Community Contributed

Transition Salt Spring Supports Lifting of Water Moratorium

Walk through Ganges any night, and you’ll find a quiet, largely empty village. The low population in our village core is puzzling, given that compact towns promote efficient public infrastructure and reduce emissions. The scattered rural development we see in our own community, by comparison, results in fewer trees to lower summer temperatures and soak up carbon, and higher carbon emissions due to the transportation required to move people and goods back and forth from those our scattered dwellings. Additionally, behind locations like Country Grocer, you’ll see fifth-wheel RVs occupied by island workers unable to find suitable housing nearby. This reflects our community's failure to plan for diverse housing options. The moratorium imposed by North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) in 2014 was initially justified due to concerns about unsustainable water withdrawals from St. Mary Lake. However, it has hindered the development of compact, environmentally friendly mul…

Wish List Planning - Salt Spring's Official Community Plan

Salt Spring is about to embark on a “targeted update” of its Official Community Plan, and the proposed changes are far from modest—they could transform the island in ways few would have imagined possible, and spell the end of the Islands Trust in all but name. This coming Wednesday and Friday, the Islands Trust is inviting island residents to give their opinion on “what makes a complete community.” It sounds like a trip to the promised land, but be careful what you wish for! The “complete communities” assessment covers topics such as housing, transportation, employment opportunities, services and amenities. But there is a problem: the process, especially for housing, is starting with a wish list rather than a community discussion of growth parameters which are essential in a protected area. In other words, we are invited to shop at the candy store without being told how much money there is to spend. On Salt Spring, the development budget is not as large as those in oth…

Celebrating 25 Years of the Gulf Islands International Student Program

Celebrating 25 Years of the Gulf Islands International Student Program (GIISP) by Steve Dawson In 1999, Gulf Island Secondary School had a problem. Unlike the colourful mosaics and stained-glass windows in the building’s modern design, GISS students had little diversity and came largely from the same ethnic backgrounds. While global awareness and cultural understanding were key values held by the school, they were not exactly reflected in reality. To address this, Scott Bergstrome, then Vice Principal, developed the Gulf Islands International Student Program (GIISP). Bergstrome led the program as Director and brought Sheri Wakefield on board as Homestay and Student Services Coordinator. They launched GIISP by welcoming 118 students from Kobe, Japan, for a 10-day visit to the island and school. This initial challenge ended up being a glowing success. The team soon followed up with a second achievement: the first full-time international student at GISS. And with each foll…

Local Parents Brutally Honest in Podcast about Parenting

Kate Nash, lead facilitator and program coordinator at The Circle Education, hosted a podcast series about parenting. For the Parent Project Podcast, Kate sat in circle with new and seasoned parents, as well as grandparents to talk about one of the most important but also hardest jobs in the world: parenting. Because let’s be honest: every parent makes mistakes and struggles. Kate, mom of three teenagers, is the first to admit that parenting is not easy. Facilitating the Circle Education’s podcast series for parents, helped her to reflect on her own parenting and to make positive changes in her practices. “The other participants offered me compassion and a deeper insight into my actions in relationship to my children. Talking about my struggles left me feeling relieved. It was a stepping stone to change in my family.” While she thought her role in the circle was to facilitate, little did Kate realize how it would impact her own experience. “Being in this circle with ot…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes the Chuan Society

June 28 Twenty-one gathered to welcome the Chuan Society to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. Special guests included chairperson Kajin Goh, council members Lauren Porter, Jenny McClean, and Stephen Carey, and Gabriel’s Kitchen team members Cheryl Roehlig, Kristin Norget, and Keith Delaney. After his Territorial Acknowledgment (suggesting that Land and People Honouring might be an added term), Kajin spoke of his “excitement and delight” with the “People Power” being created from small seeds. These seeds are continuously nurtured by the excitement, energy, and hard work of so many volunteers, many of who had joined us for this conversation. Working alongside a non-hierarchical Chuan Council of nine are many optimistic volunteers working on multiple projects through our community. So, tell us a bit about the Chuan Society (https://www.facebook.com/chuansociety/). Originating as a citizen journalism project — the Chuan Chronicle — the Chuan Society was formed in 2017 in response…

Salt Spring Island's Repair Cafe: A Community Comes Together to Fix, Reuse, and Revive!

Over the weekend, Salt Spring Island witnessed an inspiring gathering of over 20 devoted volunteers at the Repair Cafe. With their unwavering skills and dedication, they came together to assist approximately 80 islanders, repairing over 100 items, completely free of charge. The Repair Cafe bustled with activity as locals streamed in with an eclectic array of items, including lamps, toasters, portable players, food processors, iPhones, and even a sewing machine. Textile fixers were on hand to mend clothes, accessories, and even socks for darning. Additionally, volunteers addressed bike tune-ups, brake repairs, and punctures and offered a sharpening station for knives and garden tools. With an impressive success rate exceeding 80%, the Repair Cafe team showcased their expertise and commitment to sustainability. But what exactly is a Repair Cafe? It's more than just a place to fix your broken items for free. It's a hub of community and skill-sharing. Here are seven compellin…

Transition Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands Secondary School Team Up for Earth Day!

In honour of Earth Day on April 22, the Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS) Environment Club and Transition Salt Spring's (TSS) Climate Coach team collaborated on two impactful events designed to ignite a spark of positive change among students. The week started with a presentation to students and staff, "Climate Change: What Does it Mean to Me?" from TSS's Andria Scanlan and Kelda Logan. "We discussed why so many of us feel paralyzed when it comes to taking action on climate change, the impact of our choices and actions in southwestern B.C., and plenty of practical solutions for personal action that students and their families can take right away to make a real difference," explains Andria. The presenters discussed one of the most important steps we can all take–prolonging the life of the "stuff" we already have. It's not just the three Rs anymore but rather Repair, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Regift, and Redistribute! With that in mind, the second event of the week translat…

21st Annual Community Award: Salt Springer's Life Long Work is Recognized

Vancouver, BC (April 24, 2024) Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today named the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award. The program, presented by BC Achievement – an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province – recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities “Community Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions in making life better through innovation, dedication, and volunteerism,” said Premier David Eby. “From young leaders to experienced organizers, from entrepreneurs to educators, this year’s honorees show us the benefits of working together to build a happier, healthier and stronger British Columbia. Their good works are an inspiration to us all.” “In this year’s award program, we’re especially honoured to recognize emerging leaders for the first time, alongside our esteemed recipients,…

Opinion: More than just ruffled feathers

In the past couple years there has been a lot of crowing on this island about the so-called “rooster wars,” with the majority of this community laughing at the issue and rolling their eyes. Must be nice when the biggest problem you face is a couple roosters, right? While calling something a silly name might make for an attention-grabbing headline, it also minimizes the seriousness of the situation and frames the people involved as insignificant. This isn’t about the benefits of roosters — the pros and cons have been written about far and wide, both on this island as well as by agriculture and food security experts. The issue has evolved into a widespread one about what you can and cannot do with property you bought, according to the zoning laws governing that property. The issue should really be framed as “Should the CRD be allowed to strong-arm you, even though what you’re doing is legal?” Makes for a less catchy headline but it’s also something this community would l…

Transformative Repair Cafe event empowers community

Salt Spring Island recently witnessed a transformative event as Transition Salt Spring (TSS) hosted a Repair Cafe at the Salt Spring Public Library this past weekend. In a world overrun by fast fashion and disposable goods, this gathering showcased a commitment to sustainability as Islanders learned to repair and rejuvenate cherished items, steering away from the throwaway culture. A team of passionate volunteers demonstrated their skills, exemplifying the heart of the Repair Cafe. Islanders of all ages arrived with a diverse array of items, from lamps and toasters to clothing and electronics, seeking to extend the lifespan of their belongings. One attendee, Kathleen Maser, expressed her joy at being able to repair a beloved purse she had cherished for over three decades. "I've had this beloved purse for a long time. The strap broke six months ago, but the rest was still in perfect condition. I would never have thrown it out," Kathleen remarked, emphasizing the import…

Opinion: Part 3 - Should Salt Spring Ratepayers have a choice in the design and build of our New Fire Hall?

Does the current Firehall Plan that the Chair of the SSI Fire Improvement District (SSIFID) - Board of Trustees has tabled have the Ratepayers of Salt Spring Island needlessly committed to a 2 Bay, 11,500 Sq Ft Fire Hall at a cost of $20.6 Million? This was brought up by a Fellow Ratepayer who is concerned about costs as well. If the Cumberland Fire Hall Plan was chosen, it immediately provides a cost saving of $4 Million to the Chair’s Plan. Here’s the interesting part, the reduction in debt financing on $4 Million over a 20 year amortization period saves Ratepayers approximately $4 Million. Total cost saving of ~$8 Million Dollars for Salt Spring Ratepayers. With the current inflation situation and the housing crisis, this not an insignificant cost saving that our Fire Board Chair refuses to acknowledge. Our Fire Hall is quickly garnering the dubious distinction of being the most costliest Rural - 2 Bay Firehall not only in BC but Canada and quite possibly North America. …

Cedars of Tuam Well runs low... again

The Cedars of Tuam community water system, which services 17 households along Roland Road at the South End, is once again in serious trouble due to drought. And the CRD, which took over operation of the system in 2005, is struggling to sort things out. Water was delivered to top up the reservoir last Friday, October 20 after the water level in the single well ran low and matters were complicated by long-standing issues with sand and grit. It seems that recent rains, at least prior to this week’s downpour, have done little to recharge the aquifer that feeds the well. CRD Director Gary Holman believes climate change is playing a role: “The well has always been marginal,” he said, “but the situation has been exacerbated by climate change.” He added that “it’s part of a broader drying trend in the region,” and that numerous private wells on the island have also been impacted. Supporting this observation are Water Service Commission meeting minutes stating “climate change note…

Salt Spring Solutions launches community dialogue on housing solutions

With the release of the first public information video today, local non-profit Salt Springs Solutions launches its public engagement series, Solutions In Action!, aimed at creating positive dialogue on Salt Spring’s housing front. With a focus on respectful fact-based dialogue the organization plans to bring complex issues and solutions to the public in an entertaining and understandable way, to encourage development of community-led solutions that are equitable and environmentally-conscious. The series begins with a video on ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units), which you can watch below. Salt Spring Solutions welcomes your questions and contributions to the conversation on its website, which has loads of information and hosts a community forum. Future videos in the series will be based on the organization’s integrated housing framework, called Homes For Islanders, available in full or in summary at the organization’s website. Salt Spring Solutions will also be putting free …

ASK Salt Spring with Cycling Salt Spring discussing active transportation, cycling safety and more

Only seven came to welcome Island Pathways’ President, Bob MacKie, board member Margaretha Nordine, and Treasurer Luke Campbell of its Cycling Salt Spring committee. While the numbers were small, the conversation was rich, and all had the opportunity to participate. Our Territorial Acknowledgment morphed into a brief exploration of some of the events in our colonial history that set the stage for our need to reconcile injustices. Soon, though, we launched into our topic at hand: the many exciting projects of Island Pathways: Celebrating its 35th year, Island Pathways has been the driving force behind safer walking and cycling on Salt Spring since 1988. Partners Creating Pathways (PCP), an Islands Pathways committee, created our pathway network around Ganges. By 2017, PCP had completed its commitment to create the 10-section Ganges Village Pathway Network. This over five kilometer network of pathways cost local taxpayers only $250,000, a fraction of the cost paid by other com…

Opinion: Preparing ourselves in case of a wildfire on Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island residents and visitors are experiencing dryer and warmer spring- and summer seasons. Studies show that over much of the island, we have a moderate fire risk in our forest areas and the warming climate will increase the possibility of a massive wildfire occurring on our island. One can read a lot about reducing wildfire risk by reducing the amount of flammable dead brush in our forests. But despite these efforts, sometime in the future, we will face a serious wildfire. Anyone taking a walk through island wooded areas will see burnt stumps from previous wildfires. It only takes a spark from lightning or overhead transmission lines to start a wildfire. Human causes are also a risk due to a campfire not being completely put out or a careless smoker or an intentional act by a pyromaniac. If a wildfire were to start and grow exponentially, do you know what to do? Situations like the Lahaina wildfire show that urgent action is sometimes needed with only a few min…

Salt Spring Island Cycling Safety Review Freedom of Information support needed

In the last few years, the B.C. government has added “bulk contracts”, as I call them, to its way of procuring contractors. The specifics of work given via these sweetheart deals aren’t listed on Bid BC or in Civic Info BC, as is required of all other procurements awarded for goods & services over $10,000. To find out, in this instance, how much the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure’s 2023 May “Salt Spring Island Cycing Safety Review” cost to produce, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request is required. I filed one this past January, asking also for the Terms of Reference for the contract and all relevant correspondence -- likely just a few e-mails -- to get a bit more about instructions, limitations, etc. This report was promised last September, but wasn’t completed until 2023 March. MoTI then planned to publish it this coming November, hence I did another FOI request to see it asap, since it was done, just not available. MoTI posted it online in early May, aft…

ASK Salt Spring with CRD Director Gary Holman on Local Community Commission progress

Ten joined us to welcome CRD’s Gary Holman at this ASK Salt Spring gathering. After his Territorial Acknowledgement, Gary spoke of the progress made in the first two Local Community Commission meetings, gradually adjusting to being one of five making decisions about the majority of Salt Spring CRD services but also appreciating being part of a hard-working team. (NOTE: The inaugural meeting, June 20, lasted five hours and was largely focused on administrative requirements such as the formal swearing-in and orientation by CRD staff: CAO Ted Robbins, Corporate Services Manager, Kristen Morley, and Salt Spring Manager Karla Campbell. In addition to this orientation, some progress was made understanding meeting procedures as well as planning future meetings. The second meeting, July 11, invited commissioners from the dissolved island-wide commissions, Parks and Recreation, Community Economic Sustainability, Liquid Waste, and Transportation, to review their progress and sugges…

Opinion: Testing the Waters

In response to the Driftwood’s July 12, 2023 “Testing the Waters” editorial, Clean and Safe Harbours Initiative (CASHI) members would like to make the following comments. CASHI members think it’s terrific, as does the Driftwood, that the June 21, 2023 Island Health/CRD fecal matter water test results show that at Centennial Park bulkhead and Churchill Beach enterococci levels are “safe for swimming.” This does not mean that there is no fecal matter in the water, as the Driftwood points out, but that it is not “unsafe” for swimming. A regular water quality monitoring program for Ganges Harbour is long overdue, of course, given that our harbour is permanently closed for shellfish harvesting because of the risk of sanitary contamination. As the Driftwood points out, no doubt human waste and garbage are being dumped into our harbours and that this pollution comes from both liveaboards and transient vessels. The Driftwood also notes there are derelict boats in our harbours at …

Opinion: Clarity about the Clean and Safe Harbours Initiative

The recent Driftwood editorial indicates there is confusion about the Clean and Safe Harbours Initiative (CASHI). We appreciate the nearly unanimous support for our proposal expressed at the Local Trust Committee meeting of June 22. Since that time that some people have raised legitimate concerns and questions about CASHI, which we welcome and which we wish to address. Let’s start with some facts about existing bylaws: Current Islands Trust Bylaw 355 makes living on vessels in our harbours illegal, except for licensed commercial fishing vessels and security personnel at a public docking facility. Section 3.2.1 of that same bylaw prohibits the disposal of any waste on land or in marine areas in all Islands Trust zones. According to bylaw 446, current penalties include fines of $350 to $5,000 per day for violations. During COVID, Islands Trust adopted resolution SS-2020-145 stating that enforcement of the “no dwelling on vessels” law would be deferred for dwelli…

Opinion: Bylaw 530 – Going for Growth

Proposed Bylaw 530 will affect vast numbers of lots on Salt Spring. We don’t yet know exactly how many because the 5215 figure provided by the Islands Trust apparently needs some adjustment. But we do know that, if the zoning changes proceed as discussed, thousands of additional lots will be allowed to have an Accessory Dwelling Unit - either a secondary suite or detached dwelling. Adding so many potential new densities to the island is a gross violation of our Official Community Plan. Policy B.2.1.2.1 of our OCP states: “Zoning changes should be avoided if they would likely result in a larger island population than is expected under the development potential zoned in 2008. Exceptions to this policy are to be few and minor and only to achieve affordable housing and other objectives of this Plan.” The word “population” signals that the most significant environmental impacts come not from the number of lots, but from the number of people. Adding more dwellings to existing l…

Safe And Clean Harbours Initiative strongly supported

The Safe and Clean Harbours Initiative, aiming to clean up Salt Spring’s harbours, is widely supported by islanders, according to a representative poll taken among Salt Spring Insights panelists in May. Seven in ten residents support the Safe and Clean Harbours Initiative (35% strongly support and 36% somewhat support). About one in eight residents oppose it (12%), and a further one fifth (18%) are unsure about support or opposition. Glenn Stevens, the coordinator of the initiative, explained that “The polling we’ve done confirms what we heard from so many citizens about the need for doing something and not simply ignoring the worsening environmental situation that has been allowed to go on and on for far too long in our harbours and adjoining waterfronts.” The initiative will be presented to Islands Trust June 22, setting out standards for disposal of waste by revising the bylaws that are currently in place (but not being enforced), and legitimizing live aboard resident…