Gulf Islands Driftwood | Newspaper serving the Gulf Islands since 1960

Salt Spring LTC sues AirBnB, farm stand owner

News

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August 9, 2023

Salt Spring LTC sues AirBnB, farm stand owner

The numbered corporation the Islands Trust says owns two luxury vacation rental properties — and a popular retail farm stand — on Salt Spring Island is the target of a new lawsuit filed in B.C.’s Supreme Court Friday, July 28. 

The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (LTC) took legal action with a notice of civil claim against the registered owner of 600 Walker’s Hook Road and the adjacent waterfront property, alleging both are the site of short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in contravention of the property’s zoning.  

The parcels, which together total some 24 acres, are zoned A1-Agricultural, according to Islands Trust land use maps, which also show them located within the provincial Agricultural Land Commission’s protected Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).  

At the address is the Hen and Hound Farm, which through its website and AirBnB.com advertises an upland cottage and waterfront yurt for rent.

Owners Jason and Rochelle Roy-Allen provided the following written statement to the Driftwood:

“Although these matters have been settled in Islands Trust’s biased form of ‘appeals court,’ they continue to pursue unfounded and inequitable claims, which have been brought to the attention of this publication to defame our farm, our family and our businesses.

“The Hen and Hound Farm is one of many small family-run businesses here on Salt Spring who have been harassed by this public body meant to protect the environment and our community.  

“Our investment in this island community is great and our conviction to lead with kindness, innovation and commitment to betterment has come to a head in this Islands Trust initiated claim against our farm. We believe this to be a ridiculous waste of tax dollars.   

“We welcome an unbiased court’s opinion on the matter, and look forward to setting precedents which positively protect this island and its people. We will not be bullied; we will stand up for this island and everyone on it.   

“See you in court Islands Trust — you picked the wrong Farm.” 

For its part, the LTC alleges in its notice of civil claim that in addition to land use contraventions, the deck upon which the waterfront yurt sits is closer to the ocean than would be permitted, and that the farm stand structure — and its two flights of stairs — lies closer to the roadway than allowed; neither received a building permit before construction. 

The LTC is seeking a court order requiring the owner to stop offering use of the STVRs — which, it has said, are not a permitted use in any residential zones — and physically remove offending decks, stairways, the upland farm stand structure and presumably the yurt. 

As the land use authority on Salt Spring, the LTC provided little background in its civil claim, other than an assertion that it had demanded the owners cease the contraventions and that they had not complied. But while the LTC rarely offers specific details on land use infractions in open public session, the same cannot be said for the Capital Regional District (CRD) — which administers building permits on Salt Spring Island upon approval by the LTC, and which responds to building code bylaw complaints. 

CRD building inspectors have documented their attempts to, as one report phrased it, “persuade the owners to comply” with building regulation bylaws since a July 2020 public complaint, after which a Stop Work Notice was posted for “construction without permits” of a large deck near the water — which staff at the time said appeared to be constructed to support a yurt. 

At a hearing in December 2022, a report to the CRD’s Electoral Areas Committee noted that yurt was subsequently installed and “used as a rental accommodation,” still without permits or approvals. Online reviews for the two rentals, which are listed at $350 and $550 per night before fees, go as far back as early 2021. 

The “large stair and farm stand structure” has been on the CRD’s radar since November 2021, according to another report presented at the same hearing, again for construction without permits but with the added concern of the encroachment onto the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) right-of-way along Walker’s Hook Road. 

“Although the owner has written to say that he has applied to MoTI for approval and that he will then follow up with Islands Trust, to date these approvals have not been received,” said chief building inspector Mike Taylor at the December hearing, “and a building permit application has also not been received.” 

The CRD Electoral Areas Committee voted unanimously to file a bylaw contravention notice on both properties’ titles; such notices, registered with the provincial Land Title Office, can sometimes negatively affect a property’s potential sale, perceived property value, access to a mortgage, or financing, according to the CRD. The owners did not attend that hearing. 

STVRs differ from B&Bs, says LTC

STVRs are distinct from “bed and breakfast” operations in Salt Spring’s land use bylaw, the latter being a commercial use which is conditionally permitted in several island zones, including A1; among other restrictions, bed and breakfast businesses within A1 zoning must locate guest bedrooms within a principal dwelling unit. 

Despite the LTC’s standing resolution to proactively enforce against STVRs where not permitted, legal action is relatively rare; notable exceptions include one in 2019, which came just a day after the standing resolution was passed. The LTC took the owner of an Upper Ganges Road property to court; that STVR, which also was operated on land not zoned for that use, had been the subject of numerous complaints dating back to 2017, according to trustees. 

Islands Trust bylaw compliance and enforcement officer Warren Dingman told the LTC in April that his investigations suggested that among the roughly 250 advertised STVRs on Salt Spring Island, about half represented an unlawful operation.

During a quarterly summary of compliance and enforcement files, Dingman told Salt Spring trustees some property owners simply did not voluntarily comply with bylaw violation notices (BVNs), and legal action sometimes needs to be considered to resolve “ongoing contraventions on multiple properties.” 

“While the majority of property owners pay, dispute and pursue adjudication, or enter into compliance agreements in response to BVNs, some of the BVNs are ignored — and there is a default and debt created,” according to Dingman. “The nonpayment of penalties for violation notices is placed on property titles, and the debt is usually collected during a future sale [of the property].” 

The LTC’s priority on enforcing against STVRs was prompted by concerns about the lack of housing options for long-term rentals on Salt Spring; Dingman has said his department would be doing another survey during high season to hopefully capture information about any new unlawful rentals entering the market. 

Salt Spring’s land use regulations — Bylaw 355 — can be read in detail at on the Islands Trust’s website.

Director gives updates on housing and more

Opinion

Contributed Article

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August 9, 2023

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Director gives updates on housing and more

By CRD Director Gary Holman

Salt Spring’s Local Community Commission (LCC) is already hard at work, deciding on two meetings per month, inviting presentations from former island-wide commissions of the Capital Regional District (CRD) and moving forward important planning projects such as the Portlock Park Master Plan and the Ganges Active Transportation Plan.

The LCC will begin considering 2024 provisional budgets and capital plans for delegated services at its Aug. 22 meeting and will be announcing an early evening town hall for Aug. 31. I will leave future formal reporting on LCC matters to elected chair Earl Rook.

Affordable Housing AAP and Initiatives

The CRD will be seeking municipal consent, and voter approval in electoral areas, to borrow $85 million for affordable housing investments in the region. This will be a successor to the CRD Regional Housing First (RHF) program, a partnership of CRD, BC Housing and the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation that has funded about 1,800 affordable housing units in the region, including the 54-unit Croftonbrook project on Salt Spring. I urge support for this initiative at a cost of roughly $2.30 per household per month, which hopefully will be matched by senior governments, regionally or on a project basis.

I recently attended a useful inter-agency workshop organized by Salt Spring Solutions to discuss their report Homes for All. A key report recommendation is for the CRD to establish a local entity to better coordinate affordable housing efforts. While this proposal deserves consideration, it is important to first clarify its objectives, given that Salt Spring has a housing council and several capable NGO housing developers and providers.

The CRD also has a regional housing corporation and program, and will be considering a rural housing strategy this fall to better support initiatives in electoral areas. There are a number of properties on Salt Spring already zoned or designated for affordable housing, with development potential of over 200 units. The key challenge to develop these properties, which will also free up existing rental stock, is to secure equity funding.

The CRD Electoral Areas Committee (EAC) recently requested a staff report on enforcement policy for alternative housing forms. The EAC and the CRD Board approved recommendations to continue the current approach — primarily complaint-based (i.e., not proactive) — and to advocate for a provincial review of alternative housing forms within the BC Building Code. However, it should be understood that tiny homes on wheels are still not compliant with the BC Building Code, and are potentially subject to CRD enforcement if there are health, safety or environmental concerns.

Ferries Plus Regional Transportation Proposal

Some disruption of local ferry service continues, primarily due to staffing issues.

However, the two extra sailings per day (except Sundays) during summer months recently implemented on the Fulford-Swartz Bay route appears to be having a positive impact on congestion that will be more apparent once construction on the Fulford terminal is complete.

BC Transit was also able to partly adjust to the new ferry schedule, although harmonization of these schedules should be improved next summer.

The additional sailings were advocated by the Salt Spring Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) and was part of BC Ferries’ submission to the BC Ferries Commissioner. The FAC also supported BC Ferries’ proposed deployment of two hybrid electric Island Class ferries on the Vesuvius-Crofton route in 2027-28, when both the Quinsam and Skeena will provide summer service at Fulford, further mitigating village congestion. More frequent ferry service at Fulford and Vesuvius will also facilitate improved transit service to these terminals.

With most of the public attention focused on BC Ferries service disruptions, the recent provincial government commitment of $500 million to stabilize fares over the next decade has gone almost unnoticed.

CRD has initiated consultation with member municipalities and electoral areas regarding the merits of a regional transportation service. Electoral area directors and the Salt Spring LCC have been asked to respond to an initial survey.

My concern is that Salt Spring households would pay the same property taxes per dollar of assessed value, but not receive the same service level as the Greater Victoria area. That is why I established a stand-alone transit service in 2008 rather than have Salt Spring join the regional system, and also to avoid the gas tax on fuel.

It is also very unlikely that BC Ferries and our provincial roads would be included in a CRD regional transportation service.

Emergency Preparedness and Water Conservation Measures

Salt Spring Island has so far escaped the destructive wildfires being experienced elsewhere in B.C., but we must continue to be vigilant. If you observe wildfire smoke, please call 911 to alert our local fire department.

I urge residents, if you haven’t already, to sign up for the CRD Public Alert Notification System on the CRD website, and to join your neighbourhood POD. Also be aware that North Salt Spring Waterworks District and our local CRD water districts have declared water conservation measures restricting non-essential water uses.

As always, please contact me at directorssi@crd.bc.ca with any questions or comments.

Stingrays sending 19 to provincial championships

Sports & Recreation

Robb Magley

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August 9, 2023

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Stingrays sending 19 to provincial championships

Salt Spring’s summer swimmers had a great showing in Duncan over the weekend, as the Stingrays sent 33 to the Vancouver Island Regional Championship meet Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre pool.

Hundreds of youth took part in the competition, representing nearly a dozen clubs from far and near — including from Pender Island’s Otters Swim Club. Most Stingrays were quick enough to qualify for at least one final, according to Salt Spring Aquatic Society president Shelly Johnson, with 26 earning medals (finishing in the top three) and 19 qualifying for the BC Summer Swimming Association provincial championships, which will be held Aug. 17 to 20 at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

Stingrays board secretary Loretta Rithaler said the numbers were “as of press time” but there could be more through the possibility of “wildcard” entries — where a swimmer who might have been fourth is advanced when one of the slotted swimmers does not attend the meet for some reason. These spots also help “fill the lanes” when needed, she added, which organizers say makes for a better racing experience.

“Our Salt Spring Stingrays displayed grit, tenacity, determination, resilience and team spirit,” said Johnson. “We are very proud of them all and thank their amazing coaches for preparing them so well for this tough athletic event.”

Regional medalists who also qualified for provincials were James Penner, Grace Cole, Jasper Beerends-Meisner, Rubin Beerends-Meisner, Mikayla Langdon, Sashi Sanchez-Wickland, Pasley Hayden, William Harder, Arthur Cabello-Maclean, Elyse Walsh, Indigo Marshall, Zoe Sanchez Wickland, India Hayden, Matthias Woodley, Druehn Pinney, Keegan Otsubo-Papp, Aiden Otsubo-Papp, Clara Dickieson and Zoey Johnson. Swimmers who finished in the top three to earn medals were Logan Harder, Jacob Harder, Liam Walsh, Emerson Hayden, William Rithaler, Molly Magley and Renee Hayden.

Editorial: Good Riddance

Opinion

Driftwood Staff

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August 9, 2023

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If you’re reading this, thank you, and congratulations on choosing to access your local community news without use of Facebook. 

In a fascinating moment for Canadian journalism, Meta — the company that brought us such innovations as “boost this post for $36” and “the secret harvesting of 87 million users’ personal data for Cambridge Analytica” — has decided to pick a fight with its northern neighbour. 

The Facebook parent company named so self-referentially has responded to the federal government’s legislative attempts through Bill C-18 to share its boundless revenue with news content creators by blocking them from sharing links through Facebook’s $1-trillion market cap platform. It’s certainly a hardball negotiating tactic, which some have suggested is extortive. However, if it provides an opportunity for media companies and others to explore alternative ways to connect readers with their content, it might not be such a bad thing.

The reporting of news — particularly community news — is a public good (and service) that retains value largely because it strives to be accurate, even succinct. We respect the readers’ precious time, and are grateful to be invited into your homes every Wednesday — or at any time, via our gulfislandsdriftwood.com website — to share it.

But Facebook’s value proposition comes from engagement, the clock critically spinning as time is spent looking and clicking. More clicking, more viewing, more attention, more money. News will never “win” in a competition for attention on such a playing field. A factual news brief will never beat a salacious, rumour-filled post, complete with dazzling graphics, deliberately inflammatory “headlines” and questionable comments. 

Nor should it. Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta Canada, said, “We know the people using our platforms don’t come to us for news.” We agree, because Facebook has its own important roles to fill, both for arguing about how other people drive and possibly seeing whether a restaurant is open.  

In the meantime, no need to share this on Facebook.  

Fun Day gets riders ready for upcoming fall fair

Island Life

Contributed Article

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August 9, 2023

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Fun Day gets riders ready for upcoming fall fair

SUBMITTED BY THE GULF ISLANDS HORSE ASSOCIATION

Attention horse riders: the Gulf Islands Horse Association (GIHA) is inviting anyone thinking of signing up for this year’s Salt Spring Fall Fair horse show to a dress rehearsal at its Fun Day pre-show on Sunday, Aug. 20 at the Mouat Park riding ring.

Even if you’re not planning on entering classes at the fall fair, the Fun Day show is a low-key way to spend time with fellow horse lovers and celebrate recent improvements made to the riding ring.

GIHA acknowledges the generous contributions of time, labour and machinery provided by Ryan Bradley of Bradley Excavating and his very capable team. The ring improvements have also been supported by donations from Hawthorne Hill Gravel, Windsor Plywood, Island Trucking and Key Pawn Trucking.

The pre-show is a chance for riders and their horses to get familiar with the ring, do some practice classes and have a lot of fun with other members of the island horse community. Judge for the day is Susan Gordon, co-author of The Compassionate Equestrian, a former trainer and coach in the U.S. and Canada.

Classes include Walk /Trot in Western or English riding disciplines. This is an equitation class and is a great opportunity for riders who want a starter class in which their riding skills are judged at slower paces. If you want something to show off your horse’s canter or lope, you can sign up for English Pleasure, Western Pleasure or Road Hack. There will also be halter and showmanship classes to test handling skills. And what would a horse show be without a couple of fun classes? Barrel racing and ride-a-five are on tap, and if you like to dress up, maybe your horse, too, there’s a costume class as well.

Cost for the day is $25 for non-members, which includes the membership fee. There is no charge for current GIHA members.

All participants must have an up-to-date Horse Council BC membership.

To sign up for the Fun Day, or for more information, email giha.saltspring@gmail.com or phone 250-537-1116.

Nature and materials in focus with four artists

Arts & Entertainment

Contributed Article

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August 9, 2023

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Nature and materials in focus with four artists

BY ELIZABETH NOLAN

FOR SALT SPRING ARTS

Artcraft’s final Showcase exhibition of the summer will present four highly accomplished artists working on themes related to the local environment and climate crisis.

A Closer Look: Nature and Materials features Sibéal Foyle, Peter Pierobon, Paul Oeuvray and Jan Smith. Artworks featured in the show will include painting, drawing, woodwork, metalsmithing and fine art jewelry. The artists have diverse skills and experiences, but all draw inspiration from the natural environment that forms the foundation of their art practices.

The show is the result of an interlinking set of partnerships, and features two married couples (Smith and Oeuvray, and Foyle and Pierobon). The two women in the group started working together through a bi-weekly art practice check-in exercise last year, and have exhibited together in the past. When they decided to submit a Showcase proposal, each of their husbands turned out to be interested in joining in. Then Pierobon and Oeuvray developed their own duo bond, with Pierobon providing expert advice and support as he and Oeuvray worked through their respective wooden furniture projects.

Oeuvray is a computer scientist and software architect who has mainly created woodwork for the homes he’s built and renovated with Smith, although they have also collaborated on some pieces. He explained he is drawn to the work of iconic mid-century modern furniture makers Charles and Ray Eames. He has been working toward an even more minimalist approach.

To create his own Eames-inspired chairs, Oeuvray has been creating wood laminate from scratch using scraps of local Douglas-fir left over from building his island home. The gruelling process involves gluing thin layers of the fragile wood together, vacuum sealing them and then molding the laminate into shape, convincing the wood to stay that way afterwards.

“Wood is a brilliant medium to work in; it’s completely made by nature. The challenge of working with a natural material and turning it into a man-made object but still allowing the essence of the material to remain motivates me,” Oeuvray said.

Pierobon has been designing and building furniture for over 40 years. He opened studios in various locations, including Toronto, Philadelphia, San Francisco and back home in Vancouver before moving to Salt Spring Island, and his work can be found in lofty collections around the world such as New York’s Museum of Art and Design.

His 11-foot-wide cabinet promises to be a monumental presence at the exhibit, with inspiration stemming from the coastal landscape of mountains rising out of the ocean. Functionally, the cabinet comprises five separate boxes, each of which provides custom storage for various items related to serving drinks, with the three centre boxes pulling open and the two end ones accessed by opening a door.

“It’s a truly spectacular composition,” Pierobon noted of B.C.’s signature geography. “Secondarily, the area is riddled with fault lines that suggest an ever-present danger to the region and I wanted to incorporate their presence in the piece.”

Foyle’s work ranges from clean, colourful nature-based drawings with expansive white space to expressive oil paintings, such as an evocative swimming scene that was a 2017 Salt Spring National Art Prize finalist.

“As an immigrant to Canada, I find the beauty and vastness of the wild both stunningly compelling and terrifying,” the Irish-Canadian artist explains in her statement. “I share my life with others who feel equally drawn to the wilderness and as an artist, I am inspired by the memories and stories of times spent hiking, camping and exploring.”

Her work in this exhibition reflects the essence of those memories, and seeks to convey the wonder and awe Foyle feels when immersed in nature. The focus is on abstract painting this time, but she maintains her base in nature, with a palette that stems from her garden and the nearby sea. The dynamic movement in her brushstrokes is variously inspired by kelp swirling in the waves and bees’ flight patterns.

Smith, a printmaker, metalsmith and jewelry artist, has been working on art jewelry pieces reflecting her ongoing preoccupation with ocean- and wind-generated marks and gathered natural materials.

“My artwork evolves from an intimate connection to place and reflects my sense of identity and home. My practice involves walking, gathering and studying; I am absorbed by the complexity of the ephemeral natural ecosystem,” Smith said. “Impermanence and the fleeting moments that take us by surprise are the foundation of this work.”

A Closer Look: Nature and Materials is at Mahon Hall from Aug. 18 to Sept. 17, open daily during Artcraft hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Aug. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. and an artists’ talk is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Letters: Wrong-side-drive, water restrictions, Portlock survey vexes

Opinion

Contributed Article

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August 9, 2023

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Letters: Wrong-side-drive, water restrictions, Portlock survey vexes

Right-side steering wheel comment prompts memories

Just had to laugh at Mike Stacey’s description of all of these foreign little diesel vans as “stupid steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side abominations” . . . har! (Aug. 2 Driftwood Viewpoint.)

He is perfectly correct, and I am quite amazed that our transit authorities even allow this type of dangerous nonsense on our public roads.

Back in 1996, I bought a British-registered Ford van with a right-side steering wheel in Spain. I converted it into a camper and drove it through 10 different countries, all of which had “right lane” road systems, like ours. It was definitely a challenge, and on the rare occasions that I needed to pass a slow truck or something, the only way I knew it was okay to pass was if my passenger DIDN’T scream out from the left-side seat . . . the “scare chair,” as I called it! In the end, we survived, of course, but there were a few close calls.

When it comes to new road speeds through Ganges, I think 40 km/hr would be more appropriate than 30, and sure, the more bike lanes the better.

Parking spaces are another issue. If the fire hall must go, how about using that area?

Jim Russell,

Baker Road

Water and resident increases conflict

The Aug. 2 Driftwood informs us of severe water restrictions and water use enforcements: “conditions where adverse impacts from low water availability are almost certain,” (“Watering limits to be enforced” story).

My lawn withered a long time ago, my flowers are all dead and I limit watering my vegetable garden to the extent where the carrots and beets are almost non-existent. I use recycled water and we flush only when absolutely necessary.

But the Islands Trust — entrusted with the mandate to “preserve and protect the island and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents” — still envisions increasing the island’s population with a potential 5,200 more people.

What does it take to make people see that these conditions are not a passing phase but an ever-increasing threat to our environment, one that will ultimately affect us all?

Margriet Ruurs,

Salt Spring

Concept ranking required on survey

I wish to share that the Local Community Commission/Capital Regional District (CRD) Portlock Park survey requires you to rank order each of three different plans.

I liked one of the three options but found the other two equally unsatisfactory. I chose therefore only to rank my first choice. To my dismay, the survey was programmed by the CRD to not accept my submission. After spending 20 minutes completing the survey, I was dismayed that I was shut out. 

I did ask if the program could be re-programmed and received a CRD non-answer. The purpose of this email is to let other community members know that it is required that you rank order all three options in order to submit your completed survey and participate.

Curt Firestone,

Salt Spring

Updated plan thrills

What a delight to return from the Netherlands and learn that the 2013 Salt Spring Island Cycling Master Plan has finally been updated. Even better, I was thrilled to read its recommendations for achieving an integrated transportation plan with a focus on Ganges village (July 26 Driftwood).

During our brief stay in The Hague we experienced the joys and benefits of an integrated multi-modal transportation system and witnessed how it addresses mobility challenges for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. So very happy to see that some of these measures figure in the Capital Regional District’s transportation plan.

John Rowlandson,

Fulford Village

DAISSI thanks

On behalf of the DAISSI board, I am writing this open letter of thanks to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support in making the first-ever Salt Spring Pride Festival a resounding success. Your dedication, enthusiasm and contributions played a pivotal role in creating a memorable event that celebrated diversity, inclusivity and love.

To everyone who attended and embraced the spirit of Pride, including community members and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, thank you for making the festival a vibrant and welcoming space. Your presence and engagement added a captivating sense of community to the festivities.

To our wonderful supporters, whether individuals, public funders, media partners and local businesses, your belief in our vision and generous contributions helped bring this dream to life. Your commitment to fostering an inclusive community is deeply appreciated.

To our dedicated volunteers, your selflessness and hard work behind the scenes ensured the smooth running of the event. Your efforts were truly inspiring.

Together, we created a profound impact and laid the foundation for future Salt Spring Pride Festivals that will continue to promote love, acceptance and unity.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this historic event. Your support has made a difference, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for the next Salt Spring Pride Festival.

With love and gratitude,

Juli Mallett,

President, DAISSI (Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island)

Emcon appreciated

I want to say a huge thank you to Andrew Gaetz, operations manager for Emcon Services looking after roads on Salt Spring Island.

A friend of mine had the back tires of her mobility scooter caught in a rut at the very end of the off-road community pathway that parallels Atkins Road, just where it meets with Lower Ganges Road. Lucky for her some kind motorist saw her predicament and helped to get her tires out of the rut. My friend called me, as I chair the Partners Creating Pathways Committee of Island Pathways. I remember years ago filling in this rut with gravel. The rut had reappeared and enlarged.

I emailed Andrew as I was not sure if this was a road issue or a pathway issue. I asked him to have a look at it and let me know what he thought. Within a couple of hours the issue was fixed. I was very impressed and thankful that no one, especially my friend, will be trapped in this rut halfway into Lower Ganges Road.

Thank you to Andrew and his Emcon crew for quick action in response to this concern.

Jean Gelwicks,

Salt Spring

Hang glider rescued from Mt. Bruce

News

Robb Magley

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August 8, 2023

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A 62-year-old hang glider who crashed on the southeast face of Salt Spring Island’s highest peak Monday has been rescued, ending an hours-long ordeal where the injured adventurer found himself hanging 60 feet in the air, upside-down.

Shortly after launching from a platform near the top of 709-metre-high Mount Bruce, friends watched the experienced glider suddenly veer off to the right and into several trees, snagging branches and ending up “partially restrained within his harness, upside-down,” according to Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SSISAR) search manager and paramedic Jason Grindler, who estimated the crash took place at about 1:30 in the afternoon Monday, Aug. 7.

Inverted, suspended and stuck about 100 metres from the radio tower, the man deployed his emergency parachute — in case the branches holding the hang glider 60 to 70 feet above the ground gave way, Grindler said, hoping the chute’s lines might snag something on the way down. Friends called 911, and within just 45 minutes teams from Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SSISAR) and Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR) arrived at the remote scene, along with a two-person BC Ambulance crew and one suitably-specialized expert: arborist Michael Surman, who is also a former member of both SSISAR and SSIFR.

“Tree rescue is very specialized, and can be quite hazardous,” said Grindler. “Mike is a fantastic arborist who knew the operation, so we all worked very well together.”

The steepness of the terrain required setting up multiple safety ropes for rescuers and equipment; as teams approached the tree, Grindler said there was significant concern about potential trauma from the extended time the man spent inverted — and with his harness webbing restricting blood flow. Once Surman climbed up the tree and was able to reach the man’s harness and further secure him, he was able to transfer some of his weight onto the tree and relieve that pressure.

“He was in a lot better shape than we expected, which was fantastic to see,” said Grindler, who had joined Surman at the tree to render medical aid as the glider pilot was lowered to the ground in a “bumblebee suit” — a yellow-and-black harness rated for rescue work.

Rescuers then loaded the man into a basket stretcher and began the long process of bringing him up the steep slope, monitoring him along the way to ensure his condition didn’t worsen.

“We had four rescuers on rope, with a double rope system,” said Grindler. “With the nature of the space available, it was a slow haul up.”

At around 6 p.m., and near the top, the man was able to walk with assistance to the waiting ambulance, Grindler said, where he was evaluated further and “released” into the care of his friends — who included some off-duty nurses willing to monitor for further symptoms, he added.

“Considering the challenging technical nature of the whole rescue, things went quite smoothly,” said Grindler. “It shows how valuable the joint training with Salt Spring Fire Rescue has been — it really shone through in how well we were able to all work together. A great job done all around.”

Court upholds Trust forest bylaws on Galiano

News

Robb Magley

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August 8, 2023

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Court upholds Trust forest bylaws on Galiano

Another victory for Galiano’s Local Trust Committee (LTC) came in B.C. Supreme Court, as a judge has once again upheld the LTC’s authority to regulate construction on forest land. 

Justice Alan M. Ross dismissed a lawsuit brought by a group of property owners on its merits Tuesday, Aug. 1. The Galiano Forest Lot Owners Association, Preston Family Forest Ltd., Olaf Knezevic, Winstanley Forest Ltd. and Boscher Construction Ltd. had argued that the LTC lacked jurisdiction over parcels they owned, provincially classified as “managed forest land.”  

Galiano trustees passed a bylaw in 1992 prohibiting construction of dwellings on properties zoned forest land on that island, updating the regulation in 2000 to allow for a single small residential building.  

In the meantime, the provincial government had legislated several changes to its regulations — “forest land reserves” became “private managed forest lands,” for example — and there were court challenges to the regulatory authority of Galiano’s LTC by multiple landowners; Justice Ross noted relevant petitions against the LTC in 1992, 1996 and 2009 were unsuccessful, despite appeals. 

In dismissing this petition, Justice Ross wrote the 2000 bylaw was reasonable, within the jurisdiction of the LTC, and not made unenforceable by provincial regulation passed since; the LTC was also awarded costs in the case, according to the decision. 

“We are pleased when the courts have upheld our bylaws,” said Islands Trust Council chair Peter Luckham, speaking at a meeting of the Trust’s executive committee Wednesday, Aug. 2 where the court result was shared.  

That committee directed staff to prepare a news release regarding the decision.

UPDATE: That news release was issued Thursday, Aug. 24.

Second-quarter Salt Spring RCMP report released

News

Contributed Article

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August 4, 2023

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Second-quarter Salt Spring RCMP report released

SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING ISLAND RCMP

As of June 30, 2023, Salt Spring Island RCMP have responded to 1,342 calls for service in the first half of 2023. In the second quarter, RCMP responded to 771 calls, averaging almost 8.5 calls per day.

In addition to the 8-plus calls per day from April to June, police also issued 328 traffic warnings and violation tickets, caught 42 impaired drivers, and conducted 132 licensed premises checks (bar walks). Also, RCMP conducted 419 foot patrols in areas like Centennial Park, Propane Beach, Grace Point and elsewhere. As stated in the last quarterly report where police committed to increasing foot patrol enforcement for the summer, Salt Spring RCMP increased the spring/summer foot patrols by an additional 30 per cent, conducting an average of more than four foot patrols daily.

Salt Spring RCMP continue to respond to a variety of calls for service on the waters around Salt Spring Island. Some of these calls include boat fires, mental health related files, assaults and tragically a recent drowning. During our boat patrols our officers regularly encounter boaters without basic safety equipment, which can include lifejackets, fire extinguisher, bailers, a buoyant heaving line, bilge pump, navigation lights and flares. Often boat operators are unable to provide a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and/or vessel registration.

Some of the calls for the second quarter are detailed below:

April 2023:

• Police responded to a report of an impaired driver on Musgrave Road; the driver was located, their impairment was confirmed and their vehicle towed and impounded. The driver’s licence was subsequently suspended and driving prohibited Canada-wide for 12 months as a result of the Criminal Code impaired investigation and court decision.

• After receiving a report of trespassing on private property and threats made with a sledgehammer, police attended and mediated the situation with the trespassers subsequently leaving the property.

• Salt Spring RCMP assisted York Regional Police with the seizure of a firearm from an unlicensed firearms owner.

• Police responded to an intoxicated person at a local business who was yelling at staff members; upon arrival, the suspect left the business at police direction and picked up their car keys the following day from the RCMP detachment.

• An impaired driver was found in downtown Ganges on Lower Ganges Road; the driver’s vehicle was towed and impounded for 30 days and their licence suspended for 90 days.

• SSI RCMP were called to a domestic dispute at a local address; the two parties were separated with one of the people leaving the residence with some of their personal belongings.

• Police received a report of an intoxicated and confrontational person at a local AirBnB; due to the person’s level of intoxication and inability to care for themselves, the person was arrested and held in cells overnight until sober.

• A person with outstanding warrants was arrested by Salt Spring RCMP and transported off-Island to attend court and answer for their actions.

• A person was arrested and placed in cells for being Intoxicated in a public place; the intoxicated person was subsequently released hours later once deemed sober and able to care for themselves.

• A person was arrested for impaired driving on a scooter in downtown Ganges; the scooter was subsequently impounded for 30 days and the operator’s licence seized and revoked for 90 days.

• Police responded to a report of a theft from a local business; the suspect was located, arrested and subsequently banned from the property with a charge laid.

May 2023:

• Police conducted a traffic stop on Stewart Road for a traffic violation. The driver told RCMP they were a sovereign citizen and that police were not allowed to make an arrest; the driver was subsequently arrested for driving while prohibited and their vehicle impounded.

• RCMP responded to a person wielding a hammer and threatening people; upon arrival, the suspect told police they were having visions of something trying to kill them. The suspect was apprehended by police under the Mental Health Act and transported to Lady Minto Hospital for further assessment.

• Salt Spring RCMP assisted Fort Saskatchewan RCMP by issuing a subpoena to a local resident.

• Police conducted a search for a missing person who was believed to have travelled to Salt Spring Island. The person was subsequently located in another jurisdiction.

• Salt Spring RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Fulford-Ganges Road and found the driver to be impaired; an immediate roadside prohibition was issued with the driver’s licence seized, their vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days and a prohibition issued from driving for the next 90 days.

• Police stopped an individual who threw a burning cigarette out from their car window while driving. Police are reminding the community that this type of activity can result in a $1,700 fine.

• Police conducted a traffic stop on Atkins Road where alcohol impairment was suspected of the driver; the driver refused to provide a sample. As a result the vehicle was impounded for 30 days, their driver’s licence seized and a 90-day driving prohibition was issued.

• A person waving an axe and threatening people was arrested by police and removed from the property.

• A person on Salt Spring was extorted for money after posting intimate and compromising photos of themselves online. Police want to remind residents to be aware of the dangers of posting suggestive photos or videos online.

• A residence was broken into and numerous items stolen; there are no suspects at this time.

• A prohibited driver was found driving on Fulford-Ganges Road; the driver was given a promise to appear document for court and his vehicle was impounded. If convicted the driver could face an additional one-year driving prohibition.

June 2023:

• Stolen traffic signs were recovered by police.

• Salt Spring Island RCMP were called for an elderly individual with dementia who was lost; the person was re-united with friends and taken back to their residence.

• RCMP conducted a traffic stop with a person on a motorbike who immediately fled from police; the person was located a short time later, arrested for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and the motorbike impounded.

• Police were called to a boat fire in Ganges Harbour. It was determined that the lone occupant of the vessel was suffering from a mental health crisis and refused to get out of the water. Police were able to eventually safely extract the person from the harbour waters. Officers apprehended the person pursuant to the Mental Health Act and escorted the individual to Lady Minto for assessment. At the same time other officers remained on scene with Eagle Eye Marine to ensure the boat fire did not spread.

• A vehicle was stopped for excessive speed in downtown Ganges and it was then determined the driver had been drinking liquor and driving. The driver refused to provide a breath sample and attempted to walk away from police. The drivers was subsequently arrested for impaired driving, their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 30 days.

• A vehicle tried to avoid a check stop when police were checking for impaired drivers at Central. The vehicle was subsequently stopped by police and the driver checked for alcohol impairment. The driver provided two breath samples, both resulting in “fail” readings; their driver’s licence was seized, their vehicle impounded and a driving prohibition issued.

• Salt Spring RCMP assisted the RCMP Shiprider program with a vessel transporting drugs in the Gulf Islands; a suspect was arrested and illicit drugs were seized.

• Police responded to a vehicle collision and upon arrival determined the driver to have been drinking and driving. The driver refused to provide a sufficient breath sample and was subsequently charged with impaired driving due to failing to provide an adequate breath sample; the vehicle was impounded for 30 days and driving was prohibited for 90 days.

• Police responded to a report of a person wanting to commit suicide; police located the person and confirmed they were wanting to commit suicide. The individual was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to Lady Minto Hospital for assessment.

• RCMP received a report of a human foot found in Duck Creek; members attended, seized the suspected foot, and with the assistance of the BC Coroner’s Service, confirmed the body part was not human and was in fact a bear paw.

Salt Spring RCMP continue to find impaired drivers driving throughout the island. Based on the number of impaired driving files in the first half of 2023, police are sadly expecting the number of drunk driving files to more than double last year’s total.