INNOVATION November-December 2014

as soc ia t ion notes APEGBC and ABCFP Address Concerns Over Forest Road Crossings

In March 2014, the Forest Practices Board (FPB) released a report that examined whether forest bridges are meeting the legislated requirements and conforming to standards of professional prac- tice. After investigating 216 bridges constructed throughout the province in the last three years, the report indicated that there were numerous non-compliances with legislation and 32 bridges that were either unsafe or posed serious safety risks. In its report, the FPB cited the role of the Guidelines for Professional Services in the Forest Sector—Crossings , estab- lished jointly by APEGBC and the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP), in setting the standard of professional practice for bridge projects. The report indicated a number of professionals have not been following the guidelines. The FPB requested that by October 31, 2014, the Joint Practice Board of APEGBC and ABCFP advise them of the steps planned or taken to address the professional issues identified in the report. The development of forest road crossings is complex, involv- ing a number of participants from concept to completion and in determining if the bridge safe for use. These participants can include forest professionals, professional engineers, staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations,

logging contractors, woodlot owners, and First Nations—among many other groups. APEGBC and ABCFP therefore brought together a team of indi- viduals representing a majority of the participants who share a role in the planning, design, construction and use of forest road bridges to discuss the findings in the report and identify solutions. In a joint letter dated October 30, 2014, APEGBC and ABCFP confirmed 12 action items completed or planned, which include the release of a revised Guidelines for Professional Service in the Forest Sector-Crossings (2014) , train- ing sessions on the new guidelines, publication of the report to members of all organizations involved, referral of relevant files to the investigation processes of APEGBC and ABCFP, and publishing key learnings from the investigation in the official magazines of both associations. On November 13, 2014, the Chair of the FPB thanked the associations for their response, and noted that it satisfactorily addresses the Board’s recommendation. For further information and resources, and to view the full list of actions in the joint letter from APEGBC and ABCFP to the Forest Practices Board, please visit the APEGBC website at apeg.bc.ca/Response-to-FPB-Report.

...REMEMBER January 1, 2015 Deadline

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2015

Do you offer assistance to members who can’t afford to pay their member- ship fees? Fee reduction - APEGBC’s reduced fee policy allows access to reduced annual fees based on an “active income” thresh- old or a medical condition that renders the member or licensee unfit for work. Requests for reduction of annual fees will be based on a formal application through the online renewal process or on the detachable form on the back of the membership renewal invoice. Fee deferral - Members who wish to defer 2015 membership renewal fees due to hardship are required to make a confidential application for deferral or waiver of annual fees to the Director of Registration and Licensing. Please refer to apeg.bc.ca/go/deferfees/. Whom can I contact for membership renewal assistance or information? Billing amounts and balance outstanding 604.412.4859 • billing@apeg.bc.ca Online payment support 604.412.4887 • support@apeg.bc.ca Changes in status or registration 604.412.4856 • register@apeg.bc.ca

non-practising or reduced fee status if eligible, declare compliance with the APEGBC CPD guideline, make a con- tribution to the APEGBC Foundation or Benevolent Fund, join a division, and print an official income tax receipt. How do I discontinue my membership? Members or licensees who do not wish to maintain membership with APEGBC are advised to resign prior to the January 1, 2015 deadline. This can be done online through the member portal or by contact- ing APEGBC by mail or email. Members and licensees who neither resign nor renew their membership will be removed from the member register on March 1, 2015, and will be liable for the 2015 member fees. How do I reinstate my membership following resignation or removal for non-payment? Please be aware that if you wish to re- apply for membership, you will be subject to the Return to Practice Policy for pro- fessional members or the Reinstatement Policy for members-in-training. In addi- tion, you will have to pay the outstanding annual fee, $75 late fee and associated administrative fee before being reinstated.

It’s time to renew your membership or license for the 2015 year. APEGBC mem- bers and licensees should have received their 2015 annual membership renewal invoice by email by the end of October. For those who did not express a prefer- ence for the online membership renewal package, paper invoices followed by mail in mid-November. Please be aware that, under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act , the deadline to renew your membership is January 1, 2015. After this date, a late fee will be levied on late payments, and as of March 1, 2015, anyone who has not yet renewed their membership will be struck off the register. How do I renew my membership? Members and licensees may renew their membership online, by mail or by fax. The January 1, 2015, payment deadline also applies to any members submitting their 2015 annual fee invoice to their employer for payment. The fastest and most convenient way to renew your membership is online, through the APEGBC member portal at apeg.bc.ca. It also allows you to update your contact information, complete the Practice Declaration, apply for

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