Salt Spring News

COVID-19: Capacity limits lifting as two-dose vaccine requirements begin

On Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, full vaccination for everyone born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and presentation of your BC Vaccine Card will be required to access certain events, services and businesses. On Monday, Oct. 25, more people will be able to come together at organized gatherings and events in parts of the province where vaccination rates are high. The provincial health officer order restricting capacity limits to 50% for inside organized events and gatherings will be revised to allow 100% capacity in those settings where the BC Vaccine Card is in place and proof of vaccination status is checked. In addition, the requirement to remain seated at a table in restaurants and pubs will be lifted. Indoor mask requirements remain in effect for all indoor gatherings and events. These changes apply to: indoor sporting events (e.g. hockey or basketball games) indoor concerts, theatre, movie theatres, dance and symphony events indoor organized events: examples are wedd…

New funding secured for Bishops Walk to Drake Road trail upgrade project

The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) recently received $90,127 in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (ICIP-CVRIS). Thanks in part to this funding, PARC is moving ahead with the Drake Road Trail Upgrade Project. The Drake Road (Bishops Walk) Trail is a connector trail starting at Cypress View Road through to Drake Road where users can then access Salt Spring Commons, Mouat Park and the downtown core. The trail is approximately 480 m long by 1.8 m wide and is a multi-use community trail. “This announcement comes on the heels of us completing our final phase of Salt Spring Commons, a new affordable housing project owned by Salt Spring Island Community Services. Upgrades to this established pedestrian trail will provide residents and neighbours year-round walking opportunities.” - Rob Grant, Executive Director of Salt Spring Island Community Servi…

New bus route coming to Salt Spring Island in October

BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are announcing the introduction of year-round service to Beddis and Cusheon Lake roads effective October 1, 2021. Starting on Friday, October 1, the 7 Cusheon Lake will run three trips per day. This route provides increased transit coverage on Salt Spring Island and serves a number of destinations and visitor accommodations. It also provides additional service along Fulford Ganges Road, so that residents have more options for service in that area. Service on all other routes is being adjusted to match demand and align with BC Ferries’ schedules. Earlier Sunday and Holiday service is also being introduced on the following routes: 1 Ganges Local 3 Vesuvius 4 Long Harbour 5 Fernwood 6 SS Connector 9 Ruckle Park – Fulford direct Early service on Saturday is also being added to routes 3, 4 and 5. BC Transit reminds customers that that Free Transit for Children 12 and Under launched on September 1, and more information on …

2021 Federal Election Saanich-Gulf Islands Results - Elizabeth May Wins Reelection

Saanich-Gulf Islands Member of Parliament incumbent Elizabeth May from the Green Party of Canada is the projected winner in this year's Federal Election securing the seat for the 4th consecutive time winning in 2011, 2015, 2019 and now again in 2021. May initially won over Conservative incumbent Gary Lunn in 2011 and has been MP for the riding since that time. Candidates for the riding this year were Ron Broda, People's Party of Canada; David Busch, Conservative Party of Canada; Elizabeth May, Green Party of Canada; Sabina Singh, New Democratic Party; Ryan Windsor, Liberal Party of Canada. See all profiles and coverage of the 2021 Federal Election. Watch the All Candidates Debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKsa7ANxkWo Saanich—Gulf Islands Riding History The electoral district was created in 1987 from Esquimalt—Saanich and Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands ridings. In the 2008 election, there were allegations of electoral fraud around Gary Lunn's campaign.…

Watch: Saanich—Gulf Islands 2021 Federal Election candidates debate

Prospective candidates for the upcoming 2021 Federal Election running for the position of Member of Parliament for our Saanich—Gulf Islands riding gathered on Zoom last for a candidates debate hosted by the Salt Spring Forum. Debate attendees included David Busch from the Conservative Party of Canada, Elizabeth May from the Green Party of Canada, Sherri Moore-Arbour from the Liberal Party of Canada and Sabina Singh from Canada's NDP. The debate was moderated by Salt Spring Island resident Tarah Stafford with questions coming from the community via online chat. The Salt Spring Forum is supported by Country Grocer and the media partner for this debate was the Salt Spring Exchange. Learn more about the candidates running in our riding this year here on the Exchange. https://youtu.be/SK5qm-vh5RI

Provincial government launches COVID-19 BC Vaccine Card

The Province is launching the BC Vaccine Card, a digital or printed document that shows the stage cardholders are at in their COVID-19 vaccine progress. The BC Vaccine Card will allow vaccinated people to conveniently and securely show their proof of vaccination at higher-risk social and recreational events and settings when new COVID-19 vaccine requirement rules take effect on Sept. 13, 2021. This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place. “Getting vaccinated means we can bring people back together and do more, safely, and with confidence that we’re not putting those who aren’t fully vaccinated at risk,” said Premier John Horgan. “We have made the BC Vaccine Card easy for people to get, and easy for businesses to check at a glance. The card is a significant step in getting our economy running on all cylinders, and returning to social events safely with the confidence that those ar…

Campfire ban still in effect for Salt Spring Island and South Island Resource District

Effective Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Standard Time, the campfire prohibition in the Coastal Fire Centre will be lifted in all regions of the jurisdictional area except for the South Island Resource District area. The South Island Resource District covers the southern third of Vancouver Island and from Victoria to Union Bay on the east coast (including Denman, Hornby, Lasqueti, Gabriola, Salt Spring, Pender and other smaller Gulf Islands) and from Victoria to Nootka Sound on the west coast. The population centres include Victoria, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum on the East Coast and Sooke, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield on the West Although fire danger ratings have declined in much of the Coastal Fire Centre region due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that b…

Protect yourself from online scams

The Salt Spring Exchange continues to grow and get used by more and more of our community, visitors and fans of Salt Spring around the world. Regrettably, that also puts us on the radar of people who are known to frequent places like Craigslist for scams and other fraudulent activity. There have been recent reports by the RCMP of scams targeting people looking to rent on Salt Spring. Someone has been contacting people posting on the Exchange looking to rent with offers for rentals and then asking them to send deposit cheques/wire transfers without first seeing the place or meeting the landlord in person. This is a scam. Tips for avoiding scams: Deal locally, face-to-face —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts. Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person. Beware offers involving shipping - deal with locals you can meet in person. Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) - anyone who asks you to is a scammer. Don't accept cashier/cert…

2021 Federal Election Candidate Profile - Sabina Singh

The 2021 Canadian federal election will take place on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 44th Canadian Parliament after Governor General Mary Simon dissolved Parliament on August 15, 2021, at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request. To help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding, we're sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for Sabina Singh, who is running to be the Member of Parliament for our Saanich—Gulf Islands riding with Canada's New Democratic Party. About Sabina Singh The islands and their majestic beauty have been home to me for most of my life. Like any good Islander I spent my youth trying to surf in Tofino and navigate the tides on camping trips. I first had the opportunity to visit Salt Spring Island frequently during my BA at …

2021 Federal Election Candidate Profile - David Busch

The 2021 Canadian federal election will take place on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 44th Canadian Parliament after Governor General Mary Simon dissolved Parliament on August 15, 2021, at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request. To help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding, we're sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for David Busch, who is running to be the Member of Parliament for our Saanich—Gulf Islands riding with the Conservative Party of Canada. About David Busch Currently employed as a Lawyer, David recently started his own law firm based in Saanich. In 2014 he moved to Saanich and has worked with two local law firms before striking out on his own. In his legal profession David worked with the Health Law Institute at the Univ…

Locally elected leadership make appeal to vaccine hesitant

Dear residents of Salt Spring Island, We understand that some Salt Springers are hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. We understand that your body is your own, and that we all look after our bodies in the ways we personally deem as important. This pandemic has shown us that we also have to look after one another. As neighbours, as family and friends, as Salt Springers and Gulf Islanders, we have come together to protect our communities for the past year and a half. We supported our healthcare and frontline workers with a nightly cheer. We checked in on each other when we were all asked to stay home. We are all exhausted by COVID-19, but the pandemic is not over. We are encouraging all our constituents to make community health a top priority by getting vaccinated. As of August 23rd, 71% of eligible Salt Springers have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, this is the second lowest in the Capital Region. Vaccines have dramatically reduced the…

2021 Federal Election Candidate Profile - David Hilderman

The 2021 Canadian federal election will take place on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 44th Canadian Parliament after Governor General Mary Simon dissolved Parliament on August 15, 2021, at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request. To help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding, we're sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for David Hilderman, who is running to be the Member of Parliament for our Saanich—Gulf Islands riding with the People's Party of Canada. About David Hilderman I grew up in Saskatchewan, the second oldest in a family of six boys. I had a lot of fun growing up with all those boys and we have always gotten along great. I started playing guitar and bass at around 10 and played professionally in a band after high school for …

COVID-19: Mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season. A new order from the provincial health officer will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include: malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores; liquor and drug stores; airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres; restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated); on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle; areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided; common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity; common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations; and inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12. This temporar…

Island Health prepares to transition mass immunization clinic operations

After eight months of intense work to immunize as many people as possible against COVID-19, Island Health is preparing to scale back mass immunization clinics - but not before making it easier than ever to be fully vaccinated. For maximum convenience, anyone in need of vaccination can simply find a nearby clinic and walk in without an appointment for their first or second dose. Appointments are also readily available for people who prefer that option, and expert immunizers are ready and willing to support anyone who needs extra time or accommodation during their appointment. “The COVID-19 immunization effort in Island Health and across the province has been a monumental undertaking,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer. “Thanks to the exceptional dedication of Island Health staff and physicians, the unwavering support of community partners and, most importantly, each individual’s commitment to protecting themselves and others from infec…

2021 Federal Election Candidate Profile - Elizabeth May

The 2021 Canadian federal election will take place on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons to the 44th Canadian Parliament after Governor General Mary Simon dissolved Parliament on August 15, 2021, at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request. To help our community get to know the candidates who are running in our riding, we're sharing profiles of each candidate. All candidates have been invited to share a profile with the Salt Spring Exchange and we’ll be featuring profiles on each candidate as they become available. This profile is for Elizabeth May, who is running to be the Member of Parliament for our Saanich—Gulf Islands riding with the Green Party. About Elizabeth May I love Salt Spring Island, but have never lived on the island. I am always amazed at how many people assume that because I am Green, I must live on Salt Spring! Since 2009, I have lived in Sidney, although recently, my husband and I have bought a place on Saturna Island. Just as J…

David Busch to represent the Conservative Party of Canada in Saanich–Gulf Islands

David Busch to represent the Conservative Party of Canada in Saanich–Gulf Islands. At a socially distanced Meeting on Friday, the local Conservative team announced their candidate. “The Saanich Gulf Islands Conservative Association is pleased to announce that David Busch will again be our candidate in the next federal election,” remarked Ryan Trelford, President of the association. Speaking to his supporters, David Busch stated, “I think I speak for all of us here, in our beautiful community, that now is not the time for an election. The delta variant is rearing its ugly head and the last thing people want are politicians speaking at their doorstep.” Busch went on to say, “I personally call on Prime Minister Trudeau to take a deep breath, go for a walk, and cancel the plans for this election. The health and security of our country should not be in limbo for the personal ambitions of the country’s leader.” With speculation of an election call for Sunday running rampant,…

Lady Minto Hospital Foundation Hires New Executive Director, Roberta Martell

The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Roberta Martell as its new Executive Director. Roberta has a master’s degree from Royal Roads University in leadership and training and a 25-year career in community development, social justice, and sustainability. Roberta honed her community building skills working with foundations like the David Suzuki Foundation, and in consulting assignments on affordable housing strategies for Tofino as well as executive director roles for Kluane First Nation in the Yukon and Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group in Victoria. Many will know her as the successful entrepreneur behind the Twig & Buoy. For that project, she built a restaurant to provide housing for her young family. She has a background in running capital campaigns, undertaking board development, organizational analysis, and has built numerous units of affordable housing. “I’m honoured to have been chosen to lead the Lady Minto Hospital Foundat…

Salt Spring Island residents and visitors asked to increase water conservation efforts

As the local government as well as the operator of a number of water utilities on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, the Capital Regional District (CRD) appreciates the efforts made to conserve water to date. However, due to the current high level of sustained drought in the region, the CRD is requesting that residents and visitors increase their efforts to conserve water. Drinking water systems on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are especially vulnerable to drought conditions and the levels in most water supply sources are already low with little or no rain to replenish them in the short-term forecast. In an effort to preserve an adequate drinking water supply, all residents and visitors to Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are encouraged to decrease their indoor water use where possible and stop all outdoor water use with some limited exceptions. These outdoor use guidelines include: No watering of lawns, turf or…

Changes allow for increased housing flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)

New rules will allow property owners in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) increased housing flexibility, helping farmers and non-farmers support their families and businesses in their communities. Options for an additional small secondary home have been added to regulations, allowing farmers and ALR landowners to have both a principal residence and small secondary residence on their property with a streamlined approval process. Only permissions from local government or First Nations government will be required, and there will be no application to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). The additional residence can be used for housing extended family, agritourism accommodation, housing for farm labour or a rental property for supplemental income. There is no longer a requirement that additional residences must be used by the landowner or immediate family members. “Our government’s goal from the outset has been to protect farmland for future generations, so British Col…

Victoria based Rent Bank offers rental supports for low-to-moderate Salt Spring Island income earners

Renters in low-to-moderate income households in the Greater Victoria and Salt Spring Island region now have longer-term access to a rent bank in their community. Started as a pilot program operated by the Community Social Planning Council, this project has been extended to March 2022 with ongoing funding by BC Rent Bank (a project funded by the provincial government), and new funding from United Way Greater Victoria. This funding will enable the Community Social Planning Council to support hundreds of households in the region with loans and/or support services, such as mediation, advocacy, referrals and help with accessing government programs. Households eligible for rent bank services are renters who are struggling to pay rent and/or utilities due to a short-term crisis or unanticipated income shortages. The need for this type of program for the community has grown dramatically in light of COVID-19. Since early 2020, United Way has worked in its capacity as convener and …

Salt Spring artist Connie Kuhns is named as a SSNAP Finalist for 2021/22 Finalist Exhibition

The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) has named the finalists for the 2021/22 biennial competition. Included among the fifty-two artists is Salt Spring’s Connie Kuhns. Her photograph called “Canadian Farmhouse” will be part of the Finalists Exhibition opening on September 24 at historic Mahon Hall. Kuhns learned the good news via an email notification, and was overjoyed, “Honestly, I’m a bit shocked, but I’m very, very happy. Thrilled, actually. And so very grateful to be a part of this island community.” Her photograph was taken on a country road in the Lower Mainland. “The morning I took the photograph, I was out driving around on some back roads down by the Fraser River. Fog, Farmland. I went the wrong way, and there it was. It reminded me of an Andrew Wyeth painting, and at the same time, so very Canadian. So very humble.” Kuhns, who has resided on Salt Spring for nine years says, “As a photographer you always hope that what you are feeling in that moment is con…