2015 - Page 6

Linda's List: Dry Weather, Sweet Corn and Winter Cabbage

With the weather stable, warm (and way too dry), I think we are quite safe putting out celeriac, celery, cucumbers, even melons and sweet basil. The first 2 are easily vernalized by a late cold spell (causing them to go to seed)and the latter 3 are very finicky about the cool, damp conditions often found on the coast at this time of year. In fact, for inland coastal areas, it is forecast to be hot tomorrow so watch out for your tiny seedlings and seedbeds: they will probably need to be shaded them to get them safely through the hot part of the day. And it is time to start mulching plants that are large enough or like cooler soil (such as peas, cabbage, lettuce, onion family). With the very dry spring we have had and this long stretch of sunny, warm weather, mulches to slow water loss and cool the soil will be appreciated by plants. I covered mulches in more detail about this time last year so for more info, see my June 6, 2014 message. Sweet corn: Though we can certainly sow…

Salt Spring Island Foundation Spring Grants Support a Wide Range of Community Projects

The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce over $100,000 in grants to 13 island charitable organizations. The projects funded this spring address many important community priorities, including services for children, youth and seniors, mental health, housing, the environment and the preservation of Salt Spring’s history and cultural heritage. 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 spring, our Smart & Caring funds have been granted to projects that support affordable housing, mental health and volunteerism. Fulford Community Hall Association For overall maintenance and to refresh the curbside look of this important heritage building, which hosts a broad range of community activities. Greenwoods Eldercare Society To fund a family liaison pilot project to explore and share new ways to bring efficiency and effectiveness to the way f…

Bike to Work Week

If you love this planet, if you love your health, bike to work – that’s the message of Bike to Work Week (BTWW) , May 25 – 31. Some of the many reasons for participating are to be found online. On that site you can register on an existing team or start a new one, even if your team only has one person. Then, next week, keep track of how many km of active transportation you do, whether you’re biking or walking to paid or unpaid work, going shopping, taking your kids to meet the bus, etc.* Many thanks to our sponsors, including the Government of BC, Moving Around Pender, Outspokin’ Bike Shop, Windsor Plywood and Island Pathways. Thanks to you our island is more people-friendly. Island Pathways volunteers have helped build many pathways and now the new kiosk. John Rowlandson, the volunteer who brought Velo-Village to the island, is sharing his enthusiasm through the website. It’s the place to go to register for BTWW, to learn more about special offers for participants, …

Video: Orcas at Beaver Point in Ruckle Park

On Sunday we decided to walk our puppy around Ruckle Park as we thought it would be a good time to socialize her. While sitting at Beaver Point we were fortunate enough to watch one of the resident orca pods actively hunting fish along the rocky shoreline. A bull, a few cows, and even a baby were taking turns herding the fish into shore with both tail and fin slaps. As recent transplants to SSI I don’t know if long time residents get used to this, but to us it was pretty epic being able to watch the keepers of the salmon cruising around the island we now call home. We wanted to share as we thought some might appreciate. https://youtu.be/XsJPJxIvMOc

Name the New Ferry Contest

BC Ferries will be introducing three new intermediate class ferries into its fleet in the coming year to replace vessels that are at the end of their lifecycle. A contest is now underway to name the three new ferries, and name suggestions are open to the public. BC Ferries' employees and customers can submit proposed names for the new ferries, and names will be shortlisted by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from local media, Ferry Advisory Committees, and BC Ferries' employees. All submissions will be entered into a database and identified numerically to ensure independence in judging. "This contest provides an exciting opportunity for customers to name a ferry that will be in service for decades to come," said Corrine Storey, BC Ferries' Vice President of Customer Services. "A vessel's name is important because it is a reflection of our province and the coastal culture we all share. This is a chance to leave a lasting legacy in coastal communities in Briti…

People Profile: Zoe Dubien

Community People Profiles is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island. 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 go about their lives living on Salt Spring Island. This weeks featured local people profile is: Zoe Dubien Here's a bit about Zoe; I am the co-owner of Thrive Lifestyle, a retail store and hand made studio. We design and produce a fashion line, accessory line, and a home decor line right there in the store as well as curate other beautiful ethically produced products. What brought you to Salt Spring Island? I was born in a tree house in Big Sur, California. My parents were both artists and raised me in nature. Salt Spring reminded me of that. My husband and i were living in Victoria and wanted to start a family, we knew Salt Spring was where we wanted to raise them. What on…

CRTC Examines Salt Spring Radio License

Gatineau, Quebec, May 13, 2015 Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission At this hearing, we will examine applications to renew the licences of a number of radio stations that appear to be in non-compliance with the CRTC’s Radio Regulations, 1986, as well as with certain conditions of licence and mandatory orders. Aboriginal Voices Radio The panel will begin by examining Aboriginal Voices Radio Inc.’s application to renew the licences of five Native Type B station operating in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa. This broadcaster is currently subject to a third consecutive short-term licence renewal due to past non-compliance issues and the CRTC’s concerns about the performance of its stations. It appears that Aboriginal Voices Radio continues to be in non-compliance with several sections of the regulations and its conditions of licence. In addition, the CRTC remains concerned that it is not providing the …

Video: BC Ferries Leaving Cars Behind

Did you try traveling to Vancouver Island today from Salt Spring’s Vesuvius terminal to Crofton? Did you get on the ferry? Like many others, I didn’t. Why? The ferry left 1/3 empty. Yes, you read that right. The ferry was 1/3 empty and I and 20+ other cars didn’t make it on, more than once. BC Ferries, why are boats leaving the terminal today 1/3 empty with many, many cars left behind on multiple runs? Speaking with one of the ship’s mates he said it was because the terminal had no attendants to manage vehicle types while trying to load the smaller, temporary vessel being used during the refit of the regular ferry that runs this route. Fine, no problem, we get it. Boats need to be refit, smaller boats often take their place. He also said the crew was new at working together and were learning how to load balance this refit boat. Yes, you read that correctly. He said there was an inexperienced crew on a smaller refit boat running 1/3 empty leaving islanders behind. What…

Real Estate Report: Where do the buyers come from?

It has long been a standard question, “ Are the American buyers coming back?”. Just to put it in perspective, if we go back to the heady days in 2007 when there were 234 residential sales in that year as compared to 2014’s 183 sales, only 4.2% of the buyers were from the US. In that same year 11% of the buyers were from Alberta. 81% of the buyers were from BC of which 17% were from the lower mainland and 46% were from Salt Spring Island. In 2014 and continuing into 2015, the US buyers were only 1.5% of the market and Alberta only had 4.3%. Buyers from BC were still on top with 85% of the buyers of which 20% were from the lower mainland and 45% were from Salt Spring. John Cade, Pemberton Holmes Salt Spring Island

Incorporation Study Seeks Committee Members

UPDATE: Due to the very vigorous response from our community to our call for applications for seats on the incorporation study committee, we are accepting no more applications at the current time. We thank all those who have offered to serve their community and we will be arranging interviews for short-listed applicants over the next two weeks. We are encouraged by the caliber and range of applicants who offer diverse backgrounds and qualifications and who represent a broad range of interests. We hope to be able to announce the names of those who have been appointed to the committee by the end of the month. We have been invited by the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to assemble a volunteer committee to guide the incorporation study process and to ensure that the study and engagement with the community are neutral and balanced. The Committee will manage the public discussion of the implications of island incorporation; report the outcome of the public co…

Foot Passenger Reservation Pilot Announced

Beginning tomorrow, BC Ferries will be implementing a pilot project to allow free foot passenger reservations for customers travelling from Tsawwassen to any island serviced on the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route. Walk-on passengers can now guarantee boarding on a sailing to Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Pender or Mayne Islands. Pilot to run May 1 – September 7, 2015 Details of this reservations offering include: Reservations offered for Tsawwassen departures only, space is limited Full fare must be paid in advance by phoning BC Ferries Customer Call Centre or with BC Ferries Vacations Fares are non-refundable, but are transferable to another sailing No fee for reservations, no fee for changes Reservations can be made up to two hours prior to desired sailing Customers must check-in a minimum of 40 minutes prior to scheduled sailing time “BC Ferries has heard from walk-on passengers of this route that they would like the option of making a reservation…

Salt Spring Reads - Seasonings: Flavours of the Southern Gulf Islands

Salt Spring Reads is an online blend of book review and book club sharing the stories of books with Salt Spring Island roots, and to discuss them with the community. Andrea and David Spalding have had many adventures in their long lives together. They performed on stage, produced records, wrote books and traveled the world. Originally from England, they have called Pender home for many years. Perhaps one of their tastiest adventures, has been the creation of this gorgeous book. Like many Islanders, the Spaldings value wholesome, local food and a good glass of wine. They celebrate organically grown veggies and heritage fruits. They value farmers’ markets and small restaurants. So, together, they set off in search of the best the Gulf Islands have to offer. Along the way, Dave and Andrea interviewed chefs and farmers, entrepreneurs and brewers. They visited hidden coffee roasters and chocolate makers, they sampled wares at bakeries and cheese makers. They photographed barns…

Voting Results: 2015 Fire Protection District Trustee Election

Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District voters elected three new trustees today in a voting day that saw strong voter turn out. The new trustees will serve a three year term. Voters sought to elect trustees to address recent fire services challenges around the selection of a new fire hall location and design, results of the Walker Group report and recent public salary disclosures. Derek Hill (921 Votes), Mitchell Forest (878 Votes), Norbert Schlenker (877 Votes) all win seats at trustees. Maxine Leichter secured 506 votes while falling short of securing a position. Thank you to all the candidates for running for these important community service positions.

BC Ferries Seeks Input on Sailing Schedules

‘Customer Needs Assessment’ survey now open - BC Ferries is launching a survey today to better understand the service needs of Southern Gulf Islands customers. This survey is the first step in a nine-month process offering customers an opportunity to provide input on improving sailing schedules for the following routes: Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna) Swartz Bay – Southern Gulf Islands (Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna) Southern Gulf Islands – Inter-Islands (Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna) As BC Ferries will be introducing two new Intermediate Class Ferries into service in this region in 2017, the opportunity exists to improve service and better align customer needs with sailing schedules, as well as balance seasonal service, capacity and demand with operating efficiencies. “The more information BC Ferries can gather on the travelling needs of our customers, the better informed we will be in devel…

Faces of Salt Spring: Jill Louise Campbell

Tamar Griggs has been photographing her island community, passionately drawn to the people, events and changes in our villages for over twenty years now. Through her camera she has documented the fleeting moments in our lives and ultimately recorded history. The Faces of Salt Spring exhibit will be a showing at ArtSpring in the coming months. Over 300 islanders are in this series of photography and interviews, and if you are not in it, you are bound to know someone who is. This weeks featured Face of Salt Spring is: Jill Louise Campbell, 2014 I was born in a small town by Lake Erie in the early morning mid-summer of 1951. I came here for a yoga weekend at the Salt Spring Centre in 1986 and we moved to Salt Spring Island with our family in 1990. The romantic ideals of living on this island became whispers that became so loud, I knew this was to be home. I was escaping from and running to myself. I experienced deep learning while living in France attending the Sorbo…

Tamar Griggs: Faces of Salt Spring - Burgoyne Montage

For over 20 years Tamar has been photographing her island community, passionately drawn to the people, events and changes in our villages. Through her camera she has documented the fleeting moments in our lives and ultimately recorded history. Over 400 islanders are in this show, and if you are not in it, you are bound to know someone. There also will be a collection of stories by islanders, so you can get a glimpse of the people behind the images. People have passed on, children have grown up, and some of us are getting white hair! We are an eclectic, passionate group of people living on a glorious island we call home. Come and see what we have been up to these past 20 years. You will be delighted and entertained. It will inspire your own stories. You're invited! - A celebration of community - Tamar Griggs Photo Exhibit: Faces of Salt Spring - Opening Party, Sunday April 26, 2015 from 6 - 8 pm at ArtSpring. Donations gladly received at the door. Show runs from April 2…

Shop Local Salt Spring Island

The Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce is proud to present our new Shop Local program! All of our members have the opportunity to participate in this great initiative that will support their businesses and create positive community spirit! Locally-owned businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community. And each dollar spent at a local business will return up to five times that amount within our community through taxes, employees’ wages, and purchases of materials, supplies and services at other independent businesses. By staying on-island and purchasing groceries, clothing, services, building supplies and professional services you are supporting your neighbours, friends and their families and creating a sustainable Salt Spring Island. This initiative is brought to you by the 300+ members of the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce, serving the community since 1948. Thank you for Shopping Local, Salt Spring Island. Community, Jobs, Environment

Incorporation Salt Spring Island - Province to Fund Study

VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia is providing $120,000 in funding towards an incorporation study for Salt Spring Island. The study will incorporate two distinct areas of work - preparation of a comparative analysis of current governance with municipal governance; and public engagement and consultation on the comparative scenarios. In making the announcement today, Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, said the incorporation study will provide residents with the necessary facts and information to compare options and become fully informed about incorporation. The incorporation study follows a provincially funded Salt Spring Island governance study which indicated there was sufficient community interest to warrant looking at incorporation. The governance study revealed community feedback concerning several matters that could be addressed through municipal incorporation, including more representation and local decision- making, bet…

March Traffic on BC Ferries Up 5% Over Last Year

Year over year comparison shows vehicle and passenger traffic increases. Traffic is up on BC Ferries over the same period last year, with March showing increases of over 5 per cent for vehicles and nearly 4 per cent for passengers. In March 2015, BC Ferries welcomed an additional 51,937 passengers and 29,861 vehicles compared to March 2014. February was even better with increases of over 10 per cent for passengers and nearly 11 per cent for vehicles. “These numbers are very positive and we are optimistic we’ll have an outstanding summer for traffic on BC Ferries this year,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ President & CEO. “Indications are that lower gas prices and a weaker Canadian dollar will combine to increase traffic this summer. We are also optimistic for the future with annual preliminary price caps set at or below inflation at 1.9 per cent from 2016 to 2020.” Tourism is rebounding from the economic downturn and it is expected to be a busy tourist season in B.C. Tra…

Faces of Salt Spring: Róisín Taylor Gill

Tamar Griggs has been photographing her island community, passionately drawn to the people, events and changes in our villages for over twenty years now. Through her camera she has documented the fleeting moments in our lives and ultimately recorded history. The Faces of Salt Spring exhibit will be a showing at ArtSpring in the coming months. Over 300 islanders are in this series of photography and interviews, and if you are not in it, you are bound to know someone who is. This weeks featured Face of Salt Spring is: Róisín Taylor Gill, 2014 I was born September 7th, 2010 in Santa Cruz, California. I came here because of Ya Ya and Baba mostly. I am not in school so I am learning mostly at home. I am learning not to cry when I don’t need to. Actually, I learned to pump on the swing, to write and spell my name, Róisín, baking, and making beds like Jeanne-Marie (Herman) does. I am learning: don’t touch food when Mom and Dad are baking. I help cook, but not when I am sick. …

Tamar Griggs: Faces of Salt Spring - Ganges Montage

For over 20 years Tamar has been photographing her island community, passionately drawn to the people, events and changes in our villages. Through her camera she has documented the fleeting moments in our lives and ultimately recorded history. Over 400 islanders are in this show, and if you are not in it, you are bound to know someone. There also will be a collection of stories by islanders, so you can get a glimpse of the people behind the images. People have passed on, children have grown up, and some of us are getting white hair! We are an eclectic, passionate group of people living on a glorious island we call home. Come and see what we have been up to these past 20 years. You will be delighted and entertained. It will inspire your own stories. You're invited! - A celebration of community - Tamar Griggs Photo Exhibit: Faces of Salt Spring - Opening Party, Sunday April 26, 2015 from 6 - 8 pm at ArtSpring. Donations gladly received at the door. Show runs from April 2…