Thirty-nine, and very well-behaved pup, Envy, joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome our candidates for the one CRD Electoral Director position and four Local Community Commission (LCC) positions. Joining us were (in alphabetical order) Myna Lee Johnstone, Jesse Jule, Jenny McClean, Earl Rook, Pam Tarr, and Brian Webster. Electoral Director candidate, Jennifer Lannan, was unable to join us. Ben Corno, Local Community Commission candidate as well as incumbent, also had to also regretfully miss our time together, journeying to Nanaimo to pick up his visiting family.
After Jenny offered our Land Acknowledgement and all participants had an opportunity to introduce themselves, we gave all of our candidates the opportunity to both tell us why they are running as well as share what “excites and delights” them.
We began with Earl, an incumbent candidate for the Local Community Commission, also having served as Chair and Alternate Electoral Director during the first LCC term. Heshared his pleasure with the significant progress made by the LCC in its first three and a half years, looking forward to continuing this good work and completing unfinished business. He also shared that a sweet Whippet pup had just joined his family and their other three dogs.
Jenny hopes to be elected as a Local Community Commissioner and as a School Board Trustee. She aspires to create a governance structure with systems that offer mutual benefit to all. She is particularly interested in focusing on transit options.
Pam, a candidate for one of our four Local Community Commission positions, shared her incredible excitement of being in this room with so many Salt Springers sharing ideas. If elected, she will put her considerable energy into building resilient communities through collaborations between government, our nonprofits, and community members. She noted how productive the LCC has already been, making important decisions and changing lives. She is looking forward to being a part of the new LCC team. And, “excited and delighted?” She loves LCC meetings, even those difficult and complicated all day budget meetings.
Jesse, a candidate for Electoral Director, came to Salt Spring in 2002 to learn about rammed-earth construction and never left. A licensed builder and designer, he runs Temple Vision, a local design and construction company. He enjoys sharing ideas and learning through conversation and felt more at ease in the ASK Salt Spring circle than at the formal forum the evening before. His community involvement includes the OCP Advisory Committee, early local bus efforts, and the Salt Spring Island Monetary Foundation, which he has rejoined as a director. He wants to bring his practical building experience to the role, helping turn good ideas into results and following through on the work the community agrees to do.
Myna Lee, running to be one of our four Local Community Commissioners, has been on Salt Spring for over 40 years and is deeply frustrated by the noise, pollution, congestion, and danger created by our ever-increasing traffic. Disappointed that only 2.8% of Salt Springers use our transit system, if elected, she will work to improve and expand it. She believes that we need a strong voice to deal with traffic, transit, and parking, confident that she can offer that strong voice we need.
Brian, currently a Local Community Commissioner and running to be elected as our next CRD Electoral Director, is an apple farmer, “excited and delighted” by this weekend’s weather forecast predicting good weather for our annual Apple Festival. He is also very pleased with the progress made by the LCC in its first term, noting a recent ribbon-cutting of the new girls’ baseball field made possible by the generosity of donors as well as Community Works and PARC funds. This celebration attracted an estimated 50 ball players and parents, mostly the girls, who are thrilled that they now have this impressive centrally-located facility to practice and improve in the sport they love.
After this introduction by our candidates, participants got the opportunity to begin asking their questions.
Question: Please tell us details about a Salt Spring housing agency; how would it differ from the previous attempt, the Housing Council; and how would it be empowered to be effective?
Earl is open to further exploration of such a housing agency but he also has many questions. He has not yet done much work in this area and is interested in learning more if he is elected to another term.
Jenny has done quite a bit of research on housing. She was on the Ganges Village Task Force set up under the Islands Trust Local Trust Committee and favours including work already done on the issues of housing in Ganges rather than CRD /LCC repeating the same work.
Pam is looking forward to collaborating with a representative team of people who care about housing. She is convinced that Salt Spring needs a centralized housing authority that can identify viable housing projects, acquire needed funding, and, possibly, even own/manage housing projects. She cited existing examples like the Cowichan Valley Housing Authority. While she agrees that much discussion is still needed, she is confident that there are multiple reasons for a Salt Spring housing entity, possibly even including rental management. She hopes to be elected so that she can be part of the LCC team that can fully understand the opportunities possible with a dedicated Salt Spring housing agency.
Jesse would like to learn from Whistler and other successful housing models while making better use of existing homes and CRD housing programs. His concern is not simply whether a new housing agency would survive but whether it would have the resources and a clear mandate to deliver homes and sustain affordability over the long term. He raised questions about how these models would work within Salt Spring’s regional district, rather than municipal, structure. He emphasized finding a workable structure. He would like to explore land-trust and ownership models that keep homes affordable beyond the first occupant rather than allowing the benefit to disappear when a property is sold.
Myna Lee asked us to recognize there are many housing models available. She does not support SROs (Single Room Occupant) buildings for people who have been living out on the street. In her opinion, they lose their ability to do everyday chores, such as cooking and cleaning, and need to be in supervised houses to help get them functioning again. She supports tiny homes, communities, and Eco Villages. She also believes that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are acceptable housing options for workers.
Brian reminded us that the2011 SSI Affordable Housing Strategy, recommended establishing a housing council to take the lead on the other recommended initiatives in that plan. Unfortunately, neither resources nor authority was given to this recommended housing council. Brian believes that we need to fully explore and consider a one stop entity for Salt Spring housing, mentioning that many similar communities have successful housing agencies. He disagreed with Jesse who questioned whether Salt Spring is limited in this endeavour by not being incorporated, saying that Salt Spring can do nearly everything a municipality can do. He did note that some communities have a great deal of public land appropriate for housing projects while Salt Spring has very little local government-owned land other than parks.
Question: What can the LCC/CRD do to support the rental market?
Brian began by saying thatResidential Tenancy Act (RTA) is a challenging topic on Salt Spring. Designed to protect vulnerable tenants, this protective legislation should not create an impediment to using our already-existing housing units because homeowners are afraid to rent. He mentioned that Housing NOW, largely focused on home-sharing options and not yet successful on Salt Spring, may be the nonprofit that could take the lead supporting renters and landlords rather forcing them to rely on the RTA dispute system.
Myna Lee Many rentals are too short term with renters having to vacate when owners come to stay for a while or when they choose to go away. In her opinion, this should be considered insecure housing. In response to the suggestion of a participant to make a list of bad renters and bad landlords, both help with resolution of issues as well as outcomes of disputes are available online through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Jesse cautioned that creating lists of renters or landlords to avoid could quickly become personal. Drawing on his experience building six tiny homes, he suggested exploring a clearer path for small, safe homes that people could rent or own. His question was how small and affordable a useful home could be, not simply how little land it could occupy. These homes could be relocatable without being on wheels, including designs that can be moved by crane. He would like to work with Islands Trust, the CRD, and lenders on suitable approvals, standards, and financing. He sees this as one way to expand rental options and offer a more affordable starting point for ownership.
Pam stated that the rental/landlord relationship needs revisiting. We need both protection for renters and advocacy for people renting their places. She suggested a local mediation centre so that issues can be discussed and – hopefully – resolved before becoming a formal dispute. She agrees that Housing NOW is well-prepared to take the lead creating such a support system.
Jenny reminded us that other communities own land and can decide how it can be used.
Earl agreed that Housing NOW could serve as a buffer to make rental issues less painful: Rather than immediately initiating a dispute through the RTA as the only option when issues arise, a less formal, local option, like a mediation centre, may be very helpful to renters and landlords alike.
Question: Half of Salt Spring’s population is over 55 years old. What is the CRD/LCC doing to support our seniors, many of whom are isolated and impoverished.
Earl reminded us that senior services is currently a provincial mandate. He questioned whether the LCC has a role in these support services.
Jenny reminded us that, were the LCC to begin to offer senior support services, a new CRD/LCC service would need to be created, something that may be beyond the current scope of the CRD/LCC. Instead, she reminded us of the many senior services currently in place, including Better and Home and the Food Bank, both managed by Island Community Services. She did agree, though, that the current senior support network is a bit of a patchwork.
Pam shared her concern about our high population of seniors, many of whom are inadequately supported. She reminded us that this a housing issue, for without homes for caregivers as well another senior support workers, they will choose other communities in which to work. She is also deeply concerned about housing options on Salt Spring for seniors who need to downsize but do not want to leave Salt Spring.
Jesse would like to help older residents stay safely in their homes by connecting them with existing services, home-repair support, and community volunteers. Clear information on existing websites could help people find organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, but the goal is practical help, not simply another website. He said he would be volunteering to install a window at the Senior Centre the following week. He also reflected on his grandparents’ experience of having to leave their home. As a director with the Salt Spring Island Monetary Foundation, he is also interested in exploring “time banking,” where people exchange time and practical help. He sees supporting seniors as a community-wide responsibility, with a role for local organizations, tradespeople, and volunteers alongside government.
Myna Lee expressed her gratitude for the vision of the Lions Club that, over 70 years ago, created Pioneer Village, a small, inexpensive, centrally-located housing option for many with limited incomes. She also gave a “shout out” to IWAV and the Senior Centre, both nonprofits
Brian reiterated that the LCC/CRD doesn’t have a seniors’ service per se. He did note, however, that the LCC Transportation service does help address senior mobility issues through the creation of pathways along roads. Largely funded by the province in the past, with this pause in provincial funding for pathways – as well as housing – we need to be smart and creative to fill this unfortunate funding gap.
Question: Should we separate housing from government rather than establish an LCC housing agency?
Brian: In 2011 a housing council was created on Salt Spring. Unfortunately, it was given neither funding nor authority. While we have lots of successful nonprofits doing good work, Brian believes that a new housing agency, if there is consensus that one should be created, will need to be better equipped to succeed.
Jesse pointed to the Conservancy as an example of people placing land in trust for a lasting community purpose. He would like to explore whether a separate housing land trust could help secure land and affordable homes over the long term, potentially through a nonprofit working with community and government partners. He was drawing a parallel with the idea of holding land in trust, not proposing housing on protected Conservancy land.
Pam believes that we should establish a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss and recommend the best structure for any housing agency we create.While any housing agency that emerges from these recommendations would, in Pam’s opinion, need to be supported by local government, initially, it could be a nonprofit initiative until it gains momentum.
Jenny reminded us that other communities own land and decide how it can be used.
Earl reminded us that there are many successful examples of housing agencies, like the one on the San Juan Islands, that are nonprofits. They have an advantage over Salt Spring as some have been established for a very long time, accruing many resources over the decades. While he sees potential for governmental support and/or management, he is clear that details matter and that the LCC has not yet begun this discussion.
Question: Currently, 60% of our local budget is spent on recreation through our Parks and Recreation service.In the context of the various crises threatening us, specifically severe impacts of climate change and food shortages if the ferries stop running, would you be willing to reprioritize funding to address these imminent crises?
Earl: Currently the general CRD/LCC budget is managed short term. We need longer term strategic budget decisions. He would like this conversation to begin at a fundamental level to determine where we are spending money. We are facing serious threats as our world is changing, yet, we have nothing in the LCC funding for fire prevention. According to Earl, we need to rejig priorities: It is time to reshape our budget to meet future challenges.
Jenny suggested to focus on core recreational needs like the pool. She noted that an ice rink is also considered a core service in many communities. She noted that the ice rink currently being installed on the 262 Rainbow Road site is in need of sponsorship and she hopes that people will donate. Jenny also noted that there are many generous and kind people on Salt Spring Island who will donate to recreational amenities.
Pam believes that there is only so much that we can demand from taxpayers. She sees much potential in identifying new resources like grants and public/private partnerships. She suggested the LCC work closely with Transition Salt Spring, the Conservancy, and Farmland Trust, to name a few possible partners. Pam is convinced that wildfire prevention and fire safety need to be top LCC priorities, adamant that we need to find a way to support these essential services. She closed by saying that the Salish Sea Trail is a good example of non-profit organizations being supported by both donations and government.
Jesse would give water supply and wastewater treatment a high priority, both for existing residents and for the housing the island needs. He has been examining ways to reduce off-island hauling of septage and sludge, with roughly $800,000 budgeted for the hauling contract in 2026. Separately, he would like to explore safe reuse of treated water from the Ganges wastewater plant, including storage for suitable uses during dry periods. These are distinct projects that need practical assessments of treatment requirements, costs, and environmental benefits. He wants budget choices to reflect long-term service needs and demonstrable results without assuming that the entire hauling budget could be saved or redirected. He believes ingenuity matters alongside funding.
Myna Lee shared her enthusiasm for Seniors for Climate Change as well as the great food security work of the Farmland Trust. She reminded us that transportation and wood heat are our biggest contributors to greenhouse gases.
Brian told us that the CRD budget includes the LCC budget and more. While over 50% of the LCC budget goes to Parks and Recreation, only about 35% of the total CRD budget goes to that area. It’s important to remember that, unlike municipalities, regional district taxes go to specific services and cannot be easily moved from one service to another to meet a community need. That said, Brian agrees that we need a community-wide discussion to identify our overall priorities for the future.
Question: As an elected official, the decisions you make make a difference. When one of those decisions is on the table, would you gather input from the tourism business sector, and, if so, when and how?
Brian: Yes, it is important to consult with this important sector on decisions that affect it. Many of the amenities in our community that we depend on would not exist without our tourism economy. It can be challenging for local government to know who speaks for the sector on Salt Spring, as the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership and Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce sometimes have different priorities.
Myna Lee has always thought that tourism was largely handled by the Chamber of Commerce. She thinks we need to talk about how tourists get here and how they get about the island.
Jesse recognizes that tourism helps sustain local businesses and many of the amenities residents enjoy. In clarifying his approach to consultation, he would seek input early, while there is still an opportunity to shape a decision, rather than after a preferred outcome has been settled. He would want to hear from affected businesses directly, as well as the Chamber and tourism organizations, alongside residents and others affected by the decision. The aim would be to understand the benefits, pressures and practical consequences before deciding how to proceed.
Pam: Our economy is struggling with an increasing number of visitors but a decrease in the amount of money they are spending.To develop a long-term plan, our LCC Economic Development service needs to initiate consultation with our tourism businesses as well as BC Ferries.
Jenny: Our stores depend on tourism. The summer rush helps our businesses to survive through winter. The Visitors’ Centre keeps track of what’s happening, producing lots of records. Their work has a positive impact on bringing awareness of the benefits of tourism to our island.
Earl: Our economy rests on multiple pillars, some of which are tourism, agriculture, and the arts. In the over three years that the LCC has been functioning, a number of organized discussions have been convened, including those involved with short-term vacation rentals, for example. This year, it is expected that a similar productive discussion with our wide range of arts organizations will be convened. The LCC has also supported local agriculture and food security.
Question: One thing that creates friction is a dissonance between our property assessments and our tax bill. Please describe mechanisms that you can employ, if elected, to stabilize our tax assessment so that our bill is similar from year to year. .
Earl: The LCC does not have a role in property assessments but we do have a role in the tax bill you receive. The LCC has worked hard during this term to the stabilize the budget, reducing large increases and inflation. That said, we must to a better job of long-range planning.
Jenny suggested looking at the budget and evaluating what can be reduced.
As Pam has been learning about the LCC budget, she has been impressed with all the pressure Local Commissioners have to endure to support existing programs and facilities as well as funding new initiatives without increasing the tax requisition any more than necessary. One clear imperative is that we need more money in our reserves so that we can maintain our infrastructure without wide taxation fluctuations.
Jesse’s concern is the size of this year’s tax increase compared with increases elsewhere in the region. He also questioned whether some important services are adequately funded. Recognizing that property assessments are determined by BC Assessment, he would focus his efforts on the budget decisions within the CRD’s role. The aim would be greater predictability and better value rather than promising that every tax bill could remain unchanged. He wants the island to draw on its skills and creativity so that people can thrive, not simply survive.
Brian was involved in the Parks and Recreation budget as a volunteer commissioner for seven years and then the LCC budget for the past four budgets. Despite this involvement, he could not find information on the total amount of property tax Salt Spring residents were paying. When he asked staff, they did not know either. So, he calculated this himself. He found that, roughly, CRD constitutes about 1/3 of our property tax bill; Fire protection/Islands Trust another third; and the province, including education, the final third.
He also discovered that LCC services make up about half of the CRD property tax bill on Salt Spring. Comparing our tax requisition with CRD municipalities, Salt Spring lands roughly in the middle with about as many municipalities with lower property tax bills as there are with higher tax bills. In closing, he reminded us that elected CRD/LCC officials have the responsibility to make good decisions, listening and advocating for our community.
Question: What are your personal experiences of working collaboratively? What are the principles guiding your responsible conduct when working within a group?
Brian: A number of BC communities have recently experienced serious conflict among elected officials. During its first term, our LCC has navigated difficult times, largely because it was comprised of five people of goodwill with a willingness to step back and listen. While CRD has a code of conduct, Brian is not sure that it is this Code that ensures that everything goes smoothly. Instead, it is the good faith of individuals who, despite strong differences of opinion, retain that mutual respect for each other, not afraid of disagreeing but also willing to take a step back when the conversation gets heated.
Myna Lee told us that Conflict Resolution training for organizations has been offered a few times over the years. Courses in Non Violent Communication have been available, too. SWOVA (now IWAV) has developed an award winning Respectful Relations program. Also, an Indigenous talking circle model is often used. She has contacted the Islands Trust a few times suggesting they hire a professional meeting facilitator for public meetings.
Jesse drew on his study of Nonviolent Communication, emphasizing that people can experience the same situation differently and that those perspectives deserve to be heard. His approach is to listen carefully, understand the needs behind a position and look for common ground without pretending that everyone must agree. He believes communication training should be mandatory for elected officials, helping them work respectfully through disagreement and make decisions together. He sees a willingness to learn, reconsider and follow through as essential to working well with others.
Pam has admired the effectiveness of the current LCC, observing them listen to each other, pleased to observe this LCC team learning to work together. If we can’t communicate through our differences, it will impede our progress. Pam is personally committed to finding a path forward through differences of opinion and conflict.
Jenny serves on another board and follows the majority vote, following the policies and procedures of the non-profit board on which she serves. She also notes that it is important to advocate for what one believes in.
Earl: At the basic layer, we need to elect people who are capable of working together. We need to be civil through challenges, understanding that you will often lose the vote. He went on to say that he believes that some LCC bylaws have enough ambiguity to provide the potential for gridlock. If elected, he hopes to find ways to change bylaws to remove ambiguity, giving LCC a wider range of authority.
Already 1:00, we thanked our candidates for their courage running for election, acknowledging them for the wide-ranging and informative discussion they created at this ASK Salt Spring gathering. (Thank-you, Earl, Jenny, Pam, Jesse, Myna Lee, and Brian!)
Just in case you are interested. . . .This report has been written by Gayle Baker, founder of ASK Salt Spring, currently also a Salt Spring Local Community Commissioner. It has been reviewed by the candidates.