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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 that it was a lost opportunity for those who do not participate. While between 20 and 30 gathered each Friday in the Meadow last summer, fewer typically participate in the Zoom gatherings. While averaging about 20 each week during the winter, spring numbers have dropped. It was…
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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 vehicles, Jim is your man. This was clearly illustrated by the information-filled and fascinating discussion in this ASK Salt Spring gathering. After our Territorial Acknowledgment, our learning about electric cars began. In general, we learned a lot about the reasons behind the rapid growth in electric car…
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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 projects. We heard from an islander who listened into all three days of the Trust Council meetings March 9-11. This participant explained that she was impressed by the thoughtful dialogue and commitment shown by all of the trustees to these special islands. She was also…
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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 was on his mind. His was aware of island-wide frustration with the rollout of the COVID vaccination appointment system and the weariness with restrictive gathering protocols. Gary did remind us of the unbelievable feat of getting as many different vaccines developed and fully-tested in such…
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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 properties as well as commercial and retail land. The focus of the conversation was the perceived inadequate requirements linked to these permits. Where the proposed bylaw said “should,” some were adamant that it should read “must.” Issues brought up were the lax rules around septage…
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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 this conversation. While words cannot hope to replicate this rich discussion, it is hoped that this report will still offer some valuable information to those who missed ASK Salt Spring this week. After a heartfelt Territorial Acknowledgment, we began by learning a lot about the central governance…
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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 lead this discussion. (I have contacted Chair Francine Carlin concerning this suggestion.) Jessica announced that the Chamber had finally received a long-awaited grant for $80,000. Her goal for the use of this money is to create strong economic alliance in which all groups participating in…
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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 thanking ASK Salt Spring for the opportunity to join this gathering along with Jesse Brown, the Chamber’s newly hired Executive Director. He continued by acknowledging the damaging economic and social realities impacting Chamber businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Darryl identified three priorities of the…
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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 are the ones that simultaneously address multiple issues confronting our island — such as forest health, biodiversity, watersheds/water supply, the climate emergency, land use, housing, small business health, food security, and the spirit and resiliency of our community. Laura was asked a number of questions…
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Gary Holman Seeks Solutions for Accessibility, Safety, and Lighting Concerns in Ganges
February 14, 2022 Thirteen Islanders came to this ASK Salt Spring session with Gary Holman as our special guest. While most came to ask questions, some came to find out What’s it all about? and stayed to participate in the interesting conversations. The first question focused on one guest’s concerns about the inaccessibility of Ganges for those with disabilities. She had come from Vancouver where access was mandated. She wondered if there was a group on Salt Spring addressing these access issues. She was told about the Transportation Commission’s Ganges Accessibility and Safety Plan (GASP) and invited to join the working group. While she…