There is something very grassroots, effective and “Salt Spring” about the high-impact philanthropy model that 100 Women Who Care Salt Spring has been working with since November 2018. The group celebrates its sixth anniversary next month, corresponding with its next general meeting and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Imagined in November 2006 by a Michigan woman as a way to raise money quickly for local charities, the 100 Women Who Care idea started with a group of just over 100 women. At its first one-hour meeting, each wrote a cheque for $100 for The Centre for Family Health, its chosen cause, raising $12,800 to buy 300 new baby cribs. Since then, hundreds of chapters have popped up all over the world.
On Salt Spring, the local chapter founded by Janine Fernandes-Hayden has raised over $285,000 since 2018 for 17 on-island causes, ranging from eldercare services, pathways, early child education, the SPCA, IWAV, search and rescue, Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre and more.
“What makes our system so compelling is that it’s not about writing grants and waiting months to find out what a jury or committee thinks,” said chair Linda Adams. “Three nominated causes are drawn from a hat; each makes a five-minute presentation; and members in the room cast blind ballots to vote for the cause they support. It’s fast, it’s fun and the recipient of the funds learns on the spot.”
100 Women Who Care has several important dates for those who wish to renew membership and for those who may be interested in joining. Becoming a new member involves going to the organization’s website and filling out the online “Become a Member” form. Membership runs through three gatherings a year from November through June and requires the commitment of paying $100 towards each of the three winning charities that are awarded funds throughout the year. Tax receipts are issued.
Each member can nominate one local CRA-registered charity who she feels is worthy of support for a particular project or initiative. The member does not have to be working with the charity but could simply be inspired by its work.
“What we sometimes find is that charities, their board members and staff become members so they can nominate their organization, which is strategic because then they can also show up and vote,” explained Adams. “But we also get many new members and nominators because they have had particularly meaningful experiences with certain charities who personally helped them, their family members, or with issues close to their hearts.”
Membership has grown steadily over the years. Currently with over 150 Salt Spring women of all ages and walks of life, the organization is always happy to welcome new members to increase its impact for local charities.
“We want to encourage women philanthropists to be part of a movement that gets things done on a local level as only we can — compassionately, practically and to the point,” said Adams. “But we’re also a great way to meet other inspiring women in the community, network and forge new friendships over common values. It’s community building at its best.”
Membership applications are open now at 100womensaltspring.org. Nominations close Oct. 21. The first meeting and vote at ArtSpring is on Nov. 12.
There seems to be a particular type of voter itch that can’t be scratched online.
As the overwhelming majority of political discourse on Salt Spring, in Canada and around the world continues to be held “remotely” (in one way or another), one might be excused for wondering why we thought it important to physically gather four MLA candidates onto a theatre stage –– or even why they might agree to such a thing.
It’s not a matter of reaching more voters; the numbers favour online viewing. Indeed, twice as many have viewed the debate video in the past week than could’ve fit in ArtSpring’s comfy seats for the Oct. 9 all-candidates debate, and more still will read about it in print.
It can’t be policy clarity; governance is complicated, and issues are interconnected. The idea any candidate could field a question and answer more fulsomely in the two minutes the format demands than in an email –– or on their website –– is laughable.
So how did the seeming anachronism of an in-person debate turn into a standing-room-only event on a Wednesday night?
The truth is that while many voters might’ve had some idea about what answer a candidate might give to a particular question, we all showed up that night to see how they gave it. There’s an understanding that politics –– even in an age of Zoom meetings, emailed feedback and remote delegations –– is as much about character as policy. And that’s still tough to pin down through a screen.
Islanders have come to expect every candidate grasp the issues and advocate for their riding; what we’re looking for at these in-person events is that elusive personable quality –– some evidence they’ve got an agreeable, collaborative spirit, and an ability to find that common ground we know is critical to good governance.
We were delighted to see candidates display their humanity as thoroughly as their thoughtfulness, felt most attendees saw at least one person on stage that could do the job, and are satisfied to know the epitaph for the in-person debate will continue to languish in draft. Many thanks to the Salt Spring Forum and to the public for joining us.
From strengthening the healthcare system to childcare, affordable housing and environmental protection, a wide range of topics were touched on by MLA hopefuls at Salt Spring Island’s all-candidates debate Wednesday, Oct. 9.
With advance voting beginning the next day, constituents filled every seat –– and then some –– at ArtSpring for the evening event, moderated by Valeskca San Martin and co-hosted by the Driftwood and the Salt Spring Forum. Independent candidate Amy Haysom shared the stage with David Busch from the BC Conservatives, Rob Botterell of the BC Greens and the NDP’s candidate Sarah Riddell, and after brief opening remarks the four spent most of their time fielding audience questions.
Despite seemingly little daylight between candidates when identifying the riding’s problems, each highlighted a different strategy to solve them; all four agreed there was insufficient affordable housing, for example, but proffered their own ideas about creating more. Riddell advocated for “direct and timely” government investment in affordable housing on public land, as well as landlord protections to nudge new rentals to market.
“We can have factory-built homes [completed] in 12 weeks,” said Riddell. “We also have subsidized [rental] insurance in our platform for landlords, intended to encourage folks to rent out available spaces they already have.”
Haysom praised current Capital Regional District efforts led by Justine Stark on the district’s rural housing pilot project, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions on Salt Spring Island in particular –– and of her personal understanding of the problem as a long-time renter.
“We are struggling,” said Haysom. “And meanwhile, people on a fixed income are spending most of their income on housing. We need alternative housing.”
Busch directed voters to the BC Conservatives’ website, highlighting examples of how bad the problem has become.
“Every time I come to the island over the last decade, I’ve seen more and more of the RVs, more and more of the homelessness,” said Busch. “We have a BC Ferries captain living in an RV because he can’t afford housing out here.”
And Botterell pointed to the Green Party’s proposal to support a non-profit housing fund –– to the tune of $1.5 billion annually.
“That’s what we need, non-market housing,” said Botterell. “And if we hold the balance of power, you can be sure that’s going to be in the confidence and supply agreement.”
As might be expected in a race for a seat open due to the retirement of a popular minority-party MLA –– and one with an independent running without party backing –– candidates largely made their cases through, or in defiance of, recent history and electoral mathematics. Riddell’s answers were often couched in reminders of popular NDP initiatives, while entreating voters not to “split the vote” in such a way that might benefit the Conservatives.
“The last time a popular Green [MLA] stepped down, they lost the seat by a landslide,” said Riddell, advising a vote for her and the NDP party was necessary “if you don’t want to see [BC Conservative] John Rustad as your premier, if you don’t want to bring back plastic bags or straws or level our old growth, or expand LNG or set back reconciliation with First Nations by decades.”
Meanwhile, Botterell opined that “strategic” voting –– “Do I have to vote NDP, although I’d like to vote Green because that will keep the Conservatives out?” –– risked losing the advantages of vocal opposition.
“I understand that,” said Botterell. “But I also want you to think about who can actually hold the government’s feet to the fire, who can actually spend the time with you to work as hard as possible on the housing, on the transportation, on the healthcare, and who is committed to actually have a carbon tax and fight for the environment.”
Haysom urged people to “vote from your heart,” characterizing strategic voting strategies as rhetoric from parties wishing to “maintain the status quo.”
“Strategic, schneegic,” said Haysom. “I will be connecting with all parties outside of the Legislative Assembly; David [Busch] and I had a wonderful carpool together where we had healthy conversation –– it is possible –– about all the key issues. I will be that strong voice in the divided legislature.”
For his part, Busch dipped into the classics.
“I’ve knocked on a lot of doors,” he said, “and asked people, ‘are you better off today than you were four years ago, than you were seven years ago?’ And I see a lot of head shaking. You have a decision to make. Do we want to keep this as a Green riding? Do we want to see the NDP still empowered? Or do you want to see a different approach, so that we can turn around the ever-increasing opioid deaths on our streets, so we can save our healthcare system to make sure it’s there for us today and our kids tomorrow?”
Video of the 90-minute debate can be watched online. Election day is Saturday, Oct. 19; people should consult their voting cards or elections.bc.ca for voting locations.
Today, Oct. 16, is the last day for advance voting at Community Gospel Chapel on Salt Spring, Pender Islands School, Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney) and Stelly’s Secondary School in Saanich.
Canada’s premier Johnny Cash tribute band — The Men In Black — is set to perform at ArtSpring in an afternoon concert on Sunday, Oct. 20.
The two-hour performance that begins at 2 p.m. includes all of Cash’s hits, such as Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire and Orange Blossom Special, plus other favourite songs played against a backdrop of video and photographs depicting pivotal moments in the musician’s life and career.
According to press material about the show and band, Cash recorded 96 albums and more than 1,500 songs throughout a career that spanned over five decades. He was one of the first artists to successfully cross over many genres of music from country to rockabilly, gospel and rock & roll.
Based in Victoria, Men In Black are said to “bring passion and respect to the musical legacy of the Man in Black,” with band members Gary Coad on lead vocals, Aaron Murray on guitar, Wayne Cox on bass and Mark Roth on drums. The show will also feature special guest performer Tracee Rees in the role of June Carter Cash. Video production is by Dale Baglo.
“This performance is a must see for Johnny Cash admirers, or simply fans of songs about trains and prisons,” the band says.
Tickets are available through the ArtSpring website or the box office.
UPDATE: The Boil Water Advisory for Highlands Fernwood water system issued on Saturday October 12, 2024 is rescinded as of Monday, Oct. 14. Water quality sampling and testing has confirmed the water is now safe.
Capital Regional District (CRD) issued the following Boil Water Advisory notice on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The CRD, in consultation with Island Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for a portion of the Highland-Fernwood water service on Salt Spring Island.
Customers on the following roads should boil their water until further notice: Maliview Drive, Fer de Lance Road, Westcott Road, Hedger Road and Walker’s Hook Road. See map.
Water quality may have been compromised as a result of a water main break. As a precaution, the Boil Water Advisory will be in effect until flushing and water samples indicate the water quality no longer poses a risk to public health. Residents in the impacted area should BOIL their drinking water until further notice.
The boil water advisory will be removed when Island Heath is satisfied that the drinking water does not pose a health concern and issues an ‘ALL CLEAR’ notice at which time the impacted customers will be notified. During the water advisory household tap water may be disinfected by boiling it vigorously for one minute.
For more information on boil water advisories, please visit www.islandhealth.ca/boilwater.
Islanders may do a double-take in the coming week, as a temporary second work zone is expected to snarl traffic further on Salt Spring Island’s busiest road.
The Fulford-Ganges Road improvement project will be joined by an additional single-lane alternating-traffic section, according to a special notice issued Friday, Oct. 11 from contractors Northridge Excavating Ltd., who said the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) had identified a need for further exploratory work.
“Unfortunately, this work was unexpected,” said project manager Bob Mitchell, “but has to be done in a timely manner –– hence the short notice.”
The second work zone begins Tuesday, Oct 15 and will run through Friday, Oct. 18. Mitchell said having two work zones will increase the chance of traffic delays. Both zones will be in operation from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
The 1.6-kilometre stretch of Fulford-Ganges Road from Seaview Avenue to Cranberry Road — known locally as Ganges Hill — is expected to be completed by November 2025; MoTI officials have said contractors will be resurfacing and widening the road as part of the $22.9-million project, with improvements including paved shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists — a 1.2-metre-wide shoulder heading north (or downhill into Ganges) and 1.8 metres in the southbound direction, as well as pedestrian crossings and refuge areas.
All four candidates vying for the chance to represent the Saanich North and the Islands riding in the B.C. Legislature participated in an all-candidates debate at ArtSpring on the evening of Oct. 9. The full-house event was co-sponsored by the Salt Spring Forum and the Driftwood.
Advance voting began Oct. 10 and continues on Oct. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 at Community Gospel Chapel on Salt Spring, Pender Islands School, Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney) and Stelly’s Secondary School in Central Saanich. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Final election day is Saturday, Oct. 19. People should consult their voting cards or elections.bc.ca for voting locations set up for that day.
Gulf Islanders are getting set to vote in the provincial election, with four candidates vying for the Saanich North and the Islands MLA seat.
Information about the four individuals is available on their respective websites, and they have answered three Driftwood questions below.
Advance polls run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16, with general election day on Oct. 19.
ROB BOTTERELL – Green Party
Rob Botterell, Green candidate
Rob Botterell is a retired lawyer, strategic consultant and public speaker who focused on major project negotiations, Indigenous law and advocacy. He lives on North Pender Island. More info: vote.botterell.ca
1. Please describe two of your party’s policies or beliefs that are different from the other parties’ and why you think those differences are important.
We are the only party that is truly serious about tackling the climate emergency. And we are the only party that advocates for keeping a price on carbon pollution. The Conservatives deny climate change. The NDP is not acting as though it is an emergency — continuing to subsidize fossil fuel, approve new LNG infrastructure and log old-growth forests. The BC Greens will put an end to these destructive practices.
Unlike the NDP and Conservatives, the BC Greens recognize that the housing crisis is an equality crisis. For-profit housing cannot solve housing affordability. The government needs to invest in co-op, non-market and social housing. The BC Greens are the only party proposing a historic investment in non-market housing to ensure that everyone has a safe, secure and affordable place to live.
2. Tell us about a personal strength you have that you feel will make you an exceptional MLA, and give an example of when that strength has served you or another person/organization well in the past.
I am a tenacious advocate. I have dedicated much of my career to fighting for social and economic equality, healthy communities, a stable economy, and environmental protection. I understand how to get things done and will work to bring the affected people together in order to resolve complex issues. I don’t take no for an answer.
The communities of Anacla and Bamfield are connected to Port Alberni by a 76-km industrial service road that has resulted in eight fatal accidents and countless other accidents. In 2016 I was asked by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations to lead a renewed effort to secure funding from the B.C. government to upgrade the Bamfield Main and make it safe. We built the plan from the ground up with all stakeholders involved, secured expert advice and collaboratively developed out-of-the-box solutions to address the concerns raised by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. It ultimately led to securing B.C. government funding of $25 million toward the $30.7 million project to build a much safer road.
3. How will you build relationships with your Gulf Islands constituents? Will you commit to participating in the existing multi-agency Southern Gulf Islands Forum?
I now live on Pender Island and recognize the uniqueness of each of the Gulf Islands and their communities. Like Adam Olsen and Elizabeth May, I plan to regularly hold community meetings to hear from residents, and will have an open and accessible constituency office.
I am grateful to Elizabeth May and Adam Olsen for establishing the Southern Gulf Islands Forum. I commit to building on the work forum members have started, and with Adam and Elizabeth’s guidance I know we can continue to be a strong voice for the islands.
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DAVID BUSCH – Conservative Party
David Busch, Conservative candidate
Saanich resident David Busch has been a lawyer since 2007 and has also worked as a registered nurse in critical care and in pediatric cardiology. He has taught nursing at Laurentian University and the University of Alberta, and taught law at the University of Victoria. More info: conservativebc.ca/busch
1. Please describe two of your party’s policies or beliefs that are different from the other parties’ and why you think those differences are important.
Our B.C. healthcare system is in crisis. The Conservative party is proposing a new Patients First Healthcare Model: Universal healthcare for everyone under a system that delivers care through both public and non-government facilities. We will stop ER closures, get people attached to a family doctor, end wait times, expand access to care, and support and protect front-line staff by directing funding to hire front-line healthcare professionals. We will also implement a zero-tolerance policy on illicit drug use in hospitals and increase security in emergency rooms.
The Conservative Party will provide the Rustad Rebate — a real solution to help families stay in their homes, support the middle class, and provide relief to those being squeezed by high housing prices and rents.
2. Tell us about a personal strength you have that you feel will make you an exceptional MLA, and give an example of when that strength has served you or another person/organization well in the past.
My main personal strength is my unwavering commitment to community. It’s my innate abilities, learned skills, and the genuine desire to listen and assist in improving the lives of the people in my community. As a former critical care nurse, I was on the front lines helping to save lives. Seeing the relieved look of elation on a parent’s face when you tell them their child is now stable and can now go see them stays with you. As a lawyer, I have stood fast, delivering rational and compelling arguments to secure funding for health authorities, held municipal governments to account and ensured injured citizens receive the compensation to which they are entitled. As well, I have extensive experience advising governments on policy (regardless of their affiliation). I want to continue to advocate for all citizens.
3. How will you build relationships with your Gulf Islands constituents? Will you commit to participating in the existing multi-agency Southern Gulf Islands Forum?
I have had the pleasure of meeting and building relationships with Gulf Islands constituents over the years. I am aware of the ongoing issues, such as inadequate healthcare services (for example, workforce housing), the Islands Trust, ferry transportation and road infrastructure, and water shortages.
I look forward to continuing my town halls on the Peninsula and the Gulf Islands and seek to continue working with the Southern Gulf Islands Forum as it gives an opportunity for the representatives of all levels of governance — local, First Nations, regional districts, provincial and federal — to meet and address ongoing and emerging issues affecting our constituents.
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AMY HAYSOM, Independent
Amy Haysom, independent candidate
Amy Haysom has lived on both the Saanich Peninsula and on Salt Spring Island for more than 20 years. She has been involved with education, small business, youth programs, adult recreation and land stewardship. More info: aimforamy.ca
1. Please describe two of your policies or beliefs that are different from the other parties’ and why you think those differences are important.
As an independent candidate, I advocate for direct democracy, where constituents have a direct link in sharing their voice related to issues in this riding. I haven’t seen any other candidate take such a direct approach to engaging the community in having their voices integrated into platform and policy development. Policies and platforms should be dynamic, participatory and evolving with the needs of the riding and the province. “Our Voice” is an initiative featured on my website where constituents’ feedback is steadily solicited and used to frame the political agenda.
Further, I don’t hear other parties prioritizing the need for small-scale farming, particularly in rural remote communities. The longevity of protection of biodiversity and sustainable resources in the province relies on supporting small-scale farming practices and the infrastructure to prioritize this in rural remote communities.
2. Tell us about a personal strength you have that you feel will make you an exceptional MLA, and give an example of when that strength has served you or another person/organization well in the past.
I have been described as an excellent listener and a “unifier.” I believe these are exceptional skills that serve in the role of MLA, both on the ground within the riding, AND at the legislative level. As an independent, I can listen to perspectives from all political “stripes” and, in that vein, can be a strong, level-headed voice within a divided legislature.
I have a professional and personal history that gives me the skill set to achieve this connection and leadership. I worked with the Centre for Global Studies and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and was able to connect organizations and government to activate initiatives related to sustainability and development. Having lived in this riding for a long time I have an excellent understanding of the unique communities in the wider riding. I love to travel, so I look forward to travelling within the beautiful expanse of the riding to meet the constituents of Saanich North and the Islands regularly.
3. How will you build relationships with your Gulf Islands constituents? Will you commit to participating in the existing multi-agency Southern Gulf Islands Forum?
I have mentioned the “Our Voice” initiative I have launched currently on my website, where constituents can give their feedback on issues that concern them. I’ve already received many contributions, and am sharing your voice in our all-candidates debates and in community forums. I intend to evolve this initiative by leveraging blockchain and/or app technologies to poll constituents often on various issues that affect this riding, and in turn can share this in the legislature.
I’d like to launch a youth advisory group, as the youth voice is pertinent and important. I absolutely commit to active participation in the Southern Gulf Islands Forum, an excellent best practice of community agencies working together. I intend to support these kinds of best practices.
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SARAH RIDDELL, New Democratic Party
Sarah Riddell, NDP candidate
Sarah Riddell is a Central Saanich council member with a master’s degree in public and health administration and 15 years of experience in the field. As a councillor her priorities have been affordable housing, climate action and active transportation. She lives in Brentwood Bay. More info: sarahriddell.bcndp.ca
1. Please describe two of your party’s policies or beliefs that are different from the other parties’ and why you think those differences are important.
Healthcare: I believe in a strong, publicly funded health system that’s there for you when you need it. The BC NDP government made good strides — hiring more than 800 new family doctors to B.C. and thousands of nurses, tripling the program to credential internationally trained physicians, expanding our existing medical school and residency spaces, with more on the way – but there’s still more to do. Unlike the Conservatives, we won’t cut $4.1 billion from the health system, increase hospitals’ administrative burden, divert resources away from the public system, or add profit to the province’s healthcare bill.
Housing: Affordable and attainable housing remains a huge challenge, and the BC NDP are the only party that has a serious plan to move the needle, with policies that target both supply and demand, that reduce barriers to building, and provide relief for folks who have housing but are struggling to pay the rent. We need to do more, especially when it comes to Salt Spring and the other islands, to address local challenges within the context of a conservation area. You have my personal commitment to work together on more creative solutions. Take workforce housing, for example: it is desperately needed, but building it in ecologically sensitive areas, like the Gulf Islands, needs to be managed very thoughtfully.
2. Tell us about a personal strength you have that you feel will make you an exceptional MLA, and give an example of when that strength has served you or another person/organization well in the past.
I am a positive, collaborative, action-oriented leader and community builder. As a municipal councillor, I have worked hard to build relationships with residents, businesses, community leaders, staff, my council colleagues, First Nations and other elected officials. I regularly visit homes, meet for coffee, volunteer and attend community events to connect and learn from our community. This helps me work with people to solve one-off problems, propose and build support for solutions to bigger ones, make balanced decisions, and bring people together to work through contentious issues to arrive at an acceptable solution.
3. How will you build relationships with your Gulf Islands constituents? Will you commit to participating in the existing multi-agency Southern Gulf Islands Forum?
I will build and nurture relationships with Gulf Islands constituents just like I have in Central Saanich — by showing up, listening and getting involved. I will collaborate with community to move things forward. I also have strong family connections and a history here, which I will build on. If elected, I commit to participating in the SGI Forum.
Visionary Montreal-based dance company Tentacle Tribe is returning to ArtSpring on Friday, Oct. 18 with its most recent production — Prism — a piece that uses visual distortions to ask questions about perception and physicality.
The production comes from the imaginative minds of Tentacle Tribe’s co-founders, choreographers and artistic directors Elon Höglund and Emmanuelle Lê Phan, both of whom are notably Cirque du Soleil alumni as well as dancers.
Over the last 12 years, the company, whose signature style blends hip-hop, martial arts and contemporary dance, has created a series of increasingly transformative duets and group pieces to become one of Canada’s most sought-after touring dance companies.
Prism is Tentacle Tribe’s most ambitious production to date with an extensive stage set-up created from mirrors, for what Le Nouvelliste calls “a visual feast.”
Five dancers move fluidly between a reflective floor and movable mirror panels that are manipulated from different angles. Multiplied tenfold, their bodies seamlessly unite and intermingle to create a single organism in synergy with Höglund’s original music.
Prism is meant to create a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic dream, distorting perspectives and deconstructing movement into infinite combinations of colourful images. Limbs, reality and illusion intertwine, leaving audiences to question what is real.
Wanting to challenge audiences to see dance in new and innovative ways, Höglund and Lê Phan’s artistic vision is to create performances that engage not only the body but also the intellect. They have toured and performed extensively in Canada, Europe, South Korea, the U.S. and the Middle East.
Tickets, available through the box office or online, are selling quickly. Limited Theatre Angel Program tickets (only $15) are available from the box office until Oct. 11.
Provincial regulators are seeking input from the public on a proposed shoreline stabilization project on Salt Spring, meant to protect a row of island properties above Baker Beach from erosion without using “hard” shore armouring.
A comment period will run until Nov. 13, according to a licence of occupation application filed with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, who are considering the application for a 560-metre strip of provincial Crown land fronting six Booth Bay waterfront parcels between Quarry Drive and Baker Road.
Several property owners have applied together to install the erosion protection, using principles from the Stewardship Centre for B.C.’s pilot Green Shores program, according to submitted documents, a “nature-based” climate adaptation design standard encouraged by Salt Spring’s Official Community Plan that minimizes hard armour seawalls in favour of non-uniform rock clusters, vegetation enhancement and “beach nourishment” –– sand and gravel placed at the toe of the eroding slope.
Unlike hard armouring –– such as bulkheads and seawalls –– Green Shores design allows for the continuation of natural ecological processes, according to program literature, such as littoral drift and the establishment of coastline vegetation, while not completely altering beach or backshore areas.
The application estimates some 85 loads of material to be either trucked or barged in, with irrigation for new native vegetation planted on the shoreline to come from each homeowner’s water supply, according to the application, which notes no plans to encroach into riparian areas –– and intends to remove invasives during the project.
“The design basis is based on coastal sediment processes and protection of the natural environment,” according to the application, adding planting would be “done by hand, and on a plant-by-plant basis to avoid sedimentation into the marine environment.”
Baker Beach is used by residents and visitors alike; there are two Capital Regional District-maintained staircases nearby for public access –– currently armoured with boulders –– and while the application notes access will be “unimpeded,” it points out there may be areas where pedestrians find themselves “walking over increased thickness of beach sediment (gravels) placed during beach nourishment.”
