Friends of the Cataraqui Trail

The Friends of the Cataraqui Trail (FCT) were formally created on June 15, 2019 at the the inaugural Annual General Meeting with the acceptance of the FCT constitution. During this meeting eight members were elected to the 16 member Board of Directors. Eight more members of the Board have since been appointed by municipalities, snowmobile clubs and the CRCA. The first meeting of the new FCT Board was held on Thursday September 28 where all members of the FCT were invited to attend and participate. Anyone purchasing a membership to the Friends of the Cataraqui Trail is a member in good standing for the calendar year of the membership.  Members are welcome to attend FCT Board meetings which are typically held on the 4th Thursday of most months.

The FCT was created when the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority took over responsibility for the Cataraqui Trail from the original Management Board.  The Friends of the Cataraqui Trail advocates for the sustainability, enjoyment and stewardship of the Cataraqui Trail.  The FCT supports the public use of the Trail, promotes the Cataraqui Trail and assists the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority as a volunteer work force for light mainenance and to monitor and report trail hazards and maintenance issues.

Constitution of The Friends of the Cataraqui Trail

The Friends of the Cataraqui Trail – History and Mandate

Originally built in 1879 as a rail line, in 1998 ownership of the Cataraqui Trail was transferred to the Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority to be a destination for cyclists, hikers, snowmobilers and outdoors enthusiasts. The Cataraqui Trail has played a vital link through the region for decades. The Friends of The Cataraqui Trail represents the spirit and interests of all the whistle stop communities, the natural environment, the user groups and individuals that continue to be served by this jewel through the heart of Eastern Ontario.

The Friends of the Cataraqui Trail (FCT) advocates for the sustainability, enjoyment and stewardship of the Cataraqui Trail.  The FCT supports public use and promotes the Cataraqui Trail.

The Friends of The Cataraqui Trail assists the Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority (CRCA) as a volunteer work force for light maintenance and to monitor and report trail hazards and maintenance issues to the CRCA.

Members

FCT members are anyone who holds a paid-up annual membership. The number of members in the FCT is unrestricted.

 Annual General Meeting

 There will be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) open to all members of the FCT. At the AGM the members will set the membership fees, elect the FCT Board, amend the constitution and deal with motions and questions raised by the members. Notification of the AGM will be sent at least two weeks prior to the meeting date. The AGM will be held annually in the fall.

Meeting will be run according to Roberts Rules of Order.

 The FCT Board and Executive

 The ongoing management of the FCT will be done by the FCT Board. The Board will consist of 16 members:

 

  • five municipally-appointed representatives, preferably Councillors (one each from adjacent Township councils: Napanee, Stone Mills, South Frontenac, Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls)
  • two snowmobile club appointed representatives
  • one CRCA appointed representative
  • eight members of the FCT elected at the AGM.

 

Members of the FCT Board are nominated and elected at the AGM.  Elected FCT Board members remain in place for two years.  FCT Board membership elections are staggered so that four new members are elected every year. Externally appointed members will be for four years.

 The FCT Board meets at least once every two months, or as required.

 The FCT Board can appoint board members to fill vacancy between AGMs.

 Quorum for board meetings will be a minimum of 6.

The FCT Board elects annually, from within its ranks, a five-person FCT Executive consisting of:

  • Chair
  • Vice Chair
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Trail Maintenance Coordinator
  • Membership and Communications Chair

 

The FCT Executive schedules and manages the FCT Board meetings and activities. The Board organizes and calls the AGM.  The FCT Executive meets as needed at the call of the chair.

The FCT Board can appoint other committees usually composed of FCT members as required to plan and execute projects.

 FCT Board meetings will generally be open to all members with any member having full voice but no vote.

FCT Finances

FCT revenue comes from memberships, donations, and fees from special events. Income will be received by the CRCA.  Members are provided with tax receipts for memberships and donations.

FCT expenditures are authorized and monitored by the Executive, and audited annually along with the services by CRCA.  FCT funds will be held by the CRCA, and the FCT treasurer and the CRCA staff will collaborate on financial procedures and statements.

 Amendments

Amendments to the FCT constitution will be made at an annual general meeting and passed by 50% plus one of these paid members present.

 Special General Meeting

 The Chair, any three Board members or ten voting members may request a special general membership meeting.  A Special General Meeting will be called within two months of the request with a minimum notice of two weeks.

 A quorum for an AGM or special general meeting shall be 15 members.