Author: Gayle Baker

• All Five of Our Elected Officials Speak Out Together! 

  April 16, 2021: Twenty-three gathered via Zoom to welcome all of our elected officials: MP Elizabeth May, MLA Adam Olsen, CRD’s Gary Holman, and Islands Trust Local Trustees Laura Patrick and Peter Grove. After Laura’s heartfelt Territorial Acknowledgment, we began by asking each of our guests what was on their minds and the issues that they hoped would…

• Salt Spring’s Long-Awaited Water Study. . .and More

   April 9, 2021: Welcoming CRD’s Gary Holman, 10 gathered for this week’s ASK Salt Spring. During the discussion, there were some creative suggestions about enticing larger numbers of Salt Springers to join these weekly gatherings with our elected officials. While it was agreed that the information-rich reports are read by many Salt Springers each week, most agreed…

• My Car and Bike Run on Rain!

  March 26. 2021: ASK Salt Spring welcomed Jim Standen, Salt Spring’s passionate and energetic electric vehicle (EV) expert, as well as lead of Transition Salt Spring’s Electric Vehicle Working Group. If you want to learn more about this successful group, you may want to check out its website: (www.ssiev.ca).  If you want to know anything about electric…

• Islands Trustee, Laura Patrick, Launches Some Exciting New Projects

  March 19, 2021: This week’s ASK Salt Spring Zoom gathering welcomed one of the two Salt Spring Local Trustees for the Islands Trust, Laura Patrick. After a traditional Territorial Acknowledgment, we spoke with Laura for two hours on a variety of topics including the Trust Council meetings held virtually March 9-11, and Salt Spring Island long range planning…

• CRD Climate Action Initiatives – Good for our Community, Good for Business

   March 12, 2021: Still struggling with a dose of Zoom Gloom – many likely drawn outdoors on this spring-like Friday – only 10 joined thisASK Salt Springgathering. Despite our slim numbers, our CRD Director, Gary Holman, was welcomed enthusiastically and the conversation was rich and varied.  After a heartfelt Territorial Acknowledgment, Gary began by speaking briefly about what…

• Mental Health in our Community

  March 6, 2022: Fifteen came to this discussion focused on mental health issues and services in our community led by David Norget. Before discussion on this topic began, there was a spirited discussion of Bylaw 471, the proposed bylaw that would allow Trustees to issue Temporary Use Permits for tiny homes, campers, trailers, etc. on residential…

• Ferries, Bills, Speeches. . .and “When Oh When Will We Get Vaccinated, Adam?”

  March 5, 2021: Escaping Zoom Gloom, the spring-like weather enticed many outdoors and away from their computers. As a result, only ten participated in this ASK Salt Spring gathering. While too many missed our rich time of learning and conversation, those who participated were so very appreciative of the wisdom, honesty, and insight our MLA Adam Olsen brought to…

• BC Ferries 101 

  February 28, 2022: Fourteen came to this session, with a focus on BC Ferries. The conversation began by briefly re-visiting Salt Spring’s exemption from the Speculation and Vacancy Tax. The group felt that a conversation about our inclusion should begin. Jessica suggested that the CRD Community Economic Development Commission be contacted to see if they wanted…

• Bringing Back Zing to our Village: Meet our New Chamber Executives

   February 26, 2021: After an acknowledgment of the Coast Salish people upon whose occupied land this meeting took place, the 10 individuals joining this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcomed special guests: our Chamber’s new Executive Director, Jesse Brown, and President, Darryl Martin. At 11:00 the twelve of us launched into a varied and rich conversation.  Darryl began by…

• Housing and Village Solutions on the Horizon? Islands Trustee Laura Patrick is Optimistic

  February 19, 2021: Twelve participated in this ASK Salt Spring Zoom gathering welcoming one of our Island Trust’s Local Trustees, Laura Patrick. After a heartfelt territorial acknowledgment, Laura began by sharing her optimism for the emerging alignment of planning initiatives designed to address a number of challenges for Salt Spring. The best solutions to any of these challenges…