The troubled Hyack Festival Association elected a new board of directors on Monday, despite an internal bust-up that has left the organization's bank account frozen and the city reviewing its funding.
Lawyer Peter Goodwin was named president, Gavin Palmer is past-president, Wayne Fredin is president elect (meaning he will be next year's president), Michail Boncea is vice-president, Ryan Ferrer is secretary, while Gloria Munro will stay on as treasurer.
The organization has been under scrutiny since former executive director Douglas Smith was fired last summer without the support of the entire Hyack board of directors.
"I'm hoping all that's behind us," new president Goodwin said, adding he is optimistic about the organization's future.
"There are so many experienced volunteers who have been doing this sort of work for years."
In his acceptance speech on Monday night, Goodwin talked about restoring stability to Hyack, saying they are almost there.
"One of the issues that was a big problem for the city, and for others, was one of governance, as you know. And I think with the AGM (annual general meeting) now being held and done in compliance with the bylaws, I think that issue for instance has passed," he said.
The outing of Smith left Hyack fractured and sparked a public battle between the two camps. It also resulted in the association losing key sponsors and the city intervening in the situation. As a result of the turmoil, the association's bank accounts were frozen - something Goodwin said was caused by Smith, but he didn't want to comment on the status of the situation.
"I'm not really in a position to comment on that, because, I think … Douglas Smith has commenced legal proceedings at this stage, and so that's a matter that's really before the courts now," Goodwin said.
Asked how Hyack is paying its staff, Goodwin said that's one of the issues they are addressing.
As for sponsorship (the association lost major sponsors such as Uptown Property Group and the Royal City Centre when Smith left), Goodwin said it's too early for him to talk about it, given that he'd only just filled his seat the day before talking to The Record.
As of Monday, Hyack still hadn't heard from the city on the status of its grant.
Despite the upheaval, supporters at Hyack headquarters are plugging along, as if it's business as usual.
The association recently issued a press release about the annual Northwest Festival Hosting, which is happening in New Westminster this weekend.
The association will welcome approximately 50 delegates from as far away as Oregon at the annual general meeting for the group, which is comprised of 11 festival organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest who are responsible for producing festivals and parades.
Alan Wardle, Glen Richmond, Marge Ashdown, David MacGrotty, Brenda Adam, Don Swindells, Gerda Suess and Ted Eddy are also on the Hyack board. There are currently two vacancies on the board, Palmer told The Record.
