2015

Earthquake Hits Near Salt Spring

An earthquake with magnitude 4.8 (with some reports suggesting magnitude 4.9 and 5.1) occurred near Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada at 11:39:29 local Pacific time on December 29th, 2015. (This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.) The National Tsunami Warning Center has advised that no zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk from this event. Repeat, no zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk from this event. Nearby Cities 17km (11mi) NNE of Victoria, Canada 22km (14mi) NE of Langford, Canada 22km (14mi) NE of Colwood, Canada 38km (24mi) SE of Duncan, Canada 17km (11mi) NNE of Victoria, Canada Video: Earthquake hits Victoria and Surrounding Areas Captured on Security Cameras What is an earthquake? Earthquakes with magnitude of about 2.0 or less are usually called microearthquakes; they are not commonly felt by people and are generally recorded only on local seismographs. Events with magnitudes of about 4.5 or greater …

Electric Vehicle Density on Salt Spring

With the recent COP21 decision in Paris to have a plan to address the threat of climate change through Green House Gas (GHG) reductions, Salt Spring Island is proud to be already leading the way. Electric vehicles are the low hanging fruit for emission reduction and we have the highest density of electric automobiles in Canada (and quite possibly the US) and more are arriving on a regular basis. We will end the year with at least 61 fully electric vehicles quietly not producing any GHG emissions. A recent and conservative estimate of our total fleet emission reduction (through avoidance) is estimated to be at least 200 Tonnes per year. And we have 6 Public free charging stations sponsored by our generous local business for our visiting EV tourists. And this is, as they say, just the start.

Alert: Getting Help and Helping Those in Need

With sadness, we are receiving reports that a member of our community tried to take their life today in a tree during the Saturday market. The incident was witness by many who took action to help save the person. Their status is unknown at this time. This is a time of year filled with strong emotions and sadness for many. If you are experiencing any emergency mental health needs please call 911 immediately and please reach out for help. This is an important time of year in the long dark nights to look out for one another, particularly the more vulnerable. Be active with checking with one another and helping to alert others if you suspect someone might be in a place of need. Peace be with this person, their family and friends. For people in crisis the best route to go is: Call 911 call the crisis line – 24 hours a day at 1-888-494-3888 present to Lady Minto Hospital ER. There is the mental health nurse during the week 8 AM - 4 PM or ER staff and Emergency Mental Healt…

Salt Spring Reads: Briony Penn

Salt Spring Reads is an online book club/review. For this column I try to find books that you might love to discover, books with a Salt Spring connection. Reviewed books are available at the Salt Spring Library and in local bookstores. Feel free to share your comments. Briony Penn is a well known Salt Springer: an environmentalist, an educator, a speaker and dedicated naturalist. One year she even ran for the NDP in our riding. She is one of the island’s strongest advocates, speaking on behalf of all creatures great and small. Briony Penn is also an author. Her books include The Kids’ Book of Canadian Geography (Kids Can Press) which is chock full of interesting information about the country’s formation and natural history. I have really enjoyed reading her book A Year on the Wild Side (Touchwood). This diary is a fun read for anyone interested in nature on Salt Spring. Tied to the seasons, Briony shares her sense of awe and wonder, as well as her knowledge and experienc…

Video: The Archeology of Shiya'hwt (Ganges)

Learn more about this town of 'Ganges' that we live in and around on Salt Spring Island. Archeologist Chris Arnett recalls the fascinating First Nations history of Ganges Village, known by the name of Shiya’hwt to its original inhabitants. For thousands of years Coast Salish people carried on their cultural traditions and harvested the areas abundant resources, until epidemics decimated their population and the coming of the Europeans changed their way of life forever. He shares his research, archival photos, artifacts, archeological studies and illustrations. He also interprets the evidence of burial sites around the Ganges and Grace Islet. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

How John Turns Garbage into Charity Gold

When John Ellacott talks garbage, someone on the island benefits. For the past 12 years, the owner of Salt Spring Garbage Services has proved the old proverb that where there’s muck, there’s brass. And a lot of that brass has been plowed back into the community. Every year John and his wife Carla put the proceeds of the “Blackburn Mall,” the transfer station’s store of dropped-off jumble, to good use. Thanks to the Mall, that unwanted armchair, abandoned Teddy bear or well-thumbed book finds its way to a new owner. “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” says John. “If you can’t find it at the Mall, wait a bit . . .” And the many hundreds of small donations (never payments) from islanders who have found their treasures there go toward the Ellacotts’ chosen charities. Annually, they donate $2,000 to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation and a further $2,000 to the Salt Spring Island Foundation. Every now and then a big-ticket item will find its way into John’s ca…

Incorporation Study - Infographic

A new infographic which summarizes the highlights identified in the Incorporation Study Preliminary Report has been posted. The Infographic provides at-a-glance information on the study process and timeline, current governance structure, key cost impacts including the impact on property taxes and the biggest unknowns. Read the full report:

Critically Acclaimed Canadian Tenor Ken Lavigne performing at ArtSpring

Critically acclaimed Canadian Tenor Ken Lavigne will be performing at ArtSpring on Tuesday December 1, 1015, during a break in his busy schedule he answered a few questions for us. Tell us a little bit about Ken Lavigne I’m a classically trained tenor who has sung in many prestigious halls across North America. I’ve just completed a tour that took me as far east Saskatchewan and as far south as California. I’m a husband and father to three adorable children and also proud Chamaniac. I love the outdoors and try to get out on the water and enjoy this amazing west coast as much as possible. What brought you to Salt Spring Island? I’ve been invited to perform at the Artspring Tuesday December 1st. Country Grocer has sponsored this event for the community as a holiday gift of music for the community. What can the audience expect to see from the show? I draw from a wide variety of music to showcase the virtues and the versatility of the tenor voice. In this concert we…

Service Details for Integrated SaltSpring Air / Harbour Air

It's an exciting time at Harbour Air as we welcome a valued partner and grow our service yet again. With a continued commitment to be "The Islander's Airline" and the resources of the world's largest seaplane airline, the sky really is the limit! We know you may have questions about what this partnership means to the SaltSpring Air service that you know and trust. Please read on below and do send us an email if you have any questions that aren't answered here. Looking forward to welcoming you aboard.When does the official merger between SaltSpring Air (SSA) and Harbour Air (HA) happen? Starting December 1st, SSA will join the Harbour Air Group. What does this mean for passengers on either airline? We’re all working hard to make this transition as seamless as possible for you, our valued passengers. We understand that there are a few differences between our services and will be continuing to work through all of them to ensure that we make the best decisions that are f…

Forum Hosts Conference on Arctic Politics

Each year, the Salt Spring Forum hosts graduate students from the University of British Columbia for a two-day conference on a special topic. This year’s Salt Spring Forum-UBC conference is entitled “Look North!” because it focuses on Arctic politics. The conference runs in the GISS Multi-Purpose room from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Saturday, November 28 and from 9 AM – 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 29. Tony Penikett, the former Premier of the Yukon, will be present and sharing his expertise with the students throughout the conference. Everyone is warmly invited to attend this public event. Admission is by donation. Audience members are welcome to come and go as they wish. Conference Schedule: Saturday, November 28 2:00 PM – Fabio Resmini, “Do you really mean it? The use of national rhetoric in Arctic politics.” 2:30 AM – Gregor Sharp, “Is Big Money Stealing the Arctic?” 3:00 PM – Osvaldo Kallabinski, “Are Sanctions Between Great Powers Designed to Fail?” 3:3…

Salt Spring Island Foundation Fall Grants

Salt Spring Island Foundation Fall Grants - Support Youth Services, Mental Health Initiatives and Much More. The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce over $60,000 in grants to nine local charitable organizations. The projects funded this fall aim to build a more sustainable, caring and sharing community through youth programs, mental health services, community safety, environmental protection and the recognition of Salt Spring’s history. As part of its Smart & Caring Salt Spring initiative, the Foundation has established funds to target critical needs and help grow philanthropy on Salt Spring. This fall, our Smart & Caring funds have been granted to support volunteerism through the Volunteer Community Resources Salt Spring Society. Gulf Islands Marine Rescue Society For the purchase of optical equipment for use by RCMSAR Station 25 in searching and nighttime lookout. Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Society Toward riparian restoratio…

Linda's List: Brace for Cold and Light the Lemons

Well, here it comes: It looks like the first Arctic outbreak of the year could be coming our way early next week. At the moment, the forecast is for the coldest weather to start Tuesday, with lows of -5 to -7oC (18 to 23oF) predicted through at least Thursday over the whole south coast. Don't be lulled by the fact that we are in an El Nino winter, which is supposed to give us a somewhat warmer than average temperatures: the last time we had a 'super' El Nino in 1997/98, there was apparently 2 warmer than usual months and one colder than normal month. We need to be ready for anything! And here's the good new (for some of us, anyway): after next week's freeze our Brussels sprouts will be tasty and sweet... SO, finish mulching around plants this weekend and completely cover over the tops of your root crops with a good thick layer of leaves, straw or other mulch. The hardiest leafy greens are usually fine to about -5oC (23oF), but since the forecast for next week is for…

Salt Spring Air Receives Strategic Investment from Harbour Air Seaplanes

More flights, no staff reductions and carbon-neutral operation - Salt Spring Air is pleased to announce a strategic investment by Harbour Air Seaplanes that will see expansion of air service and passenger capacity between Salt Spring Island, Vancouver and other key BC destinations. Both Salt Spring Air and Harbour Air have worked together for the last 4 years to ensure a scheduled service that leads the industry in safety and reliability. Beginning December 1st, the next stage of Harbour Air’s investment in Salt Spring Air builds on this partnership, allowing for more flights and more aircraft to service Salt Spring Island, its residents and visitors. “We are excited to further our already long-standing and very positive working relationship with Harbour Air and guarantee the unique service we have worked so hard to build on Salt Spring Island will continue and grow,” says Philip Reece, part owner of Salt Spring Air and active Island community member. “Salt Spring Isla…

Andrew Hildebrand - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Andrew Hildebrand, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Andrew: Hi folks. I really enjoy meeting people and sharing life experiences. In 2007 I retired from a manufacturing career and the most amazing thing is that I still have all my hair. I am interested in most everything that involves food, doing something different, composing music and having fun. What brought you to the area? After retirement in 2007 my wife Valerie and I were NOT enjoying -50 degrees C in Manitoba. Valerie had a whim to move to the west coast …

Mary Lynn Hetherington - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Mary Lynn Hetherington, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Mary Lynn: Since arriving on SSI in January of 2001, as well as being a full-time registered nurse, I have owned two businesses ( Willies Cottage Gallery and Salt Spring Island Jams, Jellies and Preserves), raised a beautiful daughter who has recently graduated from GISS on the Honour Roll and have been very active in my community. I am A member and past Organist of Order of the Eastern Star, a member and past Board member of Legion Br. 92, a past Board Member of…

Michael Craig - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Michael Craig, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Michael: My partner, Christine, and I moved to the Vesuvius area in Feb. 2014 and purchased an older home needing substantial updating. As a former general contractor I was a pleasure working with local trades and suppliers to renovate the home. They were all very competent and helpful with their assistance to create a wonderful surrounding for us. What brought you to the area? My first adventure in Salt Spring occurred in 1983 during a summer vacation. I was immedi…

Howard Baker - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Howard Baker, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Howard: I moved here with my wife in 2005 and spent that summer building a studio on property we'd purchased three years previously. I spent much of the next ten years building a house on this same property. My wife joked that many of those years I was under house arrest and sometimes it seemed that way to me. We got our Final Occupancy Permit last summer and now my interests are finding new expression. What brought you to the area? My wife, Gayle, and I found our of…

Howard Holzapfel - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Howard Holzapfel, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Howard: My name is Howard Holzapfel, I have been a paid on call member of the Salt Spring Fire Department (FIT) for the last four years. I moved to Salt Spring with my family in 2010 and during the first few weeks of living here, we had an emergency with our young son and then a week later with our young daughter. The first responders assuaged my fear with their timeliness, knowledge and compassion. One of the main reasons my wife and I had chosen Salt Spring was becau…

Fiona Foster - 2015 Fire Board Trustee Election Candidate Profile

Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Fiona Foster, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee. Here's a little bit about Fiona: I moved here 23yrs ago to raise my daughter in a small safe caring community. During the early years I helped out where I could in my daughters activities, spending time at the ball field, cooking hot dogs for a whole school, going to guide camp. As a family we hiked the trails of the island, swam at the beaches and enjoyed the wealth of arts available. Truly making Saltspring our home. Since I grew up in a small community where people contributed to make it work…

Fire Protection District By-election - One Vote Only

Some confusion about voter eligibility arose during the Fire District election in April 2015. The District obtained legal advice and the rules have now been clarified. Voters should be aware of the updated interpretation of the rules. To summarize, in order to be eligible to vote for the Fire Trustees, a person needs to meet all of the following four criteria. They must (1) be a Canadian citizen, (2) be eighteen years old or older, (3) have resided in British Columbia for at least six months before the election date, and (4) be an owner of land in the improvement district or the authorized agent of a board or corporation that is an owner of land in the improvement district, or the legal representative of any land owner who has died (Order of Probate) or become insolvent (Bankruptcy Trustee). These rules arise from provincial law and the Fire District's letters patent and have been unchanged for many years. The interpretation changes are as follows. First, individual…

Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Why They Happen & What to Do

Do you know what causes an earthquake or tsunami? Are your family, workplace, and community prepared for such events? Is it actually true that we overdue for an earthquake? Join the Salt Spring Forum and Dr. Garry Rogers, a Senior Research Scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada who specializes in earthquake and tsunami studies, for an important evening of learning on November 19th at 7:30 pm at ArtSpring about the science of earthquakes and tsunamis, and about what to do to when they happen. Do come early since the Salt Spring Emergency Program, Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue, and Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue will have information booths set up in the ArtSpring lobby to answer questions, and provide safety and preparedness information. The event in the theatre with Dr. Rogers will begin at 7:30 pm with a presentation by the guest speaker and then will be followed by a Forum-style discussion between the Rogers and the audience. Attendees are encouraged to …