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Economic Recovery – A Better Normal?
May 22, 2022: Twelve folks participated in this Zoom session, with special guests Jessica Harkema, Executive Director of our Chamber, and Francine Carlin, Chair of the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). Predictably, much of the conversation focused on business recovery and thoughts about achieving a recovery to a better normal. We began with a question for Jessica about the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society (SGITPS). Receiving the 2% room tax added to accommodations for their funding as well as local government support and grants, this initiative is province-wide, offered in 90% of the communities in British Columbia, from Vancouver to Salmon Arm. Guided by the…
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Gary Holman Discusses Mental Health and Emergency Preparations During the Spring of Isolation
May 8, 2022: This was our most sparsely-attended meeting since ASK Salt Spring’s earliest days, possibly due to the sunny, summery weather and a weariness of sitting in front of screens. Despite the low number (totaling only nine including guests and volunteers) our three special guests, Gary Holman; Charles Nash, Emergency Operations Coordinator; and David Norget, co-chair of Salt Spring Health Advancement Network (SSHAN) gave us plenty of valuable information. Additionally, this Zoom session offered the closest approximation to a collaborative conversation yet achieved in our virtual gatherings. David Norget began by describing the work being done to build our capacity to…
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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 be explored in our two hours together. (Elizabeth had to leave us at about noon.) Elizabeth began by expressing her frustration at not being able to get to Ottawa sooner due to COVID but also her anticipation of soon reading the federal budget. She shared…
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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…