Friends have asked what on Earth moved me to come out of retirement to take on the leadership of the troubled Land Conservancy of B.C. My response is simple — TLC is an organization worth coming out of retirement for.
TLC’s record of preserving natural, cultural and historic properties across B.C. is broadly known and appreciated. Also well known is the urgency of TLC’s financial situation. There is no question that a long-term solution is needed if TLC has any hope of regaining the confidence of members and the public.
I have been a member of TLC since the early days of acquisitions in and around Victoria. At the members’ meeting in November 2012, I became aware of how acutely troubled TLC had become, with debts bigger than income. My wife and I pledged money to help reduce the debt. And the board pledged to find a solution. I didn’t know then that I would be called on to be part of the solution. Two months ago, TLC co-founder and vice chairwoman Briony Penn asked me to help and I could not say no.
TLC needs to get its financial house in order, but it also deserves the chance to continue in its unique role protecting and preserving places the public cares deeply about. To get there, the organization needs a well-managed, fully open and accountable organization and process.
The board has identified the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act as the best process. The CCAA is a federal act that allows financially troubled organizations to restructure their affairs. The court supervises the process and all activity is transparent. Filing under CCAA means TLC avoids bankruptcy and has the flexibility to create a plan to repay creditors to the fullest extent possible while it also continues to be guided by its mandate to preserve and protect properties.
During the CCAA process, TLC’s work continues.
Since it was founded in 1997, TLC has protected thousands of hectares of environmentally sensitive lands, working farmlands and culturally important properties. Equally important, TLC has negotiated hundreds of conservation covenants, which provide long-term environmental protection including on private lands, giving the owners assurance that the land they love will be protected. These covenants require monitoring and attention to ensure they are enforced. This is an important cost-effective way to protect natural areas from development. That work carries on at TLC.
Where governments are constrained by cumbersome restrictions, TLC is nimble and mandated to act. By partnering with the Capital Regional District and other trusts, TLC has been a catalyst and facilitator of enormous value to the environment. This work can continue once the organization is on stable financial footing, where membership dues cover the operating costs.
I have faith in TLC and am committed to helping manage the transition process. I am convinced the board will make the difficult decisions necessary to right the financial ship. I know there will be difficult days ahead. But only by regaining financial sustainability will TLC play the indispensible role it has in the past.
As a longstanding member of TLC, I have always made financial contributions to help protect the environment that I and thousands of members hold dear. Now I am honoured to contribute my expertise as well.
Having worked with the TLC staff and board for the past two-and-a-half months, I see the dedication that has made the organization so effective. They are steadfast in wanting TLC to get through this transition. I can see they have learned the lessons from past mistakes, and are determined to realize value from the properties without sacrificing the ecologically essential lands, protecting B.C.’s special places in a new way. I would welcome everyone to help us eliminate the debt and work toward the TLC’s future with confidence.
TLC’s membership is the bedrock of the organization. The board and I are committed to getting the organization back on track so TLC can continue its good work. We all recognize the value of protecting lands in their natural state. TLC is committed to honouring these goals and to building a stronger organization that will continue to protect precious places in B.C.
John Shields is director of operations for The Land Conservancy of B.C.
