Salt Spring News

Campaign launches to create a new Community Park at Hwmet’utsum/Mt. Maxwell

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has agreed to purchase, in partnership with Salt Spring Solutions Society (SSS) and a community collective of stakeholders, 75 acres of land and a Statutory Right of Way on Mount Maxwell for community park purposes. This acquisition is subject to raising an additional $350,000 through community fundraising. The 75 acre forested property is being offered to the community for a reduced price of $850,000 thanks to a generous donation by the family that owns the property. An additional $250,000 donation has been pledged by local philanthropists, and the CRD will contribute $250,000 towards the purchase price through the Salt Spring Island Park Land Acquisition Fund. The remaining $350,000 of the purchase price needs to be funded through community fundraising coordinated by SSS and the Salt Spring Island Foundation. “The CRD recognizes the high recreational and conservation values of this property near Mount Maxwell, traditionally kno…

Temporary housing solution reached for Seabreeze Inne residents

Temporary modular housing units have been secured to support 22 people currently temporarily residing at the Seabreeze Inne. A two-week extension of the lease at the Seabreeze Inne will provide residents with a safe and secure place to live until they can move into modular units on Kings Lane. The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation has agreed to extend the current lease at the Seabreeze Inne until July 15, 2022. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for generously extending the lease at the Seabreeze Inne, providing people with a safe roof over their heads for the past six months,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “BC Housing continues to work diligently to build the new permanent supportive housing facility at Drake Road.” BC Housing has been leasing the Seabreeze Inne from the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation since January 2022. Residents are receiving support services from the Salt Spring a…

Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue awarded over $19,000 by 100+ Women Who Care

After three compelling presentations, including from the Salt Spring Arts Council and School District #64 Education Trust Fund, Beth Hall’s nominated charitable cause Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SAR) was declared the winner during 100+ Women Who Care’s meeting on June 22, the first to be staged in person at ArtSpring since Covid. The organization was awarded the collected total of approximately $19,000 to go towards replacing its much-needed Command Vehicle. Hall, whose husband is one of 40 dedicated volunteers, knows exactly what it is like to have urgent alerts come in at all times of day or night, rain or shine. “SAR volunteers train weekly to respond to missing hikers, epic wind storms like the one that decimated the Island in 2018, and even the dreaded possibility of fire,” she says. “Search and Rescue is such an important part of emergency services, but the volunteers deserve to be supported by more up-to-date equipment and technology.” “Our much-needed Co…

BC Ferries offers deep discounts on inter-island routes

Now that summer has finally arrived, BC Ferries is launching a promotion on select sailings on 11 of its inter-island routes from July 6 through September 1 for local residents and vacationers to soak up the savings. The promotion is designed to encourage customers to travel on less busy sailings by giving them a discount, freeing up space at more popular times. Customers with flexibility in their travel plans can save significantly on standard or overheight vehicle fares when they travel on select early morning or late evening sailings. The promotion applies to specific inter-island (non-bookable) routes where there is capacity available. The 75 per cent discount off the standard rate will be applied at the terminal and is not available for purchase in advance. BC Ferries recommends customers arrive early to ensure they make it on the sailing of choice. Regular fares will apply for driver and passengers, however, those travelling with an Experience™ Card can st…

Islands Trust announces recipients of the 2022 Community Stewardship Awards

Islands Trust Council announced the recipients of the 17th Islands Trust Community Stewardship Awards at its June 23nd meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. Trust Council recognized six individuals and one organization for work that supports the Islands Trust’s mandate to protect and preserve the Trust Area and its unique environment and amenities. The recipients’ activities include land conservation, trail network development, forest restoration, community service, collaborative stewardship, public outreach and education, and advocacy work. “The Community Stewardship Awards are our opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge community members for their commitment of time, energy and ingenuity to helping preserve and protect the Islands Trust Area,” said Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. “The diverse nature of the work of the nominees and the impacts of the projects in which they have been involved are outstanding. We drew inspiration from their dedication and…

Support for the firehall continues to grow - MP Elizabeth May urges 'Yes' vote

Support for the proposed new firehall continues to grow. Provincial MLA Adam Olsen and CRD Director Gary Holman have both expressed their support, along with the Chair of Transition Salt Spring, Bryan Young, who said “Transition Salt Spring encourages islanders to take steps towards climate change resilience by voting in favour of the new firehall in June.” Now Salt Spring’s popular Green Party Member of Parliament, Elizabeth May, has publicly urged people to vote yes in the referendum to borrow $9.7 million. “I am writing in support of the proposed new firehall project on Salt Spring Island. I generally do not take a position on local issues that fall outside federal jurisdiction; however, we know that more emergency situations are likely to arise due to the climate crisis. It is critical that the Salt Spring Island community seizes this opportunity to be better prepared for emergencies and extreme events. This proposal must be accepted. Salt Spring Island is in di…

Salt Spring Fire Rescue to host second information open house for proposed new firehall

Ballots to vote in the firehall referendum are starting to arrive this week in mailboxes across Salt Spring Island. All B.C. residents 18+, who are Canadian citizens on title of a property on Salt Spring, are eligible to vote by mail-in ballot. Completed ballots must be received by June 30. To inform the public about the costs, scope, and benefits of the proposed new firehall, Salt Spring Fire Rescue continues to reach out to islanders, including with an Open House set for this Thursday night at Firehall # 1 in Ganges. Recently the CRD announced that the new firehall will qualify for $1 million in federal gas tax funding, which can be added to the $3 million that has been set aside by the Board of Trustees out of reserves. That leaves the Fire Improvement District seeking approval by taxpayers to borrow $9.7 million to build the estimated $13.7 million project, which can all be done without raising property taxes. The SSIFPD Board of Trustees and the management tea…

Market coupons build a stronger local food system

Lately, the news headlines are full of discouraging news about escalating food prices, the highest inflation rates in three decades, supply chain distributions creating shortages of goods, and the negative impacts of climate change. It seems more important than ever to build resilient, local food systems and to support those in our community who are the most affected by barriers to accessing nutritious food. Fortunately, there is a program that does just that. Once again, Salt Spring Community Services will be partnering with the Tuesday Farmers’ Market to administer the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. The Nutrition Coupon program is an initiative begun by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets to provide low income seniors, families and pregnant women with access to products at qualifying BC farmers’ markets. Each household enrolled in the program will receive coupons valued at $27, each week, for 16 weeks. These coupons can then be redeemed for vegetables, fru…

Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District agrees to transfer Firehall #1 to CRD for potential use as a year-round public market

Fire department will move to new firehall if taxpayers approve borrowing in referendum - The Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District (SSIFPD) announced that an agreement has been signed with the Capital Regional District (CRD) to transfer ownership of firehall #1 as part of the plan to build a new firehall. The Chair of the SSIFPD Board of Trustees, Rollie Cook, noted that “This is a win-win for our department and the community. The Fire Department gets to remain in the building during the construction period, rent free, and the building in the center of Ganges will still operate as a public asset, which a committee of stakeholders suggested during consultations in 2021, including the Chamber of Commerce, Farmer’s Institute, the CRD, Islands Trust and the Ag Alliance.” Fire Chief Jamie Holmes pointed out that “we also get a guarantee of retaining a 30,000-gallon water storage tank for fighting fires in the downtown core. It makes good sense operationally and will help…

Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust updates on The Root food hub progress and milestones

Photo: From left, Sheila Dobie, Nicole Melanson, Valerie Perkins, Stephane Aucoin, Ella Bronstein. (Not pictured: Daria Zovi) - Source: Farmland Trust Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust is anticipating its first AGM since the all new board of directors was installed last June. All interested community members are welcome to join by Zoom for the Monday, June 6th meeting starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting promises to bring famers and the community up to speed with the milestones, progress, and momentum the organization has enjoyed over the past year. It will also roll out what people can expect through the rest of 2022, with some large achievements coming to fruition. The most significant announcements will be concerning the long-anticipated food hub, The Root on Beddis Road, and the final countdown to its completion and launch later in the year. The Root’s three-storey facility, barn, and surrounding grounds have the mandate to improve Salt Spring’s ability to produce, …

New live cam with views of the Vesuvius Dock and Stuart Channel

Just in time for the long-weekend, and the beginning of typically higher volumes of ferry traffic, the Salt Spring Exchange is pleased to announce the latest addition to our travel planning and local tourism live cam network. This new live cam has a view of the ferry slip at the Vesuvius Dock, the waters of Stuart Channel and a sneak peak of the mill in Crofton thrown in for good measure. Now, in addition to being able to have a view of the traffic in the terminal at Vesuvius with our Vesuvius Terminal cam, you can also have a better sense of where the ferry is at in its travels across the channel, along with real-time wind and water conditions. We also might be able to see a nice view of the sunsets at different times of the year! Special thank you to the good folks at Seaside Restaurant who are generously helping to host this cam. Visit them to enjoy their fantastic fish and chips and more! Support local businesses who support our local community. Thank you for suppo…

$1 million Community Works Fund agreement in principle for Salt Spring Island fire hall

The Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District (SSIFPD) announced today an agreement in principle with the Capital Regional District (CRD) for a $1 million Community Works Fund (gas tax) contribution towards construction of a proposed new fire hall on Salt Spring Island. This arrangement with the CRD is contingent on approval by Fire District ratepayers to build a new fire hall. “Should the referendum pass, the CRD will work with the SSIFPD to facilitate transfer of federal funding to support construction of a new fire hall to replace the current building,” said CRD Director Gary Holman. “This agreement will allow us to reduce the cost for ratepayers of creating a much-needed new fire hall and illustrates how the CRD can work effectively with our fire district in a way that benefits the community.” A referendum is being scheduled for the end of June in which all SSIFPD ratepayers will be asked if they approve the fire department borrowing $9.7 million to build a new fire…

Salt Spring Island RCMP is investigating a serious motor vehicle incident with injuries

On April 2, 2022, Salt Spring RCMP responded to a serious motor vehicle collision in the 200 block of Stewart Road. B.C. Ambulance Service reported a red sport utility vehicle had gone down an embankment with an unknown number of occupants, with an unknown number of injuries. The collision was so severe that it caused the engine of the vehicle to be torn from the chassis. Witnesses reported the vehicle was being driven in an unsafe manner prior to the collision. Salt Spring RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Service, and Salt Spring Fire Department all responded to the incident. A man located at the scene was identified by witnesses as the driver, whom was believed to be intoxicated. Officers detained the driver while they assessed the scene and initiated a criminal investigation. Shortly after arriving on scene, officers learned that the driver had outstanding warrants for his arrest, was prohibited from driving, and believed that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by al…

Lady Minto emergency department expansion breaks ground

A $12.8 million emergency department expansion project at Lady Minto Hospital has been launched with an official ground breaking ceremony. Capital costs are being shared by the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, which has pledged $9.8 million, and the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD), which will contribute $3 million. “The Lady Minto Hospital means a lot to people living on Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I thank the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, the Capital Regional Hospital District and all those who donated to the project to make it happen, showing true community spirit.” “This important expansion at Lady Minto Hospital will create improvements to emergency department patient care,” said Leah Hollins, Board chair, Island Health. “We are grateful to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation and the Capital Regional Hospital District for funding the capital costs for this project and working so collaboratively with our sta…

Grow Local building a healthy resilient food chain

The Salt Spring Agricultural Alliance (SS-AA) and the Salt Spring Community Economic Sustainability Commission (CESC) are pleased to announce a new initiative that seeks to expand local food production and enhance the economic viability of farming. ‘Grow Local’ is an eight-month pilot project being launched this month. This new initiative will turn key recommendations from the Salt Spring Island Area Farm Plan into action. The main goals of the project are to build collaborative opportunities and test innovative marketing strategies that strengthen the regional food economy. Local producers and food justice advocates Nick Jones and Polly Orr are co-leading the Grow Local initiative. The Grow Local team will be responsible for testing food systems that develop and strengthen short supply chains for the food we eat; making connections and building relationships across the region to increase the viability of island businesses and reduce our carbon footprint. A robust lo…

Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island eco-certifies all eight local facilities

The Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island has certified all eight of its facilities in through the Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program, an eco-certification program that supports boating facilities to make improvements that benefit the marine environment and also extend to business operations. The eight facilities, located around Salt Spring Island, have all achieved four-anchor ratings out of five. CMBC anchor ratings range from one anchor for facilities that comply with federal and provincial legislation and are starting to implement environmental best practices to five anchor facilities, which have comprehensive and stronger operational and ecosystem conservation initiatives. These may include reducing and containing toxins, collecting and disposing of various wastes, conserving water and energy, as well as emergency preparedness, and habitat protection initiatives. “Certifying all eight of our facilities is already having a positive impact on the local…

2022 North Salt Spring Waterworks District Election Candidate Profile - Sandra Ungerson

The North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) provides potable water to a large portion of Salt Spring Island, including over 5,500 year round residents, the hospital, schools, hotels and restaurants, and many island businesses in the village of Ganges. The District’s trustees are elected officials who serve a three year term on behalf of the District ratepayers. Elections take place at the Annual General Meeting – usually held in April of each year. To be eligible as a nominee candidates must be a Canadian Citizen, 18 years of age or older, an owner of land in the North Salt Spring Waterworks District whose account is in good standing, and entitled to be registered as a voter under the Elections Act. Trustees are elected by the ratepayers of the District who are present at the Annual General Meeting to represent them and make decisions on their behalf for a term of three years. Trustees receive a small honorarium for their services which include; attending one or …

2022 North Salt Spring Waterworks District Election Candidate Profile - Leigh Large

Rainbow Road Recreation Centre site master plan survey

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) is developing a 20-year master plan for the Rainbow Road Recreation Centre site. This project was identified as a priority in the 2019 Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan in response to the community’s desire for increased access to indoor recreation facilities for residents and visitors. The site master plan will assess current and future capacity needs to identify suitable expansion opportunities. This plan will inform a phased capital planning approach for new facilities and program amenities based on input provided from First Nations, key stakeholders and the public. The first round of public engagement with key stakeholder and a public survey is now complete and feedback has been compiled to develop three draft Recreation Centre Site Master Plan conceptual designs. Public feedback on the draft plans is being gathered until April 4, 2022. Feedback will t…

Lady Minto Hospital Foundation finalizes acquisition of the Seabreeze Inne

Motel rooms to be converted for staff accommodations - BC Housing developing permanent supportive housing for current residents: The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation (LMHF) announced today that their acquisition of the Seabreeze Motel near Ganges, part of ongoing efforts to secure housing for hospital staff, has now been finalized. Outstanding conditions were removed on February 28th (the 30th anniversary of the foundation), with the official transfer of ownership occurring on Monday March 14th. Purchase of the property is a key tool in the recruitment and retention of staff for the hospital, which currently has 35 vacant positions. The purchase price was $4 million, and $5.6 million has been raised through donations, including $2.5 million approved by the membership from the foundation's endowment fund, to cover both the purchase price and renovation costs. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2022, pending approvals and permits. Design work has begun with archit…

B.C. takes next step in balanced plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions

As people in B.C. continue to step up and become vaccinated in record numbers, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have decreased, leading the provincial health officer to lift additional public health orders. As of Friday, March 11, 2022, B.C.’s indoor mask order is being repealed along with eased restrictions on long-term care visitors, faith gatherings and overnight camps for children and youth. Today’s announcement also sets a pathway to lift additional COVID-19 restrictions, including the BC Vaccine Card requiring proof of vaccination, on April 8. “British Columbians have made tremendous sacrifices and worked hard to do their part over the past two years by following the advice and direction of Dr. Henry,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Thanks to high levels of vaccination, decreasing transmission enabled by British Columbians’ resolve and the public health orders we’ve had in place, we are now able to lift more restrictions and continue moving forward as a pr…