Salt Spring Island dancers are celebrating an outstanding competition season after strong results at two major Vancouver Island dance competitions this spring. The dancers, who train together under instructor Jen Soo — owner of Studio North Dance Academy and Stage West School of Performing Arts — proudly represented Salt Spring Island among studios from across Vancouver Island and the mainland. Dancers featured in the group performances include Athena Dragland, Gia Van Riel, Isla Marcu-Alaire, Isla Ashall, Ivy Hennessey, Eva Ilinykh, and Harlow Kazakoff. Competing at VersaStyle Dance Competition at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River and Euphoria Dance Competition at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo, the group earned numerous overall placements, special awards, and adjudicator recognition. Athena Dragland achieved multiple top honours for her ballet solo “Blue Bird,” including 1st Overall Soloist placements, Top Score Grand Overall, an Emerald Standing award, and an Adju…

Did you know that the Annex on the south end of Fulford Hall was built by families from the community to gather for more intimate, family events and as a place for senior community members to socialize. The organization, known as Fulford Seniors, became a branch of the Provincial Old Age Pensioners Organization (OAP) with a larger purpose of lobbying for many of the seniors pension and other benefits we enjoy today. Time moves on and the Provincial OAP finally closed their doors in December 2025. But Fulford Seniors continue to give back. Their facility is run by seniors and now, with a new name, has become South Salt Spring Community Gathering Place. There is no age requirement for membership and all are welcome to join us and enjoy island hospitality together. And you can check us out without committing to a membership. Are you looking for a quiet place on the South End with good parking and where you can sit and chat with a friend over coffee? Do you miss coffee at the …

“My great grandfather descended on Salt Spring in 1859 and married Lucy Peatson, who was the warrior chief of Penelakut, Hulkalatkstun’s daughter. They started all their family here on Salt Spring, and I’m kind of one of the last ones that are here, I have two uncles that are still alive from my mom’s family. My mom had 13 in her family. She was the 13th child. Just before her, my grandmother had a child and lost it, so they called my mom the ‘lucky 13,’ because she was the 13th child that survived and they didn’t have anymore kids after that. We’re underneath the Fernwood dock right now, and all these names under here, these are all my uncles, my mom, and my aunty Ivy. The headstone, that’s my mom’s artwork. This is a memorial site just for my mom’s family. My one uncle still comes down and repaints the names all the time, otherwise they’d be faded away. When he’s no longer around, it’ll be up to me or one of my cousins to carry that on. We’ve probably been here one o…

Transition Salt Spring’s Repair Café delivered impressive results this weekend, repairing 108 of the 131 items brought through the doors, an 80 per cent fix rate! Forty-two volunteers powered the event from set-up to take-down, offering the kind of practical, hands-on knowledge that is increasingly hard to find. From small appliances and lamps to clothing and tools, the day demonstrated that repair remains both possible and popular. The movement is growing well beyond Salt Spring. There are now 3,860 Repair Cafés worldwide, including 58 across Canada and 24 in B.C. The Greater Victoria Repair Café has completed more than 2,800 repairs since 2020, while the Maple Ridge Repair Café recently reached its 3,000th repair and ranks among the global top ten. The shift comes amid increasing concern about planned obsolescence and products designed to be difficult or impossible to fix. Advocates say repair keeps items out of the landfill, reduces household costs, and builds…

A young entrepreneur has emerged on Salt Spring Island: Maxime (Max) Bergeron and his wife Sophia have purchased the lease on the much-loved and previously named Fernwood Café. Inspired by their young daughter, the new Café Flora at 325 Fernwood Road celebrates its opening weekend: Friday, February 20th TO Monday 23rd. Opening hours will be 8am to 3pm every Friday to Monday. The couple spent the month of January working tirelessly to give the café their own signature and to refine their menu. Family and friends lent a hand with carpentry, plumbing, painting and landscaping, while neighbours even showed up with clippers and gloves and set about gardening. It truly takes a village. Locals can look forward to having a new favourite breakfast and lunch spot, where a menu of hot dishes, great coffee and a warm welcome await. Max has gained a decade of experience in restaurants and coffee shops in Australia, New Zealand, and Quebec, as well as Tofino. For the last 18 month…

Part of Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Initiative Our Transition Salt Spring Repair Café team is truly something special. Many have been involved since the very beginning, three years and ten Repair Cafés ago. From the organizing committee to the incredibly talented fixers, from the folks who keep things running smoothly on the day to those quietly working magic behind the scenes weeks before, it’s a group of incredibly generous and talented people. So what makes someone commit their time and energy to these events? What do they have in common? Everyone is donating their time. Some are retired, some are lifelong tinkerers, and others are juggling work, businesses, and family life. We have high school students, and even a full-time university student who plans their island family visits around Repair Café days. Different ages, different backgrounds, shared values. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing some of the amazing volunteers who make these events happ…

Join Country Grocer and the Salt Spring Exchange in celebrating Love on Salt Spring Island for Valentine's Day! Enter our ‘Island of Love' photo contest for a chance to win one of three wonderful Valentines prizes to help you celebrate your love. To enter the contest, just upload a photo of you and your sweetheart(s) using the form below. Show us your love! Whether you’re young and ecstatically in love, or in your 90s with a twinkle in your eye whenever you see each other, whether you’ve taken your “flirt” down or up a few notches over the years, share it with your community! Country Grocer is once again donating three ‘Island of Love’ prizes this year, just enter via the Salt Spring Exchange and you’ll have a chance to win: One 'Grand Prize' of a Dinner for Two at FEAST ($400 value! Includes Food and a $150 wine pairing compliments of FEAST) A reservation has already been made for you on Valentine's Day! (Changeable if you can't make it that day) Second Prize i…

Because of the enormous generosity of the individuals and organizations on Salt Spring Island, the Food Bank at Island Community Services was able to help keep food on the table for hundreds of local residents throughout 2025. On behalf of those served, Island Community Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every individual, family, business, and organization that donated to our food bank. Your kindness has made an immediate and meaningful difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. Every contribution, whether it be food, funds, or your time, helps ensure that no one has to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs. In August, Salt Spring Groove organized a musical fundraiser with guests SugarBeat at the Jam Factory in partnership with Island Savings Fill the Cupboard initiative, and Windsor Plywood. Dave Roland with Sugarbeat at the Fill the Cupboard food bank event Other incredible support from the community ca…

Presented by Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Initiative The holiday season is fast approaching; lights, lists, and the joyful chaos of preparing for Christmas. Many Salt Spring families know the mix of excitement and pressure: finding the perfect gift, managing rising costs, and navigating shelves filled with brand-new plastic gadgets that may barely get used. Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Initiative has a joyful and brilliantly sustainable solution! The Third Annual Holiday Toy Swap returns to Meaden Hall on December 5th and 6th, offering local families a chance to celebrate the season with generosity, creativity, and community spirit, without the environmental footprint or financial stress. Last year’s event was a heart-warming success. Islanders donated nearly 1,300 pounds of toys! More than a full-grown polar bear! Stuffies, books, puzzles, LEGO, dollhouses, craft kits, scooters, sports gear, you name it, Salt Spring had it. Our amazing voluntee…

Presented by Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Initiative. At just 18 years old, Salt Spring Island’s own Cleo Nickels is already making waves in the world of environmental stewardship. This spring, she was named a 2025 Youth Changemaker for Environmental Justice by the BC Environmental Law Society—an honour that recognizes her leadership, vision, and commitment to building a more sustainable future. Born and raised on her family’s eco-forestry and permaculture farm, Cleo’s love for the natural world began at home. “Growing up surrounded by forests and thriving habitats instilled in me a deep desire to learn and do my share to protect it,” she says. Her father, whose work establishing tree nurseries and regenerative food forests in Africa has improved lives and restored ecosystems, has been a constant source of inspiration. Cleo’s passion for hands-on learning has taken her well beyond the island. Last year, she joined the Columbia River Field School, a 15-day ca…

When the headlines feel heavy, it’s easy to lose hope. But here on Salt Spring Island, we’re reminded that generosity and connection are alive and well. On Saturday, September 20, Meaden Hall buzzed with goodwill during Transition Salt Spring’s beloved Repair Café, part of our “Lighter Living” initiative. Volunteers with an incredible range of skills gathered from across the island to share their knowledge and their hearts. Well over 100 broken treasures came through the door, finicky toasters and lamps, stubborn zippers, Christmas lights, well-loved “holy” sweaters, turntables, dehydrators, and, for the first time, jewelry. A special shout-out to Leanne Gallagher of Queen Bee Designs, who brought her silversmith talents to lovingly restore all manner of shiny things. The real magic of the Repair Café isn’t just in the repairs. It’s in the smiles over cups of coffee and tea, the lively conversations between neighbours, and the joy of watching a skilled craftsperson br…

Archipelager = a villager who celebrates life and love amongst and across the Islands, i.e., the Archipelago. Across the Salish Sea and up the Inland Passage — from Washington State through British Columbia and into Southeast Alaska — so many of these fir-forested islands have been Home to me. Growing up on Bainbridge Island, my best friend was Suquamish, Pacific trilliums marked May Day, and we numbed our tongues licking slugs along logging roads. Later, at the University of Washington, I studied fisheries at the Friday Harbor Marine Labs and botany on Shaw Island, where we dredged inflated rainbow rockfish, peered at magnified cryptogrammic crusts on our bellies, and gently untangled birds from mist-nets. For my twenty-first birthday, we kayaked to Yellow Island, a Nature Conservancy gem where prescribed burns and traditional Indigenous stewardship techniques support productive blue camas beds and an astounding spring carpet of wildflowers. Work — and love …

Tucked into a forested corner of Salt Spring Island, the Recycling Depot, operated by Island Community Services (ICS), quietly powers regional environmental action—sorting, storing, and shipping thousands of kilos of diverted waste each year. At its helm is Peter Grant, a calm, consistent force who has led the program for over 30 years, shaping it into one of the most comprehensive community recycling systems in the province. But Salt Spring’s recycling roots run even deeper. Local Startups to Provincial Systems Salt Spring’s recycling journey began in the 1970s with SPEC (Society Promoting Ecological Conservation) members and community volunteers. One of the earliest drop-off sites was a roadside bin on Churchill Road—an old pig pen repurposed by Ray Hill. Volunteers collected waste and drove it to Victoria themselves. Operations grew organically over the years, from a shed at Mouat’s on the Ganges dock, to weekend runs in Vesuvius supported by the Ladies Auxiliary Fi…

Transition Salt Spring’s Repair Cafe a Huge Success Submitted by: Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Coach Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Action Coach hosted their first “rethink waste” event of the year on Saturday. The Repair Cafe defied the snow and cold with resounding success! Nearly 120 community members braved the weather to have their cherished items repaired—typewriters, sewing machines, lamps, toasters, guitar straps, torn leather jackets, and ripped pants were among the 100+ items expertly handled. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteer fixers and organizing committee for orchestrating yet another memorable event. However, the Repair Cafe transcends mere item repair; it's about fostering community, sharing stories and skills, and reclaiming our sense of possibility through collective action. While not every item found was fixed, the collective effort underscores our capacity for impactful change through small steps together. Our excep…

One Saturday in 2022, Yael Wand was at the farmer’s market in Ganges and came upon a group of high school students playing music. As a musician herself, Yael knows good music when she hears it, and she thought the band, 19 Strings, was so good that she booked them as an opening act for the annual Summer Concert Series she had created in her role as executive director of Salt Spring Arts. This opportunity “opened a whole bunch of doors” for the young musicians, Yael says. “Supporting people who have that creative thing and want to bring it forward” is one of the things Yael has loved about her job with Salt Spring Arts. She explains, “We work to make sure this is a great place for artists to live. We work to make sure that community members can access the arts, that there’s great events and opportunities to participate in, and a big focus is on reaching young people and inspiring creativity.” As you may have heard, after 10 years of making her mark on Salt Spring Arts …

Join Country Grocer and the Salt Spring Exchange in celebrating Love on Salt Spring Island for Valentine's Day! Enter our ‘Island of Love' photo contest for a chance to win one of three wonderful prizes to help you celebrate your love. To enter the contest, all you have to do is upload a photo of you and your sweetheart(s) using the form below. Show us your love! Whether you’re young and ecstatically in love, or in your 90s with a twinkle in your eye whenever you see each other, whether you’ve taken your “flirt” down a few notches over the years or you’ve taken your flirt up a few notches, share it with your community! Country Grocer is once again donating 3 prizes this year, just enter via the Salt Spring Exchange and you’ll have a chance to win: First Prize: Dinner for two at Hen & Hound’s Feast Restaurant on Feb 14 with wine pairings - all in value of $500! Second Prize: Country Grocer gift basket - Champagne and Chocolate (if over 19 years of age) …

December 6 Twenty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming the Chuan Society. After a heartfelt Territorial Acknowledgement, we began our conversation by learning about the Chuan Society. A recent ASK Salt Spring guest, you may want to reread that report: https://saltspringexchange.com/2024/07/03/ask-salt-spring-welcomes-the-chuan-society/. The Chuan Society was founded in 2017 to address access and equity barriers through collective action. “Chuan” is a corruption of the original Hul’qu’minum name for Mt. Tuam, a sacred space meaning “sweeping down to the sea.” While the original intent was to honour the island’s original place names, Chuan Councillors (similar to Board members but guided by collective agreements rather than hierarchic rules) have since considered renaming the society. Since their founding seven years ago, evolving awareness has convinced them that the use of names is a culturally sensitive process involving permissions, consent, and respect. T…

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, leading up to the December 6th Memorial, we speak with Stella Grand, a recent GISS graduate and passionate youth activist. 35 years after the massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Stella’s work on updating sexual violence policies in secondary schools is a powerful continuation of the fight against gender-based violence. Stella Grand took her passion for creating safer student environments into her own hands by founding the Wellness Initiative for Student Empowerment (WISE). Despite the challenges, Stella is committed to this cause, working multiple jobs to fund her initiative. You might spot her selling chocolates and ice cream at Harlan's or as a barista at the Tree House, all to support the work she deeply believes in. "I have ADHD and realized early on that university might not suit my learning style," she explains. "So, I chose to dedicate my time to this project and see if I can make a change now."…

November 22 Note: Islands Trust has asked us to note that, concerning Bracket Springs discussed at our November 15 ASK Salt Spring gathering, “The current zoning allows for one single family dwelling and up to 10 affordable housing units.” (Thanks for your help, Islands Trustees and staff.) November 22 Twelve joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome our local media. Joining us were Colin How and Leslie Ash, new owners of the Salt Spring Exchange; Gail Sjuberg, Gulf Islands Driftwood editor; and Damian Inwood, President of our soon-to-be-live local radio station, CHiR.fm. After our Territorial Acknowledgement offered by Damian, we asked each of our guests what “excited and delighted” them. Damian began by giving us an update on CHiR.fm's progress going live. Currently, CHiR.fm has nearly completed its month long live test from its tower on Mt. Belcher. Broadcasting for 24 hour broadcasts, in five-hour repeating segments per day. The purpose of this four-week test…

Usually, when a restaurant hits on a winning formula, it’s time to double down. But for Mateada owner David Karr, it was the opposite, a time to shut down. In September, after a successful season pairing South American cuisine with a music lounge based around yerba mate beverages, he pulled the plug on the restaurant and regular event bookings. He had a proven concept that could be replicated elsewhere, which was his original plan. However, despite some notions to the contrary, the story of Mateada in Ganges seems far from over. Talking to David last Friday, it was good to be back inside the venue. Even empty, Mateada feels warmly exotic, like being transported someplace far away you’ve always wanted to go but didn’t know how to find. The ambiance and intimate space along with great sound made it a special place to see some of the 350 performances booked by artistic director Tommy van Deursen over the past few years. Musicians enjoyed playing there, including being put up in…