well as parking for trucks and trailers with surveillance.

Fall Foliage Festival - Musquash ATV Club

The main activity of this event is a poker run on a 120 km trail. Trails will be signed appropriately to help guide participants. A 50/50 draw will be held and a door prize and prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd best poker hands will be awarded. To top it off, a BBQ will be held at South Oromocto Lake featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soda pop and water. In addition, a campground will be set up at Talbot Pit. Proceeds will be used for trail development and the winter grooming program.

At the end of the AGM, the Nomination Committee submitted its report for the election of the President and the Secretary. Since there was only one nomination for the position of Secretary, Marc Haché, was elected by acclamation. In terms of the position of President, the committee received two nominations: Daniel Boucher and David Lynch. The latter declined the nomination for health reasons. Subsequently, David Hatt was nominated from the floor and the voting process ensued. The committee reported that Daniel Boucher was re-elected to the position of president for a two-year mandate. Congratulations to the winners!