Author: Gayle Baker

• Workforce Housing. . . How Can we “Work as One to Get it Done?”

  April 28, 2023: After ourTerritorial Acknowledgement, we dove into a rich conversation about Workforce Housing, with no single special guest but all 18 of us offering differing levels of expertise, passion, and creative thinking. It was a rich conversation!  We began by agreeing not to discuss Islands Trust bylaws and initiatives as Trustee Laura Patrick was…

• So Adam, Why Doesn’t the Province Give Us Everything We Think We Deserve?

  April 21, 2023: Twelve gathered to welcome MLA Adam Olsen and William Kelly to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. In his Territorial Acknowledgement, Adam also spoke briefly of his joy with all the connections he observes at SIMS – the Saltspring Island Multi-Space, the former Middle School. He loves to see all the children activities and is excited by…

• Can We “Work as One and Get it Done?”

  April 14, 2023: Only nine joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming CRD’s Gary Holman. In response to my apologies for low numbers, Gary wryly responded that he would take this as an acknowledgement that CRD was, well. . . .quite perfect :). After our Territorial Acknowledgement, which concluded in Gary noting that he was hopeful for the…

• Navigating Challenges and Changes at Lady Minto Hospital with Courage and Enthusiasm

  March 17, 2023: A total of 15 joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering for all or part of the time to welcome , Erin Price-Lindstrom, recently replacing Sara Gogo, (now leading the Tofino hospital) as the Site Director of Lady Minto Hospital, (https://ladymintofoundation.com/news/the-road-ahead-lady-minto-hospitals-new-site-director-discusses-challenges-and-opportunities/). After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Erin spoke briefly of the challenges and opportunities in her multi-hat position,…

• Details of a Worrisome CRD Budget Increase of 5.6% that Could Soar to 7.6%. Why? Keep Reading. . . .

  March 10, 2023: Twelve Salt Springers joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome CRD Director Gary Holman. While participants could ask anything, the focus of our conversation was the CRD 2023 Budget. (For details, see below: CRD Requisition Summary 2023.) After our Territorial Acknowledgement, Gary spent a considerable time walking us through some of the most important details…

• The Province Comes to Salt Spring – Drawing a Crowd of Islanders

  March 3, 2023: A record-breaking 56 gathered for ASK Salt Spring at our one-time location – the Ganges Firehall. And, what a welcome we had from Fire Trustees, Firefighters, and staff – even including a never-empty pot of coffee and a huge and delicious cake shouting Welcome ASK Salt Spring in its icing. (Thanks, Nancy!) Of course, so many came…

• Celebrating an Amazing RCMP and Community Partnership with Sargent Clive Seabrook

  February 24, 2023: Eighteen – plus two very well-behaved large dogs – joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome RCMP’s Sergeant Clive Seabrook. After our Territorial Acknowledgment, he told us what excites and delights him. Among the many things that make him begin each day with cheer and hope are:  A) Last November marked the beginning of Clive’s third…

• Are You Prepared for an Emergency? Probably Not: More Than Likely, You Have Work to Do!

  February 17, 2023: Only ten joined us for all or part of our ASK Salt Spring conversation about emergency preparedness. Compared to the 32 who joined us last week to discuss shelter and homes, one must assume that many Salt Springers (like me) prefer not to think of preparing for disasters. But, those of us who welcomed Salt…

• A Rousing Welcome for Lookout Society’s Shayne and Lee

  February 10, 2023: Thirty-two gathered on this lovely springlike Friday to welcome Lookout Society’s CEO Shayne Williams and Lee King, Vancouver Island Director of Operations. The enthusiasm was high as those committed to providing better local housing and support services gathered to welcome Shayne and Lee, enthusiastic new partners in this challenging journey.  After our Territorial…

• Frustration with those Winding, Narrow Rural Roads that Initially Attracted Many of Us

  February 3, 2023: Only seven joined this ASK Salt Spring conversation – which was good as it indicated that we did a pretty good job letting folks know that our special guest for this week, MLA Adam Olsen, was not able to join us. Those who came seemed pleased with the BYOC concept: Bring Your Own Conversation. As a result, topics were…