Saturday, December 7, 2024
December 7, 2024

Galiano Trust launches suit over Wise Island tree cutting

The Islands Trust, on behalf of the Galiano Island Local Trust Committee, has filed a petition in the BC Supreme Court in order to preserve the unique environment of Wise Island, an island within the Galiano Island Local Trust Area.

According to a Nov. 22 Islands Trust press release, the claim seeks remediation of a property on Wise Island where trees were cut without a permit in an area protected by a Shoreline and Marine Development Permit Area.  
“The Galiano Island Local Trust Committee’s Shoreline and Marine Development Permit Area safeguards sensitive shorelines, and outlines regulations and guidelines for development. As required by the Galiano Island Official Community Plan, known as Bylaw 108, physical and ecological characteristics of shorelines in the Galiano Island Local Trust Area must be carefully managed to avoid potential negative impacts of development. The Galiano Island Local Trust Committee has been addressing this breach of Bylaw 108 with the property owner since 2022 and has provided several opportunities for compliance. Legal proceedings are the last course of action for Islands Trust, but are pursued where necessary.”
Galiano Island Local Trust Committee chair Tim Peterson said, “While legal action is never taken lightly, in this instance, court-ordered remediation is the most effective step to safeguard these delicate ecosystems.”

The Islands Trust, like local governments, follows a complaint-based bylaw enforcement and compliance process. While most bylaw investigations are prompted by community complaints, staff may also initiate investigations when there are concerns related to health and safety or potential harm to environmentally sensitive areas. Both the Islands Trust Council and local trust committees can establish general bylaw compliance and enforcement policies to prioritize investigations.

Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed

Receive news headlines every week with our free email newsletter.

Other stories you might like

Islands Trust FOI requests rise

Even a perceived lack of transparency has a real dollar cost, Islands Trust officials learned, as the annual number of Freedom of Information and...

Driftwood editorial: The Trust’s identity crisis

The Islands Trust’s re-request for the province to review its governance structure —as well as the mandate of the Trust –– has prompted endless...

Viewpoint: Nature’s saddest song

By FRANTS ATTORP Anyone who doubts the pending demise of the Islands Trust need only examine the public engagement process for amending our official community...

Letters to the Editor

As published in the Nov. 13, 2024 issue of the Driftwood. Riches at every turn “Astoundingly rich diversity!” exclaim Nature Salt Spring club members as they...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here