ASK SALT SPRING – MEETING MINUTES 8 MARCH 2024

On March 8 th , twelve joined the ASK Salt Spring gathering at SIMs to meet with Gary Holman,CRD Director and Local Community Commissioner, and Brian Webster, LCC Commissioner. The meeting was facilitated by Grant Fredrickson, the new Events Coordinator for ASK Salt Spring.

Grant is a member of the Salt Spring Community Alliance and will be facilitating the gatherings until Gayle Baker returns next month.
Brian gave the territorial acknowledgment and expressed on behalf of the group the long-term commitment toward reconciliation to repair past harms to First Nations and ensure these are not repeated in the future.

Gary and Brian were then invited to introduce themselves and hopes for the LCC.Brian said that he is a newcomer to politics and that he has a long list of issues that he hopes to address before his time with the Commission is over in two and a half years. Gary clarified that while the terms for Commissioners are four years, because they were elected in 2023 after the
local general election, the term of office will be until October 2026 when the next local government election is held.

Brian further explained that as a farmer/orchardist, March and September are especially busy months. Moreover, almost everyone who was elected are retired or working part-time yet to do the LCC job properly, two full days per week are required. Monetary compensation is $10,000 per year. He mentioned that he understands that several members of the LCC may not
be running again in 2026. He further explained that personally, while getting votes is important, he is more interested in developing and implementing ideas rather than being primarily concerned with being popular.

As a result of the discussion, one participant asked for further information regarding other members of the LCC not intending to seek re-election. Brian said that he cannot speak for the others, but he understood at least two out of the five members had indicated they would not run again. Brian clarified that his doubts about whether to run again are not because he is disillusioned and wants to ‘throw in the towel’. There are frustrations but none that would determine whether he will run again.

First Nations and the value of collaboration

One participant then asked about increasing local government engagement with First Nations.Brian mentioned that this topic is scheduled to come up during meetings on goal setting and strategic planning for the LCC - including how to connect with people who have good insights in engaging with First Nations. Gary mentioned that First Nations reconciliation is a key priority of the CRD Board, which has a dedicated First Nations liaison position, a First Nations Relations Committee, and also has a standing invitation to First Nations participation on all of its 2 committees. However, there is apparently a legislative impediment to having a First Nations representative as a voting member of the Board.

Gary indicated he is aware of only one First Nations representative that joined a CRD committee. Gary mentioned that there have been consultations with First Nations on regional park acquisition and management. Also, under a sole-sourcing arrangement, CRD contracted a First Nations company to transport dried sewage treatment residuals to be used as fuel in the LaFarge cement plant in the lower mainland. The CRD also organized a workshop on Pender Island that Brian and he attended, to discuss ways to work more closely with First Nations on regional and local CRD parks issues. Gary stated that his personal view that there should be less focus on governance (e.g., participating in a committee), and more focus on ensuring that First Nations are getting the same level of service as everyone else in the CRD, for example, with respect to water, housing, and recycling. Participants were pleased to hear that First Nations are being sought out for their input.

Gary stated that reconciliation is also a priority of the BC government, which has legislated the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), as well as a subsequent action plan that requires UNDRIP to be implemented across all the Province’s Ministries.Gary mentioned the recent debate over proposed Provincial legislation to enhance and formalize consultation with First Nations regarding BC Crown land decisions. The Province has deferred consideration of this legislation because of an increasingly fractious debate about concerns (in Gary’s view overstated concerns) about First Nations being given ‘veto power’ and creating ‘investment uncertainty’.

Brian added that the provincial government did not have a Minister responsible for First Nations issues until the 1990s as anyone who had brought it up would hear excuses about economic impacts. Brian’s view is that positive collaboration with First Nations does make economic sense. He stated that there has been uncertainty in BC for many years because of the way First Nations have been treated, and we should not be fearful of uncertainty. What is needed is more cohesion.

Gary clarified that court decisions have confirmed again and again that First Nations already have rights to Crown land, rights that are clarified and strengthened with every court case. Brian agreed and stated that it is in the interest of everyone to face reality and deal with it.

The discussion then turned to the benefit of utilizing Indigenous traditional knowledge in resource management. Gary believes that greater First Nations authority regarding resource management would likely have resulted in much more sustainable outcomes. Formerly, he had worked on the fisheries component of the Nisga’a Treaty and came to understand the benefits of traditional methods of fish harvesting near terminal areas. This approach allows for much more selective harvesting of stocks, particularly smaller, weaker stocks that have been decimated by the very costly mixed, commercial fisheries imposed by settlers. Similarly, Gary believes that if First Nations had been given more control over forest management, this would have curtailed over-harvesting and the depletion of old growth. As a result of settler management, the industry is still an important economic sector, but is now a shadow of its former self.

Brian mentioned a recent personal experience when he delivered 20 apple trees to a First Nations community in North Vancouver. While there, the workers told him that in the past, the community was forced to cut down their apple trees with the roots poisoned to ensure no regrowth. He asked how this could have been reasonable to tell the community that they
couldn’t grow apple trees on their own land?

Gary raised the issue of management of Ganges Harbour and specifically, how there are estimates of up to 200 vessels in the Harbour, too many of which are unsafe and without adequate supports. The three peninsula municipalities have formed a sub-regional service through CRD to help address similar management concerns. At the last meeting of this CRD committee, staff provided a report on possible management options for local waterways, for
example, by means of licences of occupation. While the Trust and CRD do have some authority that can be exercised in near shore areas and harbours, Gary believes that federal and provincial governments have primary jurisdiction and responsibility which they have abandoned. Gary also made the point that any imposition of a management regime, for example with mandatory health and safety standards, could force many of the liveaboards into homelessness and even less safe situations. Gary and LCC Chair Earl Rook plan on attending the next meeting of the peninsula CRD Committee. MLA Olsen is pursuing the possibility of First Nations as co-managers of marine and harbour areas.

Water issues

A participant asked about water issues on the Island and how things are being handled.Gary responded that the province has just announced a $10 million grant to North Salt Spring Water Works to raise the weir and increase water storage at St. Mary Lake. During the discussion he mentioned that raising the level of the lake could impact lakeside properties which might require compensation, but he is looking forward to hearing from the Water District on whether the grant could eventually result in relaxation of their moratorium on new water connections in their service area.

On another matter, Brian mentioned the Driftwood coverage on a survey of former and current local water district commissioners undertaken by the North Salt Spring Waterworks District.The survey indicated that most commissioners had negative experiences with CRD management. Gary will be publishing a response to the survey, pointing out that the survey results were somewhat mixed. For example, the majority of the 27 respondents (over 50 were asked to respond) were open to conversion to the CRD - the main advantage being eligibility for infrastructure grants – but with conditions. Brian stated that people are describing experiences in the past and no one is acknowledging the new CRD mechanism established to address
accountability concerns (i.e. the LCC).

Brian agreed strongly with a participant who asked if the LCC could take on authority over water districts. Brian clarified that currently the LCC has no control over CRD water districts and that ultimate authority rests with the CRD Board, not local ratepayers. However, he believes that LCC authority over these districts would improve public accountability and transparency.

A participant asked further if a bylaw would need to be changed to place water districts under the purview of the LCC, which was confirmed, but not without consulting the water commissions. Gary added that water district ratepayers might have to approve such a change.

Gary briefly described the previous discussions between CRD, North Salt Spring Waterworks,and the Province in which the Province virtually guaranteed a grant for 70% of the cost of the Maxwell Lake treatment plant which has now been ordered by Island Health. The Water District’s key concern was the potential loss of local management control to the CRD Board.
The Province and CRD proposed that the NSSWD submit a grant application, and while it was being processed, undertake more detailed discussions regarding governance and management structure. Gary pointed out that the CRD was proposing delegated authority for the Water District, similar to that delegated to the LCC. A participant asked if NSSWD might be more open
to converting at this point and Gary responded that might be possible given significant turnover at their Board and at the senior staff level. However, given that the infrastructure grant for the Maxwell treatment plant is no longer available, Gary believes the most important issue now is whether the moratorium can be relaxed.

Brian stated that the establishment of the LCC now provides a governance model in which decisions are made locally on SSI and which consolidates services rather than perpetuating water district silos. He believes the LCC provides an opportunity to bring individual water districts, including NSSWD, under one umbrella with regular meetings that are scheduled and
transparent, and more visible elections. CRD offering to delegate authority to the NNSSWD Board is good, but also bad, because this would continue a siloed local governance structure. Brian cited examples in Langley and Kelowna, where they had a diversity of water sources and ways of delivering it, but with decisions being made by one body. Gary expressed his concern
that consolidated governance (i.e. an elected at large LCC) would be making decisions for specific water districts in which the assets and liabilities are the responsibility of ratepayers living in the service area. He believes this is undemocratic.

After a short health break, a participant asked about the $10 million grant to NSSW. Gary clarified that the funds came from the Provincial climate fund. An aim of the fund is to increase water storage to mitigate the impacts of increasingly prolonged droughts. He mentioned that the Province also provided a grant to raise the weir on Cowichan Lake to better support river flows and salmon migration during the summer. NSSWD and MLA Olsen both expressed some surprise at the grant, and Gary will try to get a better understanding of the process by which this welcome decision was made.

Development of the LCC

A participant asked the guests if they could compare their visions of the LCC, and what should the LCC be? In Brian’s view, the LCC is a very useful tool to better deliver local services. He is struck by how scattered decision-making is on SSI, even within CRD. Once the LCC was formed, four
volunteer, appointed commissions were dissolved. Brian feels that this is a good first step, but other services remain in their own silos. Brian believes the LCC is providing greater transparency and accountability without taking on the multi-million-dollar responsibilities of policing and roads that incorporation would require. He mentioned that in an ASK recent
meeting with Emcon, it was estimated that the provincial Ministry of Transportation will be spending tens of millions of dollars on road improvements for SSI.

Gary expressed his view that the Province promotes incorporation of rural areas in order to download the costs of roads and policing to local governments.

Gary is more cautious about expanding the LCC authority and jurisdiction. He stated his approach to establishing the LCC, which he promised to do in his 2022 election campaign, has been to take a logical first step that would be supported by the CRD Board and senior staff. Regarding broadening its authority, such as taking on water districts and control of the gas tax,
the LCC needs to learn ‘how to walk before we run’ and demonstrate its success to the Salt Spring community. Gary explained the very steep learning curve for the LCC, for example having to consider a 20% requisition increase within months of being elected. Gary believes the budget process will be easier next year. He did support the need for additional staff at some point, especially with engineering or project management skills, to help deal with over 40 capital and other projects that are summarized in a publicly available CRD project tracker.

A participant asked about the 11 services that come under the LCC. Brian listed the following: Fernwood dock service; compensation for livestock lost to dogs; parks and recreation (four services including local parks, recreation programs, and facilities such as the Rainbow Road pool and SIMS); transportation service (roadside pathways, transit); economic sustainability; grants in aid to local non-profit groups; and three
contribution services funded by CRD (Art Spring, Arts Council, the library and Search and Rescue). Gary pointed that not only did voters have to approve the establishment of the LCC, many of the services they are administering also required voter approval, including the swimming pool, transportation and transit, economic sustainability, and the three contribution services. In fact, Gary argues, unincorporated areas are more democratic than municipalities which can create new services and even borrow without voter approval.

A participant asked if the Ganges Boardwalk falls under LCC jurisdiction, with Brian confirming that it does under Parks and Rec.

A participant stated that at this point they feel that the LCC are doing a good job. However,how can the LCC manage expanding its responsibilities when some meetings are already running hours over. How can the LCC continue to function strongly?

Brian responded that each service is independently funded, so additional services also come with related taxpayer and staff support, which is essential. However, while it is true local governments have challenges with funding limitations, SSI doesn’t suffer more from this than other places. To Brian it is more of a silo problem.

Gary added that we are in the Islands Trust area, so we are not like Langford which partly funds new services and amenities by rapid development. In Gary’s view, the key to the future of the LCC is the folks who get elected, which ultimately comes back to voter choices. He mentioned that there was 62% voter support for the LCC, and that there were 15 candidates running so a lot of interest to participate in it. Voters elected four good candidates who made clear they want to make the LCC work and can make it work!

Gary made it clear that this would be his last term and a participant expressed concerns about a new CRD Director coming and a large turnover of LCC Commissioners. Brian clarified that they still have 2.5 years to go before the next election and so the LCC can make a lot of progress until
then.

A participant commented that overall, voter turnout is low, and young people especially know nothing about local politics, and are not interested. They asked how young people can be motivated to get engaged?

Brian agreed that this is a concern. He stated that Salt Spring typically has a voter turnout of 35%-40%, which is higher than in many local jurisdictions, but people have busy lives and often don’t have the time to inform themselves of local issues and the importance of public involvement. Gary agreed with Brian that the LCC should help with voter and community
engagement because it is easier to track than four separate commissions. He also made the point that there is still unprecedented involvement by various community groups and volunteers on SSI. In fact, as indicated by the contribution agreements between the CRD and non-profit societies to operate the library, arts facilities and programs, Search and Rescue, and the recycling depot, community groups on SSI are involved in the direct delivery of services to a much greater extent than most local government jurisdictions in BC.

Grant thanked Gary and Brian, and everyone thanked Grant for moderating such an interesting discussion. MLA Adam Olsen will be the guest at the next ASK meeting on March 15. Meeting adjourned at 1:07 P.M.

Please join us this Friday, March 15, 11-1, in the SIMS (former Middle School) classroom next to the Boardroom to welcome MLA Adam Olsen. What would you like to ask him?

What would you like to accomplish before you must begin to focus on campaigning? What do you see as Salt Spring’s biggest challenge in 2024?
How would you like to see this addressed?

Since you have been our MLA, what do you see as your greatest successes on Salt Spring? How can Salt Springers help you to help us? And?
Please join us to welcome Adam this Friday!

Did you know that ASK Salt Spring now has an Event Organizer? Grant Fredrickson has stepped up to identify special guests and coordinate their visits. . . Wahoo!

Who else would like to help? Maybe you would like to take charge of weekly media? Do you see yourself facilitating? How about writing reports? Or. . .?
Please join us making ASK Salt Spring ever better!

Big News:
ASK Salt Spring now has ongoing funding! A heartfelt THANK-YOU to the Institute for
Sustainability, Education, and Action (I-SEA) and its Executive Director, Peter Allen !!!

***New fundraising option***

You can now give the Return It change you earn from your bottles to ASK Salt Spring:

Account #230.
Any questions, anytime: ask@asksaltspring.com
Want to see reports from all the ASK Salt Spring gatherings,
monthly schedule of upcoming gatherings? Asksaltspring.com .
Want to listen to interviews of our special guests?ASK Salt Spring Answered
Want to help? ASK Salt Spring now has a Save-a-Tape box at Country Grocer.

We love your receipts! Remember: #15