Salt Spring News

COVID-19: Southern Gulf Islands Leaders Say Pandemic is Threatening Our Fragile Communities - March 23rd, 2020 - 10:47 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening our fragile Southern Gulf Island communities. The surge of visitors coming to these islands to seek refuge from the pandemic, are potentially compromising the health and well-being of Gulf Islands residents on Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna islands, plus many smaller islands in this region. These rural island communities do not have the appropriate services and emergency resources to deal with an extra 100, 200 or 300 more people. Off-island visitors don’t know if they have been exposed to the virus – our islands cannot provide adequate support. “Today our Islands need to focus on the needs of residents, says Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director – “We need our Gulf Islands precious medical resources for our most vulnerable, especially for those who are immune compromised.” Dave Howe, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area Director, representing Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna islands, urges current visito…

COVID-19: SD64 Suspension Of In-Class Instruction - March 18th, 2020 - 12:06 PM

To the students, staff and families of Gulf Islands School District, Yesterday, the provincial government announced that, effective immediately, in-class instruction for B.C.’s K to 12 learners is suspended indefinitely. This temporary measure, to protect students, staff and the public against the spread of COVID-19, was made in consultation with school districts, stakeholders and the Ministry of Health, and under the direction of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. Minister of Education Rob Fleming made the following declarations: Districts will ensure continuity of educational services as provided for under the School Act. Final grades will be issued for all K to 12 students in British Columbia. All students who are eligible to graduate will graduate this year as expected. Although some graduation assessments will be postponed, students who are on track to graduate will do so. The Ministry of Education is working with post-secondary institutio…

COVID-19: BC Farmers’ Markets Guidance

BC Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) will continue to monitor COVID-19, and update its member farmers’ markets across BC on this issue. We also encourage markets to be proactive and monitor this issue independently. As always, maintaining the health and safety of market organizers, vendors and shoppers is a top priority for all of us. BC Farmers’ Markets Context As our markets operate exclusively in British Columbia, BCAFM will take cues and guidance on COVID-19 from the most relevant sources including the Province of BC and the Federal Government of Canada. The vast majority of BCAFM member markets will launch the 2020 season beginning this May onwards, however, there are number of markets currently operating today during the shoulder season. Things are shifting day by day and we all need to be proactive now and prepare for what could be a more challenging farmers market season. Important Things to Know BC Farmers’ Markets are first and foremost food retail establis…

COVID-19: SD64 Superintendent to Families Regarding

Dear parents, caregivers, and families of Gulf Islands School District, With Spring Break upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to address concerns related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and procedures to help us all navigate this complex and rapidly changing situation. Yesterday, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak to be a global pandemic. Please know that School District 64 is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and is operating under the guidance and recommendation of our Provincial Health Office, the Ministries of Health and Education, and the Government of Canada. To assist school districts in ensuring the safety of students and staff, the following legislation provides direction and authority for action: Federal Government The Quarantine Act provides the authority for Border Services to screen travelers entering/returning to Canada and to impose quarantine as necessary. Provincial Government Th…

Salt Spring Laundromat Has a New Home

Good news! The Wagon Wheel Housing Society is happy to announce that they have signed the lease for the Community Laundromat initiative. The home for the Laundromat is 162 – 150 Fulford-Ganges Road. We would like to thank the property management and owners of Creekside, who have been very supportive and helpful. The Laundromat is a non-profit, community oriented (social enterprise) one at that. It will also be a soap exchange - a place where you can bring your empty soap, shampoo and cleaning product bottles and refill them with green products at a great price. The completed project will also include a wheelchair accessible shower. Salt Spring has not had public laundry services since February 2016! THAT’S 4 YEARS FOLKS!! The Wagon Wheel society has spent much time and energy into looking at a variety of options, including off-grid and mobile alternatives, and we are now confident that this will be the best and most practical solution to meet our community’s needs. …

Salt Spring Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Salt Spring Library

Salt Spring Island Library celebrated 60 years in the community with a 60's themed gala last night with local community members. Staff, board members and CRD staff along with community supports gathered to enjoy music by Doug and the Thugs and to hear about the library history and in particular some of the history and stories of all the work that went into creating the library in its current form McPhillips Avenue. The new library has become a significant community hub as well as library resource space. The library is also home to the Salt Spring Archives. History of the Salt Spring Library In the early 1930s, an actress named Mrs. A. J. Smith opened a pay lending library upstairs in Mouat’s Store. This little library was open several days a week and provided its services at minimal cost. Later, a group of islanders organised a book-lending facility that circulated a collection of books among its members. One of the first books from this collection is in the Salt Spring A…

Defendants Cite Lack of Evidence In Response to Civil Forfeiture of Salt Spring Property Linked to Alleged Stock Fraud

The BC Civil Forfeiture Office has filed a lawsuit seeking to seize a Salt Spring Island property allegedly linked to a large international stock fraud. The lawsuit filed December 11th, 2019 in BC Supreme Court alleges the property located at 391 Baker Road on Salt Spring Island is the proceeds of crime and was used to launder money. The defendants have now submitted responses to the civil claim citing lack of evidence to substantiate the allegation. "The defendant Skye Lee does not have any proprietary or financial interest in the property. As such, the defendant states that this action should be discontinued against him. The defendant has no knowledge of the alleged unlawful scheme referred to in the Notice of Civil Claim. The defendant has not and is not connected to such unlawful scheme and was not a beneficiary of the alleged Unlawful Scheme. Mr. Lee pleads that he has no interest in the property and that the herein action should be discontinued against him and/or di…

Salt Spring Foundation Aims to Strengthen Local Charities

For 36 years the Salt Spring Island Foundation has been supporting the charities that make our island a caring community. Thanks to many generous donors, over 550 grants have been awarded to over 85 local charitable organizations, totalling over $3.3 million. Foundation grants have supported many areas of need and many types of projects and programs, from capital improvements to services and events that engage and assist community members. Other grants have funded projects that aim to strengthen the organizations themselves and help them to better fulfill their mission. This year the Foundation will be putting even more emphasis on strengthening our charities, committing $25,000 to projects that aim to build the capacity of qualified local non-profits. Of that amount, $15,000 will be awarded during the spring grants cycle. Examples of capacity-building activities could include strategic planning, technology upgrades, operational improvements, board development, improvin…

Abandon Proposed Bylaw 512 - It Isn't Part of the Housing Solution

At the January 28th Public Hearing for Bylaw 512, several members of the public criticized the bylaw as ineffective at achieving its stated goal of increasing the supply of long-term, rental housing. Representatives from Salt Spring Solutions spoke-up in opposition to the current iteration of Bylaw 512. They believe the bylaw is too limited and onerous to make any real impact, and that Trust resources should be redirected to other housing work. They noted that the recommendations they had submitted to improve the effectiveness of Bylaw 512 in October 2019 had not been integrated. In fact, few of the housing solutions requested by a coalition of island groups that includes Salt Spring Solutions, the Chamber of Commerce, Transition Salt Spring and the Housing Council have been made it onto any of the Islands Trust actions plans or project lists. About 150 people rallied in front of the Islands Trust Office on November 22, 2019 in support of housing solutions and over 900 re…

Alert: Wet’suwet’en Blockade Against Coastal GasLink Blocks Swartz Bay Ferry Traffic - 2020 January 20 - 7:35 AM

UPDATE: Posted Monday, January 20, 2020 - Update as of 9:00 AM: Please be advised that traffic access to the Swartz Bay terminal has been restored and all sailings to and from the terminal have resumed. Note: This Service Notice applies to the following route(s): Victoria (Swartz Bay) - Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour); Victoria (Swartz Bay) - Southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - Victoria (Swartz Bay) UPDATE: Traffic is now flowing to the terminal, and all vessels departing the terminal will be delayed until the traffic on the highway has cleared. This includes the Fulford Harbour - Swartz Bay ferry. Expect delays this morning and possibly into early afternoon. A blockade in support of Wet’suwet’en against Coastal GasLink has reportedly prevented traffic on Highway 17 from getting to the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. At this time all ferry traffic in and out of Swartz Bay, including Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island ferry t…

Salt Spring and Gulf Islands Real Estate Values Rise 5%

In the next few days, owners of more than 374,600 properties throughout Vancouver Island can expect to receive their 2020 assessment notices, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2019. "The market has stabilized in most areas of Vancouver Island this year," says Vancouver Island Assessor Tina Ireland. "In the south part of Vancouver Island, the majority of residential property values are moving -5% to +5%, while up island the value increases are a little higher. The commercial and industrial markets are generally showing increases over last year's assessments." BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year. Overall, Vancouver Island's total assessments increased from about $246 billion in 2019 to $255 billion this year. A total of almost $4.14 billion of the region's updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and rezoning of properties. BC Assessment's Vancouver Island region includes all communities located within …

Civil Forfeiture Office Seeks Salt Spring Property Linked to Alleged Stock Fraud

Design Concepts Reveal Possible Approach for Fulford Vortex Project

Kirsten Reite Architect design concepts for the proposed Vortex project at the former Fulford Inn site show mixed use commercial and accommodation ideas sited into the geography of the location.

Watch: Harbour Air Test World’s First Electric Beaver Seaplane

Pioneers in powering the electric flight movement, Harbour Air with service to and from Salt Spring Island, and magniX unveiled the world’s first Beaver seaplane retrofitted with a 750 horsepower all-electric magni500 propulsion system this morning in Richmond, BC. The first test flight was captured by enthusiastic supports and media gathered to watch the world’s first Beaver seaplane retrofitted with an electric engine. https://youtu.be/IOWDhYh8t64 https://youtu.be/vf84Wxnbquc https://youtu.be/Cw4ICCyhu_s https://youtu.be/asnpM4UNBR8

New Affordable Homes for Seniors Coming to Salt Spring Island

Seniors with low to middle incomes will soon benefit from 22 new affordable rental homes, as construction begins on the expansion of Croftonbrook. "Seniors deserve to have safe and affordable housing, close to their friends and loved ones, said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Thanks to the partners who have worked to give seniors a good place to call home, our elders can stay in their community. Located at 132 Corbett Rd., Phase 2 of the development will provide 10 studio units and 12 one-bedroom units for seniors. This is such a wonderful announcement, and I raise my hands to everyone who helped make it happen,said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. With more affordable, accessible homes that allow seniors to stay on Salt Spring, our community is made richer and more vibrant. The safety and security of a comfortable home is a human right and I am grateful we have begun to chip…

Watch: Fernwood Combined Choir Sing "Scars to your Beautiful" for CBC Music Challenge

These students are a combined choir from the Grade 3/4/5 classes at both Fernwood and Salt Spring Island Elementary Schools, in Salt Spring Island B.C. Each school, lead by music teacher Whitney Walker, was excited to enter the CBC Challenge, but decided to work together to combine their voices, rather than submit two tapes. They have met weekly at noon for the last month or so in their respective schools, to learn their song. “Scars to Your Beautiful,” by Alessia Cara, was the Canadian selection they chose, because of the beauty of the message; “Just Be Yourself.” Then they came together on taping day, meeting for the very first time, to create their tape together to submit to the Music Challenge as one large choir. What a great experience it was singing together! https://youtu.be/tcP8gzNg3u0

Former Salt Spring Priest Was Convicted Sex Criminal

In the fall of 2018 following the disclosure of global sexual abuse by clergy and on the advice and prompting of some victim-survivors as well as many others searching for justice, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, appointed a Committee to conduct a file review of historical cases of sexual abuse by clergy who served or resided in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The first step consisted of three members of the Committee — two lawyers, together with the Archdiocesan lawyer and Chair of the Committee — beginning the work of reviewing files dealing with known historical cases of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. These lawyers compiled summaries of each case. On Saturday, 27 October 2018 the Committee members gathered for the first time to begin the work of discussing findings, seeking ways to improve protocols, and exploring improved practices of outreach and care for the victim-survivors. At each of the Committee meetings, case summaries of each file were presen…

Breaking: Elizabeth May Steps Down as the Leader of The Green Party of Canada

“Effective today, I am no longer leader of the Green Party of Canada,” said announcing her resignation. “I wanted to choose a moment when we had a lot of success before leaving.” Effective today May is no longer the leader of the Green Party of Canada. The new acting leader is Jo-Ann Roberts. May will be staying on as Parliamentary Leader and the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

“Effective today, I am no longer leader of the Green Party of Canada,” said @ElizabethMay announcing her resignation. “I wanted to choose a moment when we had a lot of success before leaving.” #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/zdewK28iik

— Power & Politics (@PnPCBC) November 4, 2019

Detailed: Martin Galen Vandenberg Not Criminally Responsible in Death of Mother

Read the full detailed judgment that found Martin Galen Vandenberg not criminally responsible in the death of his mother. The identity of the deceased in the death on Salt Spring Island that occurred on Dec 6th, 2017 was confirmed to be that of 47 year old Heather Jones. 22 year old Martin Galen Vandenberg was released from police custody and was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. Mr. Vandenberg was suffering from a serious mental disorder at the time he killed his mother, and was not capable of knowing that what he was doing was morally wrong. The judgement also details a problematic pattern of cannabis use that lead to clinically significant impairment or distress and that there was ample evidence that schizophrenia existed in the absence of cannabis. He was under the delusional belief that killing his mother would save her from a worse fate.

DETAILED JUDGEMENT

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

…

Healthy Ways to Deal with Anxiety with Salt Spring's John Bateman

Join host Elizabeth Heinz and guests Judith Law and Salt Spring Island's John Bateman from Anxiety Canada, to understand what anxiety disorders are and how to recognize when help is needed. https://youtu.be/91no0Qek3Eg Q&A with John Bateman, Anxiety Canada Champion How did you get involved with Anxiety Canada? I met Judith (Anxiety Canada Executive Director) through the Robert Bateman Foundation which I’m Chair. My enthusiasm for mental health and your organization resonated with Judith, so she immediately asked me to be a Champion. How has anxiety impacted your life? I’ve dealt with anxiety my entire life – it started at a young age. At the time, there wasn’t a system in place for anyone – let alone children, but, my mom recognized it and helped me a lot. I started having panic attacks that were brought on by stressful events. I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder in high school, and I also battled depression. There’s a lot that I blocked out abou…

Student Vote Canada 2019 - How Would/Did They Vote?

More than 1.1 million elementary and secondary school students from 8,000 schools participated in Student Vote Canada 2019. Votes were cast in all 338 ridings. More than 1.1 million elementary and secondary school students participated in Student Vote Canada 2019, coinciding with the 2019 federal election. After learning about the electoral process, researching the parties and platforms, and debating Canada’s future, students cast their ballots for the official candidates running in their school’s riding. 1,181,053 votes were reported from 7,855 schools, with results from 338 federal ridings. The Liberal Party took 22.3% of the popular vote and won 110 seats, forming a minority government. Justin Trudeau won in his riding of Papineau. The NDP will form the official opposition with 24.8% of the popular vote and 99 seats. Jagmeet Singh won his seat in Burnaby South. The Conservative Party took 25.1% of the popular vote and won 94 seats. Andrew Scheer won his s…