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Thinking Like An Island

In the early 1970’s while living in California I became aware of two visionary initiatives in a faraway place called British Columbia- the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) devoted to protecting farmland for future generations, and the Islands Trust whose mandate was to protect the unique environment of a small chain of islands located off the west coast of the province. The idea that the people of British Columbia had come together to give legal protection to the lands that feed our bodies and to the natural environment that feeds our souls seemed almost unbelievable in an era when unrestrained greed and consumption were the coin of the realm. At the time I looked to our northern neighbors with glowing admiration, seeing the ALR and the Islands Trust as beacons of light, amazed that protection of the natural world and consideration of future generations was not just an idea or a dream, but that it had been codified and made into law. As a young man, these two far-sighted …
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Ganges Firehall: An Enticing Conversation About to Begin

Eleven came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Local Community Commissioner (LCC) Ben Corno . After he offered his Acknowledgement, noting that our governance decisions should be viewed through the lens of reconciliation, each of us had a chance to introduce ourselves. The group brought a wide variety of experiences and perspectives to this conversation, some having lived here for decades (one for over 50 years) with another only recently arrived. When asked what “excites and delights” him, Ben spoke briefly of his joy that he had just planted their Elephant Garlic, noting that he finds it more challenging to prioritize the garden now that it is a hobby rather than his livelihood. He was pleased that he had taken the time needed to start the growing cycle of this wonderful garlic. Ben is one of five Local Community Commissioners. He is joined by Brian Webster , Chair Earl Rook, Gayle Baker , and Gary Holman, also our Electoral Director. In addition to this role …
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Winners of the 2025 Salty Awards

Mahon Hall was buzzing with celebration last night as the community gathered for the 2025 Salty Awards, honouring the island’s most inspiring businesses, innovators, and changemakers. Hosted by the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce, the event recognized excellence across nine categories—from emerging entrepreneurs to long-standing community cornerstones. “The Salty Awards are a chance to celebrate what makes Salt Spring so special—our creativity, resilience, and the incredible people who pour their hearts into their work,” said Salty Award Committee Chair Solveig Brickenden. “This year’s winners truly embody the spirit of the island.” The evening was hosted by Michael Mann and Michael Bean, with lively support from GISS improv students Reason Perry, Alil’a Perlux de la I’o, and Leelu Mann. Adding to the fun, guests also had the chance to win Saltiest Awards—playful attendee prizes recognizing things like Best Dressed and The Saltiest Complaint About Salt Spring—with p…
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The Fulford–Vesuvius Trail: Milestones This Month Need Your Voice

A 3-metre-wide walking and cycling trail, separated from the road, could someday soon link Fulford to Vesuvius — connecting our ferry terminals, villages, and neighbourhoods with a safe, all-ages route across Salt Spring. Can you imagine walking or cycling, stress-free to the ferry or to town to visit a friend? This trail would connect Salt Spring with the multi-use trail networks already built throughout Victoria and the Cowichan Valley -- and represents one of the smartest local investments we can make right now. Island Pathways needs your help to keep up momentum and advocacy towards this legacy project. Why This Month Matters This November and December, the Capital Regional District (CRD) will be presented with a preliminary design and feasibility study for the multi-use pathway following Fulford-Ganges Road, Lower Ganges Road, and Vesuvius Bay Road. This is a pivotal moment for public support. Mark your calendar: * Nov 26, 2025 — CRD Regional Parks Committee (…
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Point-In-Time Homeless Count 2025

The Point-In-Time Homeless count was repeated on Salt Spring Island in 2025, showing a welcome hiatus in the trend of the last several counts of radically rising numbers. Importantly, however, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the 2025 count still far exceeds available shelter accommodation on Salt Spring, leaving the portion of unsheltered homeless on the island disproportionately larger than other areas of the province in the BC wide count. The 2023 count was 137 individuals, down from an all time high in the previous count of 2023 of 165, and falling below the 2021 level of 143. The majority of the counted individuals on Salt spring (64%) were between the ages of 25 and 54 with a rising proportion considered unsheltered (66% from 64% in previous count).
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Norton Road Housing Initiative - Your Chance to Be Part of the Solution!

The group who came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome IWAV Executive Director Alicia Herbert was small but enthusiastic. We got an added bonus by also welcoming our Library Director Karen Hudson, wearing her hat as one of seven advisory committee members meeting weekly to move the IWAV Norton Road initiative forward. (And, later in our time together, Alicia and Karen gave a “shout out” to Elizabeth FitzZaland who is also an invaluable member of this Norton Road committee.) In her Land Acknowledgement, Alicia spoke of respect and inclusion on our unceded land, noting that the proposed Norton Road land purchase relates to unceded land and that IWAV is determined to ensure that decisions about this land, if acquired, are made with deliberation through inclusive collaboration. Before beginning to learn more about this exciting Norton Road opportunity, we all took a moment to introduce ourselves. With three ASK Salt Spring Board Members present, we took this oppor…
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Obituary: Bruce Duncan Wallace

1945, June 3 - 2025, October 25 Bruce Duncan Wallace Bruce passed away peacefully, in Lady Minto Hospital, in the early morning of October 25th. He was 80 years old. He passed away from cardiovascular disease complicated by pneumonia. Sadly, Bruce's husband, Scott Merrick, passed away 4 days before on Oct. 21st. Bruce was born in Vancouver on June 3, 1945, where his father was stationed with the navy. After the war ended they moved back to their hometown, Edmonton AB, where Bruce grew up. Bruce received a BSc from the University of Alberta with double majors in Entomology and Philosophy. When he was in his early 20's he and his younger brother, Tim, bought matching Norton 650s motorcycles. They enjoyed happy times riding these together before Tim passed away in March 1972. Bruce moved to Calgary where he worked at William Roper Hull Home as a child care counsellor, in cottage settings for adolescents with parental problems and court referrals. He met Waltraud (Wa…
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Island Rabbit Owners Should Take Precautions Following Suspected Cases of Fatal Virus

The Province is encouraging rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area to take extra care after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease. The disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death in these rabbits, but testing is underway and results are pending. In past years, rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in feral, commercial and pet rabbits in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver. The disease is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects only rabbits. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, bleeding from the nose or mouth or sudden death. The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear and vehicle tires. The disease does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs. However, rabbit hemorrhagic disease can be carri…
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Astrology by Danielle Blackwood: This Full Moon November 2025 (TAURUS)

Each Full Moon brings its own wisdom, teachings, and medicine through the lens of a particular archetype. The Full Moon will often bring something to fruition and illuminate things that have been hidden. Each month we experience a subtle shift as the Full Moon highlights specific archetypal themes, emotions, and feelings. For many, the Full Moon amplifies the way we interpret and experience both our inner world and the world around us. Happy Full Moon in Taurus! This month the Full Moon arrives at 13° Taurus, illuminating the sky on Wednesday November 5th at 5:19 am. As with every Full Moon, the Sun is in the opposite sign, highlighting a sacred polarity that plays out in the collective as well as in our personal lives. Astronomical or ‘true’ Samhain occurs within the engagement range of this Full Moon - November 6th at 8:04 pm - this is the exact mathematical midpoint between autumn equinox and the winter solstice, and a powerful moment for magic. During this time…
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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. Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Update Project Phase 1 community engagement for the Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Update project has now closed. This important project aims to expand housing options and promote housing equity while protecting the environment, supporting climate resiliency, and respecting First Nations rights and interests. The LTC will be reviewing the next steps, which include further phases of engagement, at its upcoming meeting on November 6. More information about the project…
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