ASK Salt Spring

ASK Salt Spring with MP Elizabeth May and Ned Taylor, Constituency Coordinator

Due to freezing temperatures and icy roads, only 11 came to welcome our MP Elizabeth May and Ned Taylor, Constituency Coordinator. While the numbers were disappointing but understandable, those who braved the weather all contributed to an amazing and rich conversation with Elizabeth. After our Territorial Acknowledgment, we asked Elizabeth what excited and delighted her. Her answer was immediate and heartfelt: I am delighted to be alive! We then learned more about her recent stroke. While the most common strokes are ischemic, caused by a blocked artery in the brain, Elizabeth’s was a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the bursting of a blood vessel in her brain. Aware of the warning signs of the more common ischemic strokes, she was totally unprepared for the absence of stroke warning signs; the only indication of her hemorrhagic stroke was an unbelievably unbearable headache. Thankfully, Elizabeth is fine with absolutely no damage; others are not so lucky with some survivors …

ASK Salt Spring with MLA Adam Olsen and his Constituency Advocate, Jerram Gawley

Nineteen came to the first 2024 gathering to welcome MLA Adam Olsen and his Constituency Advocate, Jerram Gawley. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Adam began by reflecting on his break over the holiday season, savouring a time to relax and prepare for a very busy 2024. Concerning pace, he has observed that, while politics move quickly, democracy needs to proceed slowly. Reflecting on the quick passage of time since he first ran as MLA in 2013 and was elected in 2017, he noted the difference in the pace of politics and governance; a functioning democracy requires a much more thoughtful, intentional, and deliberate pace. The first question for Adam was about the electric bike rebate program which was fully subscribed within a few days of it being announced last spring. While a waiting list has been created, this participant asked why she had not heard anything about reinstating and expanding this popular program since it was first announced. Adam did not have specific de…

ASK Salt Spring with North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) Chief Administrative Officer, Mark Boysen, and Board Chair, Brian Pyper

Ten joined this ASK Salt Spring conversation with North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) Chief Administrative Officer, Mark Boysen, and Board Chair, Brian Pyper. The first time representatives of this important water district have joined us as our special guests, questions flew, creating a rich conversation. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Mark and Brian began by telling us a bit about themselves. Brian is an environmental statistician bringing his 25 years of analytical experience to NSSWD’s important decisions. Planning to run for another term in the upcoming Trustee election before its AGM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, he hopes to continue his commitment to making decisions based on science as well as supporting both staff and ratepayers. Mark began managing NSSWD in March 2023 and is delighted to be here! Living on Salt Spring, he had been commuting to the Cowichan Valley Regional District where he was General Manager of Operations, overseeing 37 sewer and w…

ASK Salt Spring with Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Chair Earl Rook, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker and Electoral Director, Gary Holman

Ten gathered to welcome Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Chair Earl Rook, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Commissioner, as well as Electoral Director, Gary Holman. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Darryl Martin, doing the honours as our facilitator, began by asking all what they hoped to gain from this CRD/LCC-focused gathering. While responses varied, the clear message was that participants wanted Commissioners to tell them about the major issues before the LCC and what they thought the LCC had accomplished in its first six months. Much our time together focused upon some key LCC issues of discussion, including the 2024 budget, Portlock Park, the possible transition of the Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance (SSWIPA) to CRD, roads, and the proposed encampment. We only spoke briefly of the major issue confronting Commissioners: the 2024 budget. With final decisions to be made at the January 18, 2024 LCC meeting, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the SIMS (fo…

ASK Salt Spring with MLA Adam Olsen and Constituent Advocate Jerram Gawley

Twenty-nine joined us for this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming MLA Adam Olsen and Constituent Advocate Jerram Gawley. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we began a lively, philosophical, complicated, and quite wonderful conversation about housing in the context of just-passed Bill 44. After acknowledging ASK Salt Spring, beginning its fifth year of convening rich weekly conversations, Adam began by speaking briefly of the fascinating, frustrating just-finished legislative session, calling it one of the most challenging in his 15 years of government service. While happy to have a break, he is also saddened that he must wait until the Legislature reconvenes in the middle of February 2024 to re engage in his opposition responsibility of keeping our government accountable. He mused that these Legislative sessions could be more effective if they were scheduled so MLAs met more regularly throughout the year with a break every few weeks rather than their current blocks o…

ASK Salt Spring on all things local emergency management with Corey Anderson, Jolette Schenk and John Wakefield

While only 10 joined this ASK Salt Spring conversation about our preparedness for emergencies, we learned so much! Led by John Wakefield, Emergency Management Lead, Salt Spring Island, he was joined by Jolette Schenk, CRD Electoral Area Emergency Services Coordinator and Corey Anderson, Manager, Emergency Programs, both of whom had come from Victoria to join us. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, John spoke briefly about accelerating challenges from climate-related weather emergencies. While things may seem to be much the same, it is John’s observation that on Salt Spring, much like the rest of the world, record heat domes, drought, and storms are ramping up awareness and concern. We learned that virtually all of Ganges - as far inland as the Library - are in a tsunami hazard zone. After recognizing our vulnerability as an island, John reminded us that there are simple, concrete things we can do to prepare. These include: Sign up for Alertable, free and available…

ASK Salt Spring with David Norget from the Mental Wellness Initiative discussing mental health resources on the island

Fourteen joined us (in addition to toddler Benjamin) for all or part of this ASK Salt Spring conversation with the enthusiastic team of volunteers committed to enhancing mental wellness in our community. Led by David Norget, a number of Mental Wellness Initiative volunteers joined us. Some of these volunteers are recruiting professional counsellors for Reach Out Salt Spring, others are overseeing the expanded Peer Support programs, and others are Ambassadors, walking Ganges spreading connection and care throughout our village. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we learned a bit about the Mental Wellness Initiative as well as its programs. This Mental Wellness Initiative emerged from the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network (SSHAN), a monthly gathering of local organizations/community members focused on health and well-being in our community. Fueled by its strong relationships with its charitable partner, Salt Spring Community Health Society, the Mental Wellness Initiat…

ASK Salt Spring with Local Community Commissioners Ben Corno, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Electoral Director, Gary Holman

Eleven came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Ben Corno, Brian Webster, Gayle Baker, and Gary Holman, also our Electoral Director. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Commissioners were asked what excited and delighted them. Ben began by using the example of the construction at Centennial Park as an opportunity to be in the know about what was happening at the park. He was pleased that he could help address Salt Springers’ fears as well as apologize for the unfortunate timing of the start of construction just before the Remembrance Day celebration at Centennial. Brian continued with this example, a clear indication of the challenges of getting important information to everyone. He reminded us that, despite a recent article in the Driftwood about Centennial Park construction, many were totally surprised when the fence went up and construction began. Brian cited the difficulty of getting information to everyone, despite great e…

ASK Salt Spring with librarian Julia Wagner on the Salt Spring Island Public Library's 'FabLab'

While only seven joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering, we had a fabulous time welcoming Librarian Julia Wagner and learning all about our new FabLab. While we now know all about this wonderful new opportunity to learn and create, you may wonder: Whatever is a FabLab? Short for ‘Fabrication Laboratory,’ this exciting new offering is one of many of our Library’s many initiatives designed to close the digital divide through combining science, technology, creativity, and fun for all ages. At our FabLab you can design and create what you want, using their equipment and materials free of charge. You might say: This is only for young, agile tech minds! But, you would be wrong. While it is extremely popular for children and teens, the appeal of this FabLab includes all generations. Why? Have you ever experienced breaking a part of a favourite tool or appliance? And, failing to locate that needed replacement part? Now, with our FabLab, you can 3D print your own replacement part! …

ASK Salt Spring with Grow Local leaders, Polly Orr and Nick Jones, and Farmland Trust Director, Jon Cooksey

Eighteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome local food production advocates. While Grow Local leaders, Polly Orr and Nick Jones, and Farmland Trust Director, Jon Cooksey, led the conversation, the room was filled with other experts as well, including local growers, long-time local farm advocates, and even a local agronomist from the Ministry of Agriculture. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, reminding us that we were regrowing our relationship with the land when we produce and eat local foods, we began a rich conversation among local food enthusiasts. Throughout our two hours together, we explored the reasons that, despite our rich and abundant land, only 4%-6% of what we eat is grown locally. And, then we discussed practical ways that the local percentage of our daily food could increase, with a goal of at least 30% by 2030. While our conversation explored a number of seemingly overwhelming obstacles as well as practical solutions, many of which are in-…

ASK Salt Spring with BC Ferries’ President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez

A total of 32 joined us to welcome BC Ferries’ President and CEO Nicolas Jimenez to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. While possibly fewer participants than anticipated, everyone had a chance to ask their questions and participate in a rich and informative discussion with Nicolas. And, enjoy a wonderful carrot cake donated by our ever-generous Country Grocer. After his Territorial Acknowledgement, Nicolas told us that, while not a mariner, he is excited to be involved in a community of mariners. Aware that when he came into this job six months ago, the system was not at its finest, he brings optimism for what BC Ferries can become. A seasoned manager with 20 years in leadership roles at ICBC (including five as CEO), he brings a strong sense of reality and practical activism to BC Ferries’ challenges. Recognizing that there are no simple answers, he is committed to honestly telling us those things that BC Ferries should and will do as well as other things that BC Ferries should…

ASK Salt Spring with CRD Director Gary Holman and Local Commissioners Brian Webster, Earl Rook, and Gayle Baker

Ten gathered for a conversation with our Electoral Director, Gary Holman, and Local Commissioners Brian Webster, Earl Rook, and Gayle Baker. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, a participant began by asking what was actually happening with reconciliation on Salt Spring. We learned from Gary that local governments are legally obligated to consult with First Nations on projects and initiatives. There have been a number of local opportunities for engagement, recently including the North Ganges Transportation Project on Rainbow and Lower Ganges Roads and the under-discussion Islands Trust Bylaw 530 proposing to legalize accessory dwelling units. First Nations engagement will also be undertaken regarding our proposed HarbourWalk. Gary reminded us that First Nations are being barraged by requests for engagement and are have very limited capacity to address all requests for collaboration. He also noted that the BC courts have recently been acknowledging First Nations’ rights in …

ASK Salt Spring with MLA Adam Olsen and Outreach Coordinator Laura Parker

Thirteen gathered to welcome MLA Adam Olsen and Outreach Coordinator Laura Parker to this ASK Salt Spring gathering in our new, quieter classroom location, thanks to the generosity of Transition Salt Spring and Restorative Justice. After his Territorial Acknowledgement, we discussed less willingness - and even tolerance - to let our children into our activities. Somewhat shielded from the noisy energy of youngsters outside our gathering room, we discussed the common separation of children from our adult activities. Unlike other cultures and generations, common practice is a distinct separation between children and adult activities. Adam shared his experience as a new parent soon after being elected in 2008. Welcoming daytime responsibility for his one-year-old son, Silas, Adam brought him and all his paraphernalia to his meetings. Initially receiving expressions of concern rather than welcome, Adam persisted. He soon recognized that many conversations that had been initially…

ASK Salt Spring invited Transition Salt Spring to present on the Salt Spring Island Climate Action Report 2023: A Wake-Up Call for Our Community

In our recent Ask Salt Spring gathering, 16 community members welcomed Transition Salt Spring (TSS) volunteers Bryan Young (Chair) and Mary Ackenhusen, who shared their findings on the Salt Spring Island Climate Action Report Card 2023/24. Their insights shed light on our community's critical challenges regarding climate change. Mary Ackenhusen began by welcoming everyone and setting the stage by reminding us of the significant groundwork TSS laid between 2019 and 2021 with the Climate Action Plan 2.0 (CAP). Mary underscored the importance of more than just having a plan; it's about putting it into practice and assessing its real impact. Bryan Young took a moment for a Territorial Acknowledgment, recognizing that Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as a reminder to learn more about the land we've settled on. He encouraged everyone to explore the rich history of the Indigenous Peoples of these lands and waters, pointing to the resources for people of settler ancestry on th…

ASK Salt Spring discussing the Housing Council and local housing initiatives

Nine welcomed Robin Williams, new chair of the Housing Council, to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Robin began by telling us what excites and delights him: lovingly renovating homes that others would demolish. He shared pictures of a home on Long Harbour with extremely serious foundation issues. After a complete renovation, including an extensive seismic upgrade - requiring lifting the home, digging 20 feet to bedrock to anchor the foundation, and backfilling the basement 15 feet - this home met all building codes and was ready to occupy. Pictures of the now-lovely home with charming additions were shared. Not an easy task, requiring 72 yards of concrete and five cement pours, Robin is pleased that his efforts to rescue this home proved fruitful. No stranger to building, he learned skills from his father and renovated his first home at the age of 17, soon moving to spearhead a multi-million dollar campus building at the age of 22. Havin…

ASK Salt Spring discussing the Farmland Trust, Grow Local, community composting and more

While the information we gained was rich, the turnout to welcome one of our newly-elected Local Community Commissioners (LCC), Brian Webster, was disappointing. After a heartfelt Territorial Acknowledgment, ending with appreciation for the inexplicable forgiveness by First Nations on this journey of reconciliation, we began our time together learning more about three of our most critical agricultural projects, composting, our abattoir, and the Root. Brian began by answering our traditional initial question of what excites and delights him by speaking briefly of his feelings about the onset of fall. For him, September has always been a time of mixed feelings: those of sadness at the end of warmth and verdant growth, balanced by the excitement and energy of harvest time. As a farmer and co-owner, manager, and apple picker of The Salt Spring Apple Company, these conflicting feelings are magnified. An admitted worrier, a summer of anxiety about whether the harvest will yield eno…

ASK Salt Spring with Cycling Salt Spring discussing active transportation, cycling safety and more

Only seven came to welcome Island Pathways’ President, Bob MacKie, board member Margaretha Nordine, and Treasurer Luke Campbell of its Cycling Salt Spring committee. While the numbers were small, the conversation was rich, and all had the opportunity to participate. Our Territorial Acknowledgment morphed into a brief exploration of some of the events in our colonial history that set the stage for our need to reconcile injustices. Soon, though, we launched into our topic at hand: the many exciting projects of Island Pathways: Celebrating its 35th year, Island Pathways has been the driving force behind safer walking and cycling on Salt Spring since 1988. Partners Creating Pathways (PCP), an Islands Pathways committee, created our pathway network around Ganges. By 2017, PCP had completed its commitment to create the 10-section Ganges Village Pathway Network. This over five kilometer network of pathways cost local taxpayers only $250,000, a fraction of the cost paid by other com…

ASK Salt Spring with MOTI Area Manager Owen Page and Emcon Roads maintenance Operations Manager, Andrew Gaetz

Twenty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Owen Page, our Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) Area Manager, and Andrew Gaetz, Emcon (our roads maintenance contractor) Operations Manager. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, both Andrew and Owen told us that they were thrilled to be with us and, according to Owen, this was the very best part of his job. Andrew’s span of responsibility is the entire south Vancouver Island from Chemainus south and including all the Gulf Islands. Owen’s scope of responsibility is the CRD on Vancouver Island as well as Salt Spring, Saturna, and Piers Islands. Each with different sets of responsibilities, we are lucky that they speak to one another on a regular basis, coordinating projects as well as emergency responses. Despite the many communities they both serve, they expend a great deal of energy on Salt Spring, a credit to them as well as our involvement and advocacy efforts. Concerning our soon-to-be-posted…

ASK Salt Spring discussing the Ganges Active Transportation Network Plan

Nine came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to discuss parking in Ganges. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, a participant expressed deep concern that the Ganges Active Transportation Network Plan, had been released without specifically reaching out to community members with mobility challenges to get their input. (This plan was presented to the Local Community Commission - LCC - at its July meeting and will be discussed at its next meeting, Tuesday, August 22, 9:00 in the SIMS Boardroom.) She expressed concern about the plan, which could remove as many as 31 on-street Ganges parking spaces without this consultation. Living with mobility issues, she was concerned that this plan may be implemented, making her current difficulties even more challenging. As the plan calls for no reduction in the number of accessible (handicapped) parking spaces, some other participants asked how this would impact our mobility-challenged community. Two participants who have Handicap Permits …

ASK Salt Spring with CRD Director Gary Holman discussing the new 30 km/h speed limit, E&N railway, the Lochside/Galloping Goose trail and more

Fourteen joined us at this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome CRD’s Gary Holman, our Electoral Director as well as a member of the Local Community Commission (LCC) 5 member team. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Gary began by speaking briefly about his pessimism regarding the reinstatement of the train between Victoria and Nanaimo along the route of the Esquimalt/Nanaimo (E&N) Railway. He believes that, in addition to being a very efficient way to move folks, it also has great potential for freight, getting some of the heavy truck traffic off our roads. When one asked - What, trains are from the past?, some participants responded by saying Not true! Trains are a vital part of our future. Gary’s disappointment stems from inaction by senior governments for years, leading up to a Supreme Court decision mandating that progress on reinstating the service be made within 18 months or the land will be given back to First Nations. This 18 months has passed without the req…

ASK Salt Spring with MLA Adam Olsen discussing the Legislative Assembly, eBikes, Ganges Hill project and more

Twenty-two joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MLA Adam Olsen, assistant Patricia Pearson, and intern Maya Achuthan. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Adam shared with us things that excite and delight him. He first told us of how delighted he is with the community office and how updated processes have improved its service and productivity. As the Legislature is adjourned until October, Adam spends the summer focusing on us, his constituents. From the smile on his face, it is clear that he loves this role. But, when the Legislature reconvenes, he will welcome his renewed close access to his government, opposition colleagues, and cabinet ministers. In addition to his focus on his constituents, Adam is a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee (LAMC). One of the recent issues on the table is accommodating an increase in the number of MLAs and answering the question of where they will sit in Chamber. Most of us were shocked that new desks will …