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Hello NBMA Community:
We hope everyone is doing well and is gearing up for spring. It looks like winter is back here in Norway Bay as we’re getting snow again!! But spring is certainly on its way, and with virtually no snow and very little ice, we expect an early season this year.
I’m sure most everyone is aware of the rather unfortunate news regarding the pier. The engineering report received by the Municipality (based on testing and evaluation done in the late fall) has confirmed worst fears – the Pier has been deemed unsafe for use, and more importantly unsafe to attach docks to (either our own NBMA swimming docks, or the Bristol municipal boat docks on the other side of the pier). As a result, we have been VERY busy trying to figure out alternatives to be able to provide ‘deeper water’ swimming programs and activities. More about that below.
But the good news is that ALL other NBMA programs are moving ahead, including the beach-based elements of the swimming program. We are certainly a bit behind in our communications, as the pier activities have taken up a lot of our time, but we are very excited to announce that the summer jobs will be posted by Thursday March 21st; with the full timetable for applications, interviews and hiring also posted at that time. So please stay tuned for those, and certainly let anyone else you interact with know that those are coming – and that importantly there will be no changes to the other programs!
As for the ‘deeper water’ elements of the swimming program, the NBMA is working closely with Bristol staff and council to determine what, if anything, can be set up to facilitate deeper-water swimming program activities in time for this summer season. Bristol staff and council are still trying to understand what can and cannot be done without impacting safety and liability restrictions. We hope to have specific announcements very soon, but until we can confirm what might be configured (and when), and whether that could be used to facilitate a safe and effective environment to teach the necessary swimming programs, we are unfortunately unable to commit to any specific deep water swimming.
Please be patient, as we recognize the impact this delay has on children hoping to enroll in these programs, parents trying to coordinate summer plans and potential instructors anticipating employment this season. As soon as we get confirmation one way or the other, we will communicate immediately with our NBMA community. These are certainly extraordinary circumstances, and not something we had expected - but still certainly something that we need to get clarity on as soon as possible.
I want everyone to know that the NBMA recognizes the critical importance that the summer programs play in many people’s plans, and as such are doing everything we can to try and preserve as much as we can with those longstanding and very loved activities. Our first – and primary – responsibility is to provide a safe, open and fun experience for both children in the programs and the instructors and Supervisors of those programs. Rest assured that as soon as we can assure a safe and effective environment for the swimming program, we will communicate that to everyone within Norway Bay. Please be patient and thank you in advance to everyone for your understanding (and help) in making these unexpected changes to these longstanding cornerstones of the Norway Bay experience.
For questions about the pier, boating and fishing, please contact the Municipality of Bristol (http://bristolmunicipality.qc.ca).
For questions about NBMA programming, please reach out to me, Patrick Byrne, my contact details can be found below. However, please know we don't have many answers right now, please be patient and stay tuned, we will communicate everything the moment we have news.
IMPORTANT DATES:
All NBMA jobs will be posted on Thursday March 21st on the NBMA website (www.nbma.ca).
A Zoom based online job fair for all those interested in a summer job will be held the evening of March 25th. Details will be emailed and posted.
Thank you,
Pat Byrne
NBMA President
patrickdbyrne@hotmail.com
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