I can attest to Rolf's words above. A few relief program was investigated by last years Board; unfortunately we ran out of time to implement it. TS can also financially bear the cost to subsidize those members of our community who are less fortune; provided we establish the correct governance behind the program to support it. During my time on the Board and specifically last year as Secretary, managing the registration intake for the Club, I fielded many questions from prospective members (a lot of them being the younger generation) and while I don't have the exact data/numbers at my finger tips right now, many of us would be surprised of how many people decided not to join and instead go ride solo or with friends because of the combined cost of membership being approximately $130. Again; it is easy to show the value of your $30 TS membership fee, but not so much for the CBC +$98 in 2024. As I said before, I get the insurance piece, but we should look at other options that are available. Maybe through investigation we find that there are no good options out there, but it hasn't been properly looked into by the Club (at least to my knowledge). Right now, CBC strongest argument from what I can tell is for us to continue affiliation because they provide insurance; and to be fair, that may be a good enough reason in the end. Other then that- value for money has not been readily apperent. Appreciative of this ongoing discussion. I'm going to say that's my last two cents :)

Rolf et al, This is interesting. I agree that TS is made up of many affluent members of our community who may not see the affordability barrier that is growing for others that are interested in joining TS but hesitant to so becaus of the cost. I firmly believe that the $30 annual TS membership fee is great value for our members but I also believe that we do not see any tangiable value from the CBC annual fees of +$98 for 2024. I believe a lot of recreational clubs (such as our own) and specifically ones outside of the lower mainland also have a hard time seeing any tanginable value from the CBC fees. CBC fees have continued to rise every year while TS has maintained the same $30 annual fee for a number of years now while still growing the club and the value it provides membership. I understand the insurance piece, but from Rolf's investigation above, there are other options (including members own personal insurance) that provide cheaper alternatives- with options for members to add to if they so wish. This may be a model worth exploring. It's also interesting to see other clubs (specifically here on the island) moving away from CBC affiliation. In any event, great food for thought and I am appreciative of everyone's views on this. My encouragement would be for TS members to attend the upcoming EGM and vote for what they believe is in the best longterm interest of themselves but also for TS as a club. I like to conclude by saying thank you to Martin for representing us at the Board level. We are fortunate to have his voice at the table. I am also appreciative of his openess and communicative nature with respect to CBC position including some of the challenges within CBC.