Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) Meeting Report for March 19, 2026 The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held its regular March daytime business meeting on Thursday, March 19, at 9:00 am at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The full 392 page agenda package, including staff reports and supporting documentation, is available online. (It is recommended to NOT print the full package as much of the material is deep background on bylaw enforcement not directly applicable to Salt Spring). Presentations and Delegations (Slides in Agenda Package) - The LCC received a presentation from Shawn Carby of CRD Protective Services on the new adjudication process for enforcement of CRD bylaws. The new process is intended to provide an alternative to court for most bylaw enforcement actions. - The LCC received a delegation from Seth Wright of BC Transit on the recent fare review for the Salt Spring Island Transit system. LCC Busi…

Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) Meeting Report The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held its regular March evening meeting on Thursday, March 12, at 5:00 pm at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The full 167 page agenda package, including staff reports and presentations, is available online. Presentations and Delegations - The LCC received a presentation from Cherie Geauvreau, Wagon Wheel Housing Society on the Salt Spring Laundromat and Soap Exchange operations. - The LCC received a presentation from Isha Matous-Gibbs of Urban Matters on the LCC Integrated Housing Strategy, “What We Heard Report” from public engagement events in late 2025. LCC Business - The LCC received a staff report on the recent accessibility surveys of the Rainbow Road Recreation Centre, SIMS, and Portlock Park facilities. Full details are available in the staff report. The LCC voted to approve a modified version of the staff recommendati…

Murray Siple’s commentary on accessibility on Salt Spring is well-timed. Just last week, our Local Community Commission discussed this issue, as we reviewed three new accessibility review reports on Rainbow Recreation Centre, Salt Spring Multi Space and Portlock Park. The reports identified many areas where accessibility can be improved at all three sites and our LCC passed a motion for staff to pursue grant funding to begin these improvements. That said, there remains a huge amount to be done and responsibility for addressing issues raised by Mr. Siple – and many others – belongs to all of us. Many of the issues identified in his article are on private property, with the owners responsible for addressing them. But many others are public amenities and this is where local government has primary responsibility. Mr. Siple mentions bus stops, presumably referring to the two new bus shelters that are being installed at Fulford-Ganges/Cusheon as well as Vesuvius Bay/Mobrae. …

The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held its regular February daytime business meeting on Thursday, February 19, at 9:00 am at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The full 135 page agenda package, including staff reports and supporting documentation, is available online. Presentations and Delegations - The LCC received a delegation from Robin Jenkinson of Island Pathways regarding the Salish Sea Trail Network. - The LCC received a delegation from Peter Meyer of Island Pathways regarding the potential impact on community trails posed by the BC Ferries Vesuvius Bay Terminal Expansion Project. LCC Business 1. Vesuvius Bay Terminal Expansion - The LCC passed a motion “that the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission request that the Capital Regional District Board write to BC Ferries regarding their plans for the Vesuvius ferry terminal and reminding them of the importance of accommodating trails, including the Margaret Community T…

As the MLA representing 5 islands within the Islands Trust area, I will always closely monitor conversations about the Islands Trust, including deliberations around the Trust Policy Statement. I neither wrote, nor commissioned, the letter(below) from Lidstone & Company regarding the draft Trust Policy Statement, but I was copied on this letter and shared it in the interest of openness and transparency. The views expressed in the letter are those of Don Lidstone, a lawyer with more than four decades of experience in local government law. I invite any residents of Saanich North and the Islands who wish to discuss the Islands Trust to make an appointment with my office, by emailing Rob.Botterell.MLA@leg.bc.ca. Dear Chair Laura Patrick and Trust Council: Re: Draft Trust Policy Statement We are writing to comment on the Trust Council’s draft Trust Policy Statement (the “Draft TPS”). The Islands Trust Act1 (“ITA”) grants power to the Trust Council to adopt a Trust…

The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held its regular February evening meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 pm at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The full 99 page agenda package, including staff reports and presentations, is available online . Presentations and Delegations -There were no presentations or delegations. LCC Business - The LCC voted to appoint Commissioner Gayle Baker to sit on the Salt Spring Foundation Community Grants -Grant-in-Aid Review Committee. - The LCC received a staff report on the re-purposing of the Ganges Fire Hall, which will be turned over to the CRD once the new Fire Hall is fully operational. Cost estimates were $2,838,032 (+/-30%) for renovation of the existing facility, $408,663 (+/-30%) for demolition and abatement of the existing facility. Additional details and drawings are available in the staff report. - The LCC voted to approve the staff recommendation “that the Salt Spring Island Local…

February 11, 2026 Part 1 Should Ratepayers hold their local Board of Trustees Fiscally Responsible, Transparent and Accountable in Honouring their Referendums? The North Salt Spring Water District (NSSWD) held a Referendum in May of 2025 to build the Maxwell Lake - Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $14.6 Million, which allowed the borrowing of $11.7 Million. It was passed by a portion of the Water District’s approximately 1857 Ratepayers. On September 25, 2025 the Water District’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Final Class A Estimate of $14.2Mil to build the Plant. Instead of Tendering for a Project Manager or Owner’s Agent to provide oversight, Staff elected to overlook that protocol and left those duties to the Engineering Firm who has designed the Plant. Thus begun the Tendering process for a General Contractor last Fall and concluded on December 12, 2025. At the December 18, 2025 General Meeting Staff advised that the Engineering Firm who designed…

Seventeen joined this late afternoon (4-6) ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MLA Rob Botterell. He offered a Land Acknowledgement, one of appreciation for the spectacular beauty of this part of the world and gratitude that we get to live here, reminding us of First Nations’ stewardship for the land we love. After we all had an opportunity to introduce ourselves, Rob shared his “excitement and delight” that, after his car refused to go into drive as he was beginning to board the ferry for a full day of critical meetings, he was able to coast a bit and get his car into gear, and board - whew! He also expressed delight that a mechanic fixed his car, a welcome, although expensive, success. Before questions from participants, he gave us a brief overview of the upcoming legislative session. Reconvening February 12, he is glad that he had some time off to catch up a bit as he predicts this session to be a very interesting, as well as tumultuous, one. Expected highlights…

The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held a special meeting on Thursday, January 29, at 9:00 am at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The purpose of the special meeting was to review and approve the final budget for 2026. The full agenda package, 247 pages including staff reports and budget details, is available online. Presentations and Delegations There were no delegations or presentations. LCC Business - The LCC received a staff report on the consolidated Parks and Recreation service. What had previously been four separate services, Community Parks, Community Recreation, Park Land, and the Swimming Pool have been reorganized into a single service with three budgets -- Community Parks and Recreation, SIMS and Recreation Programs, and Rainbow Recreation Centre. The new budgets include two facilities based cost centers, SIMS and Rainbow Road, along with a general budget for all other Parks and Recreation operations. The LCC has long…

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is updating its Building Regulations Bylaw to better reflect current industry standards, improve clarity, and make the building inspection process more responsive. The updated Bylaw applies to the CRD’s three Electoral Areas that include Salt Spring Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, and the Juan de Fuca. The Bylaw will come into effect on March 1, 2026. “These changes are designed to improve responsiveness, support affordable housing, and simplify the permitting process in the electoral areas,” said Paul Brent, Chair of the CRD’s Electoral Areas Committee. “By simplifying processes and aligning with industry standards, we’re making it easier for residents and builders to navigate permitting while ensuring the sustainability of our inspection services.” Under the updated Bylaw, builders will apply for a single building permit covering the entire construction process, replacing the previous requirement for multiple permits at different…

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council invites the public to participate in its next business meeting being held in Duncan at the Khowutzun Heritage Centre, 200 Cowichan Way, March 10-12, 2026. There are multiple options to attend or view the meeting, such as attend in-person, by telephone, or online. Islands Trust Council, which is comprised of the 24 local trustees and two municipal trustees, meets quarterly to make decisions about matters that apply to the entire Islands Trust Area and Islands Trust operations. Islands Trust Council receives, discusses, and makes decisions about policies, finances, and proposed work for the coming quarter. Featured Sessions Islands Trust Draft 2026/27 Budget – Islands Trust Council will review and finalize its 2026/27 budget. Islands Trust Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Manual – Islands Trust Council will consider adopting an amended Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement policy. Islands Trust Policy Statem…

The Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission (LCC) held its first regular meeting of 2026 on Thursday, January 15, at 9:00 am at the SIMS Board Room (streaming online with TEAMS). The full agenda package, including staff reports and presentations, is available online> As its first order of business, Senior Manager Dan Ovington called the meeting to order with a territorial acknowledgment and then conducted the required annual election of the LCC Chair for 2026. Commissioner Earl Rook was re-elected chair. Chair Rook then took the gavel and CRD Director Gary Holman was re-elected Vice Chair. Presentations and Delegations - The LCC heard a delegation from Robin Williams regarding the Ganges Harbour Walk project. - Peter Meyer of Partners Creating Pathways provided an update on the Swanson Lakeview Crescent Pathway Project. LCC Business - Staff provided the LCC with the updated Quarterly Project Tracker. - Staff provided the LCC with the updated Quarterly Mot…

At an Islands Trust information meeting on January 13th, I joined over 100 Salt Spring islanders to hear presentations on the draft Islands Trust Policy Statement (TPS). It was a good night for democracy. The wisdom, insights, expertise, and experience of those who spoke out was inspiring. Speakers identified numerous changes needed to bring the draft TPS into compliance with the Trust’s "preserve and protect" mandate, while at the same time addressing affordable housing needs on the islands. Many asked that terms like "preserving and protecting", "unique amenities of the Trust Area" - and the word "environment" itself - be clearly defined. They objected to loose language in the proposed TPS like "consider", “suitable” locations for housing, enforcement “where possible”, and that the new term “attainable” housing be replaced with the legally binding term "affordable", with guarantees it stays affordable. Public engagement on the draft TPS is expected to wrap up shortly…

Eight joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to hear from Gary Holman, Capital Regional District (CRD) Director, and Earl Rook, Chair of the CRD Local Community Commission (LCC), on accomplishments and challenges, looking back on 2025 and some of the hopes for 2026. Following Earl’s territorial acknowledgement, Gary and Earl distributed handouts to the participants that outlined the CRD 2026 Provisional Tax Requisition Summary, along with a budget table breaking down the total requisition by service, and their January 14th Driftwood article on the budget (below). Provisional Budget Tax Requisition Summary - SSI 2026 Local Provisional Operating Budget - SSI 2026 Local Provisional Capital Budget - SSI 2026 Local Provisional Budget Tax Requisition - SSI 2026 When asked what “excited and delighted” them, Earl began with how local governance on Salt Spring Island (SSI) is continuing to evolve, becoming increasingly more democratic, transparent, and open to the people. Wh…

Fifty years ago, BC took a bold step to save our islands from "exploitation by real-estate developers and speculators,"* passing the Islands Trust Act, with its famous mandate "to preserve and protect" the Trust Area. Most islanders know that this act is what keeps our natural beauty and rural character largely unspoiled. Yet few are aware that these legal protections are now being dismantled by trustees sworn to uphold them. The immediate threat is a revised Trust Policy Statement (TPS), which could become law within months. Our TPS sets the bar that Official Community Plans (OCPs) and major bylaws must meet. The existing one has stood for decades. So might this new one—but only if the BC government approves it. The proposed Trust Policy Statement has already passed "first reading" by Trust Council (all 26 trustees) and could become law within months. We're being told that consultation with public and First Nations was done during "Phase 1" in 2019, and now it's time t…

My first year as your MLA for Saanich North and the Islands has flown by in these tumultuous times. The affordability, housing, and health care crises in BC and the external catastrophes impacting us – tariffs, wars, climate disasters – hardly give time for relief. Nevertheless, there are many things that give me hope. One of them is the ground-breaking work undertaken by the District of North Saanich. Their new official community plan (OCP) incorporates doughnut economics into their future development. You can read the OCP here. Doughnut economics is the pioneer work of Oxford economist, Kate Rawowrth. It acknowledges that we live in a world of finite resources and that our addiction to endless economic growth puts our environment and well-being at risk. It is a new way of thinking about our communities where we ensure we have a strong social foundation of really affordable housing, wrap around access to health care and other key determinants of happiness while not exceedin…

Local Trust Committee - October Update By Trustee Laura Patrick This report relates to the business of the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee (LTC), which is made up of the two local trustees and an appointed chair. The LTC’s responsibilities include regulating the development and use of land within the Salt Spring Local Trust Area, which includes Salt Spring Island and more than 25 associated islands including Prevost, Secret, and Piers islands. Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Update Project Phase 1 community engagement for the Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Update project has now closed. This important project aims to expand housing options and promote housing equity while protecting the environment, supporting climate resiliency, and respecting First Nations rights and interests. The LTC will be reviewing the next steps, which include further phases of engagement, at its upcoming meeting on November 6. More information about the project…

Thirteen came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MLA Rob Botterrell. As we prepared to begin, it was noted that a portion of last week’s report citing progress on Soule Creek may be aspirational but is simply incorrect. Apologies for the misinformation. . . bringing home the fact that you cannot believe everything you read. Rob began by offering his Acknowledgement by reading the last paragraph of the 800-page brief from the BC Supreme Court regarding Cowichan Tribes v. Canada. On August 7, 2025, after proceedings lasting 513 days, this judgment recognized the title of Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt First Nation, and Lyackson First Nation to nearly 1,900 acres of lands in Richmond, including submerged shoreline. Today, land in the claim area is owned by the Crown, province, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, City of Richmond and private owners. Rob, having spent much of his legal career as a First Nations lawyer, spoke with pas…

This report primarily relates to the business of the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee (LTC), which is made up of the two local trustees and an appointed chair. The LTC’s responsibilities include regulating the development and use of land within the Salt Spring Local Trust Area, which includes Salt Spring Island and more than 25 associated islands including Prevost, Secret, and Piers islands. I want to bring your attention to some important Trust Council business. Trust Council is the body of all 26 elected trustees and is primarily responsible for setting and adopting the annual budget for all of the Islands Trust’s activities, and for adopting a policy statement. The trust policy statement is a general statement of the polices of Trust Council to carry out the Islands Trust’s preserve-and-protect mandate. The policy statement is being updated for the first time in 30 years and recently received first reading. Trust Council wants to hear from you. There will be a …

Thirty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to lovingly welcome MP Elizabeth May. She began our time together with an acknowledgement of her honour and gratitude to be working with First Nations whose sheer grit have given them the strength to survive past and ongoing colonial oppression. After going around the circle with introductions from participants, some with many decades of living on Salt Spring to our newest just married guests who have been here only two weeks, we asked Elizabeth what “excites and delights” her. For her, while politics is important, what excites her the most are her rich relationships, beginning with her beloved daughter, just turned 34, her amazing 8-month granddaughter, and her husband, now married six happy years. Elizabeth is delighted with the relationships she has built through ASK Salt Spring, reminding us that this weekly local forum is unique in Canada. While we may believe that only we gain from our times together, she believes that…

July 4 Eighteen joined us for this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming MLA Rob Botterell and his Constituency Advocate Deborah Bowman. During his Land Acknowledgement, Rob spoke of the honour he felt in collaborating on the good work of restoring, preserving, and protecting the land we so love. Although we may never restore it to the richness of past years, he is glad to be one of many working with First Nations to repair and regenerate our lands. Rob is “excited and delighted” with his summer so far, one of travel, meeting constituents, sailing, and attending local summer fairs throughout the riding and province including the Pride parade in Victoria. Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform: Rob spent quite a bit of this ASK Sat Spring time focusing on his work this summer as a committee member of the Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform (SCDER). He started off by prefacing that these were wonderful and exciting times to be discussing e…