President Cathy Skene opened the meeting with the club's land acknowledgement and the singing of O'Canada led by Dave Morris.

Chair Announcements

The world lost one of our brightest lights this morning with the passing of Justice Murray Sinclair. He changed all of our lives with the meaningful and respectful work he did.

A few years ago Cathy’s Yellowquill College students decided that they would hold a graduation dinner for themselves, and that they would invite Justice Sinclair. They had a seating plan that had me seated with Justice Sinclair. At dinner he told Cathy that while he enjoyed her company, he really would have preferred to sit with some of the students. He complained about always being seated with the VIPs. She didn’t know whether to be hurt that she wasn’t his first choice of dinner companion, or flattered that he considered her a VIP.

Nevertheless, they had a delightful conversation. He was gracious, charming, humble, and funny.

We received some good ideas at the brainstorming session last week. Cathy will get them organised and emailed out.

And we have received 16 pairs of socks for the Main Street Project.

Lorraine and Chuck have tickets for the Christmas party. It will be held on Monday, December 16th and tickets are $45. Always a fun time. Please see them both and buy early.

Jack Wilson provided an update on developments in Assiniboine Forest regarding pathway enhancements. He spoke about how an initial project estimate to upgrade the pathway from Chalfont to the Eve Wernier Pond was just under $400,000. This estimate included some other extras like new paving at the Chalfont entrance and added design work for the walkway. The Forest Committee saw this cost as way too expensive. Further thought was required on options and process.

Forest Committee members had discussions with the consultant, City staff and amongst themselves to look at possible ways to reduce the cost of the pathway upgrade to a barrier free packed limestone surface pathway. Some ideas were tossed around and as a result it was agreed to approach the City team in a more formal way to see if they would entertain some of our ideas. This included changing the trail specs to be a little narrower design and reduce the amount of existing chips removed from the trail. City management agreed to the proposed changes. Based on these changes and removal of some extra work not directly related to the trail upgrade Public City Architecture had an Engineering class B estimate prepared. This estimate showed the potential cost to be in the $150,000 range. A far more reasonable amount to look at. But still very expensive.

In late August it was decided we should gain some further info on the existing trail configuration. Al Roberts and Jack along with the Green Team went out and dug 12 test holes along the length of the Sagimay trail we were wanting to upgrade. The wood chips varied in depth from 1 inch to over 20 inches before they hit any semblance of clay. This information was not all that reassuring. In mid-September, it was decided we should talk to the city management group again to see if they would support completing a portion of the trail this year as we did not have sufficient funds to complete the whole trail.

When we met and the discussion was moving forward, the city advised there was a new approach being taken on trails in the use of a Geotec material (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geotextile) which they were advised could be laid over soft areas and then the pathway material laid on top and packed could meet the required compaction strength the city specs called for. Also, using this material would again reduce the amount of material required to be removed from the pathway. It was suggested we look at removing 6 inches and then use this material to build the pathway shoulders.

Our consultants, Public City researched the info and found the Geotec material would do the job as outlined. They developed tender documents based on this concept. The City and Rotary suggested contractors who they felt might be able to complete the work.

The documents went out and as part of the bid process a mandatory site meeting was called for October 22. During this meeting one of the bidding contractors asked why we are looking at removing 6 inches of existing trail material. Most of the trail in the bid would still have significant spongy material left. Why not leave the trail as is and lay the Geotec material on top and build from there?

All in attendance agreed with the suggestion. Public City then touched base with the city management we are dealing with to have their concurrence and support. Receiving this they then reissued the tender documents with a couple of amendments as was discussed. In doing this we were advised this would reduce the time to upgrade the trail, reduce the upgrade costs and reduce damage to the adjacent natural floral and trees adjacent the path. The tenders closed on October 31 and JROSS (www.jrpm.ca) was the successful bidder. We had an onsite meeting on the morning of Nov 4 with JROSS, Public City, City of Wpg and Rotary reps to finalise project details like location of culverts. We confirmed 3 locations for installation of the pipes. Work commenced Nov 5 at 7:30 AM. They hope to be completed by Saturday or early next week.

This evening we welcome three representatives from UMEarth. They were directed our way by Jorrel Camuyong. Karisma is a RYLA alumni and a 5th Year Biosystems Engineering Student, Izzy Marquez, 5th Year Biosystems Engineering Student and Chamber Lam, 3rd Year Biosystems Engineering Student.

Who is UMEarth?

UMEarth equips students with the skills and initiatives needed to promote sustainability both on campus and globally. They provide hands-on experience through projects and collaborations to help students make a real-world impact. Through their partnership with Global Brigades (www.globalbrigades.org), they aim to extend their sustainability efforts to under-resourced communities worldwide. They explained their reasons for volunteering in Honduras and the support they provided

LACK OF STORAGE

Rural communities lack proper infrastructure for storing water. Even if water is potable, it is often stored in buckets/barrels and not properly treated or protected.

DISTANCE

Families (primarily women & children) must walk at least 1.5 hours to the water source nearest to their home for drinking, food preparation, personal hygiene and household chores.

• Their work is focused in Rural Honduras
• 9.904 million people
• 10.10% of the rural population lacks access to basic or safely managed drinking water sources
• 19.90% of the rural population lacks access to basic or safely managed sanitation facilities
• 28% of the rural population live below national poverty line
• Home of rich Honduran culture and history including Caribbean Sea coastlines, ancient Mayan ceremonial sites, and beautiful reefs.

This past year’s visit to Montana Verde, Honduras, assisted by providing a Hydraulic Ram Pump to provide water to an area that would save local residents from carrying water up a hill.

The second project discussed was El Bailadero, Honduras. Here 2 teams Surveyed the area by going door-to-door to learn about water needs. The second team GPS mapped the area for water sources in the community.

By using their engineering experience and teamwork with the support of the Global Engineering Brigade, they are making a difference in these communities.

In 2025, these students hope to return with additional members of the University of Manitoba.

The planned projects are:-

RUN OF THE RIVER IMPULSE PUMP

Main components:

• Water wheel: Uses blades to convert water momentum into angular impulse to drive the system.
• Cam/connection rod: Transfers rotational momentum from the water wheel to two impulse pumps using a Whitworth quick return mechanism.
• Impulse pump: Operates via a plunging motion to generate upward water flow, using a ball foot valve for efficient water trapping and release.
• Two pumps operate in opposite phases to balance weight and double water output.
• Renewable energy solution: Helps provide consistent water access using the natural flow of rivers.

HYDROKINETIC RIVER PUMP

Main components:

• Hydrokinetic turbine: A 55-gallon drum will serve as the turbine to harness river flow energy.
• Piping system: Mounted on the drum, the piping will channel water from the stream to the hydraulic ram system.
• The drum will rotate based on stream flow, converting water energy into mechanical motion to drive water through the piping.
• Integration with the hydraulic ram system ensures efficient water delivery to the target location.
• Sustainable solution: Utilises river flow to generate consistent power, reducing the need for external energy sources.

In order to make the trip despite their own fundraising, UMEarth requires sponsorship as they have a shortfall of just over $15,000. They explained UM Earth would greatly appreciate the financial support of members of the public and companies in Winnipeg to help the group provide water systems in Honduras. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Karisma Vyas: vyask@myumanitoba.ca

We greatly appreciate the time taken by Karisma, Izzy and Chamber taking valuable time to explain their efforts to improve the lives of others who are less fortunate. We wish them well and hope they can return after their 2025 projects to update us all.

Before Dinner, Sarge Mike introduced our guests and members happy bucks and anniversaries

Jagdish was happy that Diwali (Festival of Lights) coincided with Halloween this year on Oct 31st.

Sarge Mike had our Guest, Karisma choose the winning 50/50 ticket. Joyce was the lucky ticket drawn and successfully drew the winning marble.

November 11th is Remembrance Day and we’ll be welcoming the Downtown club to partner with us in this meeting. Winnipeg West has cancelled their meeting for that week, and some of them will be joining us. There will be folks from 17 Wing on hand to help us conduct a meaningful and respectful event. Thanks to Jim for coordinating this. Partners are welcome. But please remember to register them. And don’t forget to wear a poppy.

And that’s it for tonight. See you next week.