A provincial referral for a floating work camp and log handling facility in Area A was endorsed by directors, subject to a number of conditions.
Tsain-Ko Forestry and Capacity Forest Management have applied to the province for a licence of occupation on the ocean for two to five years in Killam Bay in Jervis Inlet, about five kilometres north of Egmont.
The facilities would form part of a nearby heli-logging operation. According to the staff report, “the area is frequently used by shíshálh Nation members and the public for oyster harvesting, fishing and recreation purposes.”
In addition to the conditions, which include environmental and recreational protections and noting potential navigational concerns, Area A director Leonard Lee requested a bond with the province to guarantee restoration of the tenure area after the log booming sites are closed.
SCRD included a condition that the applicants receive a permit before constructing docks linking the structures to land.
“We’re kind of rushing it to go through the process,” said director Lee, after asking whether the Egmont/Pender Harbour Advisory Planning Commission (APC) could see the SCRD’s comments in advance. Staff said the referral timeline window was too short to allow for that, but comments from the APC and other groups would be forwarded to the province.
SCRD to write to feds on plastics
The federal government will be receiving a letter from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) urging a reduction in single-use plastics and disposable plastic packaging, following a motion passed at a July 11 board meeting.
In June, directors voted to make a similar request to B.C.’s Environment Minister George Heyman, and for staff to provide a report looking at a consultation program for businesses to reduce single-use plastics. The SCRD does not have the authority to impose a single-use plastics ban.
Keats wharf still closed
Inspections have been finished and emergency repairs are being planned for Keats Landing dock, but the wharf approach remains closed to vehicles as a safety precaution. A barge struck the dock on June 25, damaging a number of piles. The SCRD maintains the wharf.
Mandala society gets grant
The Roberts Creek Mandala Society will receive its rural grant-in-aid money ahead of schedule. The mandala was expected to be painted this week, depending on weather. Since the public activity takes place before the payment date for the grants, the society asked to receive the funds early. “We need that paint now, so let’s get ‘er done,” said Roberts Creek director Andreas Tize before the unanimous vote.
