BYLAWS OF THE TYAUGHTON GUN CREEK FIRE BRIGADE SOCIETY
Incorporation No. 
General Delivery, Gold Bridge, BC V0K 1P0

PART 1 – INTERPRETATION

1. In these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires:

• "Society" means the Tyaughton Gun Creek Fire Brigade (TGCFB).

• “SLRD” means the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

• “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Society.

PART 2 – MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership is open to anyone participating in TGCFB activities.

2. Members must have minimum certification of British Columbia’s Basic Fire Suppression and Safety (S-100) certification or the intention of getting certification within one year of joining Brigade.

3. Attending more than one meeting or practice counts as membership. No fees apply.

4. Members should make reasonable efforts to attend meetings and practices to stay active.

5. The Board decides on eligibility based on conduct, performance, and participation, considering extenuating circumstances.

PART 3 – DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

1. The Society shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of seven (7) directors.

2. The following roles will be designated as Directors:

   1. Fire Chief

   2. Assistant Chief

   3. Training Officer

   4. Up to three Secondary Officers

   5. Secretary/Treasurer

3. The Secretary/Treasurer role may be held by a non-director in the event the board is otherwise non-functional or to maintain Society compliance.

4. Eligibility to serve on the Board:

   1. Full-time or part-time residents in the Tyaughton / Gun Creek area

   2.  property owners in the Tyaughton / Gun Creek area

Tyaughton/Gun Creek area is defined as within the service area as defined in Part 12 of the Bylaws

PART 4 – DUTIES OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

1. Fire Chief

   1. Responsible for Fire Brigade operations and efficiency.

   2. Maintains all equipment and records (fire and practice reports).

   3. Coordinates with SLRD and oversees practices and member communication.

2. Assistant Chief

   1. Assists and substitutes for the Chief.

   2. May also act as Training Officer.

3. Training Officer

   1. Maintains practice schedules and training materials.

   2. Organizes internal and external training opportunities.

   3. Keeps training records and reports to the Chief.

4. Captains

   1. Serve when both Chief and Assistant Chief are unavailable.

   2. Responsibilities assigned by senior officers.

5. Secretary/Treasurer

   1. Coordinates the AGM and records minutes.

   2. Manages finances, reporting, and archival of official documents (kept for 10 years, in original and PDF form).

   3. Ensures compliance with SLRD and the Societies Act.

6. Collective Board Duties

   1. Act professionally and cooperatively.

   2. Represent and respond to community needs.

   3. Hold regular meetings and maintain transparency.

7. Access to Records

   1. Members and directors may request copies of records.

   2. Non-members may view financial statements for the past three years upon written request and payment of processing fees.

8. Shared Positions

   1. Any position identified in these bylaws may be held jointly by two individuals, provided that:

      1. Both individuals agree to share the role and responsibilities, and

      2. They are nominated and/or elected as "Co-[Position Title]" (e.g., Co-Chief, Co-Secretary), and

      3. The arrangement is clearly recorded in the Society’s meeting minutes or AGM records.

9. Each co-holder of a position shall have equal authority and responsibility within that role, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties and communicated to the Board.

10. A co-held position shall count as two seats for the purposes of Board composition and voting.

 

PART 5 – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

1. Practices will start on time

2. Supporting and assisting fellow members in learning the operation, maintenance and proper application of all Fire Brigade equipment and to attend practices to maintain and promote their efficiency

3. To maintain proper certifications.

4. To fulfill their duties at alarms and practices in the safest manner and with consideration to the safety of others.

5. To maintain turn-out gear and personal equipment to ensure a safe and fast response to alarms and practices

6. To make a positive contribution to the Fire Brigade’s well-being in any way they are capable.

Acknowledgement of Property Protection

In recognition of the rural and remote nature of our community and the volunteer basis of this Fire Brigade:

1. The Society acknowledges that, during an emergency or wildfire event, members may be compelled to prioritize the protection of their own property, family, or immediate neighbours.  Such actions shall not be considered a breach of duty or commitment to the Brigade, provided that:

   1. Their actions do not knowingly endanger other Brigade members or compromise an organized community response;

   2. The member returns to collective efforts as soon as is practical and safe to do so.

This provision reflects the understanding that the safety and stewardship of personal property is a valid and necessary part of rural emergency response and supports a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility among all members.

            Acknowledgement of Gun Creek Road Water Line

1. The Society acknowledges that the water line located on Gun Creek Road is privately owned. Use of this water line by the TGCFB is permitted only in emergency situations where its use is reasonably necessary to protect the lives or property of residents within the Gun Creek area. The TGCFB will make reasonable efforts to notify or inform the line’s owner(s) of such use following the incident, recognizing the urgency and potential communication limitations during active fire response.

PART 6 – MEETINGS AND VOTING

1. Meetings shall begin on time.

2. Voting is open. In the event of a tie, a run-off vote will take place.

3. AGM shall be held annually around January 15, with two weeks’ public notice.

4. Postponement of AGM is allowed if:

   1. A functioning board cannot be formed.

   2. Nominations are not supported.

   3. Events such as natural disasters interfere.

5. A postponed AGM must be held within 45 days if the first is postponed.

6. Nominations close at the start of the AGM; must be first and seconded by members in good standing.

7. Proxy voting is allowed in writing, by phone, or email for:

   1. AGM and board elections

   2. Special or extraordinary board decisions

8. A two-thirds majority of directors forms a quorum.

PART 7 – COMMITTEES

1. The Board may establish committees as needed.

2. Committees must report to the Board regularly and at the AGM.

PART 8 – CONDUCT AND RESIGNATION

1. Members or directors whose actions disrupt or discredit the department may be asked to resign or removed via director or special resolution.

2. Resignations must be submitted to the Secretary/Treasurer; if that person resigns, notice must be given to two directors.

PART 9 – FINANCES

1. All funds must be held in a recognized financial institution.

2. All expenditures require two authorized signatures.

PART 10 – AMENDMENTS

1. These Bylaws may be repealed, amended, or added to by resolution passed by a majority vote of the Members.

PART 11 – DISSOLUTION

1. Upon dissolution, all remaining assets, after liabilities, shall be distributed to one or more recognized Canadian charitable organizations.

PART 12 – SERVICE AREA

1. The TGCFB service area includes:

   1. South corner of Mowson Pond

   2. West end of Gun Creek Road

   3. Mud/Taylor intersection

   4. McKenzie Farm

   5. East side properties of Tyaughton Lake