| View Blog
|
|
|
| Constitution Important Milestone |
Just when you thought nothing was happening, the Argyle II Committee is pleased to announce we have adopted a Constitution that clearly outlines our mandate and objectives for this project.
With the successful incorporation filing last fall, the committee became a legal not-for-profit entity which requires a more formal approach to things.
A Constitution helps with that because it outlines the way the Committee will operate and the reasons (objects) for which it exists. The Argyle II Historic Trust - the formal incorporated name - is seeking charitable designation and as such, is required to follow objects that are legally recognized as "charitable" under Canada's Income Tax Act. This Act is quite clear as to what is a "charitable purpose" so with a good understanding in mind of these purposes, we found great synergies with the plans to restore the Argyle II.
Here are the Purposes and Objectives as found in section 3:
Section 3 - Purposes and Objectives
The Argyle II Historic Trust (“The Trust”) has been formed for the sole purpose of performing those functions and carrying out those purposes of the Trust, which are charitable and educational in nature. Those charitable and educational purposes are based upon the conviction that the preservation of historic structures, specifically the vessel the Argyle II, will contribute to improvement of instruction in schools, post-secondary institutions and the community at large, can be accomplished, at least in part, by the preservation and restoration of the vessel and its eventual operational use, to achieve and further achieve the objectives of the Trust.
These activities will further overall learning in the areas of Canadian history, of the wooden boat era on Lake of the Woods, of Kenora’s local history and during the restoration process, in the development of skills in areas such as building trades.
Within the above framework the purpose of the Trust, through the full restoration of the vessel Argyle II, will be to enlarge the body of knowledge available locally, provincially and nationally about the history of Kenora, the role of wooden boats in that history, and to encourage the dissemination of such knowledge.
Working with educational institutions, the Trust will be active in providing historical education as well as providing hands on experience in construction and eventually, training in navigational skills to interested and at-risk youth and young adults.
Educational Outreach programs to the general public are also planned using the Argyle II as the vehicle for these programs. Working with professionals and Government employees, the intent is to also advance education of the freshwater environment on Lake of the Woods and the need to protect it as a critical habitat for wildlife, fish and as a natural resource and recreational area.
The Trust shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other gains to the organization shall be used in promoting its objectives.
To this end the Argyle II Historic Trust will:
· Oversee and implement the complete restoration of the historic wooden boat the Argyle II as a pliable boat on Lake of the Woods.
· Operate and maintain the vessel once restored and use it for the sole purposes of achieving the objectives of the trust.
· During this process, provide an opportunity to youth and young adults to participate in the physical restoration of the boat, allowing them to acquire trade skills or to fulfill school community hour requirements or, for at-risk youth, to participate and fulfill requirements related to court–ordered community service hours.
· Develop a partnership with educational institutions and organizations to use the Argyle II for educational purposes geared to the following:
o To further the knowledge of the history of Kenora,
o To further the knowledge of wooden boats and their role in that history
o To further environmental education of the Lake of the Woods ecosystem and the environment in general.
o To make the Argyle II available to other charitable organizations, community groups and social service agencies to use in furthering their objects and purposes.
o To do all such other things as are incidental and ancillary to the attainment of the foregoing purposes and exercise of the powers of the Trust.
Next Steps
Te next steps involve getting the vision outlined in the Constitution known and accepted in the Community and amongst those with property on Lake of the Woods - especially summer residents. There is currently quite a bit of negativity among a few in Kenora and on the lake of the whole idea to restore the Argyle II.
The reason for this is not really well-known or understood. While some people have cited the sheer breadth of the task that lies ahead, other have pointed to fears of having another "cruise ship" on Lake of the Woods. This despite the proponents on the Trust have made it crystal clear there are no intentions of it being used for that purpose.
Now that we have posted the Objects of the Corporation, it should be abundantly clear that using the Argyle II as a cruise ship is prohibited by the Constitution, which states the ship must be used for the charitable purposes identified.
Fund-raising is another important next step. In addition to paying off a few outstanding debts ($1,700.00) for work done in rescuing her from the lake, we need to perform a full survey of the vessel so plans can be developed for her restoration. These could cost up to $40,000.00. We have put up a poll with this post as to possible fund raising ideas we could undertake. Please answer and let us know what you think.
One last comment about all that has been achieved to date. Really no one thought the boat could be successfully brought back to Kenora and it has. This was done with community support through donations and good will. Many thanks go out to volunteers who helped with that phase of the effort as well as the contracted salvage team - Dominion Divers from Winnipeg, CJ Edwards & Son Ltd. in Kenora, Kuby's Aircraft where the boat is sitting now, as well as other businesses in Kenora who gave us a small break on the cost of materials and equipment rentals. This was greatly appreciated.
Restoration of the Argyle II is a good idea for Kenora, especially as we move forward as a community that can no longer rely solely on forestry as an economic main stay. The Argyle II is an indelible part of Kenora's transportation history - almost everyone who lived or visited here between 1936 and 1985 rode on it. This can be a good news story, one where the skills of craftspeople, the generosity of the business community, and the involvement of young people in the restoration effort can lead to success.
If you would like to get involved or make a donation, please let us know. Call Gerry at 807-466-7181 or write the Argyle II Historic Trust, c/o Box 647, Kenora, ON, P9N 3X6.
|
|
Posted by Argyle on 2009-04-11 13:25:52 | Rating: | Views: 80
|
|
| |
|
|
Email This to a Friend 