As was mentioned in our ad today in the Guardian, we will be amending our bylaws (Objects and Purposes). This is required, as after a lengthy application process, Canada Revenue Agency rejected our request for Charitable status, stating that our O&P were too broad. It is our hope that this new version will satisfy their very strict requirements. These were drawn up by our legal council.
Our bylaws state that changing the Objects and Purposes requires 3/4 of the membership approve these changes and that it is advertised six months prior to a vote. We plan to have the membership vote at the next AGM.
Here are the revised Objects and Purposes:
- To acquire, own, possess, protect, preserve and manage lands in the Province of Prince Edward Island with a view to maintaining any and all such lands in a natural state by encouraging the maintenance and/or reintroduction of the native flora and fauna of Prince Edward Island.
- To preserve, maintain and protect any and all lands acquired, owned or possessed by the Trust, within the Province of Prince Edward Island, for the benefit of the public by conserving, maintaining and reintroducing the native flora and fauna of Prince Edward Island on a long term basis.
- To preserve, maintain and protect any and all lands acquired, owned or possessed by the Trust, within the Province of Prince Edward Island, by restoring, developing, and maintaining any such lands acquired, owned and/or possessed with a view to educating the public about the protection, preservation and maintenance of such lands to establish and to operate the Trust for the purposes of:
a) uniting all persons interested in the conservation, maintenance and/or reintroduction of the native flora and fauna of Prince Edward Island, together with the protection, preservation and maintenance of the natural beauties of Prince Edward Island and the beautification, preservation and extension of green belts within the Province of Prince Edward Island;
b) gathering and exchanging ideas, data and statistical, scientific, horticultural and botanical information as it relates to the protection, preservation and management of lands within the Province of Prince Edward Island; and
c) to promote the protection and appreciation of the environment, including the native flora and fauna, of Prince Edward Island;
and such other complementary purposes not inconsistent with these objects.
- To undertake activities that are ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above purposes.
Upton Farm Trust Inc.
** The original bylaws can be found on this site.