A History of Pink Triangle Services from 1984 to 2000

Foreword

In 1984 a group of directors from the Board of Gays of Ottawa set out to create a non-profit organization with charitable status called Pink Triangle Services in the hopes that such recognition would enable an organization to more-easily raise funds. In the spring of that year the corporation was founded and was granted charitable status under the Income Tax Act, a first for Canada. In the ensuing fifteen years Pink Triangle Services (or PTS as it quickly became known) has flourished and grown, in many ways fulfilling the vision of the founding members.

Those fifteen years also brought tremendous changes to the gay and lesbian community. AIDS decimated a generation of gay men, while at the same time in Canada gays and lesbians won legal rights of which an earlier generation scarcely dreamed.I have had the privilege of being associated with PTS from the beginning and it remains close to my heart. There is no doubt in my mind that it continues to provide much-needed services to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community.

With access to a complete set of Board minutes and my own participation, I chose the first fifteen years to record the history of PTS as seen from the Board of Directors. Far too much of our history has not been recorded and the great achievements of our leaders and organizations have been unrecognized.

As I read through the fifteen years, I am struck by the extraordinary responsibility of successive Boards, not only to do things right but to do the right things. Indeed, the Boards may have seemed a little cautious, but their admirable sense of integrity and accountability to the community that elected them informed that caution. The organization always worked issues through to consensus, remained very clear on its fiduciary responsibilities, took the high road, and sought new ways of serving its constituents.

This responsibility was appreciated by the community which supported PTS through individual donations for about 75% of its operating expenses.The delivery of extensive programs through volunteers has been an on-going challenge as the various discussion groups waxed and waned, often depending on individual leaders and their commitment. Sources of fundraising, diversifying fund raising, and securing good accommodation were recurring themes.

Several on-going challenges arise including managing volunteers, establishing communications strategies, and evaluating programs. Despite these challenges, PTS consistently grew and diversified. As I write this in 2002, it seems poised for increased growth and change, and there is every reason to believe that it will succeed.

On a technical note, I would like to point out that for the first several years the fiscal year of PTS was 1 October until 30 September, and all fiscal reporting was made on that basis. For ease of reference, I have recorded events and budgets based on the year during which most of the activity happened. After 1996, the fiscal year and calendar year are the same. Also, the list of directors that appears first was elected at the AGM; names following the list were usually nominated during the year to fill vacancies.

The history is based on a reading of all the minutes, and I take responsibility for any interpretations that have come from my own involvement.

Barry Deeprose
17 June 2002

 

You may access any year directly from these year markers.
2001
2002

 

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services —1984

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Founding Board

Barb McIntosh, (Pres.)

Jim Young (Sec.)

Blair Johnston, (VP)

Bob Read (Treas..)

Marie Robertson

John Duggan

Roger Roome

Judy Girard

Linda Wilson

Lana Clowes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         In 1984, a group of directors from Gays of Ottawa (GO) applied to incorporate Pink Triangle Services Inc (It was first called “Changing Times” but the name was not available.) This charitable organization would take over the “charitable” activities of GO (Gayline/Télégai, Speakers Bureau, Training Committee, Library, and Discussion Groups), leaving the political activities to GO (advocacy, political action collective) and the newspaper GO Info). The initiative was undertaken to assist in fund-raising for the chronically-under-funded GO.

·         The Letters Patent were filed on March 29, 1984 and the application was approved on April 10, 1984. The Corporation Number is 167262-2-M.

·         The by-laws were also submitted along with a budget for 1984-85 (the FY being October 1 to 31 September) for $7,400.

·         The objectives of the Association were:

1.        To foster an understanding of homosexuality by providing community, educational and research services to the public.

2.        To provide counseling services for gay men and women and
those associated with them.

3.        To assist members in being good consumers of professional and community services by providing social and other professional network support referrals and to gather and maintain other reference materials.

4.        To establish a resource centre for gay-related materials.

5.        To undertake and sponsor gay-related research programs, with an educational focus.

6.        To promote and support the purposes of other recognized charities.

7.        For the furtherance of the objectives aforesaid, to collect monies by way of donations, accept gifts, legacies, devises and bequests, and to hold, invest, expend or deal with same.

8.        To do such other things as may be incidental or conducive to the above objectives

·         PTS was also granted status as a “Registered Charity” (#0677732-09-10) under the Income Tax Act on March 29, 1984, the first openly-gay organization to do so.

·         On June 19, 1984 the first Board meeting was held at 175 Lisgar Street, headquarters of GO. A subsequent meeting was held on January 15, 1985.

·         The first AGM was held on January 29, 1985:

·         Gayline/Télégai reported 48,049 calls, of which 7,870 were answered, 4,799 were “hassle calls,” 2,334 were information calls, and 737 were counseling calls.

·         A Board of Directors was elected.

 

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1985

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

First Elected Board

Bob Read (Pres.)

Vivian Lambert (VP)

Barry Deeprose (Sec)

Judy Girard (Treas.)

Cathy Collett

Gloria Norgang

Kathy O’Connell

Roger Roome

David Andrew

Blair Johnston

Suzanne Doucette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS obtained a grant of $13,000 under the Canada Works program of CEIC to hire two employees for 20 weeks as of March 11, 1985 as community out-reach workers. Heidi McDonnell and Lynn Andrews were hired. Their duties included preparing pamphlets, contacting agencies, updating Gayline/Télégai/Télégai referrals, and preparing resources.

·         A dance at the Jack Purcell Community Centre on February 16, 1985 raised $409.49 for PTS.

·         In May of 1985, PTS moved to 318 Lisgar (above a laundromat) and sublet space at $500 a month from GO, which held the lease. PTS was in debt but this was alleviated by $2,200 raised from a women’s dance.

·         At the July 9, 1985 Board meeting Barry Deeprose proposed that PTS establish an AIDS Committee of Ottawa as a sub-committee of PTS to raise awareness of the disease and coordinate information. Bob Read seconded the proposal. The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) met on August 21 and in September. It also held a general public meeting on October 9 to inform the community about AIDS. So many men attended that they were standing on the stairs and in the library.

·         As a Gayline/Télégai initiative to provide an alternative to the bars, Barry Deeprose founded a Coming Out Right Group for men on Monday evenings in September, attracting an average of 25 men a night. In October Gabriella Golliger founded a group for women which met outside of the Centre. Gayline/Télégai re-established a group for lesbians on Thursdays in January 1986.

·         Judy Girard attended a Gays and Aging Conference and PTS became a member of the Gays and Lesbians in Health Care Association of the United States.

·         PTS bought the library and its furniture from GO and paid for PTS-initiated renovations at 318 Lisgar.

·         From a community mail-out, PTS raised $8,045 from 51 individuals

·         PTS presented the first homophobia awareness workshop for psychologists, social workers and nurses of the Pembroke Hospital. A second presentation was made at the Carleton University School of Social Work.

·         AGM: February 11, 1986

·         Operating costs for the year were $20,560.

·         Gayline/Télégai received 46,955 calls: 7,652 were answered, of those 4,549 were nuisance calls.

 

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1986

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Judy Girard (Pres.)

Bob Read (VP)

Barry Deeprose (Sec)

Jacques Trudel (Treas.)

Holly MacKay

Gloria Norgang

Suzanne Doucette

Randy Keats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS clearly defined itself as a separate entity from GO.

·         Activities with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO), still a sub-committee of PTS, increased:

·         Donations were held in a separate account.

·         Condom blitzes organized by Bob Read were held in May and September and a pamphlet was published.

·         The Buddies Group founded by Barry Deeprose was caring for 4 people.

·         Dr. Gilles Melanson attended the first International AIDS Conference in Paris in September on behalf of the ACO.

·         On July 5/6 members of the ACO attended a meeting in Windsor that founded the AIDS Coalition of Ontario (later the Ontario AIDS Network).

·         PTS hosted a meeting of the eleven members of the AIDS Coalition of Ontario in Ottawa on September 13, 1986.

·         Members of ACO attended the National Council on AIDS (predecessor of the Canadian AIDS Society) in Toronto on July 25/26.

·         The Training Committee presented a workshop at the national conference of the Elizabeth Fry Society

·         Jacques Trudel, Treasurer, received support from PTS for organizing a committee for Gay Pride in Ottawa for which he organized a picnic on June 28 and an evening with the Great Canadian Theatre Company. GO funded the event and eventually took it over.

·         PTS purchased the Library holdings from GO for $3,682 after a careful evaluation.

·         The United Way denied PTS’ application for a grant.

·         The training manual For You, For Us was published by PTS.

·         The Speakers Bureau was doing regular speaks at universities and high schools.

·         On December 2, 1986 a special meeting was held for women of PTS to discuss how PTS was responding to women’s needs. It was determined that there were many unmet needs, including assistance with substance abuse, assistance to lesbians with children, and workplace issues.

·         Letters were sent to 160 social service agencies in Ottawa to introduce them to PTS and its services.

·         On October 9 the first fund-raising Gala was held at the Museum of Natural Sciences. The goal was to raise $10,000 from 200 donors, and PTS raised $24,000 from 300 donors with the help of 51 canvassers.

·         PTS applied for membership on the Social Planning Council.

·         AGM of March 15, 1987:

·         Operating costs for the year were $14,649.

·         Coming Out groups for men and women were averaging 30 people a night.

·         The Library undertook to bind complete runs of GO Info and The Body Politic.

·         Gayline/Télégai received 46,000 calls, of which 8,718 were answered, of which 5,204 were nuisance calls.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1987

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Judy Girard (Pres.)

Barry Deeprose (VP) Suzanne Doucette (Treas.)

Holly MacKay (Sec)

Randy Keats

Don Patterson

Les McAfee

Scott Mellon

Gloria Norgang

Cathy Collett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS funded a project to videotape the E.G.A.L.E. celebration on January 17.

·         PTS received a grant of $1,000 from the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton.

·         PTS hired an employee, Suzan Bastedo, to work 30 hours a week.

·         PTS joined the Social Planning Council.

·         The Building Fund Committee was established to look into funding a permanent home.

·         PTS donated $250 to the Ottawa Men’s Chorus in payment for a future concert.

·         Gala: October 15:

·         Chris Landry co-ordinated the fund-raising campaign.

·         A goal of $35,000 was set and $27,222 was actually raised.

·         Gayline/Télégai remained very busy:

·         Installed a second phone line.

·         Counseled people with AIDS/ARC.

·         Updated its listings.

·         It familiarized itself with transgender issues by inviting representatives for the Society (previously Sorority) for the Second Self and Society for the Advancement of Transvestites to attend meetings.

·         On October 28, 1987 the Library had a Gala Opening at the University of Ottawa at which 250 people heard Jane Rule and Edward Phillips read from their works.

·         PTS began to work with an annual budget for its committees.

·         The AIDS Committee of Ottawa received funding of $232,000 from the province of Ontario and moved to be a separate corporation. PTS turned over the funds held in trust for ACO.

·         PTS increased its rent to Gays of Ottawa to cover 50% of the cost of Gay Youth of Ottawa (operating independently of PTS) and Live and Let Live (Gay AA Group).

·         The Training Committee Presented a series of workshops and meetings for lesbians.

·         AGM of April 17, 1988:

·         Mark Maloney was the guest speaker and Richard Patten, MPP, dropped in.

·         Operating expenses were $30,046

·         Gayline/Télégai received 50,728 calls: 10,209 were answered of which 5,845 were nuisance calls, and 649 calls concerned AIDS.

·         The Speakers Bureau reported 17 speaks in the year reaching 700 people.

·         The Library reported a circulation of 417 titles.

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1988

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Judy Girard (Pres.)

Randy Keats (VP)

Serge Monfils (Treas.)

Holly MacKay (Sec)

David Garmaise

Bill Hingston

Brian Hobbs

Barb McIntosh

Pat McKenna

Roger Roome

Christina Mills

June Witherspoon

Michelle Benjamin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         In January the first Volunteer Appreciation Night was held.

·         PTS sat on a City of Ottawa Advisory Committee on Sexual Orientation, providing training to the staff of the Office of Equal Opportunities and reviewing policies on AIDS.

·         In June PTS participated in formal discussion with the Ottawa Police represented by Mark Maloney and Diane Holmes concerning its relationship with the gay community. PTS and ALGBO (formerly GO) furthered the discussions.

·         On January 28, PTS screened Rights and Reactions, the story of the campaign for gay rights in New York City, at its first volunteer appreciation event. Pink Triangle pins were presented to volunteers.

·         The Region approved a grant of $2,000 to buy a computer.

·         Grant Jameson presented at a meeting on legal issues on February 11.

·         PTS provided Live and Let Live (a gay AA group) a space to meet.

·         PTS provided Gay Youth with a place to meet and provided other associated resources.

·         The United Way awarded $2,500 to PTS to reprint For You, For Us, a training manual for social service providers.

·         Twelve facilitators of PTS participated at “AIDS Values and Attitudes in Practice,” a conference of social workers at Carleton on June 13. The conference addressed the impact of AIDS.

·         Special General Meeting June 23, 1988:

·         The PTS board was given a mandate to continue talks about joining the United Way and was expanded from 10 to 12 to meet UW requirements.

·         There was general consensus about seeking funding for a program worker or program development worker, although there was concern about “professionalization” of our volunteer programs.

·         Due to cash-flow PTS deferred its September rent until funding from the Gala came in during the next month.

·         Gala: October 14: 294 people attended and $28,000 was raised. It was estimated that donors compromised about 1% of the GLB community.

·         PTS agreed to adopt “5662 Services,” a support group for gay men with AIDS, as a pilot for six months until it could become independent.

·         Financial records and library holdings were computerized.

·         It was suggested that PTS change its name to a more neutral name, but after a special meeting in November, this was not pursued.

·         AGM: March 12, 1989

·         The guest speaker was Barbara MacFarlane, Director of the Toronto Counseling Centre for Lesbians and Gays.

·         Operating costs for year were $41,617.

·         Gayline/Télégai reported that 9,845 calls were answered, of which 5,199 were nuisance calls, 2,037 were peer support calls, and 454 concerned AIDS.

·        The Library reported circulation of 426 titles.

·        the Speakers Bureau reported 14 speaks reaching 550 people.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1989

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Randy Keats (Pres.)

Judy Girard (VP)

Christina Mills (Sec)

Serge Monfils (Treas.)

Moffat Clarke

David Garmaise

Wanda Hamilton

Heather Oxman

Roger Roome

Brian Wilson

June Witherspoon

Allan Place

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         In February and March PTS held half-day training sessions for officers at CSIS (Canadian Security and Intelligence Services) who were involved in doing security investigations.

·         On April 13 PTS presented a pilot training session with the Ottawa Police. After reflecting on its success and the receptiveness of the police and following further discussions, it was recommended that there be future sessions.

·         The Ottawa Charitable Foundation provided a grant of $300 for a new answering machine for the Gayline/Télégai.

·         Gayline/Télégai reported that a caller survey found that 46.6% of users read about Gayline/Télégai in the Personals column of The Ottawa Citizen, 28.2% used the telephone book, and the rest found out through various other sources.

·         At the Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 25, volunteers were presented with pink triangle pins.

·         Gayline/Télégai expanded its hours to Saturday and Sunday evenings.

·         “Triangle” was adopted as the name for the new newsletter.

·         Gloria Norgang attended an Anti-Homophobia Education Conference in Los Angeles in July on behalf of PTS. She reported her findings to the Training Committee.

·         PTS joined the Central Volunteer Bureau.

·         The Region awarded PTS contractural funding for $4,000 in acknowledgement of the work of Gayline/Télégai and the discussion groups. The funding was increased to $10,000 plus a 4.5% increase annually as a result of lobbying by Judy Girard and other representatives.

·         In September “5662 Services” (a peer support organization for gay men with AIDS) ceased as a program of PTS after the death of its founder.

·         Live and Let Live (a gay AA group supported by PTS) declined to be considered a PTS program, although PTS paid for the space for its meetings. The group moved its meetings to the Sandy Hill Community Centre.

·         PTS received approval from the Campaign to End Homophobia to use their pamphlets entitled I Think I Might Be Gay … .now what do I do? and I Think I Might Be Lesbian ….now what do I do?

·         Tom Barnes was hired in November as the Office Administrator.

·         For You, for Us, a training manual for social service professionals produced by PTS, was revised and distributed.

·         Gerry Redmond, Co-ordinator of the Gayline/Télégai, Presented a one-day workshop in North Bay to help establish a Gayline/Télégai there.

·         Gala: October 19: $37,000 from 400 donors.

·         AGM: March 18, 1990

·        Cooper Thompson from the Campaign to End Homophobia was the guest speaker.

·        Operating costs were $45,934.

·        Gayline/Télégai responded to 7,234 calls, of which only 46% were nuisance calls.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1990

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

RandyKeats (Pres.)

Judy Girard (VP)

Suzanne Bastedo (Sec)

Serge Monfils (Treas.)

Christina Mills

Allan Place

Jamie Robertson

Heather Oxman

Roger Roome

Linda Wilson

Dianne Kinnon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         The Training Committee Presented half-day workshops for the Elizabeth Fry Society in Gananoque, CSIS, Ottawa Police, and Health Promotion at Health and Welfare Canada.

·         The Long-Range Planning Committee founded in 1989 continued to meet. On December 21, the Trillium Foundation awarded PTS a grant of $21,400 for a year and a half commencing 1 January 1991 to develop a funding raising strategy and the long-range plan.

·         PTS attended meeting of CHUMS which set out to establish an umbrella group for GLB organizations in Ottawa.

·         The Conflict of Interest Guidelines were adopted on March 13.

·         The RMOC grant increased by 50% to $15,000.

·         PTS agreed to fund for two months a Couples Group that requested to meet away from the GO Centre.

·         The PTS guidelines on confidentiality were adopted.

·         At the volunteer appreciation night on April 24, gifts of leather key tags were presented to all volunteers.

·         Regular joint meetings were held with ALGO to discuss matters of mutual concern.

·         Bob Tremble from Central Toronto Youth Services spoke on June 13 as part of Lesbian and Gay Pride Week on “Homophobia Within the Lesbian and Gay Community.”

·         Starting with a survey Fall 1990, the School of Social Work at Carleton University and PTS agreed to jointly oversee a research project by Curt Magnuson on gay teen suicide.

·         PTS sent speakers to all local GLB social groups to introduce PTS services prior to the fund-raising campaign.

·         Gala: $40,753 with 37 canvassers.

·         Because ALGO’s financial status was very uncertain, PTS established a Relocation Committee.

·         The Men’s Coming Out Right (COR) Group, celebrated its 5th anniversary.

·         A group of gay gerontologists began to meet informally.

·         PTS approved support of a Francophone gay men’s discussion group.

·         AGM: March 17, 1991

·         Walter Cavalieri, from Toronto spoke on “Suicide Prevention with Lesbian and Gay Clients.”

·         Gayline/Télégai reported answering 7,235 calls of which 41% were nuisance calls, 28% peer support calls, and 27% information calls.

·         Operating costs were $60,704.

·         Speakers Bureau did 11 speaks reaching 300 people.

·         Library circulated 866 titles.

 

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1991

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Randy Keats (Pres.)

Judy Girard (VP)

Serge Monfils (Treas.)

Suzanne Bastedo (Sec)

Linda Wilson

Christina Mills

Roger Roome

Allan Place

Melanie Porter

Jean Yves Leduc

John Harnick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         On January 16, the first meeting of Le Groupe de discussion pour hommes gais francophones was held, followed by 45 more during the year.

·         PTS began its support of the Gay Gerontology Group of some10-15 gay and lesbian health care providers.

·         PTS agreed to pay ALGO $1,513 a month for its space.

·         Concern was raised that the gay and lesbians Couples Group was largely “social” and did not fit into the PTS mandate as a charitable organization. PTS assisted the group by providing space, but it did not become a core group.

·         A Francophone Women’s Discussion Group, sponsored in recent years by PTS, began meeting at the SAW Gallery across the street. The women later founded a writer’s groups in the Fall and the original Francophone Group ceased at that time.

·         The Long-Range Planning Committee invited stakeholders to workshops on June 7 and 8 to discuss where PTS should be in 1996.

·         A Volunteer Appreciation Buffet was held on June 21 at the ALGO Centre.

·         PTS participated in the ad hoc committee for a gay community centre.

·         Two representatives were sent by PTS to the Homophobia Education Conference at the University of Chicago in July.

·         PTS received a grant of $3,000 from the city of Ottawa Department of Recreation and Culture to help establish a Francophone Men’s Discussion Group.

·         A Mixed (men and women) Discussion Group began in the fall with PTS’s assistance.

·         Gay and Lesbian Youth of Ottawa-Hull is supported by PTS and has a counselor from Youth Services Bureau.  It published a newsletter, La Vie en Rose. In October, Lesbian and Gay Youth of Ottawa-Hull adopted the name of “Pink Triangle Youth” and become a core program of PTS.

·         Gala: October 24: 31 canvassers raised $38,713 from 360 donors.

·         As a result of issues raised at the Men’s Discussion Group, the Board considered amending the Letters Patent to include “bisexual.”

·         In November the Board adopted the policy entitled “PTS Policy Regarding Discussion Groups and Their Activities” to guide the formation and activities of groups.

·         AGM: January 26, 1992

·         Curt Magnuson, an MSW student at Carleton University, Presented his study of some 120 gay youth in Ottawa, The Importance of Community. His findings showed that youth who are integrated into the community are more likely to practise safer sex and less likely to feel suicidal.

·         Operating costs for the year were $48,255.

·         The Speakers Bureau reported 8 speaks.

·         The Library circulated 969 titles.

·         Gayline/Télégai reported answering 6,290 calls of which 2,415 were nuisance calls (down 19%), 1,694 were peer support calls, and 156 concerned AIDS.

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1992

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Jamie Robertson (Pres.)

Christina Mills (VP)

Serge Monfils (Treas.)

Suzanne Bastedo (Sec)

Donna Holton

Randy Keats

Curt Magnuson

Allan Place

Claudine Simard

Kris Trotter

 

Ann Cioppa

Tim Webster (Treas.)

Michael Calcott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS agreed to provide six months of seed funding to advertise for Gay Asians and Friends.

·         The Training Committee Presented homophobia workshops for CSIS (2), the Ottawa Police (4), Interval House Lanark, and Carleton School of Social Work.

·         As an initiative of the Gay Gerontology Group, PTS sponsored a visit of Arlene Kochman, Executive Director of SAGE New York, who spoke on “Aging Together” about the needs of gay and lesbian elders. The meeting was held on March 14 at the CNIB and attracted 200 people. The city provided a grant for $700 to cover costs. PTS helped to sponsor three attendees to the SAGE Conference in New York, and discussions were undertaken on affiliating with SAGE New York. On December 8 for Board moved that PTS affiliate with SAGE New York and found SAGE: Ottawa.

·         The Ottawa Police awarded PTS the Civilian Commendation Award on December 10 for the awareness training it Presented to the organization.

·         As a Pride event, PTS sponsored Tony Gambini, who had developed programs to increase gay and lesbian visibility and decrease homophobia in schools for the Toronto Board of Education. He spoke on “Visibility in the Schools” on June 16 at our volunteer appreciation event.

·         The Accommodation Committee actively pursued space in the Market area with the possibility of combining it with a community centre. By-laws were drafted for a foundation dedicated to founding a community centre. The Committee also looked at property at Isabella and Bank, which would be accessible.

·         The Community Foundation of Ottawa contributed $1,000 for the printing of the French version of For You, For Us manual. Pour Vous, Pour Nous was printed in November.

·         ALGO and PTS partnered to present a very successful reception for Regional Councilors on June 10 to sensitize them to our issues.

·         Youth Services Bureau assigned a counselor to PTY.

·         The policy “Guidelines for PTS Discussion Groups” was adopted on August 11.

·         Gala: October 22: 43 canvassers raised $44,268 from 390 donors.

·         After almost a year of discussion, PTY reduced the upper age limit from 27 to 25.

·         After review the Couples Group left PTS because it was primarily a social group. El Grupo Gay Latino advised that they no longer should meet as a group of PTS.

·         The Gayline/Télégai began discussion on celebrating its 20th anniversary in 1993 with a national conference funded as an AIDS prevention project.

·         AGM: January 24, 1993

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 6,036 calls of which 2,228 were nuisance calls (8% less than last year) and 1,699 were peer support calls.

·         The Speakers Bureau reported 6 speaks.

·         The Library reported 2,200 titles in our catalogue and that 1,151 titles were circulated.

·         Operating costs were $58,031.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1993

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Jamie Robertson (Pres.)

Christina Mills (VP)

Tim Webster (Treas.)

Ann Cioppa

Michael Calcott

Judy Girard

Donna Halton

Randy Keats

Allan Place

Claudine Simard

Kris Trotter

Serge Monfils

José Niaison

Bill Hingston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         In January a letter of intent was sent to SAGE New York concerning our affiliation with them in the founding of SAGE: Ottawa, which adopted that name during the year.

·         PTS actively pursued new accommodation. ALGO, from whom PTS leased its space, was going into debt and the Board believed that PTS must avoid going into debt to fund it. Some properties were reviewed: Bank & Queen, 41 York, Isabella Street, CNIB, and various surplus city properties. The favored location on York Street was abandoned because the rent of $28,000 to $31,000 was too expensive.

·         PTY reported drawing 20 to 30 attendees to its meetings.

·         Blair Johnston proposed by-laws to establish a community foundation to set up a Gay and Lesbian community centre. The initiative was not pursued.

·         In the course of the year, Pride Week and the Lesbian Teachers Group used our space.

·         The Gay Gerontology Group (formerly PT Elders) was active, holding a social evening for 60 people on February 21, and hosting monthly seniors coffeehouses.

·         The Training Committee Presented homophobia workshops with the Ottawa Police and CSIS.

·         The Speakers Bureau had 22 speaks between October 1992 and April 1993.

·         The Schools Committee set up a PTS table at a professional development day.

·         The “Mixed Discussion Group” floundered because no women attended.

·         PTS ceased its affiliation with Asians and Friends of Ottawa because their activities became predominantly social.

·         The long-range planning report supported from a grant by the Trillium Foundation was published. It encouraged a more systematic approach to PTS growth rather than the haphazard growth so far. The following priority actions were identified:

·         Resolve the accommodation problem

·         Develop a public fundraising strategy

·         Develop and implement a communications strategy

·         Commit resources to volunteer co-ordination

·         Maximize programs to reduce homophobia

·         Complete and implement a strategic plan.

·         PTS agreed to sponsor the YouthLine (Ontario Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Youth Help Line), an information and counseling line by and for youth. The group planned a 1+800 number for all of Ontario. The group was very successful and later became independent.

·         Gala: October 25: $43,500

·         AGM: January 24, 1994

·         Operating budget was $60,000.

·         Gayline/Télégai responded to 5,372 calls, 1884 for peer support.

·         The Speakers Bureau gave 27 speaks.

·         The Library has 2,530 books and 500 patrons.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1994

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Ann Cioppa (Pres.)

Michael Calcott (VP)

Tim Webster (Treas.)

Judy Girard

Donna Holton

Randy Keats

Jane Laishes

Christina Mills

Serge Monfils

Alan Place

Jamie Robertson

Claudine Simard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS moved into its new premises on the second floor of 71 Bank Street on January 30, 1994

·         Gayline/Télégai sponsored a national conference, “Now, can we talk about AIDS…” February 25–27. The conference was funded by a grant of $65,000 from Health Canada and focussed on HIV prevention. It was agreed that gaylines were well placed to do prevention education. Some 100 delegates came from out-of-town, representing 42 gaylines. The proceedings were subsequently published.

·         Action was taken to clarify the programs of SAGE: Ottawa by distinguishing which were “social” and which were “social services” (discussion groups, speakers, etc.). On March 27 the First Annual Gathering of SAGE: Ottawa was held. SAGE: Ottawa was profiled in The Ottawa Citizen, resulting in a flood of inquiries.

·         PTS continued to sponsor the YouthLine in Toronto as it worked to independence. The YouthLine received a grant to hire three people. The line was receiving up to 11,000 calls a month.

·         Cooper Thompson from the Campaign to End Homophobia met with PTS facilitators and trainers on March 27.

·         Twenty-three PTY members attended a “Camp Lanark” weekend retreat on August 28. PTY sponsored an evening with Svend Robinson, which attracted 180 people.

·         There was a break-in at the premises on December 23.

·         Gala: October 21: $44,770.

·         AGM of January 22, 1995:

·         Speakers Bureau reported 23 speaks

·         The Training Committee continued to train the Ottawa Police, this time in our space.

·         Three members of SAGE: Ottawa attended the Annual Conference in New York.

·         Gayline/Télégai reported answering 4,780 calls, of which 1884 were counseling calls, 1,568 nuisance calls, and 154 safer sex calls.

·         The Library was open 151 days that year with 1,124 patrons, and 1,254 titles circulated. The collection numbered 2,735 titles.

·         The By-Laws were changed to limit the term of office for Directors to 3 years, allowing firms, corporations, and association to become regular members, amalgamating the Treasurer and Secretary into one Executive position, and changing the quorum for AGMs to 25 members.

·         Changes to the objectives in the letters patent included replacing “gay men and women” with “gay men, lesbians and bisexuals”, and “gay” with “gay, lesbian, and bisexual” wherever it appears. “Members” was replaced by “the Public” because PTS serves a much larger constituency than its membership.

·         Operating costs: $72,737

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1995

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Barry Deeprose (Pres.)

Jane Laishes (VP)

Glenn Janzen (Treas.)

Michael Calcott

Cathy Collett

Tim Hutchinson

Chris Landry

Christina Mills

Gloria Norgang

Nancy Rosenbery

Jody Surette

 

Vincent Gauthier (Treas.)

Tracey Wondrasek

Jeff Chelsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         On Wednesday, January 4, there was a fire in the basement of the building during the PTY meeting. No one was injured.

·         Two more training sessions were given for the Ottawa Police (at PTS).

·         The Men’s Discussion Group was regularly drawing 25 to 30 people every Monday.

·         An Accommodation Task Force was founded pursuant to the AGM to look at the possibility of a permanent home and community centre.

·         L’Association Pères Gais de l’Outaouais became a program of PTS.

·         Metropolitan Community Church began using the PTS premises for their Sunday evening services.

·         PTS received a grant of $8,000 from the Region to enable us to evaluate our programs. Convergence Consultants were contracted to do the evaluation through focus groups and questionnaires.

·         The Speakers Bureau reported 25 speaks.

·         PTS aligned its fiscal year to the calendar year. (formerly October 1 to September 30.

·         In July PTS held a Pride Brunch at the Old Town Hall as a volunteer appreciation event. At the march, members of the PTS contingent gave out some 400 “Straight But Not Narrow” pins.

·         PTS established our presence on the World Wide Web (www: pinktriangle.org).

·         PTS contracted with the regional medical officer of health to do 15 (later 17) half-day workshops to sensitize the entire staff to GLBT issues.

·         Some 30 volunteers were actively involved in the Speakers Bureau.

·         The Men’s Discussion Group continued to be very active, and Barry Deeprose took over the Men’s Coming Out-Group in the fall and facilitated for four years.

·         The Gala raised $48,615 from 423 donors with the help of 60 canvassers, and PTS accepted donation using Visa and Mastercard for the first time.

·         AGM: February 25, 1996

·         A sub-committee on permanent accommodation was founded. With several community members it developed a concept of a community centre (A Place to Call Home/Chez Nous) as a multi-purpose centre in the heart of Ottawa with businesses, community groups, and community space.

·         The training committee did 7 workshops during the year.

·         Groups who used PTS space during the year included MCC, Keshet (rainbow in Hebrew), lesbian photographers, and a group for spouses of gays and lesbians.

·         Operations expenses were $53,455

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 4,809 calls of which 1,632 were nuisance calls, 1,801 peer support calls and 121 safer sex calls

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1996

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Barry Deeprose (Pres.)

Vincent Gauthier (Treas.)

Jeff Chelsky

Cathy Collett

Jane Laishes

Tim Hutchinson

Laurier Beaudoin

Jody Surette

Tracey Pybus

Tracy Wandrasek

Wendy Denley

Anne Whitehurst

 

Louise Tardif

Peter Mabee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         PTS made a donation of $500 to help defray the debt of the Pride Committee.

·         There was a robbery on February 21 (the cleaners had lost the master keys and had not reported the loss to the Building Managers. PTS lost a computer and VCR. In a second break-in, on February 27, the stereo was taken and our files scattered.

·         PTS held a Pride Brunch for volunteers on July 14.

·         The Steering Committee for “A Place to Call Home”, a sub-committee of PTS, had developed a vision for a community centre that involved a multi-use, business-based centre. Both community and business had been surveyed. Subsequently the Committee ceased operations due to the loss of the chairperson and a lack of time by the other members.

·         A Twenty-Something Discussion Group was founded for both gays and lesbians largely who had been members of PTY.

·         The YouthLine in Toronto became independent.

·         The Speakers Bureau was temporarily suspended until a coordinator could be found.

·         The evaluation, “One-Stop Shopping,” was completed. Some recommendations included:

·         Link between programs and the Board should be strengthened

·         There should be regular meetings and other communication between Board and programs

·         PTS required increased volunteer co-ordination

·         Objectives of the programs should be clarified

·         There should be regular evaluation of programs

·         Gayline/Télégai should have increased publicity

·         Separate coming out groups should be established

·         PTS should have a policy on discussion groups.

·         A Bisexual Women’s Discussion Group was established.

·         Twelve members of PTY attended the “Other Young Lives II: LBG Youth Conference” in Toronto

·         Youth Services Bureau agreed to supply a regular counselor for PTY. PTY received a grant from the Ottawa-Carleton Region for $4,500 and produced a poster entitled “Confused? Curious? Convinced?”

·         Gala: $53,000: 446 donors and 50 canvassers.

·         AGM: February 23, 1997

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 4,189 calls, 1,464 (35%) were nuisance calls, 1,179 were peer support calls, 1,121 information calls, and 291 safer sex calls

·         PTS moved its fiscal year to the calendar year starting January 1, 1996.

·         The Library reported circulating 1,201 titles.

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1997

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Barry Deeprose (Pres.)

Cathy Collett (VP)

Louise Tardif (Treas.)

Laurier Beaudoin

Anne Whitehurst

Peter Mabee

Michael MacKay

Kerry Beckett

Robert Morley

 

Francine Noftle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         The Board held its first retreat with coordinators of March 22 out of which came the following priorities for action:

·         Assess SAGE and Speakers Bureau

·         Create a realistic budget

·         Implement an annual planning process

·         Increase fund raising

·         Find a volunteer coordinator

·         Emphasize communications

·         The two PTY pamphlets I Think I Might be Gay/Lesbian… were translated.

·         A group set about to establish a Lesbian Line, but the grant proposal to the RMOC was not approved.

·         The Training Committee Presented three sessions for the Red Cross following disruptions at blood donor clinics held at Carleton University.

·         The Men’s Discussion Group was increasingly troubled by disruptive attendees, and the tone at the Women’s Discussion group was increasingly set by marginalized people.

·         The Treasurer implemented a budgeting procedure and simplified the bookkeeping. For the first time, the books were formally audited for the AGM.

·         Gayline/Télégai received a one-time grant of $12,000 from the RMOC to enable them to up-date the referral list of gay-positive professionals.

·         Verbal outbursts were reported at SAGE meetings, and the Sage Social Outreach Committee resigned en mass. There were reports of misogyny and an emphasis on social activities. Further outbursts between the men and women arose at the Annual Gathering, which 10 times as many men as women attended. Male members of SAGE made allegations about PTS to SAGE New York and to local politicians. In July the Board suspended all activities of SAGE and its Advisory Committee until such time as the group could be re-oriented and work together.

·         The Women’s Discussion Group launched a Coming Out Group.

·         An Investment Policy was passed on August 17 to maximize return on investments but to minimize risk.

·         A Communications Sub-Committee was established.

·         To ease the space problem, PTS began to rent on a part-time basis Suite 202, and later arranged with Pride to rent their offices for 3 nights a week.

·         PTS sent letters of congratulation to all newly-elected city and regional officials.

·         Gala: October 17: $43,887

·         AGM: February 22, 1998

·         A proposal to change the by-laws to remove term limits for directors and create the position of Past President was delayed because of insufficient notice to members.

·         The Library doubled its hours of operations; 1,581 titles were circulated.

·         Operating expenses for the year: $76,909.

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 2,488 calls of which 1,222 were serious calls

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1998

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Louise Tardif (Pres.)

Anne Whitehurst (Treas.)

Peter Mabee (VP)

Kerry Beckett

Tracey Pybus

Michael MacKay

Francine Noftle

Sandy Beeman

Gerry Sparrow

Judith Allanson

 

 

Barry Deeprose
(Pres. after March)

Carol Lesage

David Hoe

Marida Waters

Robbie Tremblay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Special General Meeting: March 22:

·         The by-laws were amended to remove term limits for directors, create the position of Past President, establish the quorum for Board meetings at 7 members, and establish gender parity on the Board.

·         Board Retreat with community representatives and coordinators of programs was held on April 18.

·         Several needs in PTS were identified: a community centre, better internal communications internally, hiring a co-ordinator of volunteers, evaluation of programs, and resolution of the trandgender issue.

·         The following Mission Statement was proposed: “PTS, a community-based organisation, fosters the wellness of all lesbian, gay and bisexual persons in the National Capital Region. Through leadership, we accomplish this by ensuring that the needs of the diverse gay, lesbian and bisexual communities are identified and addressed through the delivery of services, advocacy for respectful and inclusive services, partnership building and community development.”

·         Because this did not address the needs of transgender people, there was a recommendation that PTS explore its obligations to and relationship with transgender people.

·         On September 22, PTS sponsored a stakeholders’ consultation to explore how PTS can best support the transgender community. The following conclusions were reached:

·         PTS already helps transgender people through Gayline/Télégai and the library;

·         The transgender community is a broad spectrum of identities and positions, some mirroring the lesbigay communities’ profile and some not, given that many transgender people identify as heterosexual;

·         A partnership based on mentoring, referral, assistance with meeting space, and help with coming out issues would be most comfortable;

·         PTS would best proceed incrementally and with caution;

·         Gay men often have issues with transgender issues and lesbians are anxious to maintain the integrity of exclusive space for women; and

·         On the whole PTS maintain the status quo but develop partnerships.

·         PTS adopted an annual business-planning model.

·         In order to refocus SAGE: Ottawa, a retreat was held on June 6, attended by 15 women and 5 men. The group was rejuvenated and planned to be present at Pride and to begin monthly meetings in the fall.

·         Despite the Ice Storm, 35 youth managed to get to their meeting.

·         Policies for accepting new groups and administering grants received by other organizations, and supporting grant applications were adopted on April 14.

·         Revenue Canada audited PTS and found its handling of funds to be exemplary.

·         Concern was raised that the Twenty-Something Group was increasingly male.

·         The Men’s Discussion Group continued to decline, although the coming-out group was strong. The Board closed the Men’s Discussion Group in June due to a lack of co-ordinators.

·         Approval was granted to accept Gay Fathers as a PTS group, but the group decided to remain independent.

·         Readers of CapitalXtra! voted PTS the best community group.

·         Two members of PTY attended the “Queering the Nation” Conference in Toronto.

·         PTS explored sharing space with CCHC since our lease would be up in February 1999.

·         PTS explored expanding its programs to help meet the needs of gay men with AIDS, but no specific actions evolved from this.

·         PTS agreed to a partnership with the GLBT Health Care Task Group.

·         The Speakers Bureau was restructured with 16 volunteers and was planned to run informally.

·         Gala: $47,779.

·         AGM: April 25, 1999

·         The following Mission Statement was adopted by a vote of 2/3 of those Present:

    Pink Triangle Services (PTS), a community-based organization fosters the wellness of all lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons in the National Capital Region.

    PTS accomplishes this by providing the leadership to identify and address the needs of these diverse groups through community development, delivery of, and advocacy for, respectful and inclusive services and programs provided in a safe environment which affirms age, gender, religious, racial, ethnic, and social equality.

    We are committed to building partnerships with other groups that share our cultural and socio-political history, such as the transgender communities, in order to work on common goals, issues, needs, and services.

·         The By-laws were amended to remove the category of “supporting member” and make all members “regular members”, to change the location of the organization was changed to “National Capital Region,” to enable 25 members to request a Special Meeting, and to have the By-Laws recognize notice by electronic means.

·         Operating costs: $69,041

·         Gayline/Télégai reported answering 3,927 calls, of which 2,035 were nuisance calls.

 

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 1999

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Barry Deeprose (Pres.)

Kerry Beckett (VP)

Louise Tardif (Treas.)

David Hoe

Sandy Beeman

Robbie Tremblay

Peter Mabee

Gerry Sparrow

Marida Waters

Judith Allanson

Francine Noftle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Gerry Sparrow established an inventory of volunteers, a volunteer management manual and responded to new volunteers.

·         The GLBT Task Group held an organizing meeting on January 25, attended by several directors. In November, PTS agreed to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sponsor the GLBT Task Group for any funding.

·         On March 14, a volunteer appreciation evening was held at So Good Restaurant.

·         When 6 out of 7 female trainees for Gayline/Télégai dropped out, a Lesbian Line was again considered.

·         PTS considered moving to space with CapitalXtra!, Centretown Community Health Centre, or another floor at 71 Bank Street since it was on a month-to-month basis.

·         PTS established a business plan for the year.

·         Former male members of SAGE publicly attacked PTS, particularly concerning funds ($1,500) from social events turned over to PTS in trust. PTS sought legal advice through the United Way Volunteer Services program. The funds held in trust were dispersed on February 1, 2000 among the 61 SAGE: Ottawa members who could be found.

·         As the age of attendees dropped, the upper limit for membership in PTY was reduced to 20 from 25.

·         Gala: October 29: $35,655.

·         PTS received a one-time grant from the Ottawa-Carleton Region to produce a pamphlet on the effect of childhood sexual abuse on the lives of gay men. PTS later partnered with the Men’s Project to present a pilot therapy group for gay men who had been sexually abused. The program was a success.

·         Despite several meetings in the course of the year, a co-ordinator for the Speakers Bureau could not be found.

·         PTS hired a part-time administrator to assist with PTY for several months.

·         SAGE: Ottawa established an Advisory Committee and sponsored several events. No men were attending the group.

·         The Twenty-Something Group appeared to be growing into a men’s group with tenuous relations with PTS.

·         Program Co-Ordinators meetings were established to encourage communication between the Board and the programs and between programs.

·         The policy for banning attendees at PTS groups was adopted on September 14.

·         The Gay Men’s Coming Out Group was closed when no facilitator was available in October. Barry Deeprose had facilitated the group for the last four years. In November a group of men established “Spectrum,” a men’s discussion group, as a program of PTS.

·         AGM: April 16, 2000

·         The expanded PTS library would be called the Dr. Kelly McGinnis Library.

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 3,209 calls, of which were 1,599 were serious calls

·         Operating Costs: $65,232.

 

A History of Pink Triangle Services — 2000

 

 

Directors

 

 

Events

 

Barry Deeprose (Pres.)

Louise Tardif (Past Pres.)

Lucie Perrier (Treas.)

Kerry Beckett (VP)

Christianne Racine

Michael Blair

Robbie Tremblay

David Hoe

Judith Allanson

Lesley Fleming

Sandy Beeman

 

 

Bill Staubi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         GLBT Health Task Group and PTS signed a MOU for the project. Grants of $50K from Trillium and $30K from the Region funded the project, which was launched on April 27. PTS underwrote the ads on OC Transpo buses ($2,700) for three months, which mentioned the Project, PTS, and Gayline/Télégai. No ads were defaced. The survey began in October.

·         Melanie Porter was hired as a coordinator of volunteers. She set out to develop a database, orientation package, and volunteer satisfaction survey, but resigned in September her tasks incomplete.

·         Sandy Beeman, Director, served as the Chair of the Police Liaison Committee.

·         SAGE: Ottawa regrouped and met monthly at Centretown Community Health Centre. The group was essentially female. The Board recommended against a proposal to drop the membership age to 40.

·         The Women’s Discussion Group caused concern because attendance dropped to 3 or 4, largely due to a difficult attendee. It was later rejuvenated.

·         On May 1, PTS renewed the lease at 71 Bank Street with 50% more space.

·         The PTS Board began a self-evaluation and development project with the Boardwalk program of the United Way Volunteer Services.

·         The PTS President spoke before the Police Services Board on the hiring of a new Chief of Police.

·         After 27 years, the Gayline/Télégai cancelled the ad in the Personals section of The Ottawa Citizen citing other sources of information.

·         PTY raised the upper limit to 25 years of age following a drastic fall in attendance and difficulty in finding co-ordinators. The group restructured into three areas: out-reach to schools, managing the group, and partnering with agencies. The group received a one-time grant of $10K from Trillium for out-reach activities.  PTY also produced a manual for establishing Gay-Straight Alliances in schools.

·         A Code of Conduct for attendees was passed on May 9.

·         PTS asked Marida Waters to prepare ads, maintain the information in ads, and produce Triangle.

·         PTS had a float in the Pride Parade for the first time.

·         PTS hired a part-time out-reach worker and an administrator for PTY activities.

·         On August 1, our President spoke to the Transition Board, which was combining into one city the previous 7 cities in the Region. The presentation stressed the need for citizen participation, for respecting and showing concern for quality of life as well as economic issues. PTS later took an active role in the Volunteer Sub-Committee of the Transition Board.

·         Diane Holmes, out-going regional counselor and supporter of PTS, spoke at the September Board meeting to strategize on the future in the new city.

·         Gala: October 27: $46,000 was raised.

·         A new Men’s Coming Out Group was established in October by co-ordinators of Spectrum. The Board suspended activities of the group in December when concerns about the quality of facilitation were raised.

·         On September 14 the new and expanded Bibliothèque Dr. Kelly McGinnis Library and Information Services was dedicated.

·         Issues with the Speakers Bureau remained unresolved, and requests were handled on an ad hoc basis.

·         AGM: June 10, 2001:

·         Gayline/Télégai answered 1,600 calls and had 19 active volunteers.

·         The Library circulated 1,364 titles and had some 4,500 titles in the catalogue.

·         Operating costs were $78,804.