Author: Estha Parg Murenbeeld

Questions and Answers from the 2020 Deemed AGM

Question/CommentNSPC Board Response
Thank you for all that you do behind the scenes. Thanks. Thank You!! I like virtual AGM’s. Let’s get back playing!!! A huge thank you to all of the above volunteers!!! Hopefully we can get out and play soon. Thank you for the work of the Board, committees and various volunteers to make PB on the NS so accessible, athletically challenging, welcoming and enjoyable. fantastic job … we all appreciate everyone’s dedication to such a great sport  Thank You!
Just a few minor comments: 1. We need to get club times for the outdoor courts ASAP 2. We have “hosts” for other indoor courts but not for Delbrook – what’s the reason for it? 3. Is our membership going down? if so, what implications would it have? 4. It would be good to summarize the benefits of the Club Membership so we can use it to convince people to join.1. Sadly there is no club play at this time.   We have been working through the closure on a plan to keep our players safe.  However, only when we have approval from the Parks on whose courts we play will we be able to announce club playing times.  We continue to advocate on your behalf. 2. Do you see that as a need?  Please let us know more about your thoughts.  While NSPC operates on outdoor courts and has no jurisdiction on pickleball in the community centers, we can bring those suggestions to the attention of community center programming staff. 3. Yes, registration is currently about half of 2019.  Luckily between the small fee increase and our savings, we are financially sound. 4. The benefits of Club membership are summarized on the website registration page.  There are many!  This year, we can also say we will be implementing a Covid Management Plan and procedures to keep members playing in an environment that is as safe as possible.
More “Drop In” days of the week and hours of play are needed at Delbrook Rec Centre throughout the winter. Noted that prior to scheduled pickleball drop ins on Mondays & Thursdays, the gym was sometimes empty…. could a clause be included in the earlier party’s contract that if they do not occupy the space within a certain time, it could be set up for pickleball? Just want the gym space to be optimally used and if there is any wiggle room, add it to the pickleball drop in play times!  We can pass that along to the Delbrook programming staff. However, they are juggling many community needs and don’t include us in their planning!
I feel there should be more open, regular communication and transparency between the board and membership. 2. In the spirit of inclusivity, an open call to all members for board membership and area representation might be good.Newsletters have been emailed to the whole membership monthly and sometimes more often.  Additionally, all Board minutes are posted on the NSPC website for the general public to read.  A call for Board nominees was posted on the website April 1 and April 15, and sent in an email to the whole 2019 membership on April 14.
I work full time. I would appreciate if we could have more dedicated evening court times in more facilities.  We wish!  We will forward this to community center programmers, but you should do so also. 
Is there going to be a pot luck held at MF on July 1st ?  The Ministry of Health has restricted gatherings like this for the foreseeable future.  Sadly, therefore, I don’t think we will be able to organize any socials this summer.

Some N. S. Courts Re-Open

The City and District of North Vancouver opened select tennis and pickleball courts this morning.  Tempe and Murdo Fraser are open with signage below. Currently Little Cates and West Vancouver are still closed. 

Club Play

Despite conversations with Parks representatives this week, we are as surprised as you!  Stay tuned for Club times, and note, we will be implementing our own policies and procedures to keep play safe.

Play Safe!


April 30 Update

  1. 2019 Memberships expire today. Renew by Sunday and you will still be eligible to vote in our deemed/online AGM.
  2. Thanks to everyone who renewed their memberships! A link to the deemed/online AGM will be emailed tomorrow May 1st. The link will remain open until May 14, 9-pm. As a thank you, two cash prizes of $100 to a charity or restaurant of your choice will be drawn from completed surveys.
  3. Check the Documents page of this website for all the information you need before voting.
  4. No word yet from CNV, DNV or DWV Parks Departments on court openings. We will let you know as soon as we know!
  5. The registration link is always open. Hope to see you on the courts soon!
  6. Be kind; be calm; stay safe.

It’s time for our 2020 Annual General Meeting.

An AGM allows us to reflect on the highlights of the year, account for the finances, thank Board members for their service and elect new people with a vision for our Club.

Noting the challenges of the pandemic, physical distancing and our worries for our community at this time, the Board has decided to go ahead with the AGM, electronically.  This “Deemed AGM” is provided for by Section 72 of the Societies’ Act.


How?  On May 1, a link to an online survey will be emailed to all 2020/21 members in good standing. 

What You Can Do Now:

  1. Renew your membership. Only those who have renewed their memberships for 2020/21 may vote. 
  2. Nominate yourself for the Board by midnight April 22. [Use the Contact Us for more information.]

Between May 1 and May 14:

Inform yourself by reading the pertinent documents on this websites document page (available May 1):

  • the President’s Report,
  • the meeting agenda
  • 2019 AGM minutes,
  • the April 2020 finacnial report
  • introductions for each candidate for the Board.

Why, You Ask?

Quorum for this AGM is necessary to move forward with planning for our future, this year and next so everyone’s particpation is important. So, as an added incentive and in support of local businesses, we are offering gift certificates to local restaurants of the winners’ choice as prizes to be drawn from the completed surveys. 

More About Your Board of Directors:

Please thank Anne Watson (Secretary), Larry Harper (Special Projects), Ron Precious (Equipment) and Allan Gauthier (Vice-President) who are stepping down from your 2019/20 Board.  Allan will remain registrar. 

Standing again for re-election are Heather Fleming (President), Dale Harvey (Treasurer) and Estha Parg Murenbeeld (Communications).

The Board is in need of 4 or 5 new members. 

New Board Position:  At this time, we have 3 members who have stepped forward for election as Area Leaders: for West Vancouver, Maureen Jarman, East of Seymour, Kerry Strongman, and North Vancouver City/Mahon, Betty Eisenhauer.  This is a new position created because we are geographically so large.  Needed is someone to represent North Vancouver District/Murdo Frazer. 

For a detailed description of the Area Leader job, please check the website/documents page. 

2020 AGM

From the minutes of the March 26, 2020 NSPC Board meeting:

Motion: To move the May 14 AGM to a deemed meeting format using on-line tools to connect with members and meet our Societies Act obligations.

Moved Anne/ seconded Estha. Passed.

This change is necessary because Delbrook Community Centre will remain closed until at least the end of May and potentially much longer. The call for directors, financial statements and executive reports will be sent out prior to the meeting. AGM voting will take place via Survey Monkey. Detailed information will be made available directly to members and on our website.

We’re Looking for New Board Members

Members who have confirmed their willingness to continue their volunteer Board service for 2020-2021 are Heather Fleming (president), Dale Harvey (treasurer) and Estha Parg Murenbeeld (communications).

Retiring are Anne Watson (secretary), Larry Harper (special projects), Ron Precious (equipment) and Allan Gauthier (vice-president.) Allan has offered to remain Registrar until a replacement is found.

Please consider how you might serve the club. If you are interested in a Board position, be sure to forward your name to the club secretary via our email northshorepickleballclub@gmail.com.

At this time, three members have indicated their willingness to stand for election to the Board:

  • Betty Eisenhauer as Area Leader for Mahon/City of North Vancouver
  • Maureen Jarman as Area Leader for West Vancouver
  • Kerry Strongman as Area Leader for East of Seymour