People and organizations involved with the successful fundraising campaign to purchase an 11.8-acre parcel of land zoned for affordable housing on Norton Road gathered to celebrate at ArtSpring on Thursday, March 5.
The property transfer occurred on Feb. 12, following an intense five months of fundraising. Some 120 donors made the purchase possible, including a major contribution from the Salt Spring Island Foundation (SSIF), which provided its largest-ever single donation of $400,000.
“I’m really impressed with how that has happened,” said IWAV executive director Alicia Herbert, “and it shows that really when community comes together over our priorities, that things can really move ahead.”
Herbert thanked all of the donors, and gave particular kudos to SSIF for being a “vital key” to the campaign.
“The foundation listened to our plans, asked important questions and made sure we’d done our due diligence. Once the foundation decided to support us, they were all in. They stewarded the bulk of our donations and helped us spread the word. They helped us build community confidence in our project.”
SSIF president Walter Stewart also spoke at the celebration. He said once it was made clear that the zoning for affordable housing was in place on the property, he and the rest of his board were keen to support the purchase.
“I give full marks to all the people at IWAV for their foresight, their tenacity and their powerful vision,” he said.
Stewart explained how major bequests to the SSIF in recent years had made it possible to provide such a large donation.
“In 2021 we had $7 million in investments,” he said. “We now have $22 million. When the scope of our investments changed, we resolved that we had to continue to do all we had done, but we also had to be ready to step up to support major projects that would meet vital island needs. That is why we were able to commit $400,000.”
SSIF also managed receipt of community donations totalling $351,041 and a $540,000 contribution from the Salt Spring Island Community Housing and Land Trust Society, an entity first formed more than 20 years ago but recently revived.
Stewart also thanked Herbert, IWAV staff and its board “for the real, tangible differences you make to the quality of life on this island. Not just the quality of life for those whom you serve directly, but to all of us who call Salt Spring home. Your efforts make it possible for us to live in a more just, more balanced, more equitable community, and that is a great service to us all. There is more work to do, God knows. Let us continue to do it together.”
Proceeds from the sale of IWAV-owned property to Country Grocer owners last year was also key to the Norton Road purchase being possible.
Herbert said a plan for the Norton Road property will evolve in the next six to eight months, with a newly formed housing development committee hiring a consultant and gathering information to decide on the best type of affordable housing for the site.
IWAV board chair Natalie Gold acknowledged the work of women in supporting IWAV’s vision of a community that works together to eliminate violence.
“Your leadership, your advocacy and your care continue to move this work forward, but we also know that island women cannot do this work alone,” said Gold. “Real change takes a whole community. That’s why IWAV has grown into islanders working together. So thank you for being here and being a part of it. Real change happens when communities decide they care enough to act.”