Local Listings

View More Ads

Latest Local News

ASK Salt Spring on all things local emergency management with Corey Anderson, Jolette Schenk and John Wakefield

While only 10 joined this ASK Salt Spring conversation about our preparedness for emergencies, we learned so much! Led by John Wakefield, Emergency Management Lead, Salt Spring Island, he was joined by Jolette Schenk, CRD Electoral Area Emergency Services Coordinator and Corey Anderson, Manager, Emergency Programs, both of whom had come from Victoria to join us. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, John spoke briefly about accelerating challenges from climate-related weather emergencies. While things may seem to be much the same, it is John’s observation that on Salt Spring, much like the rest of the world, record heat domes, drought, and storms are ramping up awareness and concern. We learned that virtually all of Ganges - as far inland as the Library - are in a tsunami hazard zone. After recognizing our vulnerability as an island, John reminded us that there are simple, concrete things we can do to prepare. These include: Sign up for Alertable, free and available…
Read more about ASK Salt Spring on all things local emergency management with Corey Anderson, Jolette Schenk and John Wakefield

Stqeeye' Learning Society Land Acquisition Campaign nearing end of year goal

On Giving Tuesday, a focus on reconciliation may be on the minds of many on Salt Spring, and there's an extraordinary opportunity to bring the two together in the mi tse' t'akw' (Coming Home) campaign, which is raising money for the indigenous-led Stqeeye' Learning Society to acquire a 10-acre property in Xwaaqw'um (Burgoyne Bay), a village that is central to 600 generations of Quw'utsun (Cowichan) history. This once-in-a-generation campaign will bring the Quw’utsun people back to their traditional territory for the first time in 150 years, so that they can expand Stqeeye’s important work on Salt Spring. The purchase of this property will support a variety of important outcomes: Transfer of knowledge to a new generation of Youth on the Land Protection of forest and wetland habitat for endangered species Construction of a nursery to grow 80,000 native plants for land restoration work Restoration of indigenous food systems flourishing with camas and traditional plan…
Read more about Stqeeye' Learning Society Land Acquisition Campaign nearing end of year goal

Islands Trust: Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee 2023 November update

The Local Trust Committee (LTC) held an evening “Town Hall and Questions” session at Salt Spring Golf Club November 15th (5:00-7:00 PM).  We were grateful for those who came out to ask questions and engage with the trustees. We held our regular LTC meeting on November 16th and this report summarizes the meeting highlights.  For the official record and for more details, please refer to the minutes and/or view recordings of the meetings. At the Nov. 16th meeting the following decisions were made related to land use applications and referrals.  We: Referred an Agriculture Land Reserve application SS-ALR-2023.2 (710 Cranberry Road) to create a two-lot bare land strata subdivision to the Agriculture Advisory Planning Commission for their comments. Approved a development variance permit (SS-DVP-2023.15 at 351 Mountain Park Dr.) to: increase the maximum accessory building floor area from 70 square metres to 178 square metres; reduce the minimum sideline setback from 3 me…
Read more about Islands Trust: Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee 2023 November update

Beta testing electric vehicle “Full Self Driving” mode on Salt Spring Island

I really enjoyed Shilo Zylbergold’s humorous take on self-driving cars in his Nobody Asked Me But column in the Sept. 27 Driftwood. Most of you readers may not be aware of the fact that self-driving cars have been operating on the streets of Salt Spring Island for over 2 years. Tesla has been on the forefront of this technology. The current software is a beta version, which is not ready for prime time, just for select cool beta-testers. When you purchase your car on the Web site (that’s how Tesla does stuff), the self driving software is an optional add-on. However, to be able to use it, you have to apply and commit to some safe driving rules. The first is that you must have your hands on the steering wheel at all times in case something goes awry. You also have to agree to some legalese. You have to manually turn the FSD (for “Full Self Driving”) software on and optionally enter a destination. At all times when the FSD software is active, your driving habits are monit…
Read more about Beta testing electric vehicle “Full Self Driving” mode on Salt Spring Island

Sustainable farming takes center stage at SSI Farmland Trust's Biochar Burn Workshop

In a bid to promote sustainable farming practices, the SSI Farmland Trust recently hosted a Biochar Burn Workshop led by local historian and biochar expert Brian Smallshaw. The event, held last Saturday at the Root, drew a keen crowd eager to learn the ins and outs of biochar production. Participants gathered around two fires, engaged in hands-on learning, and discovered the art of creating biochar from start to finish. The highlight of the workshop was the premiere screening of 'Biochar Kiln,' a comprehensive how-to video filmed on Salt Spring Island by local filmmaker Elisa Rathje at appleturnover.tv. The production, generously supported by the Salt Spring Apple Festival, delves into biochar's historical and practical aspects, providing insights into its creation and benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdglw0bOsSQ Ancient Wisdom in Modern Agriculture Biochar as an ancient soil amendment was at the forefront of discussions. Known for its ability to sequester …
Read more about Sustainable farming takes center stage at SSI Farmland Trust's Biochar Burn Workshop

ASK Salt Spring with David Norget from the Mental Wellness Initiative discussing mental health resources on the island

Fourteen joined us (in addition to toddler Benjamin) for all or part of this ASK Salt Spring conversation with the enthusiastic team of volunteers committed to enhancing mental wellness in our community. Led by David Norget, a number of Mental Wellness Initiative volunteers joined us. Some of these volunteers are recruiting professional counsellors for Reach Out Salt Spring, others are overseeing the expanded Peer Support programs, and others are Ambassadors, walking Ganges spreading connection and care throughout our village. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we learned a bit about the Mental Wellness Initiative as well as its programs. This Mental Wellness Initiative emerged from the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network (SSHAN), a monthly gathering of local organizations/community members focused on health and well-being in our community. Fueled by its strong relationships with its charitable partner, Salt Spring Community Health Society, the Mental Wellness Initiat…
Read more about ASK Salt Spring with David Norget from the Mental Wellness Initiative discussing mental health resources on the island

Opinion: Part 3 - Should Salt Spring Ratepayers have a choice in the design and build of our New Fire Hall?

Does the current Firehall Plan that the Chair of the SSI Fire Improvement District (SSIFID) - Board of Trustees has tabled have the Ratepayers of Salt Spring Island needlessly committed to a 2 Bay, 11,500 Sq Ft Fire Hall at a cost of $20.6 Million? This was brought up by a Fellow Ratepayer who is concerned about costs as well. If the Cumberland Fire Hall Plan was chosen, it immediately provides a cost saving of $4 Million to the Chair’s Plan. Here’s the interesting part, the reduction in debt financing on $4 Million over a 20 year amortization period saves Ratepayers approximately $4 Million. Total cost saving of ~$8 Million Dollars for Salt Spring Ratepayers. With the current inflation situation and the housing crisis, this not an insignificant cost saving that our Fire Board Chair refuses to acknowledge. Our Fire Hall is quickly garnering the dubious distinction of being the most costliest Rural - 2 Bay Firehall not only in BC but Canada and quite possibly North America. …
Read more about Opinion: Part 3 - Should Salt Spring Ratepayers have a choice in the design and build of our New Fire Hall?

Western Bluebirds are back!

Salt Spring Island Conservancy member and conservation steward Pete Davidson reported the first sightings of Western bluebirds on Salt Spring since the 1990s. A flock of seven birds foraged and slept in horse and sheep pastures in the Cranberry Valley for over a week in late October, through a snowfall and frosts, and checked out nest boxes along Shepherd Hills Road. All of the birds sported colour bands, identifying them as part of two family groups from the Cowichan Valley. Ten years ago, several bluebirds obtained from Washington state were released near the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve to try and recover the population. Western bluebird populations began declining in the 1950’s and disappeared from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in the early 1990’s. Experts suspect that removal of old trees used for nesting, climate change, declines in their insect prey due to pesticides, and competition for nest holes with introduced House Sparrow and European Starlings all contri…
Read more about Western Bluebirds are back!

Opinion: Democracy, health, housing, and transportation

In this column I will address a number of issues that continue to impact people in Saanich North and the Islands, and across British Columbia. I’ll start with our democracy. Since my election I have been advocating for improved legislative processes, and better access for private members (all members not in Cabinet) to introduce, debate, and vote on private members bills and motions. Throughout the summer, I sat on an all-Party legislative committee looking at the issue. Over decades, majority governments have wrestled control of the legislative agenda away from the Assembly and now can dictate what is debated and voted on. However, if the committee’s recommendations are enacted by the government, all elected representatives will have more tools to propose legislative changes. Primary, urgent, and acute healthcare continues to be a major issue across BC and Saanich North and the Islands is not immune. With the Saanich Peninsula Hospital emergency room closed in the eve…
Read more about Opinion: Democracy, health, housing, and transportation

ASK Salt Spring with Local Community Commissioners Ben Corno, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Electoral Director, Gary Holman

Eleven came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Ben Corno, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Gary Holman, also our Electoral Director. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Commissioners were asked what excited and delighted them. Ben began by using the example of the construction at Centennial Park as an opportunity to be in the know about what was happening at the park. He was pleased that he could help address Salt Springers’ fears as well as apologize for the unfortunate timing of the start of construction just before the Remembrance Day celebration at Centennial. Brian continued with this example, a clear indication of the challenges of getting important information to everyone. He reminded us that, despite a recent article in the Driftwood about Centennial Park construction, many were totally surprised when the fence went up and construction began. Brian cited the difficulty of getting information to everyone, despite great e…
Read more about ASK Salt Spring with Local Community Commissioners Ben Corno, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Electoral Director, Gary Holman

View More Articles