Business & Economy

Agreement Reopens Direct-to-Consumer B.C. Wine Sales to Alberta

A new agreement between British Columbia and Alberta means B.C. wineries can again ship their products directly to Alberta consumers, reopening a vital sales and tourism channel for B.C.’s wine industry. “B.C. wines are world-class and should be enjoyed across Canada and around the world,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “Today's agreement ends the temporary ban on direct sales to customers in Alberta, and that's a win for B.C.’s grape growers and wineries, as well as a win for Albertans who have excellent taste in wine.” British Columbia and Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding, which will provide a path forward for B.C. wineries to sell directly to customers in Alberta. “People around the world are eager to enjoy our award-winning wines from B.C.,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “This agreement is great news for our wineries and for all those Albertans who want the freedom to choose the wines they want. Our wine sector underpins so much mo…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes the Chamber

June 14 Eleven (including the fun addition of Jason’s young ones) joined us at this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome our Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce’s new Executive Director, Matthew Quetton, and new President, Jason Roy-Allen. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Jason and Matthew told us a bit about themselves and what “excites and delights" them. Jason began by telling us that, a new arrival to Salt Spring, he and his wife own Hen and Hound Farm (complete with farm stand and B&B), the Brasserie (the old Fernwood Café), and, most recently, the Feast (the old House Piccolo). An experienced startup entrepreneur, he places community - people living with people - high on his list of priorities. He is “excited and delighted” by the new direction the Chamber is taking, fueled by its new Directors, new values, and new ideas. Characterizing the former Chamber as struggling to find priorities and value to the business community, he believes it had been struggling lar…

This Tourist Season Brings a Change for B.C. Liquor Manufacturers

New policy will help B.C. liquor manufacturers enhance visitor experiences As the summer tourism season approaches, British Columbia’s wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries are gearing up to offer enhanced tour and service experiences for visitors. “Recent years have been difficult for wineries and tourism across the province, and we are taking action to support these valuable businesses,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The changes we are making will create better experiences for visitors of wineries and liquor manufacturers across the province, helping them – and all of B.C. – to be a more competitive and desirable destination for visitors. ” In response to industry feedback, the Province has implemented a suite of policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at wineries and other liquor-manufacturing sites this summer. Improvements to the customer experience include: - allowing people to sit and enjoy samples wh…

Windsor Plywood Salt Spring announces new business partners

Windsor Plywood Salt Spring is excited to welcome Adam Geddes and Jess Harkema as new business partners alongside Mike Stefancsik, Ken Marr and Gordon McEwan. Adam came to Windsor Plywood with 15+ years of experience in the hardware and building supply industry, starting his career with Home Hardware then Dick’s Lumber. Adam and his wife moved to Salt Spring just before the onset of the pandemic. He was a key team member in supporting the business through those challenging times. Jess comes from a business background both in education and having owned her own business. In 2019, she returned to Salt Spring, where she was born and raised, for her previous role at the Chamber of Commerce. She joined Windsor Plywood in 2021, where she has been learning the industry and business inside and out. Both Adam and Jess have been in leadership roles within Windsor Plywood since 2021, and helped to ensure the business survived the devastating fire in June 2021. They have succeed…

2023 Country Grocer 'Me & My Pet' Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered our 2023 Country Grocer 'Me & My Pet' Photo Contest hosted in partnership with the Salt Spring Exchange! We've randomly selected our three winners! Check out all the wonderful entries below and scroll to the bottom to find out if you won! ------------------ Maybe it’s a hamster, a rooster, some donkeys, a dog, a new kitten or even a turtle. Our pets enrich our lives. Country Grocer’s Pet Food Department and the Salt Spring Exchange want to celebrate National Pet Day with a Photo Contest. It’s a great excuse to show Salt Spring the pets we love. We want you in the photo too! Have a look at all the entries received so far below. So please send us a photo of you and your pet using the form below and we’ll put it up on the Salt Spring Exchange for all to see. Check back here regularly to see the approved entries as they are submitted. At noon on Monday, April 10th, 2023, we’ll randomly choose the three winners and announce them here on…

Crofton mill gets workers back on the job with provincial, federal funding

More than 100 jobs will resume at Paper Excellence’s Crofton Mill facility, resulting from a partnership and funding from the provincial and federal governments, as the mill retools to manufacture new pulp products that reduce the need for single-use plastics. “Our investment is the result of governments and business collaborating to innovate and create new, sustainable opportunities in forestry,” said Premier David Eby. “By working together we can find solutions to the pressing challenges faced by many forestry workers and communities.” The Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada are contributing a combined $18.8 million to join with Paper Excellence’s investment that will result in more than 100 people getting back to work at Crofton’s paper line. “This is good news for workers, their families and the people of Crofton,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We understand there is more work to be done to suppo…

Gulf Islands property assessments increase an average of 11% in 2023

In the next few days, owners of about 384,000 properties throughout Vancouver Island can expect to receive their 2023 assessment notices, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2022. The typical home in the Gulf Islands has an assessed value of $876,000, up from $789,000 in 2021. The highest-value home on Salt Spring Island located on Scott Point Dr. is currently assessed at $13,196,000. “Homeowners across Vancouver Island can generally expect about 10% to 20% rise in assessment values with a few exceptions," says Vancouver Island Deputy Assessor Jodie MacLennan. “While the current real estate market has been trending downwards, it is important to consider that 2023 assessments are based on what your home could have sold for as of July 1, 2022, when the market was performing higher." As B.C.'s provider of property assessment information, BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year. BC Assessment cautioned late last year that ass…

2023 BC Assessments generally expected to see 5 to 15% rise in assessed values

Based on trends in the real estate market as of July 1, 2022, most homes are expected to be up in value with the soon-to-be-released 2023 property assessments. "Most homeowners around the province can generally expect about a 5 to 15% rise in assessment values when they receive their notices in early January," says Assessor Bryan Murao. “I want to emphasize that assessments are based on July 1 values of this year, meaning that when similar properties were sold up to and around July 1, those market value sales are used to calculate your assessed value." “Since July 1, we know that the real estate market has changed as interest rates continue to rise and overall sales volume has declined," adds Murao. “As a result, your next property assessment will likely be higher than what the current market value might be, but that will be the same for everyone." “An increase in assessment value does not, however, necessarily result in an increase in property taxes. Taxes are typical…

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…

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,…

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…

How to ‘Love Local’ across the Southern Gulf Islands - Enjoy rural recreation on Pender Island

As part of our first regional ‘Love Local’ campaign, the Chambers of Commerce from Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, and Salt Spring invite you to shop, eat, and stay where your heart is—across the Southern Gulf Islands. Our first stop is Pender Island; come along. A mix of the charming, modern, and pastoral, Pender Island shares the lush forests and picturesque coves that are common across our five islands. With casual rolling farmlands, small mountains boasting unmatched views, and the most public beach access points of any of the gulf islands, it’s an impressive destination for a weekend away. Better yet, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for even longer. If you’re the type to stretch your sea legs, check out Pender Island Kayak Adventures at Port Browning Marina. Offering both rentals and tours, their safety knowledge and friendly demeanour will make sure your day is non-stop fun. For a different perspective, or longer camps and retreats, contact …

This Winter, ‘Love Local’ across the Southern Gulf Islands

Have you ever walked into a small, locally-owned business and enjoyed a warm welcome and a friendly conversation? Have you left with a hike recommendation, a tip on an upcoming event, or a unique, handmade item? This kind of interaction is exactly what you can expect at the small businesses across the Southern Gulf Islands. It’s more than a transaction, it’s an experience in community connection. This year, for the first time, the Chambers of Commerce from Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, and Salt Spring have come together in support of Love Local, a joint effort to foster a sustainable, creative and exciting future for our interconnected communities and to help all those who love our islands participate in keeping them special. Though separated by channels and passes, the familiar sense of boundless imagination and unfiltered innovation can be found in every one of our communities. It’s part of why we love it here. And it’s the creativity and the vision of our artisans, …

Salt Spring Island's first licensed retail cannabis store 'Harvest Moon' opening soon

The seasoned retail team behind the new Harvest Moon is excited to announce that they are opening the Island’s first licensed retail cannabis store at 366 Lower Ganges Road. Located at the south end of the Country Grocer shopping plaza, Harvest Moon has completed its modern and engaging renovations and is busily stocking the store for business with a wide range of available product offerings. Salt Spring Islander and Store Manager, Mike Burd, says “Harvest Moon’s friendly and enthusiastic team will provide a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable cannabis and related-products shopping experience for all adults.” Mike is an experienced retail manager who was most recently the bulk foods manager for Country Grocer. He has been taking various cannabis training courses during the past two years, and his newly hired team members have all completed their “Selling it Right” training for cannabis. Harvest Moon has common ownership with the Country Grocer, Country Grocer Pharmacy, and …

Property assessments on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands increase an average of 35% over previous year

In the next few days, owners of about 382,000 properties throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands can expect to receive their 2022 assessment notices, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2021. “Vancouver Island’s real estate market has increased in value across all property types over the past year,” says Vancouver Island Deputy Assessor Jodie MacLennan. “Increases of 15 to 35 percent are generally evident for single family dwellings, strata homes, industrial and commercial properties throughout the island with notably larger percent increases in both central and northern Vancouver Island communities.” As B.C.'s trusted provider of property assessment information, BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year. Overall, Vancouver Island’s total assessments increased from about $269 billion in 2021 to $343 billion this year. Over $4.85 billion of the region’s updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and the…

Our first clear win on housing

Folks, it’s been a long and winding road, but today we finally have something to celebrate on housing! After years of pressure from people like you, the Local Trust Committee (LTC) finally passed some significant motions last week that should have a positive impact on our workforce housing crisis. This is a huge win and we need to celebrate success!!! Stepping back for a bit, the Islands Trust itself had written many reports over the past 20 years on things it could do to support affordable and workforce housing. The problem was, few to none of the recommendations were ever implemented. Our group presented a comprehensive list of changes in July 2019 that they could make immediately without changing our Official Community Plan. Two years later, none of these had been implemented. All the while, the pandemic accelerated the trends of unaffordability and lack of housing supply for the working and middle class, creating the breakdown in the community we see today. …

Salt Spring Coffee Celebrates 25 Years of Roasting Sustainable Coffee

It was in 1996 that Salt Spring Coffee first opened the doors to its roastery café on McPhillips Avenue in Ganges. Now, a quarter century later, the company is still going strong with a recently renovated café and kitchen and a well-deserved reputation for brewing some of the best coffee on the West Coast. To mark its 25th anniversary and, in keeping with its focus on sustainability, the company is launching a limited-edition collection of single-origin coffees grown using regenerative organic agricultural practices. Each coffee in the collection is produced from the same beans, but processed differently allowing coffee drinkers to appreciate how each method influences the coffee’s flavour. “To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we wanted to put together a collection that exemplifies Salt Spring Coffee’s dedication to producing coffee of the highest quality and acting as a force for positive environmental change,” says Mickey McLeod, Co-Founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffe…

Is this #GoodbyeSaltspring?

Life for most of us here has been pretty hard since the pandemic. Particularly for many who were just barely making island life work before Covid, the combination of forces that smacked into the whole world has made life even more difficult for many on Salt Spring. "I am living in a mobile home with my two kids for $1,700 a month. I can barely afford gas and food, and I work more than full time hours. I barely get to hang out with my kids because I am working so much just to keep a roof over their head." In the past 3 years of working on the issue, I’ve come to learn more about the drivers of our housing crisis than I ever really wanted to. From the wider trends of what happens to desirable communities when market forces are allowed to run without any controls, to all the ways the Islands Trust, CRD, North Salt Spring WaterWorks, and even private homeowners contribute to our very local version of the problem here. “We have moved nine times. Lived in a one room vacation re…

Islands Trust Reopen their Gabriola, Salt Spring and Victoria Offices

The public is again welcome to visit Islands Trust offices in person with the reminder that masks and physical distancing are continued requirements. Islands Trust doors are open at all three office locations: Gabriola Island, Salt Spring Island, and Victoria. At this time, each Islands Trust office has different days and times of opening and capacity limits: Salt Spring Office Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4: 30 p.m. 1 – 500 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island Maximum two people in addition to staff “We’re pleased to welcome people back into our offices,” shared Russ Hotsenpiller, Chief Administrative Officer, Islands Trust. “Face-to-face contact has been missed, but it hasn’t curtailed our activity. Since the pandemic started, Islands Trust has experienced a surge of development applications resulting in longer processing times. Staff is working to maximum capacity, and there is a backlog. If you’re considering a development application submission, please un…

COVID-19: Temporary Closure of Black Sheep Books Due to COVID-19 Exposure

Black Sheep Books has been closed temporarily. One of our staff has tested positive for COVID-19. The Ministry of Health has been in contact with and advised all our staff and those directly affected. We have been, and are following all their suggested protocol. After asking the numerous health officials I’ve spoken with over the last 2 days, they were of the opinion that anyone who was in the store from Thursday, March 18th, 2021 onward, (the infectious period prior to symptoms), are not considered at risk if they wore masks, maintained a 6 foot separation and did not have more than 15 minutes of open face to face contact with staff. If you were in the store during those times, and have questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider as to how you need to proceed. Despite the Ministry advising me that we did not have to do anything else above quarantine, do a deep cleanse to the store, and close for a couple days, we will remain closed until we feel it i…

2021 Saturday Market in the Park Opening Plan Now Includes Non-food Vendors

Our "Make It, Bake It, Grow It" Saturday Market in the Park begins on April 3rd, 2021 from 9AM - 4PM with limited capacity. Operating with safety protocols in place, the market will offer farm produce, prepared foods and non-food items that meet safety standards set by the Provincial Health Officer. Artisan vendors are now permitted under the March 18, 2021 Provincial Health Orders. The market will follow the provincial health guidelines for vendors concerning food prep and selling of high risk and low risk foods. "This is really big news! It is with so much excitement and my absolute pleasure to inform you that as of March 18, 2021 updated Public Health Orders have confirmed that all Vendors are being welcomed back to this season's market. This is a great way to kick off a new market season!" - Dawn Larden, Salt Spring Market in the Park Coordinator The Capital Regional District SSI Market in the Park website will be updated later this morning to reflect the change. …