Another conference is behind us, and as those of you who attended this year can attest, CARST 2017 was a resounding success! With the theme of Practical Solutions firmly in mind, this year’s conference began with hands-on experience during the day-long field trip on Saturday. This new addition to the conference was very popular, and sold out well in advance (heads-up for next year).   Despite the beautiful scenery of Banff vying for everyone’s attention, the continuing education courses on Sunday were well-attended and engaging; in some cases we even ran out of chairs!

On Monday it was with great pleasure that CARST President Alan Whitehead presented the inaugural Arthur G. Scott Achievement Award to Dr. Dana Schmidt for his work in Castelgar, British Columbia. After losing his wife to radon-induced lung cancer in 2009, Dr. Schmidt and his son established the Donna Schmidt Cancer Prevention Society, with the mission to reduce lung cancer from home and workplace radon exposure throughout the region.  Dr. Schmidt is a passionate radon advocate and activist, and has successfully lobbied his local council to make changes to the building code.  These changes eventually resulted in radon prevention measures being introduced into the provincial building code in British Columbia.  It is an honour to congratulate Dr. Schmidt on his work, and present him with the first Arthur G. Scott Achievement Award.   

Another new addition to this year’s conference was the Radon Olympics!  This highly entertaining event saw participants form 4 teams to compete in everything from radon trivia to cutting pipe and clearing suction pits, with commentators Bill Rounds and Mike Holmes Jr. broadcasting the action.  The competition was intense but friendly, and ultimately we all came away winners as the events got us out of our seats and into the action.

On a more serious note, the Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 25.  The minutes from the meeting are available in the Members section of the CARST website.  The results of the Board of Directors Election are as follows: both Alan Whitehead and Rob Mahoney were re-elected, and Bruce Decker and Mark Donohue have been added as new members of the board.  A warm welcome to both Bruce and Mark, and a thank you to all those members who took the time to vote.

Finally, CARST is pleased to announce that Pam Warkentin has now moved into the role of Executive Director.  As CARST continues to grow and evolve, this new position better reflects her tasks and responsibilities.   Joining her to offer administrative support as Executive Assistant is Erin Curry.  Erin is a home inspector and CARST member based near Montreal, Quebec.  Together with the Board of Directors and various devoted committees, the administrative team is working hard to help CARST achieve our goals, all the while improving our services and increasing membership value.

    

Find more photos here.

Find copies of conference presentations here.