Salt Spring News

Isabella Point Road will close overnight for repairs

The overnight repair work will start Dec. 5, subject to favourable weather conditions, and it is estimated to require five nights to complete. Heavy rain will prevent overnight work and, on these evenings, the road will remain open to single-lane alternating traffic. During the daytime, the road will remain open to single-lane alternating traffic. Emergency vehicles will have full access. Residents should be prepared for closures on: Monday, Dec. 5 until Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12 until Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Electronic message signs located south of the intersection of Isabella Point Road and Musgrave Road will update drivers on closures. Crews are working to stabilize and strengthen the road, which experienced shoulder damage in the November 2021 atmospheric river storm. Travellers are asked to plan ahead and follow construction signs and directions from traffic-control personnel.

Capital Regional District and the Canadian Union of Public Employees ratify new collective agreement

The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1978 have reached a 3-year collective agreement for the period of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. “I am very pleased that we have been able to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement through respectful negotiation and honest dialogue,” said CRD Chief Administrative Officer Ted Robbins. “I want to thank everybody who was involved in the bargaining process for the work that they have done to create an agreement that meets the needs of our employees and allows us to continue to deliver the essential services we provide.” "Our members, like all CRD residents, have felt the pressure of rising interest rates and record high inflation and that has certainly added a layer of complexity to this round of negotiations," says CUPE 1978 President Tom Benjamin. "We believe this new agreement will help ease some of the pressure our members are feeling both financially and in terms of…

Soaring living costs cause major increases in the living wage across BC

The living wage has increased across British Columbia due to significant increases in the cost of food and housing. The living wage has gone up to $24.08 an hour in Metro Vancouver for 2022—the highest increase since the living wage was first calculated in 2008 and significantly higher than the rate of inflation. And for the first time, Victoria’s living wage, $24.29 an hour, is higher than Metro Vancouver’s because of the increased cost of food on Vancouver Island. The living wage is the hourly wage that two parents working full-time need to earn to support a family of four. In Kelowna it is $4.39 (23.7 per cent) higher than last year’s rate of $18.49, in Victoria it is $3.83 (18.7 per cent) higher than last year’s $20.46 and in Metro Vancouver it is $3.56 (17.3 per cent) higher than last year’s $20.52. This year the living wage has increased across BC in all of the communities where it has been calculated in the past and is driven by two essentials that every fam…

Capital Regional District announces Board of Directors and Chairs

Today, at the inaugural board meetings of the Capital Regional District (CRD), the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) and the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), Directors elected the Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the upcoming year. Saanich Councillor Colin Plant has been re-elected as the CRD Board Chair, and Sooke Mayor Maja Tait has been elected as the CRD Board Vice-Chair. “With all the new faces at the board table and the renewed commitment to work together, the CRD has a real opportunity to make a difference during this term on its Strategic Priorities,” said Chair Plant. “I have heard from Directors they really want to work together and explore Regional Transportation in a renewed, strategic way and to work with the province to deliver the best outcomes possible regionally. I look forward to working with our new CAO and all CRD staff to continue to deliver the services people expect from the CRD and to make the quality of life even better in this region …

Province will conduct test of emergency alert to wireless devices

At 1:55 p.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, Emergency Management BC will conduct a test of B.C.’s emergency alerting system as part of the national Alert Ready system to improve public safety in the event of emergency. The system was launched in B.C. on April 6, 2018, and is tested twice each year. In spring 2022, the Province expanded the Alert Ready system to include alerts for wildfires, floods and extreme-heat emergencies, in addition to tsunamis, civil emergencies and Amber Alerts. During the test, an alert will be broadcast on radio and TV stations, as well as to compatible wireless devices, such as cellphones. The message will read: “This is a TEST of the BC emergency alert system, issued by Emergency Management BC. This is ONLY a TEST. In an actual emergency, this message would contain instructions to help keep you and your community safe. Learn more about how, when and why emergency alerts are issued in BC at www.emergencyinfobc.ca/alert. This i…

Hospital Foundation files civil claim against Community Services and occupants of the Seabreeze Inne

The ongoing dispute between the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation (LMHF) and Salt Spring Island Community Services (SSICS) reached the courts last week over allegations related to the Foundation's purchase of the Seabreeze Inne. The Inne was purchased earlier this year by LMHF in an effort to address staff housing issues at the Lady Minto Hospital which continues to see persistently high staffing vacancies partially related to a lack of available housing for qualified candidates. The 13-page Notice of Civil Claim filed by LMHF through Vancouver-based Drouillard Lawyers is directed at Salt Spring and Southern Gulf Islands Community Services Society (SSICS), numerous current occupants of the Seabreeze and all other persons unknown to LMHF who might be occupying the Inne. The claim asserts that before LMHF became the owner of the Seabreeze Inne in March, 2022, all the individual defendants came to occupy the Seabreeze Inne on a basis either unknown to the LMHF, or they were pro…

New owners take over at North End Fitness

Sean Mulligan and partner Jen Soo are set to take over the ownership of local fitness institution North End Fitness (NEF). Long-time local Salt Spring Islander, Peter Vincent, started North End Fitness in 1988 and it's been a go-to wellness destination ever since. As a gym member himself, Sean Mulligan always appreciated the sense of community at NEF. "I’ve been to a lot of gyms over the years, but I have never felt as welcome as I do here. Peter has moved to the east coast of Canada and has passed the torch to us, and we feel honoured to be the ones chosen to take this business to the next level. Sean is also the owner of OutSpokin Bike Shop here on Salt Spring Island. OutSpokin started in 2012 and has become an established part of Salt Spring’s cycling transportation and recreation community. He is an avid mountain biker, practices kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, and is a lover of all things outdoors. Jen is a Ballet teacher and the owner of River-Port Danceworks,…

CRD to enter into long-term lease with BC Housing on Salt Spring Island

The Capital Regional District (CRD) plans to enter into a 60-year lease with BC Housing (BCH) to develop supportive housing on Salt Spring Island (SSI). At the October 12 CRD Board meeting, the decision was made to lease the entire property at 161 Drake Road to BCH instead of subdividing the area. The current proposed project will not require the whole property and BCH has committed to working with the CRD and the local community to identify future opportunities for additional housing on the property. In January 2022, it was announced that BC Housing would be providing up to 28 new permanent homes with supports, as well as a dedicated shelter and programming space at the Drake Road site. The long-term housing proposal would transition many of the people currently living in the Seabreeze Inne and Kings Road. BC Housing will be issuing a Request for Proposal for a non-profit housing operator for Drake Road. The Province, through BC Housing, will expedite the developme…

Local tourism business 'Tour Salt Spring' achieves Greenstep 'Platinum-level' sustainability evaluation

Local tourism business Tour Salt Spring is proud to announce that it has recently been awarded Platinum-level certification from Greenstep Sustainable Tourism. Tour Salt Spring is in its 10th year of operations on Salt Spring Island. The business offers sightseeing tours, wine tours, educational tours, as well as shuttling for events and weddings. To receive Platinum certification for sustainability, Tour Salt Spring had to meet a rigorous evaluation process, comparing its practices against a varied range of criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “This audit process is time-consuming and challenging, forcing us to review and improve our operations”, says Griffin. “But in the end, I feel it’s worthwhile. My primary driving factor for the certification is to know that I am doing what I can to minimize our adverse impacts. Hopefully in the long run, it leads to the business being more successful…

2022 General Local Election - Where and how to vote on Salt Spring Island on General Voting Day

To vote in the current Salt Spring Island election on General Voting Day, Saturday, October 15th, 2022 you can vote from 8 AM to 8 PM. 1) You must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years or older, and a resident of B.C. for six months prior to voting day. 2) If you are already on the voter's list, show a government-issued ID at the polling station. 3) If you are not already registered to vote, you must show two documents to prove your identity and residency (one with a signature). You do not have to own land to vote. Salt Spring Island Electoral Area (including Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area, except Piers Island) Venue Address City Salt Spring Island Community Gospel Chapel 147 Vesuvius Bay Rd. Salt Spring Island Salt Spring Island Fulford Hall - Seniors Centre 2591 Fulford Ganges Rd. Salt Spring Island Salt Spring Island Public Library 129 McPhillips Ave. Salt Spring Island Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church 9296 East Saanich Rd…

Hwmet’utsum/Mt Maxwell forest protection assured as community park fundraising campaign reaches goal

The Salt Spring Community Park campaign announced today that the initiative to raise the final $350,000 towards the purchase of 75 acres of forested land on Hwmet’utsum/Mount Maxwell has reached its goal ahead of the October 31, 2022 deadline, thanks to a final grassroots push, and a generous grant from the Salt Spring Island Foundation which was enabled by a grant from the Trust established for the estate of the late Susan Bloom. “This is the end of a three-year process involving many stakeholders. I’m so proud of how the community has jumped in at the end to get us across the finish line,” said Elizabeth FitzZaland, Co-Chair of Salt Spring Solutions, the lead organizer in a large coalition of community groups that came together to save the land. “So many islanders and friends of Salt Spring Island have contributed in different ways, from cash donations to organizing events, but we owe a special thank you to Foxglove Farm and Bullock Lake Farm for hosting two recent even…

Free transit for municipal election in communities across BC

BC Transit and many local government partners across the province are offering free transit on Saturday, October 15, for the municipal elections. Offering free transit helps make it easier for residents to get to the polls and cast their ballots. Decisions to offer free transit are made by local government partners in each separate community. Take advantage of free transit in the following communities: Chilliwack (includes handyDART) Comox Valley (includes handyDART) Cowichan Valley – Local service only. This does not include the 44 Cowichan Valley Connector or 70 Nanaimo Cowichan Express (includes handyDART) Cranbrook – (includes handyDART) Fort St. John (includes handyDART) Hazelton Kamloops (includes handyDART) Kelowna – Transit is only free within the City of Kelowna and passengers must inform the operator they are travelling to a polling station. (includes handyDART) Kitimat (includes handyDART) Merritt Nanaimo (Regional District of Nanaimo) – this does not…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Jamie Harris

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Jamie Harris who is running for election as a candidate for Islands Trust Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: I came to Salt Spring around 30 plus years ago as a young man. I found a construction job the second day I was here, got into commercial fishing for a bit. After that I started cutting and selling firewood quite seriously, built a cabin with chainsaw lumber and had a small farrow to finish hog operation for many years, curing and smoking the hams and bacon etc in a smoke house I had built. All my customers couldn't get enough of that home cured bacon! Then the…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Kylie Coates

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Kylie Coates who is running as a candidate for Capital Regional District Director. Tell us a bit about your background: When I was young my parents started a hobby farm on Salt Spring, where I helped raise pigs and chickens. This taught me about responsibility, and this has served me well over the years. I attended Salt Spring Elementary and graduated from GISS in 2000. After graduation, I went travelling to get a more broadened perspective of the world. When I returned I discovered that 3 of my 4 brothers had moved away as it was too difficult to find housing. The remain…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Gary Holman

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Gary Holman who is running as a candidate for Capital Regional District Director. Tell us a bit about your background: I have three children - Eren, Amber and stepson Owen. I'm an economist by training and worked for over 25 years as a consulting economist on such projects as the Nisga'a Treaty and land and resource management planning throughout BC. I come from the land trust movement on Salt Spring and in the Capital Region, serving on the Boards of The Salt Spring Island Conservancy and The Land Conservancy of BC. I am privileged to have owned property in the south end of Sa…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Tisha Boulter

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Tisha Boulter who is running as a candidate for School Board Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: I grew up on an Organic Farm which taught me a strong work ethic and deep connection to the land. After operating a successful Massage Practice in Salmon Arm for 4 years I moved to Salt Spring Island in 2001 and worked for several Spas including Hasting House and the SS Centre of Yoga. Over the years I have enjoyed many community connections with my volunteer work with DAISSI, IWAV, the 4H club, the Co-op Preschool, my neighborhood emergency POD, School PAC's + DPAC and th…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Laura Patrick

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Laura Patrick who is running for re-election as a candidate for Islands Trust Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: My family moved full time to Salt Spring in 2006, after living here part time since 1995. I am tremendously proud of my daughters and believe that their growing up on Salt Spring shaped who they have become. As a professional geoscientist, I had a career in environmental management, environmental impact assessment and international consulting. Prior to running a successful consulting firm, I was the manager of the environment department at YVR, where I le…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - George Sipos (Candidate Withdrawn)

George Sipos has informed the Salt Spring Exchange that he has requested his removal as a candidate for School Board Trustee from the upcoming 2022 General Local Election. Because ballots had already been printed for the election, his name will still appear when users go to the polls. While his name will still appear on the already printed ballots, he asks that the community does not cast votes for him. He provided this statement and asked that it be shared with members of the community: “I have asked School District 64 and the Minister of Education to be permitted to remove my name as a candidate for School Trustee in the current election as I do not wish to be a Trustee at this time should I be elected. However, since ballots have already been printed, my name will still appear when electors go to the polls. I ask them not to cast votes for me.” ------------------------------------------ The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on t…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Nancy Macdonald

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Nancy Macdonald who is running as a candidate for School Board Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: I grew up near Horseshoe Bay and later lived in Kitsilano while attending UBC (B.A. M.A. and PDPP). I lived in France for a year, and then became a French Immersion teacher when the program was in its infancy. My husband and I moved to SSI in 1983 where we began the long project of building a house in the south end. To add to that chaos we had 3 children and worked full time, he at UVic and me here at SSE, teaching grade 6 and 7 French Immersion. There were over 400 kids…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Jenny McClean

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Jenny McClean who is running as a candidate for Islands Trust Trustee and School Board Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: I was born on Salt Spring Island and attended School District 64. I attended Salt Spring Elementary and then transferred to Fernwood Elementary in the first year that the school was open. I was in the inaugural French Immersion class and stayed with that for three years, and went to Quebec with that program, much like my daughters have done with the same program many years later. The work done to establish French Immersion as an option in the B.C.…

2022 General Local Election Candidate Profile - Rob Pingle

The 2022 General Local Elections are on October 15, 2022. Election profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature candidates who are running for local office. These short interviews are structured so that we can quickly and easily learn more about each of the candidates and a bit more about why we might consider voting for them. All candidates have been invited to participate. This profile is from Rob Pingle who is running as a candidate for School Board Trustee. Tell us a bit about your background: I moved to Salt Spring Island when my oldest daughter was beginning Kindergarten at Salt Spring Elementary. Previous to that I had lived in Victoria BC, Australia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Alberta. Once here I was lucky to get to spend lots of time at the school with my youngest, as that was the first year of the Early Learning for Families program. I volunteered to run the Toy Library for Salt Spring Community Services and also became Chairperson for the SSE PAC. Within …