News - Salt Spring Exchange - Salt Spring Island local news, live cams, classifieds, events and visitor information.

New Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in B.C.

The Province has confirmed an additional case of chronic wasting disease in British Columbia, found in a white-tailed deer in the Kootenay region. Chronic wasting disease is an infectious and fatal disease affecting species in the cervid family, including deer, elk, moose and caribou. It causes serious harm to the animals’ health. To date, three cases of the disease have been identified in deer populations in the Kootenay region. The first two cases in B.C. were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in February 2024. One was a male mule deer harvested by a hunter, and the other was a female white-tailed deer killed in a road accident. Both were collected in Cranbrook as part of B.C.’s ongoing chronic wasting disease surveillance efforts. The latest case was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The sample was collected from a white-tailed deer harvested in October 2024. This case is within two kilometres of the other c…

Galiano Island Local Trust Committee Authorizes Legal Action

Islands Trust, on behalf of the Galiano Island Local Trust Committee, has filed a petition in the BC Supreme Court in order to preserve the unique environment of Wise Island, an island within the Galiano Island Local Trust Area. The claim seeks remediation of a property on Wise Island where trees were cut without a permit in an area protected by a Shoreline and Marine Development Permit Area. The Galiano Island Local Trust Committee’s Shoreline and Marine Development Permit Area safeguards sensitive shorelines, and outlines regulations and guidelines for development. As required by the Galiano Island Official Community Plan, known as Bylaw 108, physical and ecological characteristics of shorelines in the Galiano Island Local Trust Area must be carefully managed to avoid potential negative impacts of development. The Galiano Island Local Trust Committee has been addressing this breach of Bylaw 108 with the property owner since 2022 and has provided several opportunities for…

A New Era for Mateada and Owner David Karr

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…

Stqeeye's Home at Last VIDEO

Stqeeye’ Learning Society has passed the halfway mark in raising funds for our new home at Xwaaqw’um (pronounced KHWOK-wum), the Hul’qumi’num name for the Burgoyne Valley. To celebrate we wanted to share a story about a video we made a year ago, but had to take down shortly after it was made, because it contained a name and an image that we wouldn’t be able to use for a year: Tousilum. Prior to the arrival of settlers, the Cowichan village of Xwaaqw’um was rich in resources, including up to 5 long houses that were stewarded by a Cowichan Chief named Tousilum, and his family. With the arrival of settlers and a colonial government dedicated to solving the so-called “Indian problem”, Tousilum and his family were forced to leave the lands they had stewarded since time immemorial. In our culture hereditary names are passed down over the generations; the names tie us to the lands, resources and ceremonies we belong to. In following with that tradition, the name was passed down …

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Copper Kettle/Wagon Wheel's Cherie

November 15 Nine joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Cherie Geauvreau, the heart and soul of the Copper Kettle/Wagon Wheel team. After offering a loving Penelakut greeting as our Territorial Acknowledgement, we began learning about the work of the Copper Kettle/Wagon Wheel Housing Society . When asked what “excited and delighted” her, Cherie did not pause: writing poetry gives her great joy, proud of the poetry book she published. Also “excited and delighted” by connecting Salt Springers, she and her team have been serving those in need for nearly a quarter of a century. Since 2002 when Copper Kettle Community Partnership was established, Cherie and her hardworking team have been connecting those who are isolated and feeding those in need, one victory at a time, year after year. The Copper Kettle began as the result of tough times Cherie and her partner experienced, moving nine times in the short space of three years. In that traumatic process, she saw the u…

Debris, Downed Trees Prompt Travel Advisory for Vancouver Island Highways

A significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island. Downed power lines, debris and fallen trees have resulted in multiple highway closures on the island. Drivers are advised to avoid travel for the remainder of Tuesday night, Nov. 19, and into the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Highways closed include: Highway 4 from Highway 4A (Errington) to Port Alberni, and from Port Alberni to Tofino/Ucluelet junction Highway 14 west of Sooke Highway 18 at Hillcrest Highway 28 from Gold River to Campbell River Pacific Marine Circle Route Drivers can expect additional closures as the storm moves through. Environment Canada warns that strong southeasterly winds will continue throughout the night and into Wednesday morning but should ease late in the day on Wednesday. As soon as its safe to do so, maintenance contractors will begin clearing debris, and BC Hydro is prioritizing repairs to the many power outages across the island. For additional updates, drivers ca…

People Encouraged to Prepare for Strong Winds

People living in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior, can expect stormy weather and strong winds starting Tuesday, Nov. 19 and extending through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings and special weather statements due to a significant fall storm that will bring southeasterly winds through the afternoon on Tuesday, with peak wind speeds expected that evening for most coastal regions. The strong winds are likely to continue on Wednesday morning but are expected to ease later in the day. Wind warnings and special weather statements are in effect for most coastal regions, in addition to the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and other parts of B.C. For up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca The Province continues to monitor conditions closely and work directly with communities to support preparedness and respon…

Salt Spring Island Mount Maxwell Community Park Management Plan Update

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has made progress on developing a Park Management Plan (PMP) for the new Mount Maxwell Community Park through ongoing engagement with key partners and community groups, and the completion of a baseline environmental assessment on the park property. A central focus of the new park project has been the continued collaboration with local First Nations. Through the planning process the CRD are gaining insights into how Indigenous values and interests can be supported along with other uses in the park. The CRD remains committed to continuing conversations and fostering respectful, longterm relationships with First Nations as part of this process. Through the spring and early summer, the CRD held meetings with and received input from neighbours and community recreation groups, including the mountain biking and equestrian communities. A well-attended, in-person public open was held May 2024 to provide an opportunity for islanders to learn more…

Where will Electric Vehicles take us ?

Congratulations on the opening of the new Emergency Department of the Lady Minto hospital. Why is an EV guy saying that, especially in his EV oriented Driftwood column ? Before I answer that, an update. You may have heard that the Transition Salt Spring - EV Group has completed its missions and closed its doors. True. That is because our mission of education is now being supported by government (including generous purchase incentives), industry (BC Hydro) and many other organizations. EVs are now mainstream. If we look at our other mission of EV charging infrastructure on Salt Spring, there are a host of free public chargers and the long needed pay-for-use DCFC (super high speed) charging is now coming to the new Fire Hall and the Co-op gas station. Those high speed chargers will be available for really busy vehicles like taxis, delivery and emergency vehicles and of course, tourists. That pretty well completes our group missions, so we disbanded. But I do notice th…

PSA: Vesuvius Ferry Camera is Down

Hi Folks! Just a little PSA: Vesuvius Ferry Cams have been down all weekend, we have been working to get them back online - a little blip in the system! Hopefully they will be back up tomorrow, fingers crossed!! We know these are much used service for many of you that take this route regularly, so we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Hopefully we won't see this ominous black "connecting" screen for much longer!

100 Men and 100 Women Who Care on Salt Spring

I can’t get over the elegant simplicity of the 100 Who Care model, where 100 or more people donating $100 each three times a year results in sizeable donations to worthy local charities. It was a revelation last month at my first 100 Men Who Care Salt Spring meeting to see how in an hour’s time a local registered charity can come away with at least $10,000. In this case, it was the Salt Spring Food Bank, and earlier this week,100 Women Who Care Salt Spring chose GIFTS (Gulf Island Families Together Society) as its fall recipient. I had seen the 100 Who Care name, including here on the Exchange, but I wasn’t familiar with the concept until someone told me about it and said 100 Men was seeking new members. And I’ve found that most people I know on SSI who aren’t members also don’t know how it works. It’s a simpler and much less time-consuming process than the typical ways registered charities raise money through bake sales, raffles, or grant applications. All it takes …

Linda's List for Nov. 13: Cutworms, Rats, Winter Sowing

With what has been relatively warm weather for this time of year, rampages of climbing cutworms and other caterpillars continue. Many people are reporting usually large numbers of caterpillars chewing up their leafy greens and other vegetables. Photos sent to me have been mostly of the usual suspect that I mention often: The Large Yellow Underwing Moth, whose larvae are those extremely hardy climbing cutworms that feed all winter. See: http://www.lindagilkeson.ca/leaf_chewers.html#25 Nighttime inspections by flashlight a couple of hours after dark to pick off the caterpillars are quite effective as the caterpillars are easy to see feeding on leaves. They are most active on warmer evenings (9-10oC/48-50oF), but do also feed at lower temperatures. The first night you hunt for them you will likely find most of them, but keep checking for a few more nights to pick off the last few. Cutworms I have been finding range in size from very small to larger ones that look more than h…

Obituary: Darcy Leigh Graham

Darcy Leigh Graham (nee Bishop) — February 20, 1968 – September 25, 2024 With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Darcy, surrounded by love and family at home. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Bruce; children, Holly and Fisher; sister Tracy Campbell, brother Douglas Bishop, brother-in-law Mark Campbell, brother-in-law Adam Pankhurst, nephews Morgan Campbell and Rob Scott, and niece Kaitlyn Scott. Darcy was predeceased by her parents, Doug and Ann Bishop, and sister-in-law, Susan Scott. Darcy's life was a vibrant tapestry of love, art, and adventure. Her infectious joie de vivre, creative spirit, and generous heart touched countless lives. As a devoted mother, wife, friend, and artist, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and beauty. Born with a spark, Darcy illuminated the world around her. Her artistic passions included painting, pottery, and design. She had a unique gift for finding beauty in everyday objects and transforming th…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Emcon's Andrew

Note: A caring settler pointed out that the last ASK Salt Spring report should not have welcomed Penelakut Councillor Kurt Irwin and his uncles to their own never-ceeded territory. This report has been changed to read: Fourteen joined us for a conversation with Penelakut Councillor Kurt Irwin, his uncles Ken and Chuck. . . . Thank-you for the opportunity to learn and do better. November 8 Ten joined us to welcome Emcon Operations Manager Andrew Gaetz to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. As most Salt Springers know, Emcon is our roads maintenance contractor. Andrew’s region includes all provincial roads from Chemainus in the north to Victoria, including Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Sooke, and all roads on the six Southern Gulf Islands. With a ten-year contract that began in 2019, we learned that there may also be a five-year extension beyond 2029 to this contract. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Andrew spoke of his “delight and excitement” that winter is on its wa…

New SSI Basketball Association is a Slam Dunk

There is no shortage of enthusiasm for basketball on SSI. Last year, 90 boys and girls at GISS—about one in seven students—played on a school basketball team. The sport is also popular at the elementary schools, and this spring, a team of local men who have been playing together for years won a league title in Duncan. However, there is a shortage of local playing and training opportunities outside of the school basketball season, says hoops enthusiast Darcy Repen. He is working to change this through the recent formation of the Salt Spring Basketball Association, which incorporated in July. Inspired by the successes of local tennis, soccer and baseball association in supporting their sports, Darcy wants to build a strong year-round basketball culture on SSI where facilities are improved and people of all ages have more chances to play for the fun of it and youth can develop their skills. “There's more demand than there is availability of gym time and games and teams f…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes Kurt Irwin and Our Archives Staff to Discuss Reconciliation

November 1 Fourteen joined us to welcome Penelakut Councillor Kurt Irwin, his uncles Ken and Chuck, and Archive volunteer managers Christina Marshall and Ceridwen Ross Collins. A unique and fun ASK Salt Spring, all seemed to enjoy a fascinating glimpse at our past as well as a future Salt Spring rich with First Nations partnerships. Kurt began by offering a heartfelt and very personal Territorial Acknowledgement sharing his rediscovery of his Indigenous roots. It all began almost exactly a decade ago when he offered an Indigenous funeral service for his Penelakut mother, Lil Sampson Irwin, on October 1, 2014 at Fernwood Dock. With only four days to prepare, Kurt worked quickly and learned a lot, also quickly realizing that he had much more to learn. RCMP officers and Firefighters saluted as Penelakut Elders arrived at the dock drumming. As a part of the ceremony, Kurt also prepared four plates of traditional foods, including venison, corn, and vegetables, to burn. Whe…

Fatal Pedestrian Collision

On the evening of October 28, 2024, Salt Spring RCMP responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on Rainbow Road. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The pedestrian was flown to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. There is no criminality involved in this a tragic accident. Out of respect for all those involved, especially the family of the deceased, police will not be releasing any further details. Regards, Sgt. Clive Seabrook Detachment Commander Salt Spring RCMP 401 Lower Ganges Road Salt Spring Island – V8K 2V4 Phone: 250-537-5555 Fax: 250-537-1631

LCC Responds to SIMS Concerns

The following is a statement from the Salt Spring Island's Local Community Commissioners. SIMS Community Space Proposal Recently, Salt Spring's Local Community Commission (LCC) has heard from community members concerned by plans to rent space in Salt Spring Island Multi Space (SIMS) to the Chuan Society. The Society has proposed a short-term pilot project to create a place where community members can gather, work on creative projects, participate in workshops, talking circles, and have a warm place to connect with other members of the community during colder months. The concerned community members may not be aware that space in SIMS was used for a similar purpose just last year, when classroom 2 was rented by the Green Ground Community Design Society as a “maker space," serving the same community members as the Chuan project aims to serve. During the time this was operating, there were no significant conflicts with other users and no incidents raising concerns for the …

Independent MLA Candidate Amy Haysom Reflects on Her Run

Saanich North and the Islands was this provincial election’s most competitive three-way race, the only riding where three candidates received at least about 30 percent of the vote. A fourth candidate, Amy Haysom ran as an Independent and received almost 2 percent of the vote. Because Amy was the only Salt Spring candidate on the ballot, we invited her to reflect on her inaugural and eventful foray into politics. Amy had initially tried to become the candidate for the BC Green Party, but on the eve of the four-day nomination content, party officials disqualified her and removed her from the ballot. A few weeks later, Amy decided to run as an Independent candidate. We reached out to the BC Greens to get a response to comments Amy made during the interview about the nomination contest and its aftermath. BC Green Party communications manager Rippon Madtha directed us to two official statements the party made in August “which detail our position regarding Amy’s candidacy and t…

Local Trust Committee October Update

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. Our next regular meeting will be on November 14th beginning at 12:30 PM at the Salt Spring Legion, Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Road. The agenda will be available on November 8th on the Islands Trust website. Office staff are available to help should you have questions about getting to our meetings or viewing them on-line. Please call 250-538-9144 or email ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca for support. Please note that no in-person office is available on Salt Spring Island at this time. Renovations will be commencing on a new office at 121 McP…

We Are What We Eat: A Fresh Approach to Eating that Promotes Personal, Community and Environmental Health

During the pandemic, David Marshall couldn't ignore the mountain of recycling piling up at home—so much plastic, so much waste. Despite their best recycling efforts, he realized every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere. Where does it all go? It was shocking to think this was just one family's impact. As he shopped for groceries, he noticed every item wrapped in plastic, travelling far to reach Salt Spring Island (SSI)—the waste felt overwhelming. Determined to find a better way, David envisioned sourcing organic produce and raw materials from local farmers to create fresh, plant-based meals. His goal was clear: distribute healthy, affordable food to the community. He crafted an irresistible proposition—four days a week of locally made, plant-based meals, delivered to your door, zero waste, and no planning required. People loved it! Even those who hadn’t embraced plant-based diets previously found that fresh, locally prepared meals tasted amazing. And if they w…