Where Friendships Grow
The Cedar Heights Community Association provides a welcoming, inclusive place for people to be active, to socialize and to make friends. Hosting social events, sports and recreational programs to advance the well-being of residents of the South Shuswap in British Columbia, we gladly welcome visitors, new and established residents, and people of all ages to our facilities and events.
Cedar Heights is a volunteer operated registered charity that welcomes visitors and members alike to its 7.5-acre site for recreational activities.
We believe that the in-person connections developed through our sports, games and social activities provide important physical and mental health benefits. We offer Pitch and Putt golf, bocce and pickle ball from spring to fall. Our social centre hosts a variety of indoor activities, events and dinners year-around.
Outdoor Sports
You can have a competitive game of pickle ball, golf or bocce. You can use our facilities to practice your game. Or you can relax in our unique and memorable environment for family play that is not available elsewhere in the area.
Indoor Activities
Shed parties, ukulele orchestra, canasta, Doghouse, snooker, Pub Night, potlucks, theme dinners…there is something for almost everyone. Check the calendar under News and Events for schedules.
Board of Directors
President
Bryan Lowes
I retired in 2012 after a 35-year career in safety education, traffic safety and driver/rider training for BC Safety Council. I was Executive Director during my last 20 years at the Council. I joined the Board of CHCA in 2014 and have served as President four years. My major focus is on governance, although I also like to run golf clinics and set up sports days. In my spare time away from Cedar Heights, I am a Director of South Shuswap Rides, an organization that provides free transport in our two electric vehicles for South Shuswap residents to appointments in centres as far away as Kelowna and Kamloops.
Vice-President
Blair Holmes
I am a retired Shellfish Biologist. I worked for 34 years for Environment Canada throughout the west coast, testing growing waters for BC Shellfish fisheries. I also audited and managed quality assurance programs in laboratories across Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from UBC. My wife, Michele, and I moved to Blind Bay in 2019 from Vancouver. We joined the Keep Fit program .
W found it offered positive health benefits and a regular opportunity to meet with new friends. I joined the Board in 2024 where I lead the strategic planning and FireSmart initiatives at Cedar Heights.
Treasurer
Lisa Minnie
I am currently the VP of Finance for BID Group of Companies, a position I have held for the past 10 years. I previously worked in a variety of finance roles for 15 years at Canadian Forest Products. I hold a Bachelors of Commerce degree, a CPA designation and PMP certification. I want to help Cedar Heights maintain robust and efficient financial control procedure. I moved to Blind Bay in 2021 and enjoy a variety of crafts and painting and looking for new things to try out. I look forward to spending more time on that and my golf game when I retire.
Secretary
Iris Bemister
I retired after a 33-year career of public service working for the Government of Canada. I worked primarily in refugee programs as a settlement officer, project manager and trainer. I achieved a Bachelor of Human Ecology degree supplemented by counselling and ESL courses. I moved to Blind Bay in 2013 and found that Cedar Heights helped me to develop new friendships and to stay active and fit. This is my second year as a Board member. I bring organizational discipline to the organization to ensure it conforms to standards required of a registered charity and a society in British Columbia.
Centre Director
Glenn Smith
I have had multiple careers which allow me to bring a range of perspectives to my volunteer work at Cedar Heights. I graduated from Royal Roads Military College, worked as a branch manager in the financial industry and then worked in industry for 25 years as an electrician after getting my electrician’s ticket. I moved to Blind Bay with my wife Laurie, after I retired in 2011 and soon became responsible for maintenance at the social centre. In 2014, I was elected to the Board as a Director, a role I currently serve in addition to my responsibility for facilities management.
Michael Quintal
Director at Large
I am a teacher with School District 83 and a firefighter with the Shuswap Fire Department. I became a member of CHCA in 2019 and a board member in 2022. I am part of the strategic planning team at Cedar Heights. I hope through that effort that Cedar Heights will be able to serve younger families in the community while maintaining the service it provides to seniors and retirees. I have lived in Blind Bay seasonally since 2005 and full-time since 2019.
Mark Minnie
Director at Large
After spending 2 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, I settled in Prince George and became an Automotive Machinist, which was my career for 20 years. I then went into the parts side of the industry, purchasing for a large independent parts jobber until I retired in 2021. My wife, Lisa, and I moved to Blind Bay when I retired. We enjoy mountain biking, golfing, kayaking and making new friends. My main hobby is LEGO collecting and scale model building, a problem-solving activity that requires a high level of spatial orientation skills.
You can be part of a great community
We are an important recreational and social centre in the South Shuswap. Form new friendships and become connected to our community by becoming a member of our association. But, if you are a visitor to the area, you are welcome to drop in to have some fun.