In early 2007 the project headed up by David Towns was completed.  At very little expense to the Historical Society, we obtained a report with valuable information that will lead us well into the future.  Much of our capitol work this year is in direct reference to David's report.  Early in the Spring we applied for our summer workers and were fortunate enough to receive both a Provincial and Federal Grant (one student each).   The financial viability of our operation at the Ottawa House Museum depend heavily on these grants.  Early in the summer Susan applied and received a Skills-Link Program.  The details of this program are better described in the Manager's report, need I only add that this program included on-going Ottawa House operational expenses (as the host of the program) and kept us in the black at the end of the year.  The surplus that appears under this program will be transferred to Operations and/or Reserve Account as directed by the Society Board and will allow us to go into 2008 in a comfortable position.

Although a great deal of work still lays in the future your Board of Directors have accomplished much.  This of course costs money but the work completed is all part of our Moving Forward Plan.  The surplus carried over from previous years and the generous grant from the Province in 2006 has gone a long way in seeing us meet our objectives.  The major expenditures from these reserves are as follows.  $1326.39 was transferred from our Reserves to operating in January to pay for the eaves placed on the back of the building and in March $38197.85 to pay for the drainage ditch dug at the back of the building.  Both of these projects were completed the previous fall.  In the fall of 2007, we again transferred $4805.30 from our reserves to pay for interior and exterior work on the East wing and another $4650.00 for architectural drawings of the Ottawa House.  The Board has cautiously approached our spending and deserves credti for their diligence.  As reported in our financial statement we end the year with $255.97 in our Royal Bank Investment and $102609.44 in our Royal Bank GIC.

One point of explanation.  In reading Revenue and Expenses for Capital one sees a great sum but most of this is due to putting money into our chequing account and taking it out as our GIC became due.

Our manager, Susan Clarke, her staff and the Ways and Means comittee did an excellent job once again this year in raising money for the operation of the museum.  All one has to do is look at the results of our Fund Raising, Program Revenue and Retail Sales in the budget, to realize that it is only through the efforts of thse dedicated indivduals that we can survive.   Seeing the receipts come in and knowing the work this committee accomplishes, one can only marvel at their contribution to our Society.

Susan also dserves special mention for doubling up, managing the Ottawa House and supervising the Skills-Link Program, as our operating surplus is a direct result of her hard work.

As Treasurer I have a further duty to remind you that we survive on your donations of time, talent and fortune.  If you can assist the Society in any way it will be most welcomed.

Respectfully submitted:

Doug Robinson
Treasurer