An Important Message from Your Council Key 3

Friends in Scouting,

As your Council Key 3, we are committed to ensuring Scouting properties are both sustainable and support quality outdoor programming.

Over the past months, we have taken the time to review operations at Tamaracouta Scout Reserve (TSR). The property needs repairs and significant infrastructure upgrades to continue to be a viable, safe property for our youth to enjoy.

Recent bookings show that while there is good support from Groups within Quebec Council making use of the property, it is insufficient to sustainably support the operating costs. Significant efforts were made during this past year to increase usage and identify sustainable alternate sources of revenue, which resulted in an increase in camp usage and booking revenue from Groups over the previous year. However, in order to realize a sustainable business plan, important commitments will need to be made in terms of staffing and infrastructure. Before committing such investments for the future of TSR, we plan to engage the services of a professional asset management firm to complete an overall review of the property and assist in the formulation of a viable strategic plan.

As a result, we have decided to temporarily close the property, effective December 1st, while we complete a full assessment of what would be required for TSR to operate sustainably and in keeping with provincial and Scouts Canada requirements.

Our community; Scouting Volunteers, members and staff, will be engaged throughout this process to provide feedback on how we can create a sustainable property that is Mission-aligned. You can expect to hear from us before February 2019 outlining opportunities for input. Additionally, we will provide members with quarterly updates on progress made and the recommended approach forward.

If you have a current booking at Tamaracouta Scout Reserve after December 1st, we will be in touch to cancel your booking and issue a full refund of any deposits paid.

Scout properties support us in providing great, safe Scouting adventures for youth. We look forward to your involvement and support as we evaluate options and plans for the future of Tamaracouta Scout Reserve.

Yours in Scouting,

Jeff Smith, Council Commissioner
Thomas Scoffield, Council Youth Commissioner
Mary-Pauline Vatsis, Scouting Relationship Manager