Fire & Police

Salt Spring Fire May 11th on West Eagle Drive

Salt Spring Island Fire responded to a report of an outbuilding on fire in the 300 block of West Eagle Drive on Saturday May 11th. An RV and a nearby storage shed were consumed with flames that extended into the surrounding trees and ground cover. Crews were able to knock down and control the spread of the fire with handline attacks from two apparatus. Water was supplied to the scene using a Tender Shuttle operation that Fire Department members train on regularly. Fifteen Firefighters were on scene with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Government increasing spend on Gang Violence in BC

Since 2003, gang-related homicides in British Columbia have risen, climbing from 21% of B.C. homicides to 46% in 2023. Gang-related homicides present unique challenges due to evidence tampering and witness reluctance, making them more time-consuming and resource-intensive to investigate. As of December 2023, IHIT reported 356 unsolved homicides. The establishment of the new Integrated Gang Homicide Team will strengthen investigative capabilities, enabling IHIT to redirect team members to focus on these cases. Under the federal government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, the B.C. government has received $10.9 million from Public Safety Canada for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The funding will go toward anti-gang and crime initiatives throughout the province, including the Organized Crime Agency of BC, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, and the New Westminster Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit. Significant investments continue for enhanced and …

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes our Fire Folks

April 26 A total of 13 joined us to welcome Fire Trustee Chair, Rollie Cook, and Chief Administrative Officer, Rodney Dieleman, to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. While the numbers were not large, the conversation was lively and rich. After our Territorial Acknowledgment, we asked our guests what excited and delighted them. Rodney spoke briefly about his joy living on Salt Spring and all the new opportunities awaiting him. Having just purchased a boat, he is looking forward to exploring our coast and learning entirely new ways of fishing. A world quite different from the rivers of his former home, he is looking forward to new adventures. Rollie, dashing to be with us from his sheep-raising and planting duties, shared his joy with our lovely spring. He also shared his great pleasure that, just that day, construction on the new firehall had begun. After seven years of planning, he is over the moon that the on-the-ground work for our new firehall is finally underway. Expe…

Salt Spring Island RCMP – 1 st Quarter Report for 2024

In the first three months of 2024, Salt Spring Island RCMP responded to 563 calls for service, an average of over six calls per day ranging from traffic-related reports, bylaw infractions, liquor-related complaints, marine enforcement and Criminal Code investigations. Firearms offences (4), sexual assaults (9) and mental health-related incidents (42) were also reported to Police during this quarter. In addition to the six calls per day, Salt Spring RCMP also conducted 423 foot patrols in downtown Ganges and various parks (averaging 4+ per day), 162 licenced premises checks (bar walks) and issued approximately 200 warnings and violation tickets to drivers & registered owners for Motor Vehicle Act violations; 25 impaired drivers were taken off the road during this period. In the first quarter of 2024, foot patrols, bar checks, and traffic enforcement had all increased in number when compared with the same period in 2023. Salt Spring RCMP also conducted various public s…

Wanted Person: Tyler Pascal - Arrest Warrant for Numerous Charges

Salt Spring RCMP are asking for the public’s help to locate 27-year-old Tyler Jordan Pascal on an arrest warrant for a variety of charges. Tyler Pascal is wanted for a variety of offences including; Impaired Driving Causing Bodily Harm, Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm, Resist Arrest, Mischief Under $5000, and two counts of Assaulting Police Officers. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Tyler Pascal is asked to contact the Salt Spring RCMP at 1-250-537-5555. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stopper by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ASK Salt Spring welcomes RCMP Sergeant Clive Seabrook

Eighteen joined us for all or part of our time together at this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming RCMP Sergeant Clive Seabrook. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Clive told us what excites and delights him: Living and working on Salt Spring! Already into his fourth year with us, he continues to love working in our community, feeling the same excitement he felt upon his arrival. He credited the support he gets from Salt Springers as an important part of his continued delight working here. As you may know, Salt Spring is classified as a community requiring officers to be relocated every four years. As many of us believe Salt Spring to be a near-perfect place to live, this required relocation is a surprise to many. Clive explained that small communities bring their owns challenges as well as benefits. One of these challenges is the small number of officers are on call between shifts and are often called into guard prisoners and other duties. While on call, officers mu…

Man in custody facing several charges

On January 22, 2024, a 40-year-old man was involved in a fight with another man while under the influence of alcohol and while in possession of a knife. He was arrested for a variety of offences including Assault and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, he was released with conditions related to the circumstances of the assault including no alcohol, not to possess knives, and that he could not be on Salt Spring Island. On February 15, 2024, Salt Spring RCMP received a report that the same man was back on Salt Spring Island contrary to his release conditions. Salt Spring RCMP located him and arrested him for failing to comply with the conditions of an Undertaking, specifically not to consume alcohol, not to be intoxicated in a public place, and not to be on Salt Spring Island. A search incidental to his arrest resulted in the seizure of a knife contrary to a Probation Order from a previous Assault conviction. He was held in police custody and transferred to Duncan …

New Salt Spring Island firehall on schedule, and on budget

Salt Spring's upcoming firehall project is proceeding smoothly, staying on track both in terms of schedule and budget, as reported by CAO Rodney Dieleman and the Salt Spring Fire Improvement District Board of Trustees. The recently received schedule B cost estimates, a crucial construction milestone offering up to 90% cost certainty, validate the meticulous planning and estimation efforts, resulting in a project likely to meet or even surpass the original budget. Board Chair Rollie Cook expressed confidence that the approved $9.7 million borrowing from ratepayers is adequate for project completion. The owner’s representative on the project, Hans Hazenboom, pointed out that “the project is now entering the active tendering and construction phase, including inviting local contractors to get involved.” Hans added that while installing solar panels was beyond the original budget, “provisions are being made to accommodate a future installation”. Building permits are in progress,…

Burning brighter for a safer, healthier community! Learn more about the Woodsmoke Rebate Program

As we fire up our wood stoves during these frigid winter days, keeping our homes safe and considering our health is essential. One initiative making a significant impact is the Transition Salt Spring (TSS) Woodsmoke Rebate Program, designed to promote cleaner air and safer heating practices on the island. Every year, the Salt Spring Fire Department responds to several chimney fires on the island, with a few leading to significant house fires. Fires can easily be avoided with a few easy-to-follow "Burn It Smart" tips. Let's explore the key insights and how-to's to keep our fires clean and homes safe. Say No to Wet Wood for Your Health and the Environment Burning wet wood isn't just bad for your health and the environment; it will also cost you more to heat your home. Wet wood doesn't fully combust; the energy is used to dry out the wood instead of heating your home. It also produces more smoke and soot, releasing pollutants that can irritate your eyes, throat, and lu…

Salt Spring Island RCMP - End of Year Report for 2023

In the 4th quarter of 2023, Salt Spring Island RCMP responded to 646 calls for service, for a total volume of 2,775 calls for the year. For the period of October 1 – December 31, 2023, SSI RCMP averaged 7 calls per day, issued 85 violation tickets (traffic, liquor, etc.), and gave out 195 traffic warnings. Police also conducted 423 foot patrols, 165 licenced premises checks (bar walks) and 19 “Checkstops” for potential traffic violations and impaired drivers. Six firearms offences were investigated in this 4th quarter, along with five sex-related offences and 55 mental health-related calls. In 2023, SSI RCMP issued over 1,400 violation tickets and warnings, conducted more than 1,500 foot patrols and carried out over 400 licenced premises checks (bar walks) over the course of the year. Impaired driving continues to be a concern for Salt Spring RCMP and the residents of Salt Spring Island. Impaired driving is enforced in British Columbia pursuant to the Province of British …

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue contain structure fire at 105 Cusheon Place with 12,000 gallons of water

On January 12th, 2024, at 8:12 PM, Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue responded to reports of a residential structure fire at 105 Cusheon Place. Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved, two-story residential structure. Multiple lines were used to contain the fire to the building of origin and to protect adjacent structures and trees. Eight fire apparatus and twenty-one firefighters responded to the scene and approximately 12,000 gallons of water was shuttled from the Beddis Rd water system. The fire was confined and extinguished after six hours. Firefighters battled against extreme cold and high winds. There were no firefighter injuries. Unfortunately, the structure was a total loss. The structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire is currently under investigation but does not look suspicious currently. We would like to thank the RCMP, BC Hydro, BCAS and Emcon for their assistance at the emergency scene.

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. …

Salt Spring Island RCMP 2023 3rd Quarter Report

Between the months of July 1 – September 30, 2023, Salt Spring Island RCMP responded to 791 calls for service, for a running total of 2,133 calls so far this year. In addition to the (average) 8.6 calls per day, Police also conducted in this 92-day period, 360 foot patrols (avg 4 per day) and 145 licenced premises checks (bar walks). In light of current trends on Salt Spring, Police also issued 261 traffic warnings, issued 154 violation tickets, conducted 39 Checkstops and took 20 impaired drivers off our roads. Continued high numbers of impaired driving continues to be a concerning trend on Salt Spring Island, especially when considering the safety of other drivers and pedestrians alike. Some impaired drivers are getting caught a 2nd time for impaired driving; Police are recommending Criminal Code charges in those investigations. The difference between a provincial IRP (Immediate Roadside Prohibition) impaired investigation and a Criminal Code Impaired investigation, among…

Opinion: Part 2 - Should Salt Spring Ratepayers have a choice in the design and build of our New Fire Hall?

Fellow Ratepayers this a supplementary to the Opinion of September 13, 2023, here on the Exchange. We received our professional opinion of costs to duplicate the Village of Cumberland - Fire Hall on Friday, October 6, 2023. Before we get into it, please refer to Part 1 first which was submitted to the Exchange on September 13, 2023, for a recap and review. On September 14, 2023, the Salt Spring Island Fire Improvement District held a Town Hall to disclose the Budget for 2024, 5 Yr Strategic Plan and our Fire Chief provided an overview of the New Fire Hall Plan, 14 1/2 Months after the approval of a $13.7 Mil Budget by Referendum. Approximately 35 Residents/Guests were present. Due to the seating arrangements and no microphones in use, most in the room couldn’t hear a number of the speakers. As a Fire Board Trustee acting as Ratepayer Advocate, I stood up at the meeting to disclose the Merits of Plan B in 3 minutes, most couldn’t hear me. When I turned and spoke to…

Opinion: Should Salt Spring ratepayers have a choice in the design and build of the new fire hall?

On June 30, 2022, Salt Spring Island ratepayers affirmed the Referendum to approve $13.7 million dollars to build a new long overdue Fire Hall under the proviso - “No New Taxes”. Depending on how you spin the numbers the return was 75% voted in favour, which sounds impressive. There were 7588 Ratepayers eligible to vote, of those 2608 voted in favour and 864 opposed, with 4,116 or 54.3% who simply chose not to Vote. Ultimately 34% of eligible ratepayers passed the referendum, not so impressive. At the regularly scheduled Meeting of the Fire Board on Monday, August 21, 2023, as a Fire Board Trustee, I attempted to introduce 2 motions (see addendum below) 1. Spend Ratepayers Taxes Wisely. 2. Allow Ratepayers to have a Choice between 2 Fire Hall Designs - Plan A and Plan B. Neither Motion received a Seconder so the Motions never reached the floor for discussion. Clearly, my 6 Fellow Trustees had discussed how they would treat the Motions prior to the Meeting. Let’s leave…

Being prepared for emergencies and the risks we face

The recent tragic wildfire events in British Columbia and beyond have caused us to pause and empathize with the tragic loss of life, property, the environment, and the displacement of many people. This has left many of us pondering whether we are adequately prepared here on Salt Spring Island. What actions can we take to enhance our resilience in the face of the various hazards we confront? Emergency management, encompassing mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery, is a collective responsibility. From individuals and households to neighbourhoods, businesses, agencies, and the government, our shared goal is to collaborate effectively. A foundation of emergency planning lies in an "all-hazards approach," signifying our readiness to address any potential hazards that may arise. (Ex. Wildfires, wind, earthquakes, floods). On Salt Spring Island, our many first response agencies, such as Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue, Salt Spring Ground Search and Rescue, Roya…

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue attend to house fire in the 200 block of Maliview Drive

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue attended and knocked down a house fire in the 200 block of Maliview Drive this evening at approximately 7:45 PM, Friday, August 25th, 2023. Numerous apparatus and firefighters responded to the scene with sirens that could be heard across much of the North End of the island. Also attending the scene were members from BC Ambulance, Salt Spring RCMP and BC Hydro. The fire was put down within minutes of their arrival. No injuries were reported. The occupant of the unit was not at home at the time of fire. The house was left mostly intact but did appear to suffer substantial damage in the area of the fire. Firefighters did discover a small, black cat at the dwelling and were able to safely recover the animal. Fire concerns across the island are particularly heightened at this time because of the dry, drought-like conditions and significant fire and smoke activity across B.C. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. …

New fire hall project is on track

The new fire hall project on Salt Spring Island is making steady progress and remains on schedule and within budget as of July 31, 2023, according to the Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District, also known as Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR). Despite financial constraints, including the rapid rise of chartered bank interest rates since 2022, SSIFR is confident that the project remains within the stipulated referendum limit of $9.7 million for borrowing. There are many stages involved in managing the construction of a new firehall to enhance safety and emergency response capabilities for our community. Some of the stages already completed include hiring a construction manager and architect, announced in March 2023. Ongoing steps include signing off on final drawings, securing final price estimates for construction, obtaining the building permit, site preparation, and preparing for the construction tendering process. Since its launch in January 2023, the new Fi…

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue contain fully involved structure fire in the 100 block of Walker's Hook Road

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue arrived to a fully involved structure fire overnight in the 100 block of Walker's Hook Road. Flames could be seen at the site from the bottom end of the "Big Dip" as the on duty members approached the scene driving North along Robinson Road. The fire column had engulfed the entire structure on their arrival and was contained by responding crew members without damage to surrounding properties and without the fire spreading to nearby forests. No one appeared to be home at the time of fire and no injuries were reported. The family dog is presumed lost in the fire. The family cat is missing and neighbours in the area are asked to keep eye out. The cat's name is Sitka and is an orange and white Maine Coon type of breed. The fire resulted in a total loss of the main structure along with a trailer, damage to a parked car and shipping containers at the site. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to help support the family and a Meal Train …

Salt Spring Island RCMP Provide 2023 2nd Quarter Report

As of June 30, 2023, Salt Spring Island RCMP have responded to 1,342 calls for service in the first half of 2023. In the 2nd quarter, SSI RCMP responded to 771 calls, averaging almost 8.5 calls per day. In addition to the 8+ calls per day from April - June, Police also issued 328 traffic warnings and violation tickets, caught 42 impaired drivers, and conducted 132 licenced premises checks (bar walks). Also, SSI RCMP conducted 419 foot patrols in areas like Centennial Park, Propane Beach, Grace Point and elsewhere. As stated in the last quarterly report where Police committed to increasing foot patrol enforcement for the summer, SSI RCMP increased the spring/summer foot patrols by an additional 30%, conducting an average of more than 4 foot patrols daily. Salt Spring RCMP continue to responded to a variety of calls for service on the waters around Salt Spring Island. Some of these calls include boat fires, mental health related files, assaults, and tragically a recent drow…

Witnesses sought in assault investigation

Salt Spring Island RCMP is seeking witnesses after a female youth was allegedly assaulted in multiple locations in Ganges. On July 4, 2023 at approximately 12:00 pm, Salt Spring RCMP responded after receiving a report that a male youth was punching and slapping a female youth victim. The assault reportedly went on for a period of time through various location in Ganges. Some of those locations include; Rotary Park, the intersection of Lower Ganges and Hereford Ave, the United Church Meadow Park, where it ended with police at the rear of a financial institution on McPhillips Ave. The male youth was arrested and the investigation continues. Anyone with information or have possession of CCTV video is asked to contact the Salt Spring RCMP at 250-537-5555.