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Sneakers strive for success with virtual races

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Sneakers strive for success with virtual races

March 2020 is a month most of us will remember forever, and not fondly. As pandemic restrictions began, road and track racing quickly became a thing of the past, as race after race was cancelled. After the initial shock and disappointment set in, the “new normal” began to take shape.

The Salt Spring Sneakers responded immediately as protocols were enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All group workouts were halted. Individual members chose to continue running or walking either solo or with family members. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had leadership that allowed for outdoor exercise and a healthy lifestyle to be maintained in spite of the declared emergency.

Race directors and organizations scrambled to keep athletes engaged. The idea of “virtual races” materialized and soon spread around the world with a variety of challenges. Participants are given specific directions and submit their results via sport-watch/GPS uploads or a selfie and their watch face with the time it took them to run their route of choice, based on the parameters of the specific event.

The first Sneaker to take part in such a race was coach Susan Gordon. She had converted her running program back to racewalking when the shutdowns began, a tactic that allowed for de-training for intense competition yet staying fit.

During the month of May, Athletics Illustrated’s Global Virtual One Hour Race added a racewalk division. Gordon entered and won the women’s division, walking eight kilometres in the allotted time. Funds raised went to a Victoria food bank.

In June, a number of Salt Spring Sneakers competed in the Athletics Illustrated Virtual 5K Relay. Team members ran strong, completing their distance at either Portlock Park or a suitable route of choice.

Among several divisions included with the race, Richard Hayden topped the men’s entries with a stellar time of 18:54.

Melanie van Soeren was the second female overall in 19:14, finishing behind Olympian Natasha Wodak of Vancouver. Wodak also won the age-graded division of the race, which uses a formula to determine a performance percentage based on the ratio of the approximate world-record time for your age and gender divided by your actual time.

Gordon was the third female overall in 21:31 and second in the age-graded division with 86.15 per cent.

The top five Sneakers’ times counted for their second-place team result. Those runners included Hayden, Gordon, Melanie van Soeren, Eric van Soeren and Duncan Elsey.

Eric Ellis, Marion Young, Marcia Jansen, Gillian McConnell, Anna Ford, Catherine Bennett and Julie van Soeren rounded out the enthusiastic team of Salt Springers.

On July 1, Gordon ran in the Big Fun Run Series Canada Day Challenge, completing 5K on the road in 21:55. She won the overall female division for this event, and once again funds raised were donated to food banks.

Given the cancellation of the Vancouver Island Race Association Series in March, a belated recognition for the 2019 MVP was awarded to Ellis, for his top club performance that earned the most overall points for the Sneakers that year.

While B.C. Athletics, Athletics Canada and Via Sport B.C. have all sanctioned a “return to sport,” it is unlikely that any of our favourite races will be returning in the foreseeable future due to the complexities of putting hundreds or thousands of people together on a starting line.

However, as much fun as competition is for certain runners, it is not the sole reason we run. The opportunity to be outdoors, stay fit and keep us healthy and engaged with the world in a kind and productive manner is more important than ever.

Editorial: Having fun during new normal times

Driftwood Staff
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Editorial: Having fun during new normal times

The past couple of weeks have seen life on Salt Spring Island return to some semblance of normalcy under the province’s Phase-3 restart plan.

Vehicle and ferry traffic is up, more retail stores have opened, restaurants are providing sit-down service and the Rainbow Road Aquatic Centre has even opened on a limited basis. Five cars can now access the recycling depot at one time.

B.C.’s most prominent public figure these days — Dr. Bonnie Henry — even chose to visit Salt Spring for her first Phase-3 holiday over this past weekend.

The changes mean more options for islanders and visitors and, most importantly, some much-needed revenue for island businesses and non-profit agencies. For the many local people who struggle financially, the reopening of the island’s two thrift stores, run by Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary and Islanders Working Against Violence, has restored a vital service.

There’s signs of life in the cultural realm as well, with live music returning to island restaurants, a Shakespeare in the park show set for later this month, art galleries open and the Salt Spring Painters’ Guild show on tap at ArtSpring beginning on July 27.

What cannot be mounted in an effective reduced public fashion, though, are annual large community events such as the island’s fall fair, Pride festival or the Canada Day celebration.

Thankfully for fall fair lovers, the Farmers’ Institute’s fall fair committee has come up with a way to keep the spirit of the fair alive even if everyone can’t get together to admire the hobby arts exhibits, animals or zucchini racers. For an event called the Salt Spring Fun Fair, youth and adults are invited to send photos of themselves with their exhibits — whether it’s a plate of apples or a Lego creation — to the fall fair committee at ssifallfair@shaw.ca. As many photos as possible will be compiled in a special Driftwood publication that will come out the week after the fall fair would have occurred this year. Entries will be accepted from now until Sept. 1.

It’s too easy to stay wrapped up in a safe cocoon while the coronavirus pandemic plays out. If proper precautions are taken, most people can enjoy at least a slice of pre-COVID life — or embrace creative options like those presented by the fall fair organizers this year — and have as much fun as possible even if things aren’t still back to “normal.”

Islanders excited by Dr. Bonnie Henry visit

Elizabeth Nolan
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Islanders excited by Dr. Bonnie Henry visit

Salt Spring Islanders were thrilled to spot provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry around town over the weekend, while respecting her need to enjoy some rest from her work leading British Columbia’s pandemic response.

“I’m not a person to be starstruck because I worked in television for years, but when I saw her a big smile came over my face,” said TJ Beans co-owner Tim O’Connor.

O’Connor said he saw Henry on her way into Salt Spring Natureworks. She put a mask on as she prepared to enter the store.

“She puts it on like everyone else; one ear at a time,” O’Connor reported.

Henry also visited Pod Contemporary shop and gallery on Saturday. 

“It was very exciting. She came in and she tried things on,” said owner Helen Mears. While Henry was in the changing room, Mears put on her button produced by the Salt Spring Arts Council. It features a portrait of Henry by local artist Patrick McCallum as well as her famous slogan, “Be kind. Be calm. Be safe.”

Mears explained the arts council’s program of sharing the buttons with local sponsors when Henry came out to make her purchases.

“I didn’t want to bug her because she was on holiday, but I also wanted to thank her,” Mears said. “There was a lot of buzz around town about her being here so it was a very exciting day.”

Suzanne Zacharias unfortunately missed Henry’s visit to her Cedar Mountain Studios shop, and her employee Serena Mellen didn’t recognize Henry with her mask on. She only found out because another customer let her know after Henry left the shop.

“It actually breaks my heart that I wasn’t there. If it wasn’t that I was out for lunch for my 60th birthday, I would have been there,” Zacharias said.

For more on this story, see the July 15, 2020 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, or subscribe online.

Salt Spring Fun Fair replaces in-person fall fair

Driftwood Staff
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Salt Spring Fun Fair replaces in-person fall fair

The 2020 Salt Spring Fall Fair might be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Farmers’ Institute isn’t letting the year go by without celebrating the island’s rural and agricultural roots in some fashion. 

The institute is inviting people of all ages to take a photo of themselves with their exhibit — one they would have entered in the fair if it was happening — and to email it to ssifallfair@shaw.ca. People should include their name and a one-line description of their entry, i.e. “Bob Smith – My first cabbage,” or “Oh no! My carrot has three legs!” Youth entrants can add their age as well.

Youth could send a photo of themselves with their pet or a project they make this summer.

The sections and classes will be any that apply to a normal Salt Spring Fall Fair. For reference see last year’s catalogue at www.ssifi.org. Suggestions are horticulture, hobby arts, crafts, livestock, pet parade, youth projects, etc. Entries are unlimited but only one entry per class is accepted. No entry fees apply.

Entries will be accepted between July 8 and Sept. 1.

Judging will not take place, so quality is not a factor. Six winners will be determined by a random draw of photos received, with a blue ribbon and a $50 gift certificate awarded to each of those winners.

As many photos as possible will be showcased in a special Gulf Islands Driftwood publication on Sept. 25, where the six winners will also be announced.

Farmers’ Institute board member Marguerite Lee explains the origins of the fun fair idea: “Every two weeks I have a Zoom meeting with the other fairs in B.C. We brainstorm ideas that will keep the spirit of the fairs alive but adapt to our situations. We don’t have the technical skill to do an online fair so this seemed like a fun idea. People could enter without the need to be judged and it would keep the the island participating. I had dozens of emails suggesting putting photos online to be shared, so this is our idea for a Fun Fair not our Fall Fair.”

BC Ferries adds Gulf Islands summer sailings

Driftwood Staff
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BC Ferries adds Gulf Islands summer sailings

The Gulf Islands will see increased ferry service beginning on Thursday, July 16, and continuing until Monday, Sept. 7.

BC Ferries announced Friday that the Salish Raven will operate as a secondary ship connecting Tsawwassen and the islands on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.

“We desperately needed it,” said Salt Spring Ferry Advisory Committee chair Harold Swierenga, noting a number of overloads were occurring with only the Salish Orca serving the route. 

For Salt Spring Island departures the change sees an additional non-stop 4:45 p.m. sailing from Long Harbour to Tsawwassen on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and a 6:45 p.m. sailing on Sundays and holiday Mondays that stops at Pender. 

For people travelling to Salt Spring from Tsawwassen, there are extra sailings at 2:30 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and at 4:50 p.m. on Sundays and holiday Mondays.

Full schedule details for all of the islands are available at bcferries.com/schedules.

“BC Ferries’ priority is the health and safety of our customers and employees, and the company will strictly adhere to provincial and federal guidelines during this gradual resumption of service,” BCF states in a press release. “The company is following the directives and guidance provided by the Province of B.C. and Transport Canada. We request customers remain in their vehicle for the entire sailing to ensure physical distancing is maintained, and possess and wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.” 

Earlier in the week BC Ferries announced that it was reopening more food services, the Lands End building at Swartz Bay and some gift shops on the major routes as of July 10. 

“Customers can now enjoy packaged food items and limited hot food services on select routes between Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Southern Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and North Coast,” explains a July 8 BC Ferries press release. “All hot food will be served in packaging for customers to take to their vehicles, outer deck or limited cafeteria seating.”

Customers travelling through the Swartz Bay terminal can purchase Bread Garden sandwiches, brewed coffee and tea, beverages, packaged pastries, cold cereal, yogurt and fruit cups.
Last month, BC Ferries resumed limited food services on the three major routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, as well as Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. The Tsawwassen Quay Market at Tsawwassen terminal and Nanaimo Quay Market at Departure Bay terminal also reopened in June.

Legal opinion sought for temporary use permit

Elizabeth Nolan
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Legal opinion sought for temporary use permit

Decision on a temporary use permit application to allow an outdoor events space at The Cottages resort on Bullock Lake has been deferred while the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee seeks legal advice on what activities may already be permitted to take place there.

The LTC voted on June 30 to put the application on hold until September, although they acknowledged applicant Platform Properties might request to see it return at an earlier meeting date. In the meantime, the committee advised the resort owners to come up with a better way to address opposition to the project.

“You need to convince the neighbours your plan is solid and good for the community,” said trustee Laura Patrick, adding the fact that none of those people were at the meeting to support the application “spoke volumes” to her. 

The Cottages’ strata owners propose to construct a covered outdoor space to hold community events that would be open to the public. They started the proposal after being approached by the PitchFork Social concert producers, and consider those events would be their “marquis concert series,” but they would also like to use the outdoor venue to host cultural and artistic events such as art shows, performances, readings and public meetings. Permission to allow food trucks and outdoor tables is also being applied for. 

Planner Geordie Gordon reported that as of the June 30 LTC meeting, 233 items of correspondence had been received on the matter. Around 50 people were opposed to the application, including the signees to a petition, for reasons including the impacts of increased noise and traffic to a quiet neighbourhood. A majority of the nearly 200 supporting items of correspondence were in favour of PitchFork Social in general but not specifically about the TUP, Gordon said.

Staff have recommended issuing the permit but limiting the number of events with amplified sound to 12 per year, not to take place on any school nights and to end by 10 p.m. Noise from amplified music is not to exceed 60 dBA/dBC at the boundaries of the lot. Platform Properties has agreed to some of the provisions but not all.

“With respect to foreseeable impacts, we note that The Cottages has a vested interest in ensuring events hosted on the property are minimally disruptive, as the units at The Cottages are most directly affected. There is a mix of cottage owners and resort guests on the property and it’s important to note that cottage owners are supportive of the application,” Platform states in a letter to the LTC dated June 15.

The draft permit further specifies that no water for outdoor events is to be withdrawn from the water supply servicing the property or any lots within the strata plan. Members of the Cedar Lane Water Service Area are particularly opposed to any increased use of the resort property since their water source is known to share the same aquifer and to have supply issues.

Platform Properties agrees that operators of TUP events like PitchFork Social would need to bring in water and portable toilets. However, the company has recently asserted that events hosted by the resort for its guests would not fall under permit requirements. 

Their June 15 letter states in summary, “The Cottages on Salt Spring Island is currently permitted to host events such as weddings, conferences and others directly related to the operation of the resort. The fundamental purpose of the application is to facilitate the ability to host community-based events hosted either by The Cottages or private third-party operators.”

Based on this claim, trustee Peter Grove said it would be important to get the legal opinion on what is actually permitted. The LTC did not go beyond that resolution to require more information from the applicants, but indicated they should be ready with answers. 

Patrick suggested Platform create an event management plan that includes details on how everything will take place, from days and hours of operation to seating and parking arrangements, and to use that as a checklist. She also emphasized that more should be done to meet the concerns of the immediate neighbours.

The question of outdoor music in general is something Patrick sees as a larger community issue, though, noting it is something the official community plan does not address. She proposed a volunteer industry working group be assembled to make recommendations on how and where outdoor music events can take place. 

LTC chair Peter Luckham said he was concerned by the lack of a fire plan, noting that parking on bare land is a potential risk for all rural properties. He also observed some members of the public have suggested a manager be required on site during events to make sure the permit is followed. 

CRD services reopening in Phase 3

Contributed Article
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CRD services reopening in Phase 3

Following is an update on Capital Regional District activities from Salt Spring’s CRD director Gary Holman.

BY GARY HOLMAN,

CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR SALT SPRING

COVID-19 Recovery

The leadership of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, along with senior governments and engaged citizens, has “flattened the curve,” enabling the reopening of our economy. Accordingly, CRD has reopened its offices and facilities such as tennis courts, Centennial playground, and the pool. Societies have also reopened CRD-funded services such as the library and recycling depot.  

The Tuesday Farmers’ Market has operated successfully for over a month and the Parks and Recreation Commission has now recommended reopening the market for non-food items at Centennial Park, later in July.  Traditionally, this has been a Saturday market, but due to concerns about attracting and ensuring physical distancing for larger crowds, the commission has recommended starting this market on Thursday and Friday. I strongly support this recommendation and thank the commission for considering the broader public interest on this issue. We all understand the economic impact of COVID, but the health risks of the pandemic still exist. A cautious approach is prudent to test management protocols at the relatively confined Centennial Park space.     

Other Parks and Recreation Activities

The new modular unit at the pool is now installed, with landscaping and servicing to be completed, including an electric vehicle charger. Requests for proposals for a permanent addition to the pool have also been issued. These projects were made possible by $1-million in funding from the province’s daycare program. The spaces will be available for recreation activities when not used for daycare.  

Public concerns about falling a number of dead trees at Duck Creek Park have resulted in a PARC decision to develop a formal tree-cutting policy, ensuring appropriate technical and public consultation in future. PARC and CRD bylaw enforcement have worked with the RCMP and local residents to address concerns about public disorder at Grace Point, on Seaview Avenue and the United Church meadow (now managed by PARC). CRD will work with nearby merchants to help address continuing problems at Centennial Park.  

Transportation Commission

Construction of North Ganges Transportation Plan Phase Two is underway.  PARC staff are also now building a section of the Booth Canal to Central pathway. A $490,000 grant from Bike BC will ultimately complete this pathway, connecting Portlock Park to downtown Ganges. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has informed the CRD that Ganges Hill will be repaved in 2021, allowing time to design adequate shoulder bike lanes and an uphill pedestrian pathway, and apply for additional Bike BC funding.

The summer transit schedule is now in effect, including trips to Ruckle Park. Occupancy on local buses is still limited and BC Transit recommends use of face masks if physical distancing is not possible. BC Transit has indicated it will provide some financial assistance for local services. Further provincial and federal support is anticipated.   

Affordable Housing

The development and construction of almost 80 units of affordable housing at Croftonbrook and Salt Spring Commons (funded by BC Housing and CRD Housing) continues, with occupancy beginning by year end. A BC Housing project on CRD’s Drake Road property has been delayed by COVID, but an announcement is anticipated this summer. BC Housing has funded Salt Spring Island Community Services for temporary rentals at the Seabreeze Inne. CRD continues to work with SSICS on funding for their shelter expansion.

BC Housing, and now the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, have announced $10-million contributions to the CRD’s Regional Housing First program. CRD borrowing for its one-third share of the additional $30-million funding was approved unanimously by local governments in the region. The three electoral areas received voter consent by alternative approval processes (“counter-petitions”). Only 36 petitioners opposed the housing requisition on Salt Spring Island, indicating that AAPs are still a valid means of securing voter approval for modest tax increases. CRD’s Regional Housing First and BC Housing’s Community Housing programs for affordable rentals are open for proposals. I urge proponents on Salt Spring Island to take advantage of these programs. 

Fire District Collaboration

I’m participating on advisory committees established by the Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District (SSIFPD) regarding the proposed new fire hall and existing Ganges hall.  I continue advocating for collaboration between SSIFPD and CRD (e.g., co-locating an Emergency Operations Centre) and keeping the Ganges fire hall property in public hands.  Congratulations to SSIFPD for their successful chipping program funded through CRD and Union of BC Municipalities, as well their annual invasives collection program with the Transition Salt Spring Society. I’ll continue working with SSIFPD and stewardship groups on sustainable funding for these programs that reduce fire risk, offer an alternative to burning and provide feedstock for composting.    

Water

The Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance (SSIWPA) is coordinating studies of the sustainability of Weston Lake (supplying Fulford Water District), and the aquifer supplying the Cedar Lane Water District. SSIWPA, which has re-constituted itself to include NGOs and North Salt Spring Waterworks District, is also coordinating a pilot water storage rebate program. The CRD/NSSWD study of a possible island-wide water utility, is being reviewed internally. It is hoped that a re-organization of water management arising from this study could result in additional water infrastructure funding.

Community Economic Development Commission 

Congratulations to CEDC for securing funding for, and now piloting their proposed Shared Business Services model under contract with the Rural Island Economic Development Society. This society is also implementing CEDC’s new online gift card program. The CEDC may have a role in supporting implementation of our newly updated Area Farm and Climate Action Plans, both of which represent significant economic opportunities for Salt Spring. 

Sailing club moves with changing tides

Elizabeth Nolan
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Sailing club moves with changing tides

The realities of living through a pandemic mean many summer activities are looking different this year, including the specialty day camps that kids and parents look forward to.

That’s the case at the Salt Spring Sailing Club, where changes have been made to accommodate a revised version of the annual sailing school for kids and teens. The program kicked off with a soft launch under especially windy conditions last week. A waiting list is now open for future sessions, recognizing the provincial and national COVID-19 situation could change at any time.

April Faget, the volunteer who is coordinating the program this year, said the school has reduced capacity since most of the two-person teaching dinghies will have to be used by just one student, unless siblings or people in the same bubble register together. That’s unfortunate since more people than ever seem to be interested in sailing.

“For kids it’s a way of building confidence,” Faget said. “And when a kid can sail their own boat they’re outdoors and they’re disconnected from devices.”

“After sailing a dinghy you can sail anything,” she added. “They are really tippy and really sensitive, but you learn fast. The bigger boats have a wider margin of error — you don’t fall into the water when you make a mistake, usually.” 

Faget observed sailing is becoming more popular as a women’s sport as well.

“It’s something girls can do as well as or better than boys. Sometimes they can put more attention on the task ahead of them,” she said. 

Changes to the sailing school program in response to COVID health and safety guidelines mean all instruction and activities will take place outdoors, instead of some things being in the clubhouse. The usual camp games on land cannot take place. 

The school also won’t be able to accommodate any kids under the age of 10 this year, while a more cautious approach to lessons on the water is being implemented.

“One of our protocols is we’re trying not to rescue people. So we’re being more reserved about going onto the water in the big winds,” Faget said. 

The sailing camp usually attracts up to 40 per cent of its students from other communities. This summer the club is making an effort to serve only residents of British Columbia, but they are particularly focused on getting local youth involved. Offering one-week courses instead of two-week programs is part of that effort. 

“We have a lot of intro classes this year because we’re looking to do more for Salt Spring, and for people who have never sailed before, maybe this is your first opportunity,” Faget said. 

With B.C. boat dealers reporting record sales to local customers this spring, perhaps it’s not surprising the sailing club has also seen increased requests for adult lessons. Faget said many adults seem to be realizing that learning to sail is a goal and they want to learn now that they have more time, or they want to do the things they’ve been putting on the back burner.

Award-winning B.C. novelist Elle Wild signed her entire family up for lessons this summer. 

“My husband and I have always wanted to sail and dream of one day owning our own boat. Since we are here all summer due to COVID, this seemed like the perfect time to start learning,” Wild said. “I’m a bit of a travel junkie, and I’m not entirely comfortable with camping because of the shared facilities, but a boat allows you to stay in your bubble and still satisfy your wanderlust: it’s a perfect solution. We hope to learn on a Laser and work our way up — one day.”

Faget noted the sailing club puts on its junior school program at a loss each year. The club is fortunate to have continued support since many other sailing schools are not able to operate in 2020.

“The boats are expensive and we have to pay for instructors, but we feel strongly our mandate in the community is to get people out sailing, and to get people as youth is a good way to go,” she said.

For more information, see www.saltspringsailing.ca. 

Artcraft opens with special annex exhibition

Elizabeth Nolan
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Artcraft opens with special annex exhibition

Artcraft, the juried show and sale featuring Gulf Islands artists and artisans, opens with a new look for the 2020 season this Friday, July 10 and a special art exhibit called Creative Expressions taking place in the side annex gallery. 

The Salt Spring Arts Council reports Artcraft manager Sarah Hyams has been leading a team of volunteers over the past month to get the hall ready for the opening. Since more space is needed between displays to support physical distancing, the main exhibition will extend from the hall onto the stage. Gallery space is still available in the side room, however, and the first show of the season will showcase artworks created by people in the community with developmental disabilities. 

Stefanie Denz has been working with individuals from GIFTS, Choices and friends under the arts council’s Accessible Art Therapy Project, through grant funding by the Disability Alliance of British Columbia. The resulting exhibit, arranged with help from artist Talia Peckel, features 12 participants. It will show individual responses to therapeutic art exercises, and also a collection of works by each participant.

“Adults who are developmentally delayed are very much a minority, and they live in a very particular place in society,” Denz said. “Part of the grant is to help these people be more in the community and doing activities others get to participate in. It’s to give people with disabilities a sense of belonging and pride.”

Denz did a range of different exercises with the program’s participants, all of whom had different needs, challenges and abilities. Denz used many different materials and prompts for the imagination. For example, she had one person work with play dough to help get through problems with things that are sticky or gooey. 

“It’s a way of communicating and sharing. A lot of it is just about getting a response,” said Denz, adding all of the artwork produced is “fabulous.”

One participant really loved a few specific colours. Her careful use of brushstroke and application were all about choice and ownership, Denz said. For another person, each exercise provided the launching pad for an amazing story, which he conveyed through his caregiver. 

Working with people who are developmentally delayed may in turn have influenced Denz’s own process as an artist. She said she may be splashing around with colour more now, while a deeper impact could surface later on in future work.

“They’re inspiring for sure, and I’m always astounded at how much one gets out of that interaction,” she said.

Denz said she hopes to have an opening celebration sometime later in the month if pandemic restrictions continue to ease. For now, knowing their art is being seen by the community is an exciting event for all involved. 

“The visual explorations you might do in art therapy are not the same for the developmentally disabled, but a big part of what we do is recognize who they are,” Denz said. “The artwork reflects back who you are and when other people see it they recognize you as well.”

Artcaft will be open daily at Mahon Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning on Friday. Creative Expressions can be seen during those hours through to Aug. 3. 

The Salt Spring Arts Council will be presenting a second show in association with the Disability Alliance of British Columbia featuring Lucky McEachern at the Switchboard Cafe. McEachern’s paintings will shown through July.

Conestoga hut draws attention

Gail Sjuberg
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Conestoga hut draws attention

Members of the Wagon Wheel Housing Society were excited to share their first conestoga micro-shelter unit with the public last week. 

The structure was on display at the Country Grocer parking lot and then on the side of Lower Ganges Road near Rainbow Road for a few days.

Modelled on the covered wagons that were hauled across North America when the west was settled over 100 years ago, a 21st-century version is being used in the western United States to provide shelter to homeless people. Local society member Kylie Coates took the lead on building Salt Spring’s first unit after learning about the U.S. efforts that originated in Eugene, Ore. 

“They’ve kind of built little communities of these in Eugene,” said Coates.

Some are on city-owned property while church groups have provided space for others.

Last December Coates contacted the Eugene organization to acquire plans for the hut. COVID-19 isolation time then gave him an opportunity to concentrate on building one, with some help from other society members. The unit cost approximately $2,000 for materials, which is much less than a tiny home. Coates used 2X6 and 2X4 spruce boards for the framing and flooring. The structure is covered in a heavy-duty tarp, a rubber roofing product and silver bubble wrap. 

There’s enough room inside for a bed, table, chair and for a person’s belongings to be stored, and a small covered outdoor seating area. A locking door provides security.

“It’s under 100 square feet and totally portable,” he said.

Coates modified the prototype by installing a metal door instead of a wooden one and including a window that can be opened. Wagon Wheel Housing Society member Elaine Hunt added colour and more character with paint.

“We can make it look nice and deal with the housing crisis at the same time,” said Coates.

He said the main reason he undertook the project was to start a conversation with the island about potential housing solutions. 

The Wagon Wheel Housing Society has long advocated for a project that would see several individual sleeping units set up with communal cooking and hygiene facilities on site. 

The society is open to feedback about the conestoga wagons and could be willing to build more for purchase. They can be contacted through their website: dosomegood.ca/organization/wagon-wheel-housing-society-3173966.

“There were a couple of people who want to donate huts but there is still no place to put them,” Coates said.

He added that the society would like to run a pilot project with a few of the units on some land owned by the Capital Regional District on Salt Spring. 

“We have to make sure they work in our environment,” he said.

Coates urges people interested in seeing the conestoga huts used in some fashion on Salt Spring to contact the Capital Region Housing Corporation in Victoria. 

People in other Vancouver Island jurisdictions, including Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, have also expressed interest in the concept. 

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