A swift rezoning seen as critical for a proposed 50-unit affordable housing project on Salt Spring has been advanced by local officials, who tied their unanimous approval to both a housing agreement and a handful of conditions requested by the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation.
The Local Trust Committee’s (LTC) amendment of the Salt Spring Island Land Use Bylaw — creating a new “R13” zone specific to the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association (GISRA) property on Kings Lane — permits all plans so far envisioned by GISRA, and now heads to the Islands Trust’s Executive Committee (EC), which is expected to give its approval.
GISRA’s project includes 50 units of housing, which it has said would include a mix of rental homes for local workers and vulnerable residents, including health and seniors care workers, women and children who have experienced violence and people transitioning from supportive housing.
Alongside that housing, it plans an expansion of the medical clinic already on-site, the addition of a child care centre as a permitted use and a mechanism allowing future partitioning of the property; the association previously said it was considering subdividing, possibly to sell its interest in the non-residential portion of the property — a measure intended to help keep the new units affordable.
“Best of luck,” said Salt Spring trustee Laura Patrick, who as chair of the Islands Trust Council also chairs the EC. “Fingers crossed on more good news for you.”
The housing agreement is designed to ensure rents will remain within an affordable range for Salt Spring residents, and requires tenants’ incomes not exceed Statistics Canada Census’ median figures for the island; the new covenant stipulates pre-construction walkthroughs and some ongoing cultural monitoring by the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation — all agreed to by GISRA, according to staff.
In October, SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation had requested a 30-day extension to the original referral period, and the LTC paused at second reading to await comment — with staff using that time to complete work on the housing agreement.
In a Dec. 2 letter, SȾÁUTW̱ referrals staff indicated they were prepared to support the development, subject to a site walkthrough with representatives from the SȾÁUTW̱ Lands Department prior to any ground-disturbing activities, and the retention of SȾÁUTW̱ cultural monitors “during excavation, site preparation, and any activity that involves soil disturbance” — reminding project proponents that the site’s “low” potential for archaeological disturbance “does not mean no potential.”
GISRA originally acquired the Kings Lane property to build another seniors’ housing complex, similar to the Meadowbrook independent living residence it currently operates. In 2020, the LTC rezoned the property to allow 50 such housing units. GISRA later responded to shifting market conditions — and the affordable housing shortage on Salt Spring — by launching its current plans for more broadly available lower-cost rentals.
“We are very appreciative of the work done to date on this project by the Local Trust Committee, Islands Trust staff, our community partners and local supporters who have helped us reach this important stage,” said GISRA vice-chair Linda Adams. “There is a very strong spirit of collaboration among the island groups that want to improve both housing and health care right now, and we are optimistic that will continue as we work to reach these critical goals for Salt Spring.”
The recently formed Island Community Clinic Society, in partnership with the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, has said it is actively involved in architectural design and site planning for expanding the existing clinic, as well as ongoing engagement with local physicians and regional and provincial primary care organizations.
A capital campaign to that end is underway, with the potential for building permits and mobilization as soon as the end of next year, according to those organizations. For information and how to support that effort, visit islandcommunityclinicsociety.com.
GISRA has said it is pursuing financial support from BC Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and other public and philanthropic partners, has received funding commitments from both the Capital Regional District and the Salt Spring Island Foundation, and is considering launching its own local fundraising campaign for the affordable housing side of the project.