Board members from the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) cam to Nakusp on Sept. 18 for its annual general meeting.
Part of the reason for the meeting was to show the results of a year-long consultation process talking to people in various communities along the Columbia Basin.
From those consultations, the Trust narrowed a list of 13 strategic priorities to be implemented between 2016-2020.
These priorities include things like affordable housing, agriculture, early childhood education/childhood development, recreational and physical activity, and renewable and alternate energy.
Something the Trust has already helped Nakusp with was funding for the new building for the Arrow Lakes Historical Society (ALHS).
"We needed seed money to start, and through the CBT, they came up with $100,000 immediately to start off the funding for the new building," said Ken Williams, treasurer of the Arrow Lakes Historical Society.
"The building is approximately half-a-million dollar building. The ended up funding, over two to three years, about $200,000 of that. The rest was from the community or other donations." he said.
About 50 people attended the meeting, one of the largest turnouts for the Trust.
"We had a great turnout," said Neil Muth, President and CEO of CBT.
"This is a very well attended annual general meeting. There were lots of questions on a wide variety of interests, which I think it's really reflective of the interests that residents of Nakusp have in the CBT."
Toward the end of the meeting, there was a question period. Anyone with comments or concerns was free to speak their mind.
"I thought their responses were very thoughtful and to the point," said Kathy Smith, a Nakusp resident who attended the general meeting.
"It was nice because there were several people who could respond to the question. Maybe the person that was asked the question, he could redirect the question to somebody else who had the full story. I thought that it was kind of well-rounded that way.
"There was some very positive comments, and comments, and comments of concern that I think they addressed with how they plan on moving forward into the future.
"I thought it was quite well managed."
After the meeting, everyone was invited to attend a barbeque. It was originally supposed to be at the gazebo in the park, but was moved into the curling rink because of rain.
People of all ages were in attendance. Almost every table at the curling rink was full.
Along with burgers and salads, there were two cakes to help celebrate the Trust's 20 years in operation. Prizes were drawn as well.
"Every time the Trust does something in Nakusp, we seem to have a larger per capita turnout than other places." said Laurie Paige, a member of the Trust's Board of Directors.
It's something Trust Chair Greg Deck has noticed as well.
"I think this is the largest turnout, period, of any AGM I've been to in 20 years, he said.
"You guys rock it. It's a credit to your community and I think there's a bunch of people from Burton here as well, and we are impressed and pleased."