People & Places

Living Wage Report Shows Challenges Faced by Salt Spring Families

Would you be surprised to know that it now costs more for a family to live on Salt Spring than in Metro Vancouver? This is the bottom line of a new report just released by the Salt Spring Island Foundation. A Living Wage for Salt Spring Island, 2018, calculates the living wage required for a Salt Spring family to meet basic expenses. For a Salt Spring family of four, each parent working full-time needs to earn $20.95 an hour to pay for necessities, support healthy childhood development and escape financial hardship. That’s an annual family income of $72,503.19 ($36,251.60 per parent). This is higher than the 2018 living wage of $20.91 in Metro Vancouver and $20.50 in Victoria. The Cowichan region is somewhat less at $19.05, while the 2018 living wage for the Comox Valley is $16.59. In the fall of 2017, the Salt Spring Island Foundation released its first VitalSigns® report, which examined community vitality in 12 areas of special interest, including arts and culture, h…

People Profile: Dr. Bob Richmond

Community People Profiles on the Salt Spring Exchange feature local personalities on our island home. These profiles are short interviews to tell us a little about what each of these folks are thinking about as they go about their lives and work on Salt Spring Island. Dr. Bob Richmond, affectionately known by many as Dr. Bob, is a conventional chiropractor who likes to make the profession fun and approachable. He and his wife, Mary Jane, have been living on Salt Spring Island for 4.5 years. After practicing in Vancouver and the Maritimes for over four decades, he chose to move to Salt Spring as it has a similar feel to his native New Zealand. The sheep connection goes without saying. "My preferred lifestyle doesn't include being stuck in gridlock on the freeway every morning, so Vancouver was no longer an option. My goals include a healthy and active longevity. I've got my eye on living to 116. So far, so good!" As a self-declared communicator, he likes the chal…

Island Pathways 30 Anniversary Celebration

You’re Invited! - 2018 June 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Farmers’ Institute and on the Ganges Pathways Hard to believe Island Pathways has been going for 30 years. Here’s some of what we’ve accomplished: Our Partners Creating Pathways group has built nearly $1-million in Ganges Village pathways, complete with benches and map kiosks, costing local taxpayers about $250,000. This year’s pathway will extend the network to Portlock Park at Central. We’ve sold out several editions of our award-winning “Heritage Map with Bike Routes”, with posters of it located throughout the island and on all Salt Spring Island ferries. We’re launching our new “Salt Spring on Foot”, with all of the public trail, paths, and beach walks on island. We’ve put over 700 elementary school kids into quality, well-fitting bicycle helmets, for $10 per student. We’ve spearheaded the installation of 36 bicycle racks.We’re still working hard to get a bikeway through the island – the reason we …

Work Progressing on the Xwaaqw'um Big Canoe - Carver's Host Fernwood Nature Class Visits

The 32’ foot-long snuhwulh (big canoe), carved from a single 710 year old X’pey (western red cedar tree) downed in a river valley windstorm will be finished over the next month or so for the Xwaaqw’um Project (aka Burgoyne Bay). “The Hul'q'umi'num word for canoe is snuhwulh, which means to transport people,” says Joe Akerman, local community organizer for the Xwaaqw’um Project . “The ocean and rivers were the highways for Coast Salish people. Now many folks make use of land canoes (cars and trucks) in Coast Salish Territory.” The snuhwulh will become an integral part of upcoming Indigenous youth culture and leadership camps at Xwaaqw’um, along with use by school groups and cultural events for many years to come.

The carving of the canoe is being led by Master Carver, Joe Martin from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on Vancouver Island, who has completed over 70 dugout canoes in his lifetime, along with assistant carvers Joe Akerman and Christopher Roy. The entire …

Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education - Nominate a Salt Spring Teacher!

Nominate someone in B.C.'s education system who has made a positive, long-lasting impact on your school community. The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education were created to recognize the enormous contributions of B.C.'s exceptional teachers, administrators and support staff that are vital to the cultural, economic and social well-being of the province. The Premier’s Awards provide students, parents, teachers and other members of the community with an opportunity to celebrate those who make a real difference in B.C. schools. The Awards will be presented annually to exceptional education professionals in British Columbia's school system working within either the public, independent, First Nations, or offshore school systems. Learn more. Nominations Are Now Open! The submission deadline is June 18, 2018. Complete a nomination form.

Photos: Fernwood School’s “Great Water Walk” 2018

The students and staff of Fernwood School once again be walked in support of SOPAR’s village well projects in India. SOPAR is a non-profit, non-governmental, Canadian/Indian organization that supports community-driven development throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. Classes walked to St Mary's Lake to collect water and carry it back to Fernwood, experiencing what millions of women and children must do every day in order to survive. This year, their goal was to raise at least $1800, which will fund the establishment of two village wells that will provide water to over 300 people. Since 2005, Fernwood School has raised enough money to fund 30 village wells in Andhra Pradesh through their Great Water Walk events. This means that over 5000 people now have access to safe, clean water because of the efforts of Fernwood students and the generosity of the greater Salt Spring community! If you didn't get a chance to support the students walking today and would like to see them …

Tour des Iles Festival - Explore Our Beautiful Islands

The Tour des Iles Festival (TDIF) is big and getting bigger – and we want you to be a part of it! Our Fourth Annual Festival is taking place June 22, 23, and 24, 2018. All day inter-island small boat service will connect you to Pender, Saturna, Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne Islands. Courtesy shuttles, with knowledgeable and friendly local drivers, will take passengers to island attractions, such as art galleries, markets, and natural wonders. Combining art, music, food, outdoor recreation and each island’s unique cultural activities, TDIF is the one of the fastest growing Festivals on the islands, and lets island residents and visitors alike see up close what makes the Southern Gulf Islands a world-renowned tourist destination. “This is a wonderful festival!” says Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich and the Southern Gulf Islands. “I can think of no better way than to celebrate in the natural beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. I hope to see you all there!” The annual Tour…

Japanese Historical Charcoal Kilns on Salt Spring Island

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. One of the very few Asian heritage sites on Salt Spring are the two charcoal kilns built by Isaburo Tasaka in the early 1900s in Mouat Park. Besides the two on our island, we have identified thirteen others in the Southern Gulf Islands. A new 68-page booklet published by the Japanese Garden Society gives the history of charcoal (the history of humanity!) and its local production, and some insights into the lives of early Japanese Canadian settlers on the Southern Gulf Islands. The launch of the booklet will from 1:30 pm on May 15th in the Library Program Room. Four of the booklet’s contributors will be giving a talk. Our story began with the restoration of one of the two Salt Spring kilns in 2015. While we were working on the restoration, we learned from local historical kiln expert Steve Nemtin that there were a number of similar kilns on Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, and possibly the other islands too. Steve has been fascinated by th…

Announcing A New Nature Reserve

A new nature reserve—a forested 62-acre area near Ford Lake, including small streams flowing into the headwaters of Fulford Creek—is now in the hands of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. The Howard Horel Nature Reserve has been created largely thanks to a generous anonymous donor, with some grant support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and a conservation covenant held by The Land Conservancy BC (TLC), a province-wide land trust. “The Salt Spring Island Conservancy is thrilled to be the long-term caretaker of this lovely Douglas-fir and sword-fern forest, in memory of Howard C. Horel, a well-known island sawmill operator,” according to Christine Torgrimson, the Conservancy’s executive director. Howard was also a horseman, farrier, avid motorcyclist and member of a long-time island family. “It’s fabulous that this new reserve adjoins other protected lands that together represent about a 300-acre protected area, including a great network of walking trails, ac…

Islands Trust - Regarding Beachside (Island Escapades)

I have received numerous calls and e mails from islanders who are concerned about a stop work order on the renovations to the Beachside, formerly Island Escapades, property on the Ganges waterfront. It is a valued business and benefits our community. We would all like to see it succeed. However as in any jurisdiction, whether incorporated or not, there are specific by-laws and regulations which must be followed. There are many layers to this issue. Our rules and procedures stem from the Official Community Plan (OCP) developed after a great deal of time and input from the community, covering all matters relating to land use. It includes requirements for development within our villages, along our shorelines and close to streams among others. Bylaws derived from the OCP, and permit requirements within the OCP, cannot be ignored. Simply put, a landowner can do nothing significant to disturb the land within a Development Permit Area (DPA) without a permit, which will ensure that …

Depleted Old Boys Squad Battle Through in Bill Drew Tournament

Old Boys end season on a winning note - The pouring rain on Saturday April 7th complemented the Old Boys mood as only 9 hardy souls arrived at Finlayson Park, Victoria for their opening game in the Annual Bill Drew end of season tournament. Included in the 9 was a return after a 2-season absence of the doughty Jim Witherspoon in goal, and further panic recruitment by coach Tweedle, as the referee called the captains together, saw the Old Boys squad bolstered by 2 stragglers: Fernando and Rick (who increasingly looks as though he was born into the actual Celtic speaking Picts from 9th century Scotland). Confidence was further eroded as the Old Boys surveyed the opposition, a combined team of Vic West and Fernwood players – 2 of the strongest teams on Vancouver Island. However, the Old Boys started well, and albeit playing conservatively held their own, when Mike McCormick pounced on an errant back pass to round the keeper for a 1-0 lead. McCormick’s calmness in front of …

Bike Park Community Open House Insights

A community open house for the proposed Salt Spring Lions Commemorative Bike Park in Mouat Park took place on Sunday, March 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Salt Spring Island Lions Hall. The event was hosted by the Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) to share information about the project and receive feedback from the community. Information on the planning process, environmental and technical assessments and a draft design proposal were available for public review and discussion. Members of the consultant team (Green City Builders and Lees and Associates), PARC staff, and two commissioners were in attendance. Two site tours at Mouat Park were also hosted by the project manager, Elizabeth FitzZaland (Green City Builders) earlier in the day at 11:30 am and 12:00 pm. The event was advertised on the Salt Spring Exchange, the Gulf Islands Driftwood, Facebook and through the CRD’s website. Approximately 85 people attended the Open House and approximately twenty-fi…

Proposed Bike Park Project Update

As was recently announced, Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) has received a donation of $150,000 from the Salt Spring Island Lions Club towards the construction of a family bike park. The donation is made to the Salt Spring community in celebration of the club’s 60th anniversary. The Salt Spring Island Lions Club has a history of providing the community with quality recreational facilities and welcomes the opportunity to help create a much needed family oriented bike park. The proposed park is being called Salt Spring Island Lions Club Commemorative Bike Park. Here is an update from PARC on the project: Recent tree felling in the park occurred independently of the Bike Park project to remove dead and dying trees that were assessed as dangerous. There is not yet a Conceptual Design Plan for the Bike Park. The Design Team is waiting on the completion of all of the environmental and professional assessments before creating a draft Conceptual Desi…

2018 Salt Spring Film Festival: Lund - End of the Road Filmmaker with Tai Uhlmann

The following article was written by Jennifer Cikaluk as part of a series of articles about filmmakers coming to the Salt Spring Film Festival on March 2-4, 2018. Filmmaker Tai Uhlmann along with Co-Director Theo Angell will be attending the festival and leading a discussion about the film following the screening. The Filmmaker series is sponsored by: Stonehouse B&B, Harbour House Hotel and Hastings House. LUND – End of the Road: Interview with Co-Director/Producer Tai Uhlmann Flash back to the sixties: the counterculture social revolution and a time of rebellion against the conservative norm. Youth were seeking greater individual freedom and exploring new expressions through music, drugs, clothing, and their sexuality. Many were politically disenfranchised and mistrusting of the government, bringing rise to the anti-Vietnam war movement in the United States. “It was a very hard time to be in America at the time. The feeling was either we had to get involved and tr…

2018 Country Grocer Valentines Photo Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Valentines photo contest sponsored by Country Grocer. The winning prize this year was for a $150 gift certificate for dinner at Auntie Pestos. Winners were selected by random draw. And! There were so many great pictures submitted this year that we're giving away even more prizes. Congratulations and thanks to all the couples who sent in amazing photos of their love. Check out all the photos and scroll to the bottom to find out if you won! And the Winners Are! Thank you for all the wonderful photos entered into our Country Grocer Valentines Photo Contest this year. The photos were amazing! Love thrives on Salt Spring Island! Here are the winners whose names were…

2018 Salt Spring Film Festival: Meet Beau Dick - Maker of Monsters Filmmaker Natalie Boll

The following article was written by Jennifer Cikaluk as part of a series of articles about filmmakers coming to the Salt Spring Film Festival on March 2-4, 2018. Filmmaker Natalie Boll will be attending the festival and leading a discussion about the film following the screening. The Filmmaker series is sponsored by: Stonehouse B&B, Harbour House Hotel and Hastings House. Meet Beau Dick – Maker of Monsters: Interview with Co-Director/Producer Natalie Boll Meet Beau Dick: Maker of Monsters is an intimate portrait of a man, an artist, an activist, a father, a mentor and a true Canadian legend. Co-directors & co-producers Natalie Boll and LaTiesha Fazakas have created an authentic film that chronicles the life and achievements of master carver and storyteller, Beau Dick. The film provides an honest, candid and in-depth look at his life, his influences, his accomplishments and his struggles. Through interviews with family, community members, students, and the art …

Video Series: Connect with Nature, Here on Salt Spring Island

Follow the adventures of traveller and filmmaker Erica Hargreave in her series 'Connect with Nature, Here on Salt Spring Island' as she explores the island and profiles some of our unique local citizens. Explore the Canadian wilderness, as she rediscovers Canadian parks, highlighting the wonderful parks and people of Salt Spring Island in this documentary series. Connect with Nature, Here on Salt Spring Island : Episode 1 of Naturally Ours .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Connect with Nature, Here on Salt Spring Island : Episode 2 of Naturally Ours .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: …

Islanders Join Global Women's March

If you were in downtown Ganges on the afternoon of Saturday, January 22, you may have seen a lot of pink hats. People in cities and towns across Canada and the United States and around the globe came together in solidarity with women who demonstrated in Washington on the same date. In Canada alone, tens of thousands of people from coast to coast marched in solidarity and in support of women’s equality and other causes. The Washington march was fuelled by Trump’s election as U.S. president and in response to his divisive policies; his hate-inciting speech; and discriminatory attitudes, including boasts about violating women. The march was a call for greater women’s rights, backed by deeper social and political change. The march was also galvanized by the widespread #MeToo movement, a primarily social media campaign. The hashtag #MeToo has given people, mostly women, a voice with which to publicly acknowledge that they had experienced sexual assault or harassment. By acknow…

Salt Spring Island Lions Club Commemorative Bike Park

Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) has received a donation of $150,000 from the Salt Spring Island Lions Club towards the construction of a family bike park. The donation is made to the Salt Spring community in celebration of the club’s 60th anniversary. The Salt Spring Island Lions Club has a history of providing the community with quality recreational facilities and welcomes the opportunity to help create a much needed family oriented bike park. Presently there are limited soft surfaced areas for youth learning to ride and cycle on Salt Spring. There are also limited active recreation opportunities for older youth, especially those not interested in team sports. A family style bike park would provide a location to gather all generations to participate in active recreation and promote safe cycling practices. Communities such as Tofino, Ucluelet, Cobble Hill, North Saanich and Sooke have bike parks designed for young cyclists and their families. “Th…

Martin 'Buck' Vandenberg Makes Appeal to Support Incarcerated Son

This is our story and why I need your help. Heather and I took our son in to the hospital with the intention of signing our son in for mental health issues chest pain, lack of sleep and hearing multiple voices in his head. It got really bad so we took him to the hospital. We went to administration, when there we asked to see the Mental Health nurse (we were told by lots of people that she would be able to help us) and we were told yes we will let her know. They put a band on Martin's arm and told us to go to the next station. When we got to the next station I asked to see the mental health nurse and was told, yes we will let her know that you want to see her. While nurses doing their stuff with Martin I went back to administration and asked to see the Mental Health nurse and was told, yes we will let her know. I got back to Martin just as the nurses finished doing their exam, told to wait for the doctor. An intern came instead asked a lot of questions asked Martin if he …

Video: The Most Salt Spring Thing This Year?

Devin Milner's video of music in Ganges harbour. Could this be the most Salt Spring thing we've seen all year?

music in Ganges this afternoon.....

Posted by Devin Milner on Sunday, December 10, 2017 https://www.facebook.com/660676594/videos/10154812444626595/