About HBCA

The Hillside Beach Community Association (HBCA) is a non-profit, community-based organization that works to improve the experience of all residents in the Hillside Beach area. The HBCA provides direction and leadership for development of recreational activities and community spaces, including Charlie Wall Park, while promoting stewardship of the environment.

Our focus is to provide opportunities for community engagement, developing spaces for recreation and social connection, and facilitating the flow of important information to community members.

Board of directors

Ross Sutherland

President, Newsletter, and Website

My wife and I bought a cabin at Hillside in 2016. It has quickly become our favourite place.

I joined the association so I can give something back to the community.

Janna Thomson

Vice President

My grandparents, along with my father and his brother, built the family cabin at Hillside Beach in the mid 1960’s. I spent every summer coming out to the cabin for a couple of weeks until 1997. Summer vacation at the cabin was always a favourite summer memory. Before and after my husband and I married, we would spend almost every weekend camping and knew it was inevitable that we would eventually invest in a cabin of our own. In 2017, we made the decision to purchase our cabin at Hillside Beach and then winterized it so we could enjoy Hillside Beach all year round. We love it here, with the beautiful beaches, the quiet calm during the winter, and especially the bears that frequent our property every September.

When we are not at the cabin, we work and live in the city, or we are busy with our daughter’s activities. I work in the insolvency department at Lazer Grant LLP, an accounting firm, and am currently working on my Trustee’s license. I am looking forward to meeting new people in the community while working with the other volunteers and members of the HBCA board.

Nancy Schneider

Secretary

In 2003 I purchased a cottage in Hillside. I enjoy connecting with nature and spent most of my vacation time and weekends at the beach. Now I am retired and am down pretty much all the time!

I believe strongly in giving back to the community. Some of you may recognize me as the “berry picking lady”. I pick berries (when plentiful) for Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, an animal rescue. I also support several other animal rescues and my professional Home Economists organizations. You may have seen my Soul Vibrations Angel card reading certificates in some of the auctions or prize packages.

I volunteered with HBCA in the past, but with more time available I agreed to sit on the Board. I hope to meet more people at Hillside as they volunteer at the events hosted by HBCA. Together we can make our community stronger and even more vibrant. See you soon!

Deborah Sayer

Treasurer and Fundraising

Hillside Beach has been my happy place for more than 20 years. I especially appreciate the quiet early morning beach walks, the fantastic opportunities for bird watching and kayaking, and the friendliness of residents.

I look forward to meeting others in the community and helping to enhance and preserve the area for all our families and friends.

Lawrence Peterson

Maintenance Committee

I have been enjoying life at Hillside for the past 14 years. I welcome weekend breaks from the city life to enjoy fishing, snowmobiling and relaxing with family. Over the years I have got to know many of the Hillside stories while visiting with residents and visitors to the community. We have an interesting history and a great community.

Twelve years ago, I put up my hand to help at a HBCA meeting and have been volunteering ever since. It is good to be in touch with our community and to keep our community in touch with each other.

Darrin Hale

Member at large

I have been a seasonal resident at Hillside for 3 years.

My wife of 31 years, Dawn and I live in Winnipeg and love our time at Hillside.

Steve Smith

Member at large

I have lived at Hillside as a permanent resident with my partner Gloria since 2013. I have lived in the beaches area for almost ten years as I lived around Beaconia for a few years also. G and I love this area and feel a certain responsibility to actively participate in the area I live in. I think being active is a crucial part of helping this area thrive and develop.

As an activist for many causes over the years, as a union activist, a workplace health and safety supporter, I know how much volunteer time is required to get any project done. I am looking forward to the challenges that are ahead!! Love the lake life.

Lynnette Froese

Member at large

Our family have been seasonal Hillsiders for over 20 years. Learning about and enjoying the natural environment the lake and boreal forest offer is important for the future. I look forward to joining (again) the HBCA as we continue to grow.