On August 31, Salt Spring residents have a chance to help shape the future of the local government services that are the responsibility of our new Local Community Commission (LCC). That day, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Hall (103 Bonnet Ave.), Salt Spring’s five elected LCC members will gather with community members to hear residents’ priorities for the coming year. With 2024 budget decision-making about to begin, this is a chance to make your priorities known.
The LCC is responsible for funding and/or directly delivering a wide range of local government services on Salt Spring. These include:
- Active transportation (including sidewalks and bike lanes)
- Advocacy (on everything from road speed limits to BC Ferry service and more)
- ArtSpring Community Arts Centre (funding of the Island Arts Centre Society)
- Bus shelters
- Centennial Park
- Economic sustainability (including climate change, local food security/accessibility and more)
- Grants-in-aid funding for non-profits
- Harbour Walk Project
- Housing (as it relates to economic sustainability)
- Liquid waste treatment/disposal
- Mahon Hall (funding of the Salt Spring Arts Council)
- Mouat Park
- Mount Maxwell Community Park
- Numerous other community parks large and small
- Old Firehall building and site
- Pathways and trails
- Portlock Park
- Rainbow Road Recreation Centre (pool and more)
- Salt Spring Island Public Library funding
- Salt Spring Search and Rescue funding
- Saturday Market in the Park
- SIMS Community Centre
- Small Craft Harbour Facilities (Fernwood Dock)
- Street lighting
- Tourism marketing funding
- Transit Service
Some of these services were powerfully affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and impacts continue on their revenue generation, volunteer participation and other aspects. Already, the LCC has received submissions from some of the community agencies it funds asking for substantial 2024 budget increases. There are only two ways the LCC can meet these requests: by increasing property taxes or by reducing funding in other areas. Tough decisions lie ahead and that’s where your priorities come in.
On August 31, 2023 the LCC will invite community members to share their thoughts on these services, how they should be managed and funded and where we should be headed in the future. Each area of LCC responsibility will be on the table and every community member is invited to come and offer their thoughts on them in a structured town hall format.
If you care about local government services on Salt Spring, August 31 is an opportunity to let your LCC know your priorities and how you want your tax dollars spent. It's happening at the Lion's Hall, 5-7:00 p.m.
