Islands Trust

Planner 1

Hiring: Employment Opportunities
March 12, 2024

The Islands Trust Salt Spring Office is hiring a Planner 1. This is a Full Time position. The closing date for this position is March […]

Salt Spring Island Office Relocation

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – The Islands Trust office on Salt Spring Island will be moving to a new, conveniently-located office space this winter. Islands Trust has secured a multi-year lease for new office space in Ganges Village, Salt Spring Island at 121 McPhillips Avenue. "We are looking forward to a new office space for the public to engage with Islands Trust staff on Salt Spring Island," said Chair Peter Luckham, Chair of Islands Trust Council. "A physical location for Islands Trust on Salt Spring Island is important to being part of the largest community in the Islands Trust Area and to providing the public with convenient access to in-person assistance.” The new Islands Trust location is adjacent to the Capital Regional District location, facilitating continued cooperation. Through the fall, the new office space will be renovated to ensure it meets requirements for staff and the public. Islands Trust will continue to provide in-person services at its cur…

Local Trust Committee June Update

Local Trust Committee June Update, by Trustee Laura Patrick You have likely read news about the Trust Council meeting that was held on Salt Spring June 18- 20. Trust Council is the federated body of all 26 trustees. This report only relates to the business of the Salt Spring LTC, which is made up of the two local trustees and an appointed chair. The Salt Spring Local Trust Committee (LTC) will hold its next regular meeting on July 11 th beginning at 9:30 AM at the Salt Spring Legion, Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Road. Our meetings are also livestreamed and archived for later viewing within a few days of the meeting. The agenda will be available on the website. Office staff are available to help should you have questions about getting to the meeting or viewing the meeting on-line. Please call 250-538-9144 or email ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca for support. We welcome you to ask questions or make comments during the “Town Hall and Questions” period at the beginning of our July…

Islands Trust Recognises 50 Years of Preserving and Protecting

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Today, Islands Trust recognises 50 years of as a special purpose government mandated to preserve and protect over 450 Islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea. The Province of British Columbia created Islands Trust in 1974 in response to rates of development in the Gulf Islands and the need to protect the unique amenities and environment of the region. Today, Islands Trust preserves and protects the islands in the context of many complex challenges, including climate change, lack of affordable housing, freshwater limitations, hundreds of species of risk, and development and tourism pressures. Over the past five decades, Islands Trust has evolved to meet new challenges and opportunities. The organization is deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It is also working to address housing equity and climate change related challenges. Islands Trust has implemented innovative projects and policies to support sustai…

Islands Trust Council Meeting Open to the Public

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council invites the public to participate in its next business meeting being held on Salt Spring Island at the Harbour House Hotel, 121 Upper Ganges Road, June 18-20, 2024. There will be multiple options for participating in, or viewing the meeting. The public are able to attend in-person and are welcome to listen and participate by telephone, join the meeting by computer or smartphone, or simply watch the meeting on a computer or smartphone. Trust Council meets quarterly to make decisions about matters that apply to the Islands Trust Area and Islands Trust operations. Trust Council receives, discusses, and makes decisions about policies, finances, and proposed work for the coming quarter. Featured Sessions Islands Trust 50th Anniversary – Islands Trust will be recognizing its 50th anniversary during the three-day meeting. Transport Canada Presentation– Ryan Greville, Manager, Navigable Waters Protection, will …

Islands 2050

On May 30, 2024, Islands Trust trustees will be participating in a Committee of the Whole virtual meeting to review the updated draft of the Policy Statement. The meeting will be open to the public to watch and listen. The agenda package and meeting details are available here. Additional Committee of the Whole meetings may be scheduled after the May 30, 2024 meeting. The Committee of the Whole will contemplate providing recommendations to Trust Council on changes to the staff-prepared draft and the next steps for the project. Trust Council will then hold a meeting during which they could consider the recommendations, and direct changes to the draft. Public engagement on the updated draft Policy Statement will begin after Trust Council approves the document in principle. Trustees will consider public feedback on the draft and could recommend more changes to the draft document. Learn more about the Policy Statement Amendment Project: https://islandstrust.bc.ca/pr…

Islands Trust Applications Portal

Islands Trust will be launching the Islands Trust applications portal on May 13, 2024. This online Portal will streamline permitting, licensing, and planning processes for a more responsive and interconnected community within the Islands Trust Area. How this Portal will help you: The Islands Trust Applications Portal will simplify the application submission process and provide transparent access to ongoing applications within your community. What to Expect: The Islands Trust Applications Portal will officially launch on May 13, 2024, but you can continue to submit applications here. Islands Trust staff are working to ensure a smooth transition to the new development and applications portal. We anticipate temporary adjustments during the implementation phase, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to bring you a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Feedback Welcome: Your feedback is crucial in helping us refine and optimize the use of this new porta…

North Pender Island Protects Habitat for Rare Species

Expansion of Conservation Covenant on North Pender Island Protects Habitat for Rare Species Lək̓ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. - Islands Trust Conservancy’s Nighthawk Hill covenant has been doubled in size to protect 1.879 hectares (4.6 acres) of forest, woodland, and rocky outcrops on North Pender Island. The covenant includes protection for the provincially red listed Douglas-fir – arbutus ecological community and provides important habitat for species at risk including Common Nighthawk, which is a species of Special Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act. Andy Nowak and Mary Reher came to Pender Island in the 1980’s and bought a property in 2000. As development pressure increased on the island, they felt it was important to place a conservation covenant to protect and steward the vulnerable species and ecosystems on their land. The Nighthawk Hill conservation covenant is registered through the Islands Trust’s Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTE…

Islands Trust Council has Approved the 2024/25 Budget

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council has approved the 2024/25 budget for the Islands Trust. "In navigating development of the 2024/25 budget, trustees faced tough decisions and found compromises,” said Islands Trust Council Chair Peter Luckham. “This budget allows Islands Trust to progress work on strategic initiatives that are important to communities. We are so pleased to have secured more than $830,000 in grant funding for next year.” The approved budget for 2024/25 of $10.98 million assumes that Islands Trust will maintain existing service levels, support a new Accessibility Committee, and undertake land use planning projects including: -Housing Needs Assessments (for all local trust committees) -Housing Strategy Action Plan Implementation Project (includes updating the Housing Options Toolkit) -Denman Island Housing Review Project -Gabriola Island Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Comprehensive Review Project -Mayne Island Housi…

Islands Trust Salt Spring Island Trustees report for 2023 February

The Local Trust Committee meets at the Learning Hub at 122 Rainbow Road, near the former middle school. Signage is posted around the building to direct you to the entrance. Our meetings are also livestreamed and archived for later viewing within a few days of the meeting. Our next regular meeting is on March 16th beginning at 9:30 AM in the morning. The Town Hall and Question period occurs following trustee reports and delegations, which are usually around 12:30 PM. The agendas are generally available the preceding Friday (March 10 for our next meeting). Staff are available in the office to help if you have questions about getting to the meeting or viewing the meeting on-line. Please call the mainline at 250-538-9144 or email ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca. We welcome you to ask questions or make comments during the “Town Hall and Questions” period at our regular meetings. If you cannot attend in person, please submit your questions or comments to ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca…

Notice of annual proactive enforcement of unlawful vacation rentals on Salt Spring Island

In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee authorizes annual proactive bylaw enforcement for Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs), which are potentially removing accommodation from the island’s long-term housing market. In accordance with the Islands Trust policies regarding bylaw investigations and enforcement, enforcement actions are primarily triggered when the Islands Trust receives complaints from community members that indicate that individuals or corporations are not complying with the land use regulations. In August 2019, the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (SSI LTC) initiated proactive enforcement measures when dealing with STVRs. Bylaw staff has since been actively reviewing and investigating online advertisements for STVRs and issuing fines for unlawful operations on an annual basis. “Islands Trust has heard from the public about growing concerns over the impacts of STVRs on their lives and the community at l…

Local Trust Committee Adopts Bylaw 512 to Boost Rentals

More than 400 properties on Salt Spring Island can now provide a new form of lawful rental housing. At its April 28, 2020 meeting the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (LTC) adopted Bylaw No. 512 to permit the full-time residential rental of accessory cottages on 411 Salt Spring Island properties. Please visit the project webpage for more information.

COVID-19: Trust Council Reminds People to Avoid Non-essential Travel to the Islands

In a region known for its welcoming farm stands, markets, and art studios, elected leaders are once again reminding people to avoid non-essential travel to the Gulf and Howe Sound islands and to minimize community interactions. As the Province starts to reopen gradually, the Islands Trust Council reminds visitors to stay close to home, and continue physical distancing and other measures a little bit longer. Trust Council suggests islanders continue to limit community interactions and refrain from extending invitations to visitors. "As we head into the May long weekend, we need people to remember our pleas that they avoid non-essential travel to the Gulf and Howe Sound islands and minimize community interactions as directed by the BC Centre for Disease Control,” emphasized Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “On most islands, our medical resources are non-existent or limited. In most cases, it is volunteers who offer first response, and we don't want to p…

COVID-19: Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee Moves to Electronic Meetings During Pandemic

Lekwungen, METULIYE/Victoria, BC—Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area residents and property owners can attend the next local trust committee meeting, April 28, 9:30 a.m., from their homes. All they need is a phone or a computer with access to the internet. In compliance with public health directives to limit public gatherings and maintain social distance, the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee will be conducting its next regular business meeting via Zoom, an electronic video and audio conferencing system, which can be accessed by anyone through the internet, or phone. The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee will conduct its meeting electronically. However, provincial law requires that a physical location be provided for the public to assemble. The Islands Trust Victoria Office at 1627 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, will serve as this location, but Islands Trust hopes that meeting attendees will stay home and attend the meeting electronically. “As much as…

COVID-19: Islands Trustees Ask Visitors to Stay Home - March 22, 2020 - 2:34 PM

Islands have a higher percentage of seniors, and limited resources and supplies - Island trustees from across the Gulf and Howe Sound Islands are going public with a plea for people to stay away to minimize the spread of Covid-19 and to reduce pressure on limited island services. Trustees urge islanders to stay home and practice social distancing as recommended by Provincial Health Office Dr. Bonnie Henry. “Now is not the time to be visiting the islands,” said Peter Luckham, Chair of Islands Trust Council. “Most Gulf Islands have a median age of over sixty years old and limited or no medical services. First responders are volunteers who are practicing sheltering in place in order to be available for normal emergencies. We urge everyone to stay home and avoid discretionary travel to and from the islands. As ferry-dependent communities, we are especially vulnerable and face additional challenges. Now is not the time to take a holiday or visit your vacation property.” Many i…

COVID-19: Islands Trust Response to Coronavirus

We understand many people in island communities have concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19). Islands Trust is actively monitoring coronavirus information and will adjust our operations as needed to respond to evolving information from health authorities and government agencies. Islands Trust is working to be part of the solution by taking precautionary measures and providing trusted COVID-19 information. The information provided below does not indicate additional risks in island communities. Meeting and Event Cancellations We have postponed the upcoming screenings of Dust n’ Bones on Denman, Galiano and Salt Spring Islands. We will consider cancellation of local trust committee and other business meetings based on local circumstances and recommendations from public health officials. In the meantime, meetings will be conducted in compliance with the Provincial Health Officer's prevention recommendations including social distancing and the avoidance of person-to-person c…

Affordable Rental Housing Cottages Survey

Please join us on Saturday, September 7th for a Community Information Meeting regarding Bylaw No. 512 (Affordable Rental Housing – Cottages). This is an opportunity to learn more about the project and discuss the proposed rezoning of approximately 400 properties on Salt Spring Island to permit cottages for full-time residential rental, instead of “seasonal cottages” for temporary use. Bylaw No. 512 was developed to increase the supply of affordable rental housing on the island in a way that is consistent with policies in the Salt Spring Island Oficial Community Plan.

New Bylaws to Protect Drinking Water on Salt Spring Island

Coast Salish Territory, Salt Spring Island—The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (SSI LTC) has adopted two bylaws that will help maintain water quality in the Island’s drinking water lakes while also respecting the role that farming plays in the island’s culture and economy. “Our understanding of just how precious freshwater is on an island like Salt Spring deepens every day,” said SSI LTC Chair, Peter Luckham. “In adopting these bylaws, the committee was responding to community concern about the quality of freshwater drawn from local lakes. These new policies and regulations were informed by the efforts of a special working group that included representatives from the agricultural community and water protection groups, working alongside local residents. We thank everyone who was involved in this process and who helped us to take this step to ensure the protection of fresh drinking water now and into the future.” Bylaw 496 amends the Salt Spring Island Official Commu…

Island Leaders in Canada and U.S. Call on Prime Minister to Abandon Trans Mountain Expansion

In light of the Canadian Government’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline and stated commitment to expanding it despite a court ruling quashing the expansion permit, elected representatives from the islands in the Salish Sea, on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border, have written an open letter urging Prime Minister Trudeau to abandon the expansion project. The expansion project would result in 400 more oil tankers passing the island communities which the Islands Trust and San Juan County represent. In their open letter, signed by 22 trustees from the Islands Trust and the three San Juan County councilors, the locally elected officials describe how the Salish Sea region will be put at risk by the project, and how its protection – along with the orcas that live in the region – should be of national importance on both sides of the border.“As elected leaders in the Salish Sea we are compelled to speak out,” said Islands Trust Council Chair, Peter Luckham. “Every day we wi…

Islands Trust Outlines Housing Crisis Initiatives

The Salt Spring Island community has been very clear: we face a housing crisis on Salt Spring. It is a crisis that the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (SSI LTC) is keenly aware of. The chronic shortage of affordable housing impacts all us, directly or indirectly. The SSI LTC want to thank community members who’ve expressed concern about the state of affordable housing and who continue to work towards solutions for this challenging problem. We hear you and will continue to seek community input for the decisions we make to address affordable housing. For our part, the SSI LTC has taken a three-pronged approach to tackle the issue: 1. In terms of land-use planning measures, the SSI LTC has: Implemented, and subsequently expanded, a secondary suites pilot area; Drafted temporary use permit changes to allow consideration of alternative housing solutions; and Directed staff to draft a land-use bylaw amendment to consider increasing the permitte…

Trust Council Chair Congratulates Salt Spring Island on its Governance Decision

Peter Luckham, Chair of Islands Trust Council, made the following statement regarding the decision of the September 9, 2017 referendum with preliminary results showing 62 per cent voted against Salt Spring Island incorporating into a municipality. “The Islands Trust Council congratulates the community of Salt Spring Island for exercising its democratic right on September 9, 2017 and choosing to remain unincorporated. “The debates and discussions leading up to this vote demonstrated the high level of civic engagement among the residents of Salt Spring Island, a sign of a caring, resilient and healthy community. “I am pleased to see the strong voter turnout and the clear support for the preserve and protect mandate of the Islands Trust. “The discussions prior to the vote have highlighted both the strengths and areas of improvements desired in the present form of governance, as well as confidence in the Islands Trust to seek those improvements. “Local govern…

Incorporation: Misrepresentation of Islands Trust Position

A Letter-to-the-Editor was sent to the Driftwood from the Islands Trust Chief Administrative Officer, regarding disinformation about the Trust being circulated within the community in advance of the municipal incorporation vote for Salt Spring Island electors on September 9, 2017. Below is the copy of the letter: There is much information and disinformation about the Trust being circulated within the community in advance of the municipal incorporation vote for Salt Spring Island electors on Sept. 9, 2017. A publicity poster recently circulated by the YeSS! Campaign regarding the Salt Spring Island incorporation process describes a ‘Salt Spring Island Municipality’ and includes the phrase, “IN CONCERT WITH THE ISLANDS TRUST.” This leaves the reader with the impression that the Islands Trust approved the messaging of this poster and is supportive of the YES side of this important civic decision. We wish to make clear that the Islands Trust, at direction of Trust Council,…