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LCC Responds to SIMS Concerns

The following is a statement from the Salt Spring Island's Local Community Commissioners. SIMS Community Space Proposal Recently, Salt Spring's Local Community Commission (LCC) has heard from community members concerned by plans to rent space in Salt Spring Island Multi Space (SIMS) to the Chuan Society. The Society has proposed a short-term pilot project to create a place where community members can gather, work on creative projects, participate in workshops, talking circles, and have a warm place to connect with other members of the community during colder months. The concerned community members may not be aware that space in SIMS was used for a similar purpose just last year, when classroom 2 was rented by the Green Ground Community Design Society as a “maker space," serving the same community members as the Chuan project aims to serve. During the time this was operating, there were no significant conflicts with other users and no incidents raising concerns for the …
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Independent MLA Candidate Amy Haysom Reflects on Her Run

Saanich North and the Islands was this provincial election’s most competitive three-way race, the only riding where three candidates received at least about 30 percent of the vote. A fourth candidate, Amy Haysom ran as an Independent and received almost 2 percent of the vote. Because Amy was the only Salt Spring candidate on the ballot, we invited her to reflect on her inaugural and eventful foray into politics. Amy had initially tried to become the candidate for the BC Green Party, but on the eve of the four-day nomination content, party officials disqualified her and removed her from the ballot. A few weeks later, Amy decided to run as an Independent candidate. We reached out to the BC Greens to get a response to comments Amy made during the interview about the nomination contest and its aftermath. BC Green Party communications manager Rippon Madtha directed us to two official statements the party made in August “which detail our position regarding Amy’s candidacy and t…
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Local Trust Committee October Update

Local Trust Committee October Update, by Trustee Laura Patrick This report relates to the business of the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee (LTC), which is made up of the two local trustees and an appointed chair. The LTC’s responsibilities include regulating the development and use of land within the Salt Spring Local Trust Area, which includes Salt Spring Island and more than 25 associated islands including Prevost, Secret, and Piers islands. Our next regular meeting will be on November 14th beginning at 12:30 PM at the Salt Spring Legion, Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Road. The agenda will be available on November 8th on the Islands Trust website. Office staff are available to help should you have questions about getting to our meetings or viewing them on-line. Please call 250-538-9144 or email ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca for support. Please note that no in-person office is available on Salt Spring Island at this time. Renovations will be commencing on a new office at 121 McP…
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We Are What We Eat: A Fresh Approach to Eating that Promotes Personal, Community and Environmental Health

During the pandemic, David Marshall couldn't ignore the mountain of recycling piling up at home—so much plastic, so much waste. Despite their best recycling efforts, he realized every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere. Where does it all go? It was shocking to think this was just one family's impact. As he shopped for groceries, he noticed every item wrapped in plastic, travelling far to reach Salt Spring Island (SSI)—the waste felt overwhelming. Determined to find a better way, David envisioned sourcing organic produce and raw materials from local farmers to create fresh, plant-based meals. His goal was clear: distribute healthy, affordable food to the community. He crafted an irresistible proposition—four days a week of locally made, plant-based meals, delivered to your door, zero waste, and no planning required. People loved it! Even those who hadn’t embraced plant-based diets previously found that fresh, locally prepared meals tasted amazing. And if they w…
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ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership's Jamie

October 25 Ten came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome the new Executive Director of the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership, Jamie Sterling. After her Territorial Acknowledgement, she told us that she was “excited and delighted” as well as being a bit shocked to know that, after recently adopting a senior rescue cat, she had become a totally cat person. On that fun note, we began learning about the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership (SGIPT) A Destination Management Organization, SGITP is focused on managing tourism so that it benefits our communities. A registered society, SGITP is funded by a 2% tax charged to all staying at hotels and other accommodations on its member islands, Saturna, Pender, Galliano, Mayne, and Salt Spring, called the Municipal Regional Destination Tax The total collected from accommodations varies from year-to-year, but is generally a significant amount; With totals not yet available, Jamie estimates that $600,000 was coll…
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UPDATED: RESOLVED Oct 31st Boil Water Advisory: Highland-Fernwood Water System (SSI) OCT 28th

UPDATE: The boil water advisory has been rescinded – residents no longer need to boil their water Customers in the Highland-Fernwood Water Service area are advised that the Boil Water Advisory issued on Oct. 28 is now rescinded. Bacteriological water sampling and testing has been concluded and the water is now safe to consume and boiling the water is no longer necessary. Residents in the impacted area should BOIL their drinking water until further notice. The Capital Regional District (CRD), in consultation with Island Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for a portion of the Highland-Fernwood Water System Water System on Salt Spring Island. Residents on the following roads should boil their water until further notice – Maliview Drive, Fer de Lance Road, Westcott Road, Hedger Road and Walker’s Hook Road (see map). Highland-Fernwood Water System - Impacted Area Map (PDF) Water service to approximately 70 households within the Highland-Fernwood Water System w…
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UPDATE Cancelled - Oct 30th - Water Service Notice: Highland-Fernwood Water System (Salt Spring Island)

Residents serviced by the Highland-Fernwood Water System on Salt Spring Island are advised to reduce water use as reservoir levels are steadily decreasing due to suspected leaks in the distribution system. Efforts to locate and repair breaks are underway, resulting in a water service interruption for approximately 70 households on Maliview Drive (214-327), Fer de Lance Road, Wescott Road and Walker’s Hook Road currently but could expand to other areas of the system. Residents in the impacted area are asked to: Avoid turning on taps, dishwashers or washing machines. Check for a water leak on their property (see attached PDF). Contact the CRD at 1.855.822.4426 to report any detected issues. Prepare for an extended water outage, including checking on neighbours and using bottled water stored for emergency use. Sign up for the Public Alert Notification System to receive notification when advisories are issued or lifted.
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People Encouraged to Prepare for Seasonal Weather

As weather in British Columbia transitions into fall, people can expect seasonal stormy conditions and are encouraged to take steps to prepare for cooler temperatures and the increased possibility of rain, snow and flooding. Currently, there are no active flood warnings or advisories in the province. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) forecasts a storm arriving Friday evening, bringing precipitation throughout B.C. through the weekend. This storm is anticipated to be weaker than last weekend’s atmospheric river event, and will likely bring generally moderate precipitation to coastal regions and parts of the Columbia-Kootenays. There are no anticipated widespread flood hazards at this time, but saturated ground conditions in low-lying areas could lead to reduced drainage and faster runoff. Wind warnings are in effect for Haida Gwaii and northern Vancouver Island. Strong winds are also expected for southern Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands, eas…
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The story of the The Seahorse: quirky driftwood beach camp on the North End heals its creator

Sometimes, when the tide is way out, Chris Martell stands by the water’s edge and marvels at his creation. He also feels a bit jealous, because he can never know what it feels like to see The Seahorse for the first time. On a beach in the North End, he has spent the last 4.5 years constructing an elaborate camp out of found materials. Although Chris doesn’t want me to share the exact location of The Seahorse, he invites you to try to find it and have an experience there. Chris, who turned 50 in May, began building the beach camp as a coping mechanism during a very dark time in his life. That in itself has been healing. But then he saw pretty early in its incarnation The Seahorse begin to transform into something larger, a place of whimsy, magic, and refuge for people who come there by happenstance or word of mouth. I stumbled upon The Seahorse on a beach walk last winter, not long after moving to SSI. I was astounded and enchanted. Even before I read the lami…
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Islands Trust Council Appoints New Chief Administrative Officer

Lək̓ Ê·É™Ć‹É™n, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Rueben Bronee as Islands Trust’s new Chief Administrative Officer. Bronee will replace Russ Hotsenpiller, who retired in June 2024 after more than eight years in the role. Julia Mobbs, Islands Trust’s Director of Administrative Services, has served as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer since July. “After an extensive search process via an executive search firm, I’m delighted to announce that Rueben Bronee will be joining us as our new Chief Administrative Officer,” said Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “Rueben is a trusted public sector executive. He has extensive experience leading high-profile transformation initiatives and providing strategic advice. We look forward to working with him as we finalize and implement our strategic plan, and as we carry out the preserve and protect mandate of Islands Trust.” “We also wish to provide our sincerest thanks…
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