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Welcoming Eric, the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation's Executive Director

March 21 
Fifteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Lady Minto Hospital Foundation Executive Director Eric Jacobsen, supported by members of the Foundation Board. After our Land Acknowledgement, Eric shared that he is "excited and delighted” to live and work on Salt Spring Island. Delighted to be raising his family here, he praised Salt Spring as the kindest, safest (both emotionally and physically) community he had ever experienced. He alluded to our depiction as a “controversy surrounded by water” as a strength, for in Eric’s opinion, that deep caring and ability to speak and debate freely is to be cherished. Often caught up in issues and concerns, Eric’s love for Salt Spring resonated with many at this gathering. As expected, we began our conversation with the Foundation’s housing project. Currently being renovated, this project - estimated to cost nearly $10 million - will provide 18 affordable homes for healthcare workers and their families, in units r…
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Beyond Irrigation; How Water Catchment Can Save The Summer

Water is essential to our survival, yet we often overlook how scarce it truly is in today’s world. For communities on the Southern Gulf Islands, water scarcity is a pressing issue, despite our reputation for constant rainfall. Increased seasonal climate change has exacerbated water shortages in our region. While winter rainfall has increased, it often falls in heavy, intense storms, rather than the gentle, all-day drizzles we remember. As a result, much of the winter rainfall runs off into the ocean instead of replenishing our forests and water table. The wet season is becoming wetter, and the dry season is growing drier. However, there’s a way to adapt: by installing a rainwater catchment system, you can harness this increased seasonal rainfall to secure a reliable water source for the summer months. Whether you choose a pond or a cistern, capturing rainwater is a powerful way to protect our freshwater resources without having to compromise on your water needs in the sum…
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The Silent Thief: How Hidden Leaks Drain Water and Money

Part of Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Series It starts quietly—so quietly that you might never notice. A slow drip, a hidden trickle, a toilet that runs just a little longer than usual. But over time, these unnoticed leaks add up in a big way. According to Statistics Canada, the average household loses almost 38,000 litres of water every year to leaks. That’s like letting a backyard swimming pool drain away—without even realizing it. The biggest culprit? Toilets. A toilet leak can waste up to 20 - 40 litres per hour—a staggering 175,000 - 350,000 litres a year—and add $750 to your water bill. And don’t assume you’ll hear it! Many toilet leaks are silent, but there’s a simple test to catch them. Just add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 15 minutes. If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, you've got a leak. A quick fix—like adjusting or replacing a worn-out flapper—can stop the waste in its tracks. But toilets aren’t the only snea…
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Lighter Living: Indoor Water Conservation

True North, Strong and Low Flow! Part of Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Series In the quiet corners of Canadian homes, a silent climate action hero is waiting to emerge—it’s in your washroom! Did you know that on average, Canadians use over 65% of our water in our washrooms? The staggering fact, nearly one-third of all the freshwater we consume at home flushes straight down the toilet, quite literally. The journey to easy water conservation starts right here, where every drop counts. Imagine this: a simple adjustment to your toilet could save up to 65% of its water usage. How? Switch to a low-flow toilet or DIY by filling a 1 - 1.5 L plastic bottle with water, remove the lid from your toilet tank and pop the bottle of water in the tank! You will save 1.5 litres per flush through simple displacement. But the toilet isn't the only star in this water-saving tale. Consider your shower: installing a low-flow showerhead not only saves water but also money. In ju…
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Linda's List for March 18: Spring Planting; Parthenocarpic Squash; Pollinating Squash

Spring is moving along slowly but surely, and although recent cold nights and rainy days have slowed down spring flowers, gardeners are fidgety, itching to plant something. With overwintered crops having survived the winter in better condition than usual, year-round gardeners may have enough broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, root crops, leeks, chard, kale, lettuce, etc. in the garden that they aren’t fussed about getting an early start (if that’s not you, see the end of this message for an online workshop I will be giving in April on year-round harvests for coastal gardeners). What to plant now: The soil is still much too wet to work outdoors, but in garden soil that is fertile from past years of amendments, you can rake back any mulch, pull weeds and sow a few things without disturbing the soil further. Poke pea seeds into the mud and scatter seeds of lettuce, spinach, radishes, cilantro, dill, arugula on the surface. Press seeds lightly into the soil without covering them or…
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Learning Skills to Counteract Hurtful Social Media Comments

March 14 Seventeen joined us for all or part of this ASK Salt Spring conversation about strategies to address the harm caused by hurtful comments and polarization on social media. Leading us on this difficult and emotional conversation were our Restorative Justice facilitators, Program Coordinator, Jessica, and volunteers Laura and Fig. Jessica offered our Land Acknowledgement, reminding us that Restorative Justice principles stem from collaborative circle practices from Indigenous peoples around the world. She ended with a quote by Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, “Reconciliation includes anyone with an open mind and an open heart who is willing to look into the future with a new way, Let us find a way to belong to this time and place together. Our future, and the well-being of all our children, rests with the kind of relationships we build today.” She suggested we read his book, Namwayut, A Pathway to Reconciliation. Joining us the second Friday of each month, 11-1, in the …
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The Ripple Effect: Every Drop Counts on Salt Spring Island

Part of Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Series: Water is the essence of life. It flows through our homes, nourishes our landscapes, and sustains the delicate ecosystems we cherish. Yet, despite its apparent abundance, fresh water is remarkably rare—only 3% of Earth's water is drinkable, and 20% of that is in Canada. Here on Salt Spring Island, access to clean water isn’t something we take for granted. Whether your supply comes from a private well, a Capital Regional District system, or North Salt Spring Waterworks, every drop is precious. With the privilege of fresh water comes the responsibility to use it wisely—not just for our own needs, but to preserve our rivers, lakes, and oceans for future generations. That’s where Lighter Living comes in. This community-driven initiative is shining a light on water conservation by sharing inspiring local stories and practical solutions. The goal? To make it easier than ever for islanders to reduce water waste, lower c…
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Obituary: John Raposo

John Raposo June 24, 1964 - March 7th, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Raposo. John passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 7 2025. Predeceased by his precious son Mason Raposo by 23 months John passed of a broken heart. Predeceased by his mother Maria Raposo whom he missed dearly for 25 years gratefully they are all together again. John will be missed greatest by his son Myles Raposo and ex wife Dianne his sisters Maria Campbell Mary Raposo his brother Rick Raposo and all his many many Saltspring friends. John was born in Portugal June 24 1964 and came to Canada at age 8. After schooling in Victoria he moved to Saltspring at the age of 21 starting out as a cook at the Harbour House Hotel then moving on to run his own hardwood floor business for 35 years. He as an extremely hard working person and took pride in his art of laying hardwood as his many floors on Saltspring whisper of his presents still. John was the life of the…
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From Suffering to Happiness

What do you do when you find animals in distress?

  This story is about a handful of people who made it possible for the suffering to end.  It began in a garbage-filled jungle area many kilometres outside of Manzanillo, Mexico in January 2024.  A Winnipeg couple with a home in the area found a mama dog there, in terrible health with 2-month old pups in dire condition.  All were starving, infested with parasites inside and out and their future had no hope.  They took them home, got them to good health, toilet trained them, loved them, taught them dog manners, with the help of their own two dogs and a cat.  A couple months later, it was time to get them out of Mexico because there is little love there for mixed-breed street dogs.  A friend from Victoria set out to find homes, and their futures began to change, one by one.  In April 2024 one of these dear pups, Gibson, went to live with a wonderful couple on Salt Spring Island, two brothers are together on an ac…
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CRD and CRHD Approve Their 2025 Financial Plans

Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) Boards approved the 2025 financial plans at the Board meeting on March 12, 2025. The 2025 Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) Financial Plan was approved by the CRHC Board on December 11, 2024. “The 2025 financial plans reflect our commitment to responsible fiscal management and strategic investment in our community. These plans will enable us to continue delivering essential services, support sustainable growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the capital region,” said CRD Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of our staff, partners, and community members in shaping a budget that addresses our current needs and future aspirations.” The 2025 financial plans support the priorities and initiatives from the 2023-2026 Corporate Plan, aligning with the CRD Board’s strategic goals. The CRD, CRHD and CRHC financial plans combi…
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