Governance & Politics

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Housing Expert Justine Starke

August 16 Nineteen, and one very well-behaved pup, joined us for all or part of our ASK Salt Spring housing conversation with Southern Gulf Islands CRD Manager - and former Salt Spring Islands Trust Planner - Justine Starke. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we began our conversation with our traditional question, asking Justine what “excites and delights” her. Recognizing that there were so many things that give her pleasure, she spoke briefly about her commitment to diversity, both in our community as well as in our environment. While housing concerns have been a large part of her focus as the CRD Manager for the Southern Gulf Islands, (Mayne, Galiano, Saturna, and the two Pender Islands), she also derives much pleasure encouraging systems to support the diversity and strength of our islands. Among those systems are better internet so that folks can connect easily while remaining in their island homes. She also mentioned her efforts to establish a transit system fo…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Local Commissioners Gary Holman and Gayle Baker

August 9 Nine came to welcome Electoral Director/Local Community Commissioner (LCC) Gary Holman and Local Commissioner Gayle Baker to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. Ably facilitated by Grant Fredrickson, after our Territorial Acknowledgment, he asked us each what “excited and delighted” us. Gary began by noting the “big hole” on Drake Road, a clear indication of the long-awaited progress on the BC Housing 32 supported housing units (plus an unexpected separate housing option of four affordable housing suites), expected to be completed in 2025. Gary is also very pleased that the CRD has approved inclusion of the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation’s health worker housing (at the former SeaBreeze Inne) into the Ganges Harbour Wastewater Treatment system . While the Foundation will have to pay for the infrastructure to get to the site, estimated at as much as $400,000, Gary indicated he will be supporting it with $100,000 in Community Works (“gas tax”) funding (as he has done for …

LCC Commissioner Report on Harbour Issues

In my role as Local Community Commissioner, I have prepared the following report to our LCC, which I will be presenting at our meeting on August 15: August 2024 Commissioner Report THE SALT SPRING ISLAND LCC AND BOAT-RELATED ISSUES NOTE This report reflects the views of its author, Brian Webster. Others who have participated in discussions of these issues, including the Electoral Area Director and the Salt Spring Island Senior Manager, may or may not share them. RELEVANCE OF THIS TOPIC TO THE LCC The LCC has authority over the Salt Spring Island Small Craft Harbour Facilities Service, which has a mandate of “establishing, acquiring and operating small craft harbour facilities to serve the residents of the Salt Spring Island electoral area.” Additionally, the LCC has authority over community parks on Salt Spring Island, including Centennial Park, Rotary Park and Ganges Harbour Community Park, all three of which are located on the Ganges waterfront and two o…

ASK Salt Spring Offers an Enthusiastic Welcome to MP Elizabeth May

Seventeen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MP Elizabeth May and Ned Taylor, Member’s Assistant. In her Territorial Acknowledgement, she gratefully recognized the many First Nations who honoured and protected land, noting that borders between Canada and the US have challenged free passage, impacting century-old tribal relationships. Giving everyone a chance to introduce themselves, we learned that participants had come to this gathering with a variety of perspectives and interests. When asked what “excited and delighted” her, Elizabeth’s answer was immediate: Her new (still honeymooning after five years) husband John, who had also joined us. Adding to her delight was her daughter’s expected baby, dubbed HB, Halloween Baby. And, yes, she is delighted to be still alive, having suffered a serious stroke last year with, thankfully, no longterm damage. Elizabeth began by speaking about the publicity concerning her recent high security clearance. Carefully naviga…

Local Trust Committee July Update

Local Trust Committee July 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 in Salt Spring Local Trust Area, which includes Salt Spring Island and more than 25 associated islands including Prevost, Secret, and Piers islands. The LTC will hold a special electronic meeting on July 31st to finalize our input into the consulting services for the Official Community Plan – Land Use Bylaw (OCP-LUB) project. As with all our meetings, it is open to the public and the meeting link and agenda will be available on the Islands Trust website. A joint Salt Spring Local Community Commission and LTC meeting will be held on August 22 at 2:00 PM at the SIMS Boardroom. Our next regular meeting will be on September 12th beginning at 9:30 AM at the Salt Spring Legion, Meaden…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Local Community Commissioner Chair Earl Rook

July 12 While a small gathering, our time together offered a fascinating exploration of governance issues with our special guest, Local Community Commission (LCC) Chair, Earl Rook, backed up by Local Commissioner Gayle Baker, also notetaker and report-writer. We began with our Territorial Acknowledgement during which Earl lamented all the First Nations sites that have been disturbed, hopeful that we are better-protecting these unique monuments of the centuries that Salt Spring served as an Indigenous homeland to so many bands. When asked what “excited and delighted” him by facilitator Grant Fredrickson, Earl replied that he was thrilled by the positive forward motion of the LCC. He cited the conclusion of the LCC Strategic Plan which is expected to be released in August. He also spoke briefly about progress reviewing and revising the Five-Year Capital Plans for each of the services under the authority of the LCC, most notably a long, complicated, and outdated Transportati…

Local Trust Committee June Update

Local Trust Committee June Update, by Trustee Laura Patrick You have likely read news about the Trust Council meeting that was held on Salt Spring June 18- 20. Trust Council is the federated body of all 26 trustees. This report only relates to the business of the Salt Spring LTC, which is made up of the two local trustees and an appointed chair. The Salt Spring Local Trust Committee (LTC) will hold its next regular meeting on July 11 th beginning at 9:30 AM at the Salt Spring Legion, Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Road. Our meetings are also livestreamed and archived for later viewing within a few days of the meeting. The agenda will be available on the website. Office staff are available to help should you have questions about getting to the meeting or viewing the meeting on-line. Please call 250-538-9144 or email ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca for support. We welcome you to ask questions or make comments during the “Town Hall and Questions” period at the beginning of our July…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Two Local Commissioners, Earl and Gary

June 14: While the gathering welcoming Local Community Commissioners (LCC) Chair Earl Rook and Electoral Director Gary Holman was small, those who participated expressed their appreciation for our housing-focused conversation. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, facilitator Grant Fredrickson asked our guests what “Excited and Delighted” them. Earl began by expressing pleasure that the long, dark days of winter have been replaced by our spring/summer weather. He also spoke briefly of his appreciation for the community support for the LCC, approaching the one-year anniversary of the swearing in of Salt Spring’s first Local Community Commissioners on June 20, 2023: - Chair Earl Rook: erook@crd.bc.ca, - Ben Corno : bcorno@crd.bc.ca, - Brian Webster: bwebster@crd.bc.ca, - Gayle Baker: gbaker@crd.bc.ca, and - Gary Holman, also our Electoral Director: directorssi@crd.bc.ca.) Gary continued this theme of support for the LCC by noting that its one-year anniversary had …

Islands Trust Recognises 50 Years of Preserving and Protecting

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Today, Islands Trust recognises 50 years of as a special purpose government mandated to preserve and protect over 450 Islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea. The Province of British Columbia created Islands Trust in 1974 in response to rates of development in the Gulf Islands and the need to protect the unique amenities and environment of the region. Today, Islands Trust preserves and protects the islands in the context of many complex challenges, including climate change, lack of affordable housing, freshwater limitations, hundreds of species of risk, and development and tourism pressures. Over the past five decades, Islands Trust has evolved to meet new challenges and opportunities. The organization is deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It is also working to address housing equity and climate change related challenges. Islands Trust has implemented innovative projects and policies to support sustai…

Islands Trust Committee Update

This report summarizes the meeting highlights for the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee May 16th meeting. For the official record and for more details, please refer to the minutes and/or view recordings of the meeting. At the May 16th meeting the following decisions were made related to land use applications and referrals. We: Approved a temporary use permit (SS-TUP-2024.1, Lot 2 Jackson Ave) for a period of three years for the operation of one food truck and two retail/office spaces. Approved a Development Variance Permit (SS-DVP-2023.20, 261 Fulford Ganges Road) to vary the rear lot line provision of 7.5 m in the Residential 9 – R9 zone to 2 m to accommodate an existing carport structure and two additional carport structures. Exempted the 10% minimum frontage requirement for a proposed subdivision (SS-SUB-2023.3, 784 Vesuvius Bay Road). Reviewed the Islands Trust Policy Statement Directives Only Checklist and determined that Bylaw 536 (rezoning of Section 50 Musgra…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes the Islands Trust

May 24 Nineteen joined the ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Islands Trust Planner Jason Youmans, and Trustee Laura Patrick to provide an overview and answer questions about two important Local Trust Committee land use planning initiatives: the Complete Communities Assessment; and updates of the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaws (LUB). During her Territorial Acknowledgment, Laura spoke briefly about her own personal journey learning about reconciliation and referenced Culturally Connected as a good resource. (You can learn more about Culturally Connected and reconciliation here: (https://www.culturallyconnected.ca/). When asked what “excites and delights” him, Jason told us that, personally, he loves the return of the sun and, professionally, he is enthusiastic about being involved in local Islands Trust projects that hold the promise of addressing longstanding Salt Spring issues using environmentally sustainable principles. Laura spoke of her joy …

Islands Trust Council Meeting Open to the Public

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council invites the public to participate in its next business meeting being held on Salt Spring Island at the Harbour House Hotel, 121 Upper Ganges Road, June 18-20, 2024. There will be multiple options for participating in, or viewing the meeting. The public are able to attend in-person and are welcome to listen and participate by telephone, join the meeting by computer or smartphone, or simply watch the meeting on a computer or smartphone. Trust Council meets quarterly to make decisions about matters that apply to the Islands Trust Area and Islands Trust operations. Trust Council receives, discusses, and makes decisions about policies, finances, and proposed work for the coming quarter. Featured Sessions Islands Trust 50th Anniversary – Islands Trust will be recognizing its 50th anniversary during the three-day meeting. Transport Canada Presentation– Ryan Greville, Manager, Navigable Waters Protection, will …

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes MLA Adam Olsen

The first ASK Salt Spring gathering in May welcomed MLA Adam Olsen and Constituency Advocate Jerram Gawley for a rich and diverse conversation. Adam used his most recent weekly two-minute speech to the Legislature (https://adamolsen.ca/2024/05/my-duty-to-stand-up-for-the-salish-sea-never-diminishes/) as his Territorial Acknowledgement, speaking of disturbing changes to the waters surrounding us. The site of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, this once-rich region has become noisy and polluted. Local fishing, once our First Nations’ economic foundation, is now only a pastime. This Acknowledgement of a marine environment that was once far richer led us to a discussion of our local harbours. Adam expressed the frustration he and others are experiencing with multiple agencies, each having responsibility but doing nothing, layers and layers of bureaucratic inertia. Local governments are left with water-based issues that need to be addressed but with neither the authority…

Islands 2050

On May 30, 2024, Islands Trust trustees will be participating in a Committee of the Whole virtual meeting to review the updated draft of the Policy Statement. The meeting will be open to the public to watch and listen. The agenda package and meeting details are available here. Additional Committee of the Whole meetings may be scheduled after the May 30, 2024 meeting. The Committee of the Whole will contemplate providing recommendations to Trust Council on changes to the staff-prepared draft and the next steps for the project. Trust Council will then hold a meeting during which they could consider the recommendations, and direct changes to the draft. Public engagement on the updated draft Policy Statement will begin after Trust Council approves the document in principle. Trustees will consider public feedback on the draft and could recommend more changes to the draft document. Learn more about the Policy Statement Amendment Project: https://islandstrust.bc.ca/pr…

Islands Trust Applications Portal

Islands Trust will be launching the Islands Trust applications portal on May 13, 2024. This online Portal will streamline permitting, licensing, and planning processes for a more responsive and interconnected community within the Islands Trust Area. How this Portal will help you: The Islands Trust Applications Portal will simplify the application submission process and provide transparent access to ongoing applications within your community. What to Expect: The Islands Trust Applications Portal will officially launch on May 13, 2024, but you can continue to submit applications here. Islands Trust staff are working to ensure a smooth transition to the new development and applications portal. We anticipate temporary adjustments during the implementation phase, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to bring you a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Feedback Welcome: Your feedback is crucial in helping us refine and optimize the use of this new porta…

B.C. Moves to Ban Drug Use in Public Spaces

B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks. It’s part of several new measures introduced by the Province, focused on providing police with more tools to address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions. “Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.” The Province is working with the federal government to make changes to the legality of possessing drugs in B.C. This will provide police with the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaur…

Islands Trust – Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee April 2024

This report summarizes the meeting highlights for the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee April 11 th meeting. For the official record and for more details, please refer to the minutes and/or view recordings of the meeting. At the April 11 th meeting the following decisions were made related to land use applications and referrals. We: - Amended and then approved a temporary use permit (SS-TUP-2023.2, 805 Vesuvius Bay Road) for a period of two years for the operation of five commercial guest accommodation units in the form of individual yurt structures. - Approved a Development Variance Permit (SS-DVP-2023.16, 131 Northern Way) to vary an interior side lot set back of 3 metres to 1.5 meters for the construction of a single-family dwelling. - Approved a Development Variance Permit (SS-DVP-2024.4, 541 Anna’s Drive) to vary the maximum height for a structure from 7.6 meters to 9.8 meters for the construction of a single-family dwelling. The following permit was approved b…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Two Local Community Commissioners

April 12- Ten welcomed two of your Local Community Commissioners, Ben Corno and Gayle Baker, to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. While the numbers were small, the conversation was rich, masterfully facilitated by Ron Cooke. We began with a Territorial Acknowledgement from Ben, introducing himself in the Indigenous way of also recognizing his parents. When asked what excites and delights us, Gayle responded that she was delighted to be happily home after an amazing trip that began in Brazil and ended in Rome. She spoke briefly about her satisfaction with small projects that are moving along toward completion, like the new bus shelter next to the Visitors’ Center, a proposed ICBC study of our Ganges crosswalks, the soon-to-be-released prioritization of our top road safety concerns, and the recent award of a grant to complete the Merchant Mews pathway. She expressed her determination not to focus upon the areas in which she sees herself failing, like moving swiftly toward soluti…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes MLA Adam Olsen

April 5 Fifteen joined us for all or part of our time together as we welcomed MLA Adam Olsen and Constituency Advocate Jerram Gawley to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. Adam began by offering our Territorial Acknowledgement, initiating a conversation about housing that lasted for our entire time together. He began by introducing us to Bill 13 – Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act being debated in the Legislature. This bill proposes to remove discriminatory barriers concerning First Nations land ownership. Currently, First Nations in BC are unable to acquire, hold, and dispose of land in the name of the First Nation.They are required, instead, to set up an alternate arrangement, such as a corporation. While Adam believes that passage of this legislation may have limited impact, its importance is that it will remove one of many discriminatory laws that were designed decades ago to intentionally create barriers for First Nations. These barriers have resulted in th…

Islands Trust: Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee March 2024 Update

This report summarizes the meeting highlights for the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee March 7 Regular meeting. For the official record and for more details, please refer to the minutes and/or view recordings of the meeting. At the March 7th meeting the following decisions were made related to land use applications and referrals. We: - Approved development variance permit (SS-DVP-2023.18, 103 Tantramar Drive) to vary: the minimum front line setback of 7.5 m to 0.0 m to permit an existing garage, stairs and rock wall; the natural boundary of the sea setback from 15 m to 4.36 m and to 5.8 m to permit a rock wall extension and an existing deck, stairs and bench; and, the natural boundary of the sea setback of 15 m to 11.8 m to permit an existing septic field replacement. - Approved a partial discharge of a s. 219 Restrictive Covenant and s. 218 Statutory Right Away Agreement for the purposes of land acquisition and road dedication by the Ministry of Transportation and Infr…

Islands Trust Council has Approved the 2024/25 Budget

Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council has approved the 2024/25 budget for the Islands Trust. "In navigating development of the 2024/25 budget, trustees faced tough decisions and found compromises,” said Islands Trust Council Chair Peter Luckham. “This budget allows Islands Trust to progress work on strategic initiatives that are important to communities. We are so pleased to have secured more than $830,000 in grant funding for next year.” The approved budget for 2024/25 of $10.98 million assumes that Islands Trust will maintain existing service levels, support a new Accessibility Committee, and undertake land use planning projects including: -Housing Needs Assessments (for all local trust committees) -Housing Strategy Action Plan Implementation Project (includes updating the Housing Options Toolkit) -Denman Island Housing Review Project -Gabriola Island Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw Comprehensive Review Project -Mayne Island Housi…