TVTA Constitution and By-Laws

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Passed at November 2022 AGM

ARTICLE  1​. ​Title:

The name of this organization shall be “Thames Valley Trail Association Incorporated”. (Referred to as TVTA.)

 

ARTICLE 2. ​ ​Aims, Objectives:

1) Develop and maintain a hiking trail in the Thames Valley with subsidiary trails where possible.

2) Publicize trails and promote hiking as a form of recreation and leisure both within and outside the association itself; develop a favorable attitude toward trails and hiking, and an appreciation of our natural environment.

3) This association shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other accretions shall be used in promoting its objectives

 

ARTICLE 3. Membership:

1) The Association shall have two classes of members, known as

(a) association and (b) honorary members.

a.​ Association members: This class of membership shall be open to the general public and shall include existing life members.

b.​ Honorary members: This class of membership shall be awarded to those who have allowed the trail to pass through their property and shall last as long as the trail passes on said member’s land.

2) Fee structure​: Annual dues shall be set by the board as set out in the Association By-Laws.

3)​ A member in good standing is a member who has paid the required annual dues and abides by the association’s Constitution and By-Laws

 

ARTICLE 4​. ​Annual General Meeting (Referred to as AGM), Meetings, Notices:

1)​ There will be at least one scheduled general meeting of the membership during the fiscal

year.

2)​ Members will be notified at least thirty days prior to the meeting of the time, place and purpose of the said meeting.

3)​ Additional meetings may be held at any time with a thirty-day notice and at the initiative of the board or one half of the membership.

4)​ AGM will require a quorum of 10% of the membership.

5)​ Motions shall be passed by a simple majority of members present. Individual members receive one vote; families receive two votes.

6)​ Meetings ​(face​ ​to​ ​face or electronic video)​ shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order ​except as otherwise provided in either our Articles or By-laws.

7)​ Only members in good standing with dues paid at least two weeks prior to the general meeting are eligible to vote at the meeting.

8)​ Ballot Voting: If a secrecy vote is desired the ballot can consist of a simple slip of paper on which the voting member can write their choice in a manner directed by the chair. If the balloting is in the same room as the meeting, the chair can appoint members to distribute, collect and count the ballots and report the vote.

ARTICLE 5​. Electronic Virtual Meetings

1) Virtual board meetings or AGM are allowed: These meetings​ as with face​ ​to​ face meetings​ will conduct business according to the Constitution and By-laws and Article 4​​. The number of electronic virtual board meetings is left to the discretion of the Board of Directors​.

2)  All board Directors and membership participating must be able to communicate with each other and participate in all matters before the board or membership, including voting.

3)  As with face-to-face meetings, a quorum of the board (By-law #6) or membership (Article 4. #4) must be present before voting of business can take place.

ARTICLE 6: Management:

Part 1-​ ​Finance

1)​ The Association shall be financed by membership fees, donations, and any other means consistent with its objectives.

2)​ In the event of the dissolution of the TVTA Inc. and after the payment of all debts and liabilities, all its remaining assets will be distributed by the board to one or more charitable organizations which carry on their work solely in Ontario and whose aims are in agreement with one or more of TVTA’s objectives.

3)​ Signing authority on the financial accounts and documents consists of the President, Treasurer and two additional board members elected by the board. A minimum of two signatures (preferably a President and Treasurer combination) is required. In the absence of the President or Treasurer, one of the other signing authorities can co-sign as required. Original documentation must be retained and supplied to the Treasurer for inclusion in the financial records.

Part 2 –​ ​Election of Board Members

1)​ Board members shall be elected at the AGM in each fiscal Year.

2)​ The board shall consist of a maximum of 16 voting members, including the ​Executive offices of President, ​ Secretary and Treasurer.

3)​ A nominating committee of three persons shall be appointed to produce a slate of candidates prior to the AGM, proposed slate to be published in the newsletter. Other nominations for candidacy must be made in writing by a nominator and seconder. Nominations will be accepted from the floor during the meeting. The nominee must accept his/her nomination before it is allowed to stand. Each nominee shall have the opportunity to introduce themselves and briefly outline their qualifications prior to the vote being taken.

4)​ Term of office for the board of directors shall be two years. Any director may be re-elected for another two years with a maximum continuous time of six years on the board. Any directors on the board may continue to remain on the board for ONE extra year beyond their sixth year to complete the second year of the office held in the sixth year.

5)​ Vacancies on the board may be filled by appointment of the board until the next ​AGM.

​This appointment is only valid until the next AGM where they can run to be elected. Appointees can vote on business matters of the board. When the vacancy is in the office of President​ the Vice President becomes President.

6)​ The board may for​m​ or dissolve committees on the advice of the membership or on its own initiative.

7)​ The board may replace a board member for just cause. All board members, excluding the director in question, must vote in person or by proxy. The decision to suspend must be made by at least 75% of the board members.

8)​ The board shall transact business on behalf of the Association.

9) ​If for any reason an AGM is not held at the assigned date​ the Directors shall continue in office until​ ​the meeting can be ​arranged.

 

ARTICLE 7. Protection of Directors​:

No director of the association shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects, or defaults of any other director, or for joining in any receipts or other acts of conformity, or for any loss or expense happening to the Association through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any  property acquired by order of the board for​ ​or on behalf of the Association, or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys of the Association shall be invested or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person with whom any of the moneys, securities or effects of the Association shall be deposited, or for any loss, damage or misfortune whatever which shall happen in the execution in the duties of the office or in relation thereto unless the same shall happen through that person’s own dishonesty.

 

ARTICLE 8. Indemnity of Directors:

Every director of the Association and their heirs, executors and administrators, and estate and effects respectively shall, from time to time and at all times​ be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the Association, from and against:

a)​ all costs, charges, and expenses whatsoever which such director sustains or incurs in or  about any action, suit or proceeding which is brought, commenced, or prosecuted against  the director, for or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing whatsoever made, done or  permitted by the director in or about the execution of the duties of the office.

b)​ all other costs, charges and expenses, as authorized by the board of directors, which  the director sustains in or about or in relation to the affairs of the office, except such  costs, charges or expenses as are occasioned by that person’s own willful neglect or  default.

ARTICLE 9. Amendments to the Constitution:

​As an exception to article 4, section 5, articles of this constitution and the by-laws may be changed, amended, or repealed by a 2/3 majority of the membership present at any ​AGM

of the Association membership at which a quorum (Article 4. #4) is met. Any motion to change the articles must be submitted in writing to the board prior to the September board meeting. This allows notification of the proposed changes to the general membership at least thirty days prior to the ​AGM.  Modifications to only these proposed article changes can be approved at the ​AGM by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of those members in attendance.

 

ARTICLE 10. Interpretation: ​

In this Constitution and By-Laws of the TVTA Inc. hereafter passed, unless the context otherwise requires word importing the singular number or the feminine gender shall include the plural number or the masculine gender, as in the case may be, and vice-versa.

ARTICLE 11. Extraordinary Situations:

In any situation not specifically herein provided for, the procedure pertaining to a Corporation without share capital in Ontario shall apply insofar as they can be made to apply.

BY-LAWS

  1. BY-LAWS1)​ The board of directors will have a maximum of 16 voting members, minimally fulfilling the roles of President,​ Secretary and Treasurer and typically roles of Vice President, Publications Director, Membership Director, Trail Development Director, Trail Maintenance Director, Public Relations Director, Social Media Director, Activities Director and with other liaisons and directors to be named as required. Voting members may hold multiple positions or share positions between them. Should any of the board positions not be filled additional liaisons can be elected or appointed. The past president is an ex-officio director and may attend board meetings in a non-voting capacity to advise and counsel the board.   ​

    2)​ Members of the board must be current members of TVTA and may be invited to represent the Association at meetings, focus groups etc. of other organizations and will be expected to report to the board.

    3)​ Membership of the Association will be of one-year duration as shown on the membership card. Renewal is due by the expiry date. No refunds will be issued.

    4)​ Fee structures will be reviewed once a year by the board when setting the Annual budget. Any changes will be presented at the ​AGM.

    5)​ The fiscal year will run from October 1 – September 30 with the ​AGM held in November. The year-end financial statements will be checked and approved by the board prior to being presented at said meeting.

    6)​ A quorum will be set at 50% plus one of the board ​members​, for board meetings.

    7)​ The Association will carry adequate liability insurance commensurate with its needs

    with the waiver sheet used as a “sign-up” sheet for sanctioned activities.

    8)​ All important documents, including contracts and club memorabilia will be listed and kept by the president of the TVTA, available upon request.

    9)​ When members of the Association attend public meetings, they should make it clear if they are representing TVTA; and if so, it is expected they will provide a report to the board.

    1​0) ​Expenses will be paid for official board activities, but there must be prior approval on a case-by-case basis. Travel expenses will usually be for mileage or ticket receipts. The regular expenses of the association are to be paid by the Treasurer in a timely manner. Emergency expenditure of funds that may arise between meetings must be approved by the Treasurer or President and the two other signing officers, and this must be reported to the board at the next meeting.

    11)​ Within three months after the fiscal year end, registered charity information returns, government and other legal reports will be submitted to ensure the maintenance of TVTA’s charitable and corporate status.

    12)​ Criteria will be set in the Guidebook for acquiring end-to-end badges.

    13)​ ​All​ TVTA ​Come Hike and Walk With Us (Meet Up)​ ​Social media sites​ will have a leadership committee of at least ​3​ board members made up of the President, Activities Director and the Social Media Director, as long as the association supports ​these​ sites. 14)​ TVTA hike leaders must abide by the Constitution, By Laws and set policies of the association.

    15) ​All types of written, print or video resources to be shared with our membership or the public must first be approved by the Communications committee before being sent or posted​.

    16) ​Volunteer recruitment​: ​All volunteers must be aligned with the TVTA aims and objectives. Recruitment first must be presented to the board to determine need. Once the board is aware and agree that a need exist​ with​ approval being obtained in how this need will be communicated to paid membership or the public

    Original draft 2 December 1971 (8 amendments made at adoption) 1 amendment

    September 1974 6 amendments October 1986 Revised

    May 1 1992 1 amendment

    October 1999 1 amendment October 2000 (affecting 8 articles and all by-laws) 3 amendments

    November 2003 12 amendments

    November 2007 (4 articles and 8 by-laws) 6 amendments

    November 2008 (3 articles and 3 by-laws) 10 amendments

    November 2015 (6 articles and 4 by-laws) 4 amendments

    November 2018 (2 articles and 2 by-laws)

    November 2020 (4 articles and 2 by-laws) 8 amendments

    November 2022 (1 article and 1 by-law) 8 amendments

TVTA Risk Management Plan

For the most recent version of the Risk Management Plan,  please click here

Risk Management final Plan for Thames Valley Trail Association – 2016

10 Key Elements to be covered under this plan:

1. Trail Building and Maintenance Standards               2.  Incident/Accident Reports and Records Keeping

3.  Trail Signage and Marking                                            4.  Landowner Agreements

5. Trail Auditing                                                                   6.  Collaboration with Landowners

7. Training for Hike Leaders, Other Volunteers              8.  Insurance

9. Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Club    10.  Budgeting

1. Trail Building and Maintenance:

Thames Valley Trail Association has adopted the guidelines published in the 2001 edition of the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Guide for Trail Workers 3rd edition.  A written or digital copy of this guide or an updated version is to be held by both the Director of Trail Maintenance and the Director of Trail Development of the club and to be passed on to succeeding directors.

Provision of onsite general training (excluding the use of power equipment) of volunteers at a trail maintenance or trail development outing is the responsibility of the leader of that particular session so as to ensure appropriate task assignments.

Power Equipment Training.   Only those volunteers who are certified in the use of power equipment or who are approved by the leader of a trail maintenance/development session are allowed to use such equipment.  Safety Equipment is supplied by our club and must be worn at all times when power equipment is being used.

When a trained operator is using power equipment such as a chainsaw or brush cutter, they must be accompanied by an assistant, preferably one who is trained.

When a trained operator is using power equipment such as a chainsaw or brush cutter, they must be accompanied by an assistant, preferably one who is trained.

Volunteers who participate in group trail maintenance or development will sign a Waiver of Liability.   Any volunteer who is younger than 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order to participate.

All trail building is to be done with the landowner’s prior knowledge and approval.  This is the responsibility of the leader of the activity or an agreed-upon delegate.

In order to maintain an inventory of maintenance equipment, the Director of Trail Maintenance will create a list on the club website to locate and track all equipment.  When a new Director takes this position, it is the responsibility of the former Director to provide the current inventory information.   Each maintenance worker shall ensure that their TVTA tools remain in good repair at the club’s expense.

Certification List:    A current written record of those volunteers certified in the use of power equipment for trail maintenance or development session is to be available on our club website for use by trail maintenance leaders.   Periodic updates of this list are to be sent to the Trail Maintenance Director by those responsible for organizing and verifying a club certification course.  The information will then be forwarded to our club webmaster by the current Trail Maintenance Director for posting.

1(as suggested in Hike Ontario’s draft document entitled “The Key Elements of risk Management for Ontario Hiking Clubs and Associations” Dec 28, 2010)

All written records concerning trail maintenance and development are to be maintained by the Trail Maintenance and the Trail Development Directors forever.   When a Director leaves their position, such documents as they have in their possession are to be passed on to their successor in a timely fashion.

2. Trail Signage and Marking:

Our club uses the widely-recognized form of directional trail guide – the white blaze for a main trail and blue blaze for a side trail.

Signs at our trailheads will indicate in positive language the permitted activities only, the assumption being that all other activities are prohibited. Signs may also be posted to convey clear guidelines for trail use and behavior such as the Trail Users Code. Signs will also state that the trail is unsupervised and is for “use at your own risk.”

The Trail Development Director is responsible for determining sign locations and for their initial installation. The ongoing repair or replacement of trail signs is the responsibility of the Trail Maintenance Director.

3. Trail Auditing:

Our club undertakes regular inspections and audits of the trail for hazards and signage and then documents these inspections and any resulting actions. Forms that document these activities are kept forever by the Trail Maintenance Director and are passed over from the former to the new director when a change in personnel occurs.

Forms will be stored in the club computer for use by those performing trail audits or maintenance/development.

4. Training of Hike Leaders and other volunteers:

As of January 2012, all hike leaders must be certified by Hike Ontario through the recognized Hike Leader Certification Course. Some of our leaders may be recognized for their experience e.g. Scout Leaders and therefore may not be required to become Hike Ontario certified. The decision to recognize this experience rests with the club board.

Following a hike leader certification course, it will be the responsibility of the course leader to provide the Activities Director with a list of those successfully certified. The Activities Director will then send this information to the Club Webmaster to be added to the already-existing, password-protected website list of leaders for use by appropriate personnel.

Prior to commencing any club-sponsored hike, the leader will ensure a discussion occurs with the participants and explain that they are signing a waiver that has legal implications. This will ensure that all participants understand that the hike leader is a volunteer and is exempted from liability and that participants must understand that there are risks involved in hiking and that they are accepting responsibility for these risks. Leaders must also ensure that they or a designate is carrying a cell phone or radio for contacting emergency services, if required.

First Aid training –  Our club promotes and provides opportunities for members to undertake first aid training. The club will reimburse a board-approved sum to a maximum of 4 people each year to help defray expenses from their Basic First Aid training. We will also reimburse a board-approved sum (suggested maximum of $250) to help defray expenses for an Advanced/Specialized First Aid course for an annual maximum of 2 people.

At the February board meeting each calendar year, the Board will appoint a First Aid Co-ordinator to document the First Aid training of club members. This Co-ordinator will provide to the webmaster an up to date list of those in the club who are certified in First Aid as their courses are completed during the year. This list will be posted on our website in a password-protected site available to appropriate personnel.

5. Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk:

The “Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk” form – see Appendix A – will be verbally explained by the hike leader or Trail Maintenance/Building leader before being signed. This will ensure knowledge of conditions by participants and what rights they may be waiving by signing the form. The form will be read and signed by all participants before the hike or activity begins. The signed forms will be retained in storage by the Activities Director forever.  Forms will be available on the website.

6. Incident/Accident reports:

At the time of an incident or as soon as possible thereafter, the Hike or Trail Maintenance/Building leader will complete our club’s standard incident reporting form. The form will then be filed with the appropriate Director (either Activities or Trail Maintenance) for future reference.  Reports should be kept forever.  Significant incidents shall be reported in a timely manner to both our club insurer and to Hike Ontario.  The current version of the Incident/Accident report is available for downloading at our club website.  Hard copies of the form are available at Grosvenor Lodge, or from the Activities Director.

7. Landowner Agreements:

 NB – sections 7 and 8 will continue to be reviewed as our landowner list becomes updated. This updating initiative continues to be in progress as of the date of this policy review.

A verbal agreement between a landowner and the Thames Valley Trail Association shall be followed by confirming correspondence to the landowner. A copy of our insurance certificate will be provided to the landowner upon request. The Director of Trail Development is responsible for maintaining these agreements.

8. Collaboration with Landowners:

There will be regular liaising with all trail landowners, private and public as part of due diligence. Regular contacts and familiarity with elected municipal officials and staff and their official plans may also reveal pending developments which could affect trails.  This is also part of our due diligence.

Other collaborative measures which may benefit trail clubs should include having trails clearly marked in municipal official plans and park plans with the permitted uses specified e.g. “pedestrian only” or “mixed use”.

Special trail club events may require additional liaising efforts with landowners.

9. Club Budgeting:

The provision of monthly reports from the Treasurer to members of the TVTA board will ensure that we have adequate budgetary provision for building and replacing unsafe trail infrastructure and signage, hike leader training, and insurance coverage.

10.Insurance:

The Thames Valley Trail Association carries both general and directors’ liability insurance. The club maintains complete and accurate records in an appropriate manner. The current Hike Ontario Insurance Broker is Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc. represented by Rosemary Dunn at 1-800-461-5087.

St. Marys Cement and UTRCA-Fanshawe will carry liability insurance within their own jurisdictions. They will be added as Additional Insured to the TVTA insurance policy. A copy of this insurance is mailed to the 2 Additional Insureds each year.

All club or trail association hikes must be published in our Trekker or on our website.  To be covered by the Hike Ontario insurer, any unauthorized hikes must be communicated to and acknowledged by Hike Ontario in writing.

In the event of a lawsuit, pass all legal correspondence – without comment or answer – to the insurer immediately.

Please proceed to page 6 for Appendices
Submitted by Risk Management Committee to TVTA Board for approval Feb 2012:

Lynn Brush, Judi Einarson, Karen MacKinnon, Maureen McGauley (chair)
Revised 2013, Revised 2014 – Karen MacKinnon, Maureen McGauley, Barb Doney, Jane Vincent-Havelka
REVISED MARCH 2016 – Barb Doney, Paulette Renaud,      Jane Vincent-Havelka .
Revised April 2016 – Judy Kwasnica, President

APPENDIX A :

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK page 1 of 4

Please forward completed form as soon as possible to the Activities Director

APPENDIX B :

ADDITIONAL DUTIES RESULTING FROM NEW POLICIES – pg. 2 of 4

Trail Maintenance DirectorTrail Development DirectorWeb Manager
Have a copy of the Bruce Trail Guide for Trail WorkersHave a copy of the Bruce Trail Guide for Trail WorkersPost lists of certified hike leaders, certified power equipment operators, and First Aiders on club computer
Record and provide updated lists to web manager of those certified in the use of power equipment
Keep records of trail maintenance sessions forever pass all records in possession to new directors when elected.Keep records of trail development activities forever, pass all records in possession to new directors when elected.
Ensure signs at all trailheads are in good repairPost signs at trailheads
Inform blazer of the need for refreshing blazesInform blazer of the need for blazes on any new trail sections.
Ensure regular trail audits are completed and recordedMaintain records of all landowner agreements. Pass these records to your successor in a timely manner.
Keep inventory of all club tools and equipment and ensure that regular maintenance is done on tools
Ensure Incident Reports received are dealt with in a timely manner and copies kept forever

APPENDIX B :
ADDITIONAL DUTIES RESULTING FROM NEW POLICIES – pg. 3 of 4

 

ACTIVITIES DIRECTORDIRECTOR AT LARGE
Record names of newly certified hike leaders and inform webmaster for inclusion on club computer and/or websiteRecord and track those certified in First Aid and provide names to webmaster for inclusion on club computer and /or website
Maintain Waiver of Liability forms forever.
Ensure that Incident Reports received are dealt with in a timely manner and copies kept forever.

APPENDIX C :

INCIDENT REPORT FORM page 4 of 4

First Aid Training

The club will reimburse a board-approved sum to a maximum of 4 people each year to help defray expenses from their Basic First Aid training. We will also reimburse a board-approved sum (suggested maximum of $250) to help defray expenses for an Advanced/Specialized First Aid course for an annual maximum of 2 people. Preference is given to active hike leaders. Contact the First Aid Co-ordinator to have your name put on a list.

Advertising Hikes

Privacy Statement

The TVTA’s Privacy Statement

On January 1, 2004 a new Federal Law regulating the use of personal information by business organizations came into effect. This law affects the way personal information is collected and used within an organization. A basic principle underlying the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEA) is knowledgeable consent by our members regarding the collection, use or disclosure of personal information.
Ten privacy principles that govern information handling practices have been developed that outline the steps needed to comply with PIPEDA.

    1. Accountability
      We are required to maintain and protect the information we have obtained from our members from unauthorized access. The collected information is to remain confidential and not be disclosed to unrelated parties without permission or where allowed by law or regulation. This information is collected for the purpose of servicing your membership needs. Personal Information means any information that can identify an individual and may include but not limited to, Social Insurance number, date of birth, name and address and phone number, income, occupation. Provision of personal information is your choice. However your decision to withhold details may limit the types of services we are able to provide.
    2. Identifying Purposes
      The collected information is will be used to:

      1. Confirm your identity.
      2. Determine what your interests are.
      3. Develop the type of hikes and activities that would be of interest to our members.
      4. Consent
        Your consent is required for us to collect, use or disclose the personal information except where allowed by law. Consent can be verbal, written, express (ie an application form) or implied (by not withdrawing consent to a certain use when there is a opportunity to withdraw it). Consent can be withdrawn at any time subject to legal and contractual concerns and with reasonable notice.
    3. Limiting Collection
      Information that is collected will be limited to that needed to communicate with our members on upcoming events. To solicit their opinions and support on future events and in providing ongoing support to members.
    4. Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention

We use the information that we have collected to communicate with you and to deliver the appropriate services that have been requested. We do not sell, lease or trade information about you or your interests to other parties. All personal information is kept confidential at all times except in the following cases:

When Authorized by you

  • Any release of personal information to outside third parties must be authorized by you. Outside parties interested in any of the personal information we have collected must obtain your written consent and present us with your authorization before the information can be released.
  • When Required by Law

Code of Conduct

All interactions (whether it be face-to-face, phone, email, etc.) between members of the TVTA (including Directors) will be polite and respectful.All interactions with the general public in the official capacity as a TVTA Director or member will be polite and respectful.

Failure to act in accordance with the above may be sufficient cause to revoke directorship and/or membership.

The TVTA Board has identified a need to put in place a process to deal with disciplinary matters. The process will be handled by a panel of members consisting of the president, activities director and the hike leader involved.

A verbal warning after the first incident.

Hiking privileges on the Thames Valley Trail could be revoked for one month after the second incident.

An incident report be sent to Hike Ontario should the behaviour continue. (September 2016 board meeting – motion passed unanimously)

A friendly reminder that when taking photos or video on a TVTA sponsored hike, you must ask the participants for permission to photograph. This also applies to posting on social media sites. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the hike and members’ privacy and location are respected.

On the TVTA trail and in ESAs, please hike along marked routes only. Respect the rights and privacy or landowners and people living near the trail.

Communication Policies

The Thames Valley Trail Association communications policy is governed by the following principles:

  • Accountability – Who is responsible for communication, what they are responsible for communicating and how communication activities are completed.
  • Conformance – This is aligned with TVTA’s mission and goals as outlined in the constitution.
  • Consistency – Content and format of message(s) delivered to membership and public audiences
  • Compliance – With the Personal information and privacy rules of Ontario and federal privacy laws related to the collection and use of personal information.
  • The intent is to have the appropriate Director(s) communicate TVTA message(s) using appropriate medium(s) to member(s) and/or the public (non-members) at the right time.

To view the complete Communications Policies,  click  here.

TVTA Meetup Policy  –  Motion for April 1, 2019

Purpose:  The purpose of this policy is to define Thames Valley Trail Association’s use of the public website Meetup.com

  1. TVTA will use Meetup to promote hikes that are open to non-TVTA members in support of the objective to “promote hiking as a form of recreation and leisure”.
  2. The Social Media Director is responsible for the operation of the TVTA Meetup Group.
  3. Hikes are only posted to the TVTA Meetup Group if the following two conditions are met:
    • The hike is open to non-TVTA members
    • The Hike Leader has given approval for their hikes to be posted on Meetup
  4. From time-to-time, the Social Media director will remove Meetup profiles from the TVTA Meetup Group.  This will be done under the following conditions:
    1. Current (paid up) TVTA Members profiles are not subject to the following and will not be removed.
    2. Any profile marked “Inactive” by Meetup can be removed
    3. Any profile marked “Deactivated” by Meetup can be removed
    4. If an Active profile has not attended a hike in the past 11 months, an email (Schedule A) will be sent
    5. If there is no response to the email, the profile can be removed 1 month later.
    6. Profiles that do not include the first name and a clear picture of the member can be removed.
    7. Profiles that contain inappropriate pictures or names can be removed immediately. Needs to be added.

SCHEDULE A

Thank you for joining the TVTA Hiking Group in Meetup.com.  We notice you have not attended a hike in the last 11 months.  In order to provide the best experience for Group Members TVTA’s policy is to remove accounts that do not participate in hikes after 12 months.

If you would like to remain in our TVTA Meetup Group, you are welcome to rejoin anytime.

You can also see all of our public hikes on our website – tvta.ca

Thank you for your interest in hiking.  We hope to see you on the trails!

TVTA