In 2017, you helped protect the Islands Trust and its mandate by defeating a referendum on incorporation with your vote, your letters, and your donations. We need your help again.
Here is what is happening: Our elected trustees have undertaken an Official Community Plan-Land Use Bylaw Update (OCP-LUB Update), with the goal of creating more opportunities for growth and affordable housing. And while this might sound commendable, there is real cause for alarm. Unless we object, these changes are likely to weaken protections of the natural environment and to erode the rural character of our island by easing constraints to development.
These changes are likely to weaken protections of the natural environment and to erode the rural character of our island by easing constraints to development.
In 2023, our local trustees tried to pass Bylaw 530, which would have allowed a second small residence on almost all residential properties on Salt Spring, with no guarantees of affordability. The bylaw was delayed because of objections raised by the Tsawout First Nation and (we believe) because it violates the growth limits contained in our Official Community Plan. (For details on our opposition to Bylaw 530, see our website here.)
Trustee Harris has said he wants to increase density on high elevation lots. These are currently zoned for low density in order to protect the vital role these forested areas play in recharging groundwater across the island.
We’re convinced that the real goal of the OCP-Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Update is to weaken the growth limits established in our current OCP. Trustee Harris has directly stated this is an objective. Staff reports for this update include targeting the Housing section—which contains the growth limits—and implementing recommendations in support of Bylaw 530’s up-zoning provisions.
We’re convinced that the real goal of the OCP-Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Update is to weaken the growth limits established in our current OCP.
Positively Forward strongly supports maintaining the policy (B.2.1.2) in our present OCP, which permits increases in zoning only for the purpose of building affordable housing. We believe the most sustainable way to provide more affordable housing is through non-profit agencies and appropriate local government charged with housing services. We support development of affordable housing projects in existing settlements such as Ganges, where there is ready access to a sewer system, public transportation, and other community services.
We need to publicize the risks this OCP-LUB Update pose to our community. This will take money. So, we’re asking you to contribute to this effort with funds and/or your time. Both are desperately needed. Contact us if you want more information!
You can send a contribution by Interac to: info@positivelyforward.ca
Or mail a cheque to: Positively Forward, 114 Margaret Lane, SSI V8K 1H4 Contact us at info@positivelyforward.ca
We will also be urging you to write letters and attend community meetings, which, unfortunately, are currently scheduled for December and January. We’ve objected that the timing may deny significant portions of the community access to the consultation process, but so far that schedule remains.
Looking forward, the best long-term solution requires electing trustees in 2026 who will maintain the ideals of the original Trust Act. We’re looking for candidates. If you would consider running, please let us know.