Islanders have until April 17 to have their say on the proposed draft updates to the Islands Trust 2050 Policy Statement that will oversee the next 30 years.
Since Feb. 25, Islands Trust has been hosting in-person engagement opportunities and plans to hold 24 meetings by the April deadline.
For Gambier Islanders, their chance to participate will be held virtually on Monday, March 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. They can also attend a two-part community workshop on March 22 and 29, which can be registered for online. An online survey also seeks input from island residents.
“Islands Trust is encouraging everyone interested in the project to participate in one of the many engagement opportunities,” Peter Luckham, Islands Trust council chair, said in a press release. “We are looking forward to hearing people’s views.”
This is the third phase of engagement for the proposed updates, which will shape plans for the challenges and opportunities the Islands Trust Area anticipates to face in the next three decades. The policy statement includes land and marine use planning – but it hasn’t been updated since 1994. The Trust Council is also seeking feedback from First Nations, referral agencies, trustees and staff in an effort to “update the document to better address its commitments to reconciliation, climate change, and affordable housing,” the council’s release said.
More information can be found at islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/islands-2050/.
Budget approved
Islands Trust Council also recently approved a budget of $9.1 million for the 2022-23 year.
In a press release, Islands Trust Council chair Peter Luckham said “Trust Council made some tough choices in response to public feedback. Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation. Your input was heard and carefully considered when we made final decisions on the budget that will guide the coming year’s work.”
That budget includes maintaining existing land-use planning service levels, and adds a part-time Conservancy fund development specialist. That role will implement several of the council’s five-year strategic plan, including updating the Gambier Island official community plan, mapping recharge potential and more.
