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

Road Clearing, Stay Safe and Avoid Necessary Travel

Although the snowfall warning has now ended, it will still take some time to the clear roads. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel for the road crews and first responders. A big thank you those who have kept critical systems running, especially the Emcon crews who have worked through the storm and the night. Please be patient, the crews have the priorities to follow, and the only time they will deviate from MOTI procedure unless the situation is an emergency circumstance. Emergency circumstances are determined through first responder requests via 911. Wondering what the priorities are? MoTI has a good article about plowing priorities and it explains why a route has a specific designation from the Trans BC Website below. Our maintenance contractors work hard every day to keep BC highways safe and traffic moving smoothly. Because British Columbia is a geographically diverse province, our contractors can face any number of unique challenges where highway main…

Yael Wand Reflects on Her Time Leading Salt Spring Arts

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 …

2025 Country Grocer Valentine’s Day 'Island of Love' Photo Contest

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) T…

Moratorium Partially Lifted - Effective March 31, 2025

PRESS RELEASE – January 30, 2025 North Salt Spring Waterworks District Approves Partial Lift of Moratorium on Maxwell Lake System. Following the completion of detailed analyses of water supply reliability and water system infrastructure, and several months of community engagement and feedback, the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) Board has approved a partial lift of its water moratorium policy (Moratorium) that has been in place since 2014. The NSSWD Board and staff have taken great efforts to responsibly manage Salt Spring Island’s largest yet limited water supply by using a science-based approach to assess future water supply reliability and potential improvements. While there is considerable demand for housing on Salt Spring Island, NSSWD is taking a cautious approach with this significant change for our community. It has been determined that the current supply availability for the Maxwell system can assist with the current housing need in the Ganges area…

B.C. Helps Fruit Growers Prepare for Extreme Weather

New funding is available to help tree-fruit growers prepare their orchards for extreme weather so people can continue to enjoy the B.C. peaches, cherries and apples that so many farming families and communities depend on. “Last summer, British Columbians saw almost no local cherries available and missed out on having delicious Okanagan peaches to enjoy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We know these climate impacts will continue, which is why we’re helping growers with a new program so their crops and businesses become more resilient in the face of increasingly challenging growing conditions.” The new $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program will help fund things such as protective covers, energy-efficient heaters and wind machines to help during periods of extreme cold, as well as canopy sprinklers and shade protection to help ward off the effects of extreme heat. The program also is open to applications for innovative projects to support ind…

Minister’s Statement on RCMP Investigation in Fairy Creek

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement in response to reported tree spiking in the Fairy Creek watershed: “Last week, I was notified that there are reports of tree spiking in the Fairy Creek area of southern Vancouver Island. “Spiking a tree, or even attempting to, is a dangerous criminal activity that puts the health and safety of B.C.’s forestry workers at risk. These reports are incredibly alarming and I condemn this criminal behaviour. “We immediately notified both the forestry licensee and the local First Nation. We have also referred this matter to the RCMP. An investigation is ongoing. “If anyone has any information, I encourage them to contact the Nanaimo RCMP detachment at 250 754-2345 and reference this file number: NA25-2275.” Definition of Tree Spiking from Wikipedia: Tree spiking involves hammering a metal rod, nail or other material into a tree trunk, either inserting it at the base of the trunk where a logger …

Ocean Wise Secures Government of Canada Funding to Advance Sustainable Development Goals in Coastal Fishing Communities

New funding will open the door for Canadian community-based fisheries to be recognized for sustainable practices. January 30, 2025 - Ocean Wise has received nearly $850,000 in funding to support alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in three Indigenous fishing communities. Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program, the project, Advancing Sustainable Development in Fishery-Reliant Coastal Communities, marks a significant milestone in recognizing Canadian small-scale fisheries, advancing their sustainability, and increasing access to local, sustainable seafood for Canadians. Small-scale fisheries account for 40 percent of seafood harvested globally and employing 90 percent of workers in the seafood sector. But only eight percent of global small-scale fisheries have been assessed for sustainability (Illuminating Hidden Harvests, FAO). Many of these fisheries are not evaluated for sustainability bec…

Province Extends Fairy Creek Old-Growth Deferral

The Province has approved a legal order to extend temporary protections in the Fairy Creek watershed until Sept. 30, 2026. The extension applies to the same forest lands as those deferred in June 2021. “I am working to put people and communities back at the heart of forestry,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “True, lasting and meaningful reconciliation begins with partnering and working with First Nations. Together, we can build a strong, robust and sustainable forest sector for the next 100 years.” These temporary protections will allow discussions on the long-term management of the Fairy Creek watershed to continue in partnership with Pacheedaht First Nation. This action is consistent with government’s commitments to reconciliation and to protecting British Columbia’s oldest and rarest forest ecosystems. The Fairy Creek deferral protects almost 1,200 hectares, which is all the Crown land in the Fairy Creek watershed. The entire watershed falls within the Pa…

shíshálh Nation, B.C. Renew Landmark Reconciliation Agreement

shíshálh Nation and the Province are reaffirming their shared commitment to long-term reconciliation by renewing an agreement that will strengthen economic, cultural and environmental initiatives. “We have deepened and strengthened our relationship with the Province over the last six years,“ said lhe hiwus Yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe) of shíshálh Nation. “We are continuing through this renewal to develop our approaches to collaborative decision-making and planning. We must address the challenges of this era together and plan for future generations using new and innovative approaches. Following in the footsteps of our ancestors, we are working to restore our swiya to its natural state and protect it for future generations. Only by working together can we enable a better future for everyone who makes the swiya home.” In 2018, shíshálh Nation and B.C. signed a landmark long-term, phased reconciliation agreement focused on strengthening government-to-government relations, re…

Obituary: Ijah Patterson 2007-2024

In loving memory of our dearly beloved and now departed son Ijah. Ijah is incredibly cherished and missed by his father, mother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, teenage second cousins, and friends. Ijah N. Patterson was born in Gibsons, B.C. on Sept. 19, 2007 to Iwah Patterson and Shareen Archibald. He was raised and nurtured on Saltspring Island, which he loved, from the age of 1 yr. He will surely be remembered by B.C. community members, as well as those in Hawaii and Oregon where he spent time, as a vibrant, creative, light filled child that engaged and delighted the hearts of many. Ijah made an impact on all who met him, and those who truly knew him loved him and felt his love for them. Ijah had challenges as a youth but had recently devoted himself to moving forward in redemption of those difficulties. In a transcendent manner he extended himself in exceeding gestures of warmth, tenderness, and appreciation to those around him and made plans to better hi…

New Cabinet Committee Will Protect B.C.’s Economy From Tariff Threat

Premier David Eby is tasking a new cabinet committee with co-ordinating the whole-of-government approach to protect B.C.’s workers, businesses and economy against ongoing tariff threats from the United States. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, will chair the committee, which will act as a day-to-day war room, co-ordinating actions across government to fight back on behalf of British Columbians and grow the province’s economy. “The proposed U.S. tariffs are a direct attack on B.C.’s families,” Premier Eby said. “This threat isn’t going away anytime soon – not while this president is in power. Every minister has an important role to play in fighting back. Minister Kahlon brings deep experience in government to the table and is uniquely positioned to co-ordinate this work across government ministries.” The B.C. government has stepped up with a three-point strategy to fight back and protect British Columbians: respond to U.S. tariffs with tough counte…

Premier’s Statement on Lunar New Year

Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Lunar New Year: “This year, Lunar New Year begins tomorrow and heralds the start of the Year of the Snake. “As we join people in B.C. and millions of celebrants around the world, we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and celebrate the beginning of a new year. “The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity – all things that will help us meet the opportunities and challenges that we will see this coming year. “Beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending with the first full moon, Lunar New Year marks a time for people to gather with family and friends, enjoy traditional foods and hand out lucky red envelopes or ‘lucky money.’ “Throughout the province, people will be celebrating Lunar New Year with banquets, festivals and other cultural events. Every year my family looks forward to the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration, which feature…

Learning Lots About School District 64

January 24 Fifteen joined us for all or part of this conversation with the School District 64 team, guiding the education of not only our Salt Spring youth but also those of Galiano, Saturna, Mayne, and Pender Islands with 1,500 students, nine schools, and 350 employees. Joining us were: - Jill Jensen - About to celebrate her first year as our Superintendent, Jill brings 34 years of experience as an educator, beginning as an English teacher in Alberta and working for nearly a quarter of a century as a BC administrator in mountain and First Nations communities. - Tisha Boulter - Twice elected School Board Trustee as well as former Chair, Tisha brings decades of experience as a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) leader during her two children’s years in our school district. - Jesse Guy - For the past six years Secretary/Treasurer, Jesse also brings her experience as a student, a 2020 graduate of School District 64. - Nancy Macdonald - Another of our School District 64…

Light and Dark at This Year’s Salt Spring Film Festival

Last year was my first Salt Spring Film Festival, and I was impressed by everything–the stellar quality of the films and the whole vibe of eating delicious food from the Intermission Cafe at group tables in the middle of a Social Justice Bazaar. I had just moved to the island, and it felt very welcoming and reassuring that so many people were into documentary films, one of my passions. I was, however, surprised that almost everyone watching the films seemed older than me, and I’m no spring chicken. I wished the films could be seen by a younger, more diverse audience, and thankfully that is something that programming and marketing coordinator Steve Martindale says the Salt Spring Film Festival Society has been striving to do, including with this year’s slate of 43 films–including two Oscar nominees–for the festival happening February 28 to March 2 at GISS. The festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, originated as a showcase for films …

Obituary: Tamar Griggs

Tamar Griggs December 4, 1941 - December 27, 2024 Tamar was born Dec 4, 1941 in Tacoma, WA to Johanna Frieda Clement and Chauncey Leavenworth Griggs. She passed away from natural causes at her home on Salt Spring Island on the morning of Dec 27, 2024. She is now reunited with her cherished sister, Naomi Griggs. Tamar lived with a sparkle in her eyes, endless curiosity, a deep love for her family, the Salt Spring community, and hundreds of creative projects that she pursued with passion through her final days. In the early 1970s, Tamar taught children’s workshops about whale conservation. She compiled a collection of their poetry and paintings about whales, which was published as a book titled “There’s A Sound In The Sea”. The Smithsonian Institute created a traveling exhibition with the book for the UN Marine Mammal Conference. In 1980 Tamar earned a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University, with a double minor in Biology and English. After enriching pe…

ASK Salt Spring Welcomes our Firefighters

January 17 Nineteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming Fire Chief Jamie Holmes and acting Assistant Fire Chief Warren Nuyens. After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we learned what “excited and delighted” our guests. Warren began by sharing his pleasure with his role interacting with our community on exciting fire prevention projects, including FireSmart and the high school Cadet Camp. This Cadet Camp offers our seniors an opportunity to see some of the exciting parts of firefighting, even including trusting equipment enough to enter a smoke-filled room and rappelling down a three-story building. We later learned that this long-running program has encouraged a number of cadets to enter firefighting as a career. These cadets include women who, as high schoolers, learn that they have the abilities and physical requirements to be career firefighters. Jamie spoke of his understanding of his responsibility as the leader while also empowering his firefighters to u…

Obituary: In Loving Memory of Hans Dobner

Hans Dobner 1928 – 2024 Hans came into the world in Loeben, Austria. At that time, Austria was still struggling with the devastating aftermath of World War I. For a brief time, he found himself in a boarding school isolated from those he loved. Though it was a difficult time for him, and always found joy in the beauty of creation. Hans was 11 years old when Austria found itself embroiled in another world war with young Hans remembering looking at the terror of his father‘s face when the news came over the radio that another world war was declared. By 1945 Hans was old enough to be recruited and found himself in the frightening role of a soldier in the war in March 1945. His troop was ordered to travel to Augsburg, Germany, where they were to have training on the guns and shoot enemy planes at close range, obviously putting the lives of those young men in great peril. However, the train to take the young recruits to Augsburg was forced to stop at Munich because the city…

BC Transit: Service Change

SALT SPRING ISLAND – BC Transit and the Capital Regional District are informing customers of a service change, effective February 3, 2025. As part of this service change, minor changes are being made to the trip times on certain trips to help with service reliability due to construction delays on Fulford-Ganges Road. The following routes will be impacted: Route 1 Ganges Local Route 2 Fulford Harbour Route 5 Fernwood Route 7 Cusheon Lake Please see the online Rider’s Guide for full details. For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/salt-spring-island.

B.C. Provides Economic Assessment of Trump’s Tariff Threat

As B.C. continues to fight against threatened United States tariffs of 25% on all Canadian imports, the Province has done a preliminary assessment of potential impacts to the B.C. economy of a trade war with the United States. In president-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs scenario, B.C. could see a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity between 2025 and 2028. The Province’s real GDP is projected to potentially decline by 0.6% year over year in both 2025 and 2026. Job losses are estimated at 124,000 by 2028 with the largest declines in natural-resource sector export industries and associated manufacturing. Losses would also be felt in the transportation and retail sectors. The unemployment rate could increase to 6.7% in 2025 and 7.1% in 2026, and corporate profits could see an annual decline in the range of $3.6 billion to $6.1 billion. Tariffs imposed by the United States, along with potential retaliatory measures, could impact many of the Province’s key reven…

Linda's List for Jan.16: Colder Weather Ahead; Homemade Pesticides

After the warm winter so far, below freezing temperatures are now in the forecast for our first bit of colder weather this winter. Starting Friday this week and continuing for a few days, forecasts range from one or two degrees below freezing overnight for the Victoria area to -4 to -5oC overnight further up Vancouver Island, for Vancouver and other Lower Mainland areas. At higher elevations or further inland, overnight temperatures tend to be lower so some of you may have lower temperatures overnight in your garden. It doesn’t look like severe or prolonged cold is likely for now, so preparations this week should just ensure that everything is well mulched and possibly that the least hardy vegetables are covered. But first, you might want to harvest a batch of carrots and other roots, leeks, a cabbage, lots of leafy greens, to store in the refrigerator for use in over the next few weeks. Root crops and cabbages, in particular, keep well for weeks in the fridge if you have the s…

Want to Join Face-to-Face Conversations About Our Most Divisive Salt Spring Issues?

January 10 Twenty-two joined us to welcome the Restorative Justice team to facilitate explorations of our difficult conversations in a safe and productive space. This is the first of a series of such Restorative Justice/ASK Salt Spring conversations scheduled for the second Friday of each month, 11-1, in the SIMS classroom. Leading our conversation this week was Laura Dafoe. She was joined by two new and enthusiastic Restorative Justice volunteers, Emma and Fig. Sadly missing was program coordinator Jessica Terezakis who is supporting her family in a recent health challenge. While many of us know about the meaningful work done by our local Restorative Justice team, you may want to check out their website as well as the ASK Salt Spring report about their recent time with us. Laura also suggested we read Peter Block’s book, The Abundant Community, offering the following questions: - Invitation to Connection: What can we do to create a stronger sense of belonging within …