2026 Annual General Meeting

ARPA’s Board of Directors undertook a Governance and Strategic Plan Review that began in 2025. Through the help of governance focused facilitators, the review included an examination of governance models used by similar organizations across Canada, as well as extensive discussion and input from the ARPA Board and staff. A Governance Change Task Group has been formed to guide the process forward. 

Based on the review and recommendations, the Board is proposing a new governance structure designed to better support ARPA’s growth and development, strengthen its connection to the members and improve the Board’s effectiveness. The proposed structure would include the introduction of a smaller Board of Directors strictly focused on governance of the Association, as well as expanded committees and networks to engage and better meet the needs of ARPA’s diverse membership.

The ARPA Board currently has 14 members. This structure was originally put in place to build regional and diverse representation on the Board of Directors. While this model has served its purpose, the Board dealt with a mix of governance, operations and sector conversations. Modernized governance has moved to a model that reflects a smaller board of directors that has a tighter focus on overseeing the strategic and financial leadership of ARPA. The new proposal would see the Board reduce in numbers to seven (7) members, with a focus on association governance.

With the Board becoming smaller and being asked to focus on ARPA’s governance, there is a need to provide space for our diverse and expansive membership to have a voice and support the important work of the recreation and parks sector. 

Committees are where ideas turn into action on the ground! They bring valuable expertise and perspectives from across the recreation and parks sector, helping ARPA continue to offer relevant programs, events, and services that meet the needs of our members. Proposed committees would include a new regional liaisons committee and an expanded group of networks to reflect the broad and diverse interests of our members.

The full set of proposed bylaw amendments, including additional FAQ and rationale information, will be distributed to members and posted on this webpage no later than Friday, October 2nd.

The proposed reduction from 14 to 7 Directors is part of an effort to modernize ARPA’s Board structure and create a more streamlined, effective governance model. A smaller Board will allow for more focused discussion, clearer roles and responsibilities, and more efficient decision-making, while continuing to ensure diverse perspectives and strong representation from across Alberta’s recreation and parks sector.

The board shall consist of: President, Vice President, Treasurer and four (4) Board of Directors. The immediate Past President may serve as a non-voting Advisor to the Board for a period of up to two (2)  years following the completion of their term as President.

The early stages of the nomination process will remain quite similar. A call for nominations for open board of director positions will be circulated to members at least 60 days prior to the AGM.  A Nominations Committee, made up of three Directors appointed by the Board, will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, and assessing prospective Directors. The Nominations Committee will recommend a slate of Directors to the Board based on their review.

A Board recommended slate of Board of Directors will then be shared with ARPA members at least 21 days before the Annual General Meeting. Members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed slate at the AGM. This approach creates a more structured and transparent nominations process while helping ensure the Board has the governance skills, experience, and representation needed to support ARPA’s strategic and financial priorities.

Members will vote to approve or reject the full slate of Directors presented by the Board of Directors. If the membership does not approve the slate, the election does not proceed. In that case, the current Board will remain in place temporarily, and a Special Meeting of the membership will be held within 60 days to conduct a new election with a revised slate. This ensures members continue to have the final say in who serves on the Board. 

No. Under the proposed bylaws, nominations from the floor will no longer be accepted. This will allow the Board to ensure due diligence is in place to review nominees based on their competencies and experience. This will also ensure that members receive nominee information prior to the AGM to help inform their vote. 

As is currently in place, candidates will submit an application in advance which will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee using a Board skills and competency matrix. This process helps ensure the Board has the mix of skills, experience, and perspectives needed to effectively govern the Association. The recommended  slate of directors  will be shared with members at least 21 days before the AGM.

Given the proposed changes to the Board structure and nomination process for next year, the Board is proposing that the current Board remain in place for the upcoming year. This approach will provide continuity while the proposed governance changes are implemented and allow the new nomination and election process to be introduced for the following year. 

Yes. The proposed bylaws do not change the expected time commitment for Board members. Directors will continue to participate in Board meetings, strategic discussions, and governance activities, as well as serve on committees as needed. While committee work may evolve, the overall commitment is expected to remain similar to the current model.

The time commitment will vary depending on the committee’s purpose and work plan. Standing committees, such as the Governance Committee and Audit and Finance Committee, will meet as needed to fulfill their responsibilities.

Committee membership is determined by the Board. The Board may appoint Directors, Board liaisons, and other individuals with relevant expertise to serve on committees or task groups. As committees are established, ARPA will communicate opportunities for members to become involved where appropriate.

Yes. Members continue to play a critical role in ARPA’s governance. Members will vote to approve the slate of Directors at the Annual General Meeting, submit and vote on important resolutions, vote on bylaw amendments, receive the Association’s annual reports and financial statements, and continue to participate in General and Special Meetings. The proposed governance model changes how candidates are identified and assessed, but it does not remove members’ authority to approve the Board or make important governance decisions.

Under the proposed bylaws, members elect the Directors who serve on the Board. Following the AGM, the Board appoints officer positions that include the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer from among those elected Directors. To be eligible for an officer position, a Director must have served on the Board for at least one year. This approach supports leadership development and succession planning while ensuring the President is selected by those who have firsthand experience working alongside the candidates in a governance role. Members continue to have a direct say by electing the Directors from whom the President is chosen.

Click the link to read ARPA’s full bylaws.