Board Orientation

What is the Granthams Wharf Association (GWA)?

1. Background

There has been a Grantham’s Landing Wharf since the 1920s, originally built by the Federal Department of Public Works.  In addition to use by locals, the wharf was used by the Union Steamship Company until the 1951.

In 1962, when the Department of Public Works was about to demolish the wharf, the Grantham’s Property Owners Association bought the wharf for community purposes for one dollar.

The Grantham’s Wharf Association was formed in 1968. It has replaced, repaired, and maintained the wharf for community use ever since. 

For more info, see our website: About > History: https://granthams-wharf.org/1900s/

2. What is the GWA’s legal status?

The Grantham’s Wharf Association is registered in British Columbia as a not-for-profit society. Societies are independent, democratic organizations that are required to comply with the BC Societies Act and their own Constitution and Bylaws. 

The GWA is also a Registered Charitable Organization in Canada that is regulated under the Canadian Income Tax Act through the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency. 

The GWA has a foreshore lease with the British Columbia Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. The current lease must be renewed in June 2027.

3. What is the Purpose of the GWA?

To maintain the Grantham’s Wharf for the use and benefit of the Grantham’s Landing Community.

4. Why is the GWA a Charity?

When it was formed, the GWA was set up as a charity to bring together like-minded residents to provide financial and labour donations in order to retain this valuable asset for the community. As a charity, the GWA:

  • must conduct activities which fulfill the charitable purpose of providing an amenity that is of benefit to the public. That amenity is the wharf, and the public is the Grantham’s Landing community.
  • can issue charitable receipts for cash and in-kind donations, as well apply for government grants if the need arises.

For more information about GWA charitable status, see our website: Board > Charitable Status FAQ: https://granthams-wharf.org/gwa-charitable-status-faq/

5. What is the purpose and role of a Board of Directors?

There are two types of Boards of Directors, based on responsibilities:

  • Governance Board –governance and oversight; operations handled by paid staff lead by an executive director or CEO  
  • Operational Board – responsible for governance as well as the actual operational activities

The GWA Board of Directors is an Operational or Working Board, and is responsible for ensuring that the association:

  • has the necessary resources to achieve its purpose and that those resources are utilized prudently.
  • operates within legal and ethical guidelines.
  • operates with a view to the Purpose and in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association.

6. Constitution and Bylaws – key points

All board members need to be familiar with, and willing to support, the Constitution and Bylaws.

Constitution consists of the name of the organization and its purpose (as above).

Bylaws – two sections: Membership and Board of Directors:

6.1 Membership

  1. Membership in the GWA is by annual donation
  2. Only current paid members may vote at the AGM or any other special meeting of the members
  3. Votes must be given in person and each household has one vote
  4. To approve AGM motions: a quorum of 10% of the current voting members is required, at the AGM or other special meeting – a simple majority of 51% in favour.
  5. For extraordinary resolutions (e.g. changing the bylaws or adopting a new policy) –  a 67% majority is required

6.2 Board of Directors

  1. Each director must be a member of the GWA (annual donation paid)
  2. Number of Directors: 3 (minimum) to 6 directors
  3. Voting members of the GWA will vote in person to approve the directors for each year at the AGM
  4. Directors will be elected or appointed to the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, President, Vice-President, and Director at Large (listed in order or priority)
  5. Each director will stand for a two year term and may stand for re-election for subsequent terms
  6. A Quorum for Board of Director meetings is 60% or more of the board members present (3+ out of 5)
  7. In addition to the primary purpose of maintaining the wharf, the directors can initiate or approve other Grantham’s community-building activities (e.g. Grantham’s Day)
  8. The Constitution and Bylaws can only be changed by Extraordinary Resolution of the association and with the approval of CRA Charities Directorate and BC Society’s Registrar
  9. The Board is responsible for safe keeping of all necessary books and records

To read and download the full Constitution and Bylaws document, see our website: Board > Constitution & Bylaws: granthams-wharf.org/constitution-bylaws/

7. GWA Primary Annual Operational Activities

  1. Granthams Day – July (or August) – see Board > Procedures & Prep: https://granthams-wharf.org/activities/
  2. Float Removal – October – see Board > Procedures & Prep: granthams-wharf.org/float-removal/
  3. Annual General Meeting – November – see website: Board > AGM Minutes: https://granthams-wharf.org/agm-minutes-and-presentations/
  4. Float Replacement – April or May – see Board > Procedures & Prep: granthams-wharf.org/float-replacement/

New GWA Board Orientation   – 19 Dec 2023