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DODS (nee Hudon), Rita Eugenie Marie

Driftwood Obituary
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DODS (nee Hudon), Rita Eugenie Marie

April 13, 1931 – August 27, 2023

RITA DODS, known as “Mom” or “Grammy” to her treasured loved ones and extended family, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2023, with loving family and friends at her side, at the age of 92, after a brief battle with leukemia. She braved it all with her infectious smile to the end.

Rita was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, the youngest of eight children born to Léa and Joseph Hudon. She always said that she was the caboose and “they saved the best for last”. The family moved to Victoria in 1943 where her Dad accepted work as a blacksmith. Rita, her sister Térèse, Mum, Dad, Grandfather and Uncle all resided together, supported with additional income from their family-run boarding house.

Rita loved attending school at Esquimalt Secondary. Her dream was to be a nurse but, as her mother became ill and required assistance with the boarding house tasks, she was forced to drop out of school in Grade 10, sadly never to return. After leaving school, Rita took on a myriad of jobs; a “presser” at the Standard Laundry, a customer service clerk at the Metropolitan Store, an usherette at the Odeon Theatre, and offi ce assistant at Haney Cartage.

Near the end of 1950, Rita met Kenneth Walter Dods, a young man from Sooke, answering an ad for new boarders. Strong, handsome and athletic, he captured her attention and they became a couple, marrying on July 5, 1952. In July 1955, Rita and Ken moved to Salt Spring Island, and welcomed their fi rst daughter, Lorraine, on October 23rd. Loretta was born 8 years less one day later, on October 22, 1963.

Food was at the forefront of so much of Rita’s life. Her involvement in the business of food provision was lengthy – as an employee in restaurants (The Log Cabin, Vesuvius Kitchen), and in her own endeavours as a “woman in business” before it became fashionable; door-to-door sales of Avon, Regal Greeting Cards & Gifts, Stockings; then pursuing her own food businesses (“The Bun House”, Loriken Katering, The Reef Fish & Chip Shop, Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club, and Rita’s Inn).

Rita was known for her baking – particularly her pies- which were a staple in all her business and volunteer endeavours, highlighted by the “Bun House” from 1966-1970. Baking continued into her retirement years, delivering goodies to various individuals and organizations, and her “kids’ workplaces” – it was her way of giving them a nod of approval and appreciation for the work being done by all, every day.

Rita loved her community and the people in it. People were “her thing”. She was a social individual and making people feel welcome, no matter the challenges, was a strength. Rita always had time to listen to, and engage with, people so they felt heard and appreciated, even while absorbing the pain and loss that life infl icted upon her and her family.

Nothing brought Rita more joy than delivering a fresh out-of-the-oven banana cake to the Country Grocer staff or a family in need, made with donations of “tired” bananas that would otherwise be tossed away. She knew how to “stretch a dollar” better than anyone and shared that skill with many along the way, always fi nding those teachable moments in whatever she did to share with others – and she taught many.

Rita volunteered in so many organizations and causes close to her heart: Our Lady of Grace Church and Catholic Women’s League, the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary, and the ALS Society of BC, to name a few. Rita was proud to be honoured by the Province of BC in recognition of her “Outstanding Volunteerism in her Community” and by the ALS Society of British Columbia for 10 years of service coordinating the annual fundraising SSI Cornfl ower Tag Days.

Rita is survived by her daughter Loretta, son-in-law Mark, the apples of her eye – grandchildren Anna and William, and many beloved nieces and nephews who called “Aunty Rita” their favourite. 

She is predeceased by her daughter Lorraine Evelyn (Dods) Moth (2007), husband Kenneth Walter Dods (1999), son-in-law Leslie Alfred (Spike) Moth (2022); siblings Marie Mourre (Charlie), Irene Paquette (Joe), Armand Hudon (Madeleine/Olive), Wilfred Maurice Hudon (one year), Marguerite Blais (Paul), Lorraine Olmsted (Charlie) and Térèse Toms (George).

Rita’s chosen extended family was very important to her, and we know they will honour her by continuing to pass along her humour, love of music, dancing, cooking and baking, and kindness to others. Always waiting with open arms or a listening ear, she freely offered comfort to anyone that needed a warm hug or welcoming smile to brighten their day or offer words of encouragement.

Rita’s family would like to extend special thanks for the loving care given to Rita by her dedicated companions, Paula, Linda, Crystal, Barb, Josie and Marina. You recognized her strength and determination to never give up. We are forever grateful for the friendship and assistance provided by all of you to help her enjoy her best life as she faced life’s challenges and, in her words, “enjoy every day”.

Heartfelt appreciation to dear friends Gail and Patrick, always ready with invaluable assistance.

Thanks to all Greenwoods staff who provided friendly support and smiles in a dignifi ed and respectful environment she could call home, where she was lovingly referred to as “Queen Rita”; ensuring earrings, lipstick and colourful attire were in place. (She had the Royal Wave down pat.)

There will be a church service at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, as well as a celebration of life event in the Spring (April, 2024). Rita was a beloved member of our community who touched so many lives in one way or another – and we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to say farewell. If you wish, please make a donation in Rita’s honour to an organization of your choice or contact Loretta if you would like names of the organizations that were closest to Rita’s heart.

Please watch for a notice in the Spring, announcing the details of Rita’s Mass and Celebration of Life. We hope you will join us. We would be grateful for your written stories, memories, and photos you may wish to share as we put together memory books for this event. Please contact Loretta or send an email to lrithaler@telus.net.

PEPIN, Louis Joseph

Driftwood Obituary
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PEPIN, Louis Joseph

Louis Joseph Pepin, of Salt Spring Island, BC, formerly of Saskatoon, SK passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 4th, 2023 at Qualicum Manor, Long-term Care Home in BC.

Louis was born on May 2, 1939 in Lampman, Saskatchewan to Wilfred and Pauline Pepin. Louis married Ruth (Yunker) on August 21, 1965.

Louis earned his undergraduate degrees at the University of Saskatchewan and his Masters of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. For the majority of his career, he was employed by Saskatchewan Social Services.Louis was a gentle, soft-spoken, caring man who was devoted to his family. He contributed to the betterment of others and his community through many kindnesses, genuine compassion for those in need, and a long list of volunteer activities.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, his sons Christopher (Maureen) and Steven (Marjorie), his grandsons Ethan and Austin, and his son-in-law David Peters (Virginia), 14 nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Lillian Brandt and his daughter Catherine Peters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church on Salt Spring Island on October 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm.Memorial donations may be made to Greenwoods Eldercare Society (133 Blain Rd, Ganges, Salt Spring Island BC. V8K 1Z9).Louis Joseph Pepin”2 x 5.75

VAN HASSELT, Ineke

Driftwood Obituary
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VAN HASSELT, Ineke

July 10, 1946 | October 18, 2023

Our loving mother, oma, omama, sister, and aunt has gone on her last adventure.

Canada: Nienke van Hasselt, Zoe, Theo

Mirjam van Hasselt & David Nickoli, Aaron (Miki), Tania, and grandchildren

Netherlands: Anneke & Rein Saariste

Gerda Casimir & Valk Beekman

Tine Casimir

Nieces and nephews

At Ineke’s request, donations in lieu of flowers to InspireHealth are appreciated: 

inspirehealth.ca/donate/

Celebration of Life: November 11, 2023, 2:00pm; Windsor Pavilion, Oak Bay

Correspondence: 2649 Galleon Way, 

Pender Island, BC, V0N 2M2

Remembrance Day events altered due to park construction project

Gail Sjuberg
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Remembrance Day events altered due to park construction project

Salt Spring’s Remembrance Day ceremony won’t be proceeding as originally planned due to construction that began taking place in Centennial Park this week.

While Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 92 representatives were surprised to see fencing erected and plaza pavers being removed in the park on Tuesday, Nov. 7, discussions between RCL members and Dan Ovington, manager of the Capital Regional District’s Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture department, have resulted in a revised plan, they reported on Wednesday.

The ceremony will now take place on Fulford-Ganges Road in front of the park, beginning at 10:45 a.m., with a shorter parade component.

“Though the parade is smaller in size than once envisioned, it will still be brilliant to behold with the skirl of the pipes and thump of the drums leading the way,” Legion reps said in a written statement.

Ovington said the sidewalk along Fulford-Ganges Road and the rest of the park, including the cenotaph, washroom and playground remain open.

“On Saturday, construction work will pause, the fence will be pulled back to open up a clear path and sightline from the road to the cenotaph,” he said. “In addition, arrangements have been made with the Harbour Authority to use their parking lot both for spectators and to provide wheelchair and accessible access to the cenotaph.”  

In explaining why project work began this week, Ovington stated, “Similar to the construction of the Centennial playground and washroom we have a short construction window to complete as much construction as possible following the end of the Saturday Market and the start of inclement weather; this project is also supported with grant funding, creating additional time constraints. While I agree that this should have been postponed until after Nov. 11, arrangements have been made with the Legion to accommodate both the construction and this important annual event.”

Some Salt Spring residents contacted the Driftwood to express their dismay at the timing of the construction work.

“My apologies if this has been viewed as disrespectful towards our veterans in any way,” said Ovington. “I can assure you that this was never the intention. We remain committed to working with the Royal Canadian Legion, and supporting their Remembrance Day service in any way we can, including the establishment of mutually agreed upon adjustments for this year’s event.”

The park upgrade has long been in PARC’s plans, with an Oct. 20 press release stating construction would take place between the market off-season from Nov. 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. A $561,748 grant from Pacific Economic Development Canada was received to complete the work, along with $298,000 of Community Works Funding and $100,000 from the Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation capital reserve fund. A project update was provided in a December 2022 Driftwood story.

The Legion organizers of this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies added that they “appreciate the recent surge of community support. There is also heavy rain expected on the day. In spite of all these challenges, we have our responsibility of remembrance to deliver. We believe our program adaptation and the ceremony will make our community proud. Try to be in place by 10:45 a.m.”

Viewpoint: All invited to local Gaza event

Contributed Article
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Viewpoint: All invited to local Gaza event

By OMRANE HASSAN

The Arab-Jewish Coalition for Peace in the Middle East (AJCPME) invites you to join us at Salt Spring For Gaza: A Day of Culture, Solidarity, and Support on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Beaver Point Hall from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. to raise funds for humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza.

To organize relief for Gaza is not just a matter of raising money (although we do hope to raise as much as possible), it is a matter of global consciousness and healing. To provide relief to Gaza, we need more than money; we need to come together and address the conditions that have created this catastrophe and do whatever we can, wherever we are to create a different world. One where every life is held as precious, Arab and Jewish, and no single living being is sacrificed for the preservation of an unjust system of power.

Here on Salt Spring, AJCPME has come together to do this work by inviting people to connect, learn, offer their gifts and creativity, and share a meal. We invite this community to break bread and gather around the table to support the people of Gaza, mourn all the lives lost in this eruption of violence, imagine a free Palestine and begin to create the world anew. May we change the material conditions for those most in need, at every level of our social, economic, political and spiritual organization.

The event will feature live music, a silent auction, and an Arabic feast. We will also have a conversation among activists, journalists and lawyers, including Ellen Gabriel, a Mohawk activist, filmmaker, Kahnesatake spokesperson; Gord Hill, writer and activist; and Kevin Neish, human rights activist.

The conversation will be facilitated by Jewish community member Eva Peskin, whose research draws on queer, Jewish, and feminist intellectual and cultural traditions to develop life-affirming models for giving and receiving feedback. Eva Peskin has over a decade of experience as a teacher, movement researcher, and community-based art maker, engaging healing, disability, and transformative justice practices to create containers of care where deep learning can take place. 

Recognizing the intensity and trauma that this issue carries for many people in different and particular ways, there will be satellite spaces set up so people can step away as needed to process, restore and find calm if anything gets overwhelming. Those spaces will be staffed with volunteers prepared to receive everyone with care and gentleness. We are recruiting counsellors and mediators to be present to provide support during the event, and we are asking all registrants to sign a community agreement assuring that we commit to respecting each other and holding space for our differences.

We cannot promise that it will be perfect or easy, but we aim to create a table of radical care, where everyone is invited to find love and connection through our shared and particular pain and hope, to imagine another possible world together.

Tickets can be purchased for a minimum donation of $60 at Salt Spring Books (cash only). All ages are welcome. Please contact ajcpmecontact@gmail.com for more information or to make contributions to the silent auction. Please also let us know if you will require a kosher meal.

Proceeds from the event will be sent to Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME).

The writer is a director and events coordinator for AJCPME.

MLA column: Democracy, health, housing and transportation

Contributed Article
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MLA column: Democracy, health, housing and transportation

By ADAM OLSEN,

Saanich North and the Islands Green party MLA

In this column I will address a number of issues that continue to impact people in Saanich North and the Islands, and across British Columbia. 

I’ll start with our democracy. Since my election I have been advocating for improved legislative processes, and better access for private members (all members not in Cabinet) to introduce, debate and vote on private members bills and motions. Throughout the summer, I sat on an all-party legislative committee looking at the issue. 

Over decades, majority governments have wrestled control of the legislative agenda away from the Assembly and now can dictate what is debated and voted on. However, if the committee’s recommendations are enacted by the government, all elected representatives will have more tools to propose legislative changes.  

Primary, urgent and acute healthcare continues to be a major issue across B.C., and Saanich North and the Islands is not immune. With the Saanich Peninsula Hospital emergency room closed in the evening, now indefinitely, no walk-in clinic services on the Saanich Peninsula or on Salt Spring Island and increasing health care service needs on the outer Gulf Islands, our office continues to hear how the system is failing to serve local residents. Even while fearing repercussions for speaking out, I continue to hear from healthcare workers regarding their deep concern for the state of healthcare services.  

Health authority bureaucracies continue to grow while access to critical services is getting worse. Clearly, the Minister of Health is only interested in spending money to reinforce a system that needs transformational change.  

We continue to suffer a housing affordability crisis that has destabilized thousands of people in our communities. The cost of rent has skyrocketed, and this summer rising interest rates have in some cases doubled the monthly mortgage payment for many of my constituents, threatening housing security for people across the socio-economic strata. 

At the time of writing this we have seen legislation to regulate short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). There are conflicting studies about the impact of STVRs on long-term housing supply and rental rates. However, anecdotally I have been hearing about the negative impacts, especially on the Gulf Islands, since I was elected. 

The proposed legislation will provide some limitations on STVRs, create a registry and allow regional districts to develop business licensing. These are steps I support, but it is only part of the solution. We need to see more from the government. 

BC Ferries is still struggling to provide consistent and reliable services. Our office consistently hears about how delays and cancellations impact access to work, important appointments and essential services for many people. The Minister of Transportation recently announced that the province will start charging fines to BC Ferries for every missed sailing; however, it is difficult to imagine how this will remedy the more foundational issues, such as staffing.  

 That said, I am thankful that BC Ferries listened to their customers who advocated for better shelter from the elements while waiting for the bus. They are working on constructing a long-term solution, however, in the meantime temporary tents are in place to provide cover from the wind and rain. 

I will continue to work on these and other issues facing our constituency. If you need support or my advocacy, do not hesitate to contact me at Adam.Olsen.MLA@leg.bc.ca or call 250-655-5600. 

Name of Savage Point questioned

Robb Magley
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Name of Savage Point questioned

A point on a small island off Saturna is at the centre of an investigation to determine whether its name is derogatory — and local governments have been asked to chime in. 

The Islands Trust — along with other local organizations and governing bodies, including several First Nations representatives — has been asked to comment on a request to rescind the name of Tumbo Island’s Savage Point, received by the BC Geographical Names Office (BCGNO). 

“The request is to rescind the name, and does not include officially replacing it,” reads a letter from BCGNO provincial toponymist Trent Thomas, who also serves on the Geographical Names Board of Canada. “Consideration to rescind this official name is based on the offensive nature of the language in the name.” 

Tumbo lies just north of the east end of Saturna Island — missing out on being the easternmost Gulf Island by some 500 metres — and Savage Point points northeast into the Strait of Georgia. According to BCGNO’s records, the name was first established on British Admiralty Charts in 1859, and officially adopted in 1945 — although the significance or origin of the name was not recorded. 

The BCGNO said it is aware of the potential harms arising from derogatory language in geographical names and would like to determine if rescinding this name is supported by local communities and organizations or if there are any reasons it might be unfavourable.  

Discussing the request Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Islands Trust Executive Committee expressed broad support of the recension, ultimately asking staff to respond via letter to advise the BCGNO they had no concerns, and to forward both the request and letter to Saturna Island’s Local Trust Committee for their information. 

If rescinded, the online name records would be maintained with the history of this name having once been official, but the name would no longer be labelled on provincial maps and charts or distributed as an official place name in B.C. 

“Until a broadly supported naming proposal is brought forward and officially adopted in accordance with the BC Geographical Naming Policy and Procedures, this place would not have an official name,” wrote Thomas, “and references to this feature would be by GPS coordinates or in relation to nearby named features.” 

Editorial: Choosing peace and remembrance

Driftwood Staff
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Editorial: Choosing peace and remembrance

War and peace are again dominating headlines, not only because of current raging conflicts but with Remembrance Day coming up this week.

On Salt Spring Island the Nov. 11 ceremony will return to its tradition of beginning with a parade, but due to construction activity that began in Centennial Park on Nov. 7, the ceremony will be taking place on the road adjacent to the park and the parade will be shorter than first planned.

An added event this year is an open house at Ganges Community Cemetery at Central, where the Pathfinders group of Girl Guides have again marked veterans’ grave through the No Stone Left Alone initiative.

Organizers of another event this weekend hope to raise awareness of the horrors of war through the beauty of music and the gathering of community. Bach on the Rock Chamber Choir and Orchestra presents Remembrance 2023, featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams’ epic and poignant Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace), which he composed in response to his World War I experiences. Concerts are on the evening of Nov. 11 and the afternoon of Nov. 12 at ArtSpring, with singalongs of World War I and II-era songs taking place half an hour before the concerts begin.

People wanting to contribute to peace efforts in Gaza will have an opportunity to do so through a fundraiser and educational, healing event that has been organized for next Saturday, Nov. 18 at Beaver Point Hall. Spearheaded by the Arab-Jewish Coalition for Peace in the Middle East (AJCPME), it will include live music, a silent auction, Arabic feast and a facilitated conversation.

Omrane Hassan, a director and events coordinator for AJCPME, says it best in our Viewpoint piece this week: “To provide relief to Gaza, we need more than money; we need to come together and address the conditions that have created this catastrophe and do whatever we can, wherever we are to create a different world. One where every life is held as precious, Arab and Jewish, and no single living being is sacrificed for the preservation of an unjust system of power.”

From attending the Nov. 18 Salt Spring for Gaza event to buying and wearing a poppy, or attending the Nov. 11 ceremony or the Bach on the Rock concerts, everyone can make some contribution towards peace and remembrance this week.

Salt Spring Legion Poppy Fund uses enumerated

Contributed Article
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Salt Spring Legion Poppy Fund uses enumerated

By KEN JACKSON

Special to the Driftwood

As a veteran of service in Canada’s Reserves and a leader of the Legion’s poppy and Remembrance activities, I’ll share with you some of my insights and experiences about how we’re using donations for poppies and wreaths here on Salt Spring.

First, an important point of clarity. All funds collected by Canada’s Legions are held in trust on behalf of the donors in a segregated Poppy Fund. The distribution of any of those funds is highly regulated, with layers of oversight. They can be used only for approved projects meeting provincial and national standards. They cannot be used for any other Legion operational needs, (e.g. rent or salaries).

This year is my 10th year involved with the Poppy Campaign, most of those years as a “tagger” on the streets, more recently as a program overseer and a Legion executive member with input on spending proposals. Each year, I can still proudly say how amazed I am at the support and generosity of Salt Spring’s residents for our Poppy Campaign.

To honour that support, in 2023, the Salt Spring Legion Branch #92 membership has approved the distribution of over $10,000 in approved Poppy funds, with an additional $5,000 approved for further distribution in the first quarter of 2024. There were three educational bursaries of $1,000 to descendants of Veterans, and two allotments of $1,000 in support of “Quilts of Valour” for the provision of a handmade poppy-themed quilt to eligible Salt Spring veterans.

Most significant for the Salt Spring community this year, we have recently dispersed $5,000 to Veterans House Victoria, with $5,000 more approved for early 2024. Veterans House Victoria provides vital transitional housing to Canadian veterans who need a helping hand with housing and support programs as they work towards securing more permanent living arrangements.

The non-profit society managing Veterans House Victoria also provides an array of outreach support to Canada’s veterans of any age or service in need, including ready-to-go “apartment packs.” These packs are readily available to transitioning veterans who, when homeless or displaced, often have very few household possessions needed when moved into housing. Each provides basic household items such as a complete bedding set, toaster and kettle, cooking and dining supplies as well as bathroom needs. It’s not hard to imagine that the value to the individual in need greatly exceeds the cost of providing it, supported entirely through Poppy Fund donations and the Legion Foundation.

My annual challenge to the Salt Spring community is to proudly wear a poppy in memory of those who have served and to honour those serving today, in the forces and the RCMP. For this year, the 102nd year of Canada’s adoption of the Poppy as the official symbol of Remembrance, I also once again encourage everyone to take a step beyond making a donation, and to get involved personally in a program or activity of Remembrance.

For example, last year I had the privilege of interviewing a number of Girl Guide Pathfinders who had undertaken veteran research within their own families. They shared with me stories, photos and memories they had learned from family elders who were all too eager to see their children and grandchildren interested in them, and for learning more about their own family.

The common trait that each interview revealed to me is that few of the Pathfinders interviewed had any prior knowledge of the stories and memories they shared. It brought to mind just how important that our trademark phrase “Lest We Forget” is to be put into practice in our homes.

Please take a moment to honour the memory of the family pictures of veterans in your albums and on your mantle tops by sharing your memories of them with the younger generations in your family. Bring the meaning of the poppy symbol as a remembrance of service and sacrifice to life.

And wear your poppy with pride. “We Shall Remember Them.”

Drake Road site campers pack up

Robb Magley
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Drake Road site campers pack up

A “mutual community support” group that had set up camp at 161 Drake Rd. in late September appears to have largely met a Nov. 7 deadline to vacate issued last week.

Several individuals remaining at a 161 Drake Rd. encampment were packing up as the Driftwood was going to press on Monday afternoon, with Green Ground Community Design Society’s Nejmah Guermoudi saying that BC Housing representatives told the group a dumpster would likely be offered shortly. Outreach workers were also at the site offering to help people fill out forms to apply for income assistance — which many don’t need, she said. 

“Quite a few don’t actually require income assistance, because they are working members of the community,” said Guermoudi. “They’re also getting people signed up for the BC Housing registry, which we all know can take up to three years or longer to actually get placed in a home. It’s not enough.” 

A BC Housing spokesperson confirmed a Notice of Trespass was delivered to 161 Drake Rd. Monday, Oct. 30 — on behalf of the leaseholder, the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (PHRC) — asking people living there to “voluntarily leave the site and remove personal possessions including vehicles” by Nov. 7. On the morning of Nov. 8 only one vehicle remained at the site.  

“The Drake Road property is leased by BC Housing and is slated for development,” read a statement to the Driftwood from BC Housing, which administers properties held by PHRC. “BC Housing recognizes the challenges with lack of affordable housing in the community, and that’s why permanent housing is being built at this site.” 

The agency has been planning to build 28 units of supportive housing on the site since it announced its lease from the Capital Regional District (CRD) in early 2022. Complications with both contractors and the riparian parcel itself have been blamed for delays, although BC Housing representatives have said the project could still be completed by the end of 2024. 

Local elected officials and community organizers with direct ties to the campers had met with BC Housing representatives prior to the trespass notice, and as the Driftwood went to press last Monday the Drake Road property was visited by police and outreach workers — both from the Umbrella Society and from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, according to a BC Housing spokesperson. Information and resources were provided to the campers, including “free tent camping options,” they said. 

Reached for clarification, BC Housing stated that referred to the dignity shelter area dedicated in the field at Mouat Park — where unhoused are allowed to set up a tent between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., with the expectation that it comes down each day. 

Other options suggested reportedly included space for two people currently available at the Kings Lane temporary supportive housing facility, operated by the Umbrella Society, and some expanded capacity coming available at the former Land Bank property on Dean Road, now operated by the Lookout Society, where Salt Spring CRD director Gary Holman said he was told five or six more spaces will become available sometime this month.  

The move to clear people and some eight to 10 vehicles and tents off the land was not entirely unexpected; BC Housing has previously said it did not believe that encampments generally were a long-term suitable form of housing — and that an encampment at the 5.5-acre parcel on Drake Road could create “significant risks for the wellbeing of campers and of the broader community.”  

The encampment that called itself “The Sanctuary” began in late September, according to Guermoudi, as a cohesive community she said had been previously displaced multiple times from park properties. 

Guermoudi said the group’s model of “mutual community support” was more valuable to people who were struggling than the “top-down, service-oriented social services industry.  

“The fact that we’d had a meeting before, and they seemed somewhat receptive, it felt like a real jab, actually, to come up here and see that they’re actually trying to lock down a level of enforcement,” said Guermoudi. 

It was unclear where the group will transition to, or indeed whether they would remain together. Guermoudi repeated a request for anyone with private land and an interest to reach out to her.

BC Housing said they are still finalizing details of a revised construction timeline for the supportive housing project at Drake Road.  

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