News Posts

News Posts

Mr. March Goes to Ganges

First, I wish to congratulate Mr. March on his decision to run for office (Salt Spring Exchange, July 8, 2026). It takes courage to do so in such a highly partisan climate. Secondly, I offer a comment on the statistics he cites from the Salt Spring Island Foundation "Vital Signs Report - 2022". Despite its informative and highly readable nature, the report openly admits to a significant shortcoming. The 841 survey respondents account for a mire 7% of Salt Spring Island (SSI) residents. Policy discussions must be informed by a far more rigorous source of data. My comments are based on the most recent federal census data released in 2021. A summary and source are appended. 1. An above average population increase on SSI contributes to the housing shortage, higher prices and greater competition for accommodation. 2. The significantly older average age of the SSI population (51.2 vs 43.1) confirms the obvious; a retired demographic is attracted to the island. Afte…
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Proposed Reform of the Islands Trust

Historian Charles Kahn describes Salt Spring Islanders as ”disputatious”. The current Islands Trust Act reform process provides clear confirmation. After two failed end-runs to the Minister’s office, a small clique of reformers now pushes a controversial agenda to conclusion without an opportunity for a popular vote. And yet, one of our three Salt Spring representatives gets to vote despite failing to qualify for the privilege. As a non-resident, and non-owner of island property he sits in Vancouver (?) dictating terms by Zoom. A second Salt Spring representative publicly endorses routine violation of building bylaws to support failing businesses unable or unwilling to pay a living wage. “There is no other option” (see CBC News report posted November 15th, 2025). Once the ‘preferred’ Land Use Bylaw is imposed, non-compliance is sure to be more appropriately disciplined. Adding insult to injury, a recent independent review of the Islands Trust Council states that the Cou…
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