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Salt Spring task force launches “Stay Home Stay Safe” campaign

Elizabeth Nolan
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Salt Spring task force launches “Stay Home Stay Safe” campaign

“If you love Salt Spring, please refrain from visiting our island now.” 

With a sunny long holiday weekend looming, that was the message from Salt Spring Island’s Business and Farm Response & Recovery Task Force, who launched the “Stay Home Stay Safe” campaign last week.

The COVID-19 crisis means that Salt Spring essential services providers are concerned about the potential disruption in the supply of essentials to the community, with all goods arriving by limited ferry service.

“In normal times, visitors are really important to our local economy and culture,” said Jessica Harkema, executive director of Salt Spring’s Chamber of Commerce. “These are not normal times. Our priority now is serving our community. Island organizations are working hard to make sure our residents have the food and critical resources to be safe. For now, everyone please stay home.”

Even with the same message coming from smaller coastal and rural communities all over B.C., many people reported seeing extra busy ferries leading into the long weekend.

BC Ferries reassured communities Saturday morning that traffic has actually seen a “huge reduction” compared to regular long weekends.

“The new temporary Transport Canada regulations say we can carry 50 per cent of the normal maximum passenger license limits. We are following in accordance with these new regulations,” said BC Ferries communications director Deborah Marshall.

She added the busiest ferry between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay on Friday had 408 passengers, or 39 per cent its new reduced capacity.

Salt Spring’s Lady Minto Hospital has likewise told the public that it is imperative that island residents tell friends and family not to visit and to please celebrate the Easter long weekend with off-island loved ones virtually. The small island hospital is not equipped to deal with an influx of patients. 

As the task force observes, there have been significant changes to regular transportation options and other services that would make travel difficult and not very enjoyable in any case.

Floatplanes have temporarily cancelled regularly scheduled flights, while ferry service has been reduced and passengers are being asked to travel for essential reasons only. BC Ferries has also begun screening passengers for COVID-19 on all sailings of more than 30 minutes. Provincial parks were closed today and virtually all island events have been postponed indefinitely.

The Business and Farm Response & Recovery Task Force was established to support the Salt Spring community during COVID-19. Its goal is to ensure island-wide coordination and address the significant current and anticipated impacts to Salt Spring Island as a result of the pandemic. 

The task force is also rolling out a social media campaign today asking islanders to change their Facebook profile photo to the Stay Home logo.

Fulford Hall receives Men’s donation

Driftwood Staff
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Fulford Hall receives Men’s donation

Fulford Hall Community Association was the recent recipient of a $10,800 donation from the 100 Men Who Care group.

At their March 4 meeting, the majority of the 100 Men Who Care members present voted to support the Fulford Hall Association. The Salt Spring branch of the 100 Men Who Care currently has 105 members who all agree to donate $100 three times a year to an island charity. At each of their three annual meetings, nominations from the members are presented and voted upon, with the overall majority being the winner.

“During this time of self-isolating during this COVID-19 crisis, it is important to remember what a caring and generous community we live in,” said 100 Men Who Care chair John Howe.

Sirens sound for healthcare

Elizabeth Nolan
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Sirens sound for healthcare

Salt Spring’s emergency responders showed their appreciation for local health-care teams on April 2 with an impromptu parade and sound-off that came to a finale at Lady Minto Hospital at 1:30 p.m.

Community members in the know and workers at the hospital were impressed by the display of support, which involved Salt Spring RCMP detachment vehicles, Salt Spring Fire Rescue, BC Ambulance and Salt Spring Search and Rescue. 

Some community members who weren’t expecting the noise reported being alarmed and scared, however. With so many things to be worried about, the prospect of a major disaster happening in the midst of a health crisis caused added stress for a number of islanders already on edge.

Salt Spring RCMP Corp. Matthew Crist helped organize the event, which he said came together rather quickly so it wasn’t announced in advance.

“We certainly had no intention to startle anyone,” said Crist, who apologized if that was the case. “It was our wholehearted intention to just show our support for our health-care workers.” 

The slow-moving parade of intermingled response vehicles left from the RCMP station at Blain Road, travelled one block down Lower Ganges Road and then turned in to Crofton Road and the hospital. Crist said the organizers contacted the hospital in advance, as well as the staff at the Greenwoods and Braehaven residences. They decided on the 1:30 time after conferring with hospital staff, taking into account that more people are on shift during the daytime.

Salt Spring Fire Rescue member families had been working on a banner saying “thank you” to health-care workers so they brought it along to the event.

“We’re sort of following the example of other communities that have done this,” Crist said, noting many places are making noise at 7 p.m. to show their support. 

Some community members, including a contingent at nearby Brinkworthy Estates, have independently been making noise at the 7 p.m. time to show their appreciation. 

Pender Island residents initiated a “Pender Howl” at 7 p.m., both to connect with neighbours in isolation and to show support for essential service workers. 

BC Ferries joined in the exercise in past weeks by blasting the horn on Gulf Island ferries at 7 p.m.

Break the curve, not the rules

Contributed Article
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Break the curve, not the rules

BY LADY MINTO HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF ASSOCIATION

As we go into what looks like a gorgeous long weekend, the medical staff have a few concerns.

Please celebrate virtually. It is imperative that we all continue to practice social distancing over the long weekend and not be lulled into a false sense of security.

We would like to thank the Salt Spring Community Market Society for making the difficult decision to postpone opening of the market until after the long weekend, so as not to send a contradictory message. The Farmer’s Market will open, as it is an essential service, but at a more suitable time.

We are aware that BC Parks have closed. If you have private outdoor space, please stay there. If you need to go outside and have no yard, there are more than 20 other public spaces to visit on Salt Spring, listed here: https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail

A reminder that the Provincial Medical Health Officer will not be naming individual  communities with positive tests for Covid-19. There is a risk of providing a false sense of security if a community is not named as the site of a positive test result. We must act based on the assumption that the virus is present on Saltspring.  The pandemic is having unintended health consequences for many people. Please do not be scared to come to the hospital or call your doctor if you are ill or have symptoms of concern.

Finally, we are so grateful to those who have sent messages of thanks to our hospital staff and other front-line workers. Having the support of the community means so much to those providing essential services. So please enjoy the beautiful weather, get out in the garden, go for a walk, but break the curve NOT THE RULES. Thank you to everyone for doing your part. A 7 p.m. honk to everyone in the community

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Saturday farmers market plan cancelled

Elizabeth Nolan
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Saturday farmers market plan cancelled

Islanders who planned to purchase farm produce at Centennial Park this Saturday will have to wait until Tuesday, April 21 instead, as the operating society has reconsidered the essential services operation after consultation with the community.

The non-profit Salt Spring Community Market Society, which normally operates the Tuesday Farmers Market in Centennial Park from June through October, had received a permit to operate on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. beginning April 11. With potential confusion with the larger craft and food market that would usually operate at the park on Saturdays and community concern about attracting visitors, the board made the decision to cancel the April 11 market, but to continue with its traditional Tuesday market beginning April 21.

The Tuesday Farmers Market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at Centennial Park.

As per provincial regulations and regional district permitting, the market will have strict physical distancing and hygiene measures in place.

“The provincial government has designated farmers’ markets as an essential service, but has limited them to food and beverage sales, with specific restrictions,” market manager Rob Pingle said in announcing the farmers market opening last week. “They are a place to access food, not for groups to gather. The society and the CRD want to provide residents of Salt Spring safe access to local food until regular markets can start again.”

Pingle spent time sourcing hand sanitizer stations and rope to mark off spacing. Customers will be encouraged to come ready to pick up specific products rather than browsing or lingering.

The society is also launching an online food hub to provide Salt Spring residents with the ability to order local food products online. It can be found at www.localline.ca/salt-spring-community-market.

In other news around building island food security, the Salt Spring Agricultural Alliance has set up a multi-stakeholder working group that is helping to establish alternative ways for farmers to reach island customers, including easy online ordering and payment. The working group is a key partner in the Salt Spring Business and Farm Emergency Response and Recovery Task Force, which islanders will be hearing more about in the weeks ahead.   

• Salt Spring’s community abattoir wants people to know it is still in business, and is adapting to new COVID-19 regulations in order to provide an essential service for farmers and an ongoing supply of locally raised meat. Physical distancing for staff, and self-isolation if indicated, are the new norms.

Cash flow for the Salt Spring Abattoir Society is always challenging early in the season and more so this year. New COVID-19 related protocols reduce the number of staff that can be on site at one time, which reduces the number of animals that can be processed on any day.

Transition Salt Spring Enterprise Co-op has stepped in to help, providing an operating loan to help with cash flow.

• People who want to get more involved in raising their own meat and eggs can find a resource in the Salt Spring Poultry Club. In order to reach more people quickly, the annual membership fee has been waived for the remainder of 2020.

For free membership, contact the club through the website saltspringpoultry.com, the public Salt Spring Poultry Club Facebook page or the Google discussion group.

“This year more poultry is being hatched locally than ever before and we can connect you with sources of day-old or started birds, or in some cases breeding groups of adult birds,” said Margaret Thomson. “Whatever your reason for keeping poultry we are available to help, especially if you are a beginner.”

CRD urges compliance to keep parks open

Elizabeth Nolan
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CRD urges compliance to keep parks open

The Capital Regional District is calling for visitors to CRD regional and electoral area parks to make the decision to choose a park close to their home and demonstrate responsible use in order for parks to remain open.

“Park status is being assessed daily. Visitors must adhere to the orders and recommendations of the provincial health officer to stay local and ensure social distancing. Should these orders or recommendations not be maintained by park visitors, there could be restricted access or use,” states a notice from the CRD issued Thursday.

BC Parks made the decision to close all provincial parks Wednesday for an indefinite period as users were not practising the proper protocols.

The PHO recommendations and orders include keeping at least two metres of distance between oneself and others and not gathering in groups. CRD staff have observed that the vast majority of parks visitors are adhering to social distancing protocol in their jurisdiction. However, there are some areas where social distancing isn’t being practiced. In particular, cyclists and runners need to ensure a safe distance when passing other visitors, and dog owners should ensure their dog is under effective control or on leash.

Visitor use of CRD parks continues to remain high and with the long weekend approaching, visitors need to do their part to ensure responsible park use including:

  • Stay at home if sick
  • Restrict groups to members of the same household
  • Keep two metres apart from other visitors
  • Consider using a leash for dogs at all times – even in leash optional areas
  • Yield to other users on bridges, stairs and narrow sections
  • Cyclists and runners give notice and practice social distancing when passing other visitors
  • Stay to the right of the trail in a single file
  • Consider visiting local parks or trails during less busy times

The CRD will continue to have a more visible presence in the parks to encourage responsible parks usage by educating visitors about social distancing, monitoring visitor use and continuing to enforce park bylaws. CRD parks visitors can expect to see increased presence of park interpreters, park rangers and CRD bylaw officers over the long weekend.

For updated information on the CRD’s response to COVID-19, visit www.crd.bc.ca/covid.

Salt Spring ferry service reduced

Elizabeth Nolan
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Salt Spring ferry service reduced

Changes to ferry service to Salt Spring Island and the southern Gulf Islands, which includes the suspension of travel through the Long Harbour terminal, will go into effect Friday, April 10.

BC Ferries announced it is adjusting service levels for the next 60 days to protect the health and safety of communities and ferry workers, ensure the resiliency of the coastal ferry service and better match ferry service to current demand.

Effective April 10, service to the Southern Gulf Islands will be amended to a simplified schedule that supports the movement of essential goods to the islands and provides options for inter-island travel.

Salt Spring Island will continue to be served by its Swartz Bay – Fulford Harbour and Crofton – Vesuvius routes. Trips between Salt Spring and the Lower Mainland will be done through Fulford Harbour with a change of ferries at Swartz Bay. New schedules with through-fare connection times have been posted.

Tsawwassen to Southern Gulf Island services will be combined as a one ship service utilizing the Salish Raven vessel based out of Swartz Bay. The Salish Raven will travel back and forth between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, while stopping en route at Pender, Mayne and Galiano. Customers with reservations on cancelled sailings on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route will be automatically refunded. The revised schedule will be available for booking reservations shortly.

Other service to the Southern Gulf Islands will be delivered by the Queen of Cumberland travelling between Swartz Bay, Saturna, Mayne, Galiano and Pender.

BC Ferries is advising customers to avoid any non-essential travel, including the upcoming Easter long weekend. For those that need to travel, additional measures have been put in place to keep customers and crew healthy and safe.

As this situation is rapidly evolving, BC Ferries encourages customers to monitor the website at www.bcferries.com for any additional changes to service.

Easter celebrations take new form

Elizabeth Nolan
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Easter celebrations take new form

Easter services are among the community events on Salt Spring that will not take place in their usual form or setting this year due to COVID-19.

This week provincial health minister Adrian Dix and health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry warned residents the restrictions on movement and gatherings will likely last through May, if not longer. They particularly asked religious leaders to find alternate ways of celebrating important events coming up on their calendar such as this weekend’s Easter observations.

Father Scott Whittemore reported that will be the case for Our Lady of Grace Parish. He will be celebrating the regular Holy Week dates with masses but without the presence of any people. The service will be modified according to directives from Rome.

“This week is the climax of our whole liturgical year. People are being asked to spiritually unite with me during these times,” Whittemore said.

There is also information on the parish website www.ourladyofgrace-saltspring.ca on how to see masses on television or through the internet.

The Flowering of the Cross has been a significant tradition at Salt Spring Island United Church over the years. This year will be a little different in that the cross will be outside. Community members are invited to bring flowers from home or those that they’ve picked on a walk to place on the cross “as a reminder to ourselves and to the community that we are a people of resurrection and new life.” There will also be some flowers available from the container next to the cross.

The church also suggests reaching out to someone this Easter – with a phone call, an email, a flower or a chocolate egg at their door.

The Anglican Parish is posting Sunday services every week on its website at www.saltspringanglican.ca. There is an e-Church link beside the priest’s image, and prerecorded Sunday service become live each Saturday evening.

Last Sunday’s Palm Sunday post included themed music,  a Zoom-recorded passion reading and more. The local parish is expecting something special for Easter, too.

More community events planned for later in the spring are now being cancelled or postponed as the timeline for staying home extends. Most club meetings, festivals and fundraisers are on hold until further notice or will not be held in 2020.

Island fund to generate protective gear

Elizabeth Nolan
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Island fund to generate protective gear

Salt Spring Island Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Relief Fund has seen impressive buy-in from donors in the short time since it launched on March 26 and has just as rapidly turned those funds back in to the community.

The fund reached $130,114 in under a week, with a target of $200,000 set. As of Monday the foundation had already distributed $26,633 to local organizations.

“We have received many applications for COVID-19 relief from our local charities and are working to distribute the funds as quickly as possible. We know community charitable initiatives in response to the emergency will really make use of the new targeted amount,” foundation board chair Brian Lawson said in a statement.

Grants from the fund will focus on community health-care preparedness, relief or assistance for vulnerable people such as seniors, and other pressing community needs as they emerge. 

The initial granting round has enabled an important project spearheaded by the Salt Spring Community Health Society and Salt Spring Chapter, Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice. The foundation granted $14,550 for the manufacture of face shields, isolation gowns and alcohol sanitizer. The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation is contributing a matching $14,550 for a total of $29,100. 

“COVID-19 cases have been identified in the Gulf Islands and massive local activities are underway to prepare healthcare organizations and practitioners to provide prevention, diagnosis and treatment for affected members of the community,” said Dr. Manya Sadouski, physician lead for the Salt Spring Chapter, Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice. “The use of personal protective equipment is essential to the safe provision of this care, but worldwide shortages extend to British Columbia and Salt Spring. On behalf of both our organizations, we are grateful for this funding.”

Face shields are being made by local companies. Mentors from Gulf Islands Secondary School’s Cyber Scorpions robotics club are also making face shields with 3D printers as part of the Plan-C Covid Corvid group.

Organizations that would like to access the personal protective gear being produced are asked to fill out the PPE Need Form here.

Other groups that have received COVID emergency funds from the Salt Spring Foundation are the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association, with $583 for safety equipment. 

Salt Spring Community Services received $6,071 to help provide access to basic needs for the homeless. This includes laundry, showers and other personal hygiene requirements, emergency food, access to internet and phone, connections to Housing First caseworkers and staff support. As well, Community Services’ Harvest Farm Coordinator Project received $5,500 to increase its food production and to coordinate with the agricultural community.

The foundation is inviting immediate applications from charities. For full information, visit ssifoundation.ca or contact operations director Shannon Cowan at shannon@ssifoundation.ca. 

Contact ssifoundation.ca to make a donation.

Islander makes epic journey from Antarctica

Elizabeth Nolan
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Islander makes epic journey from Antarctica

Travel-loving Canadians were off visiting places all over the world last month when the federal government advised people to get home before borders closed, but few of them experienced the global shut-down as comprehensively as Keegan Pearson. 

The Salt Spring-raised man was on his second contract as a polar guide and excursion photographer in Antarctica when the global pandemic was declared. He would spend an entire week moving from country to country just ahead of borders closing in an effort to meet his girlfriend Renée at their current home base, a sailboat moored in Scotland, before arriving home in B.C. 

“It was a little bit of a time,” Pearson said on the phone from Kamloops, where he and Renée are taking their two weeks quarantine at her family’s farm. 

Pearson turned 28 on Feb. 8 while he was heading back to Antarctica for his second contract. He and Renée had made their base in Europe between his contracts. They went to the UK to acquire their sailboat because of the favourable market.

“I had my birthday on the way down [to Antarctica] this year: 40 hours in transit and I thought that was bad at the time,” Pearson said.

That would pale in comparison to the unexpected 11-day journey not far down the road. 

Pearson and his shipmates learned “the world was shutting down” after they had been out of satellite range in the Southern Ocean for several days. They were partway into the 1600-km, four-day trip back to Ushuaia when Argentina announced it was shutting down its ports and borders on the March 17.

“Our ship had already been away for 14 days so we were allowed in on March 16, which was lucky as all the other ships and passengers were stuck at anchor quarantining and not allowed in,” Pearson said.

After disembarking the passengers, the non-crew staff planned to ride the ship back to Chile and their flights home, but were thwarted when Chile shut down all its ports the same day. The 20 employees got in two private vans to drive 12 hours across Tierra del Fuego. They then took a ferry across Magellan Strait, crossed back into southern Chile, and flew to Santiago for their international flights. Just as that was happening, Chile announced it was shutting borders the next day.

Pearson tried to get onto four different flights to the UK in order to meet his girlfriend and get to their sailboat. 

“Naturally none worked out despite the legendary help of Renée and the office. I paid for several flights, but all websites were crashed or call lines were down so final confirmations weren’t being sent out. Which wasn’t great because Chile was shutting down everything at midnight,” Pearson said.

He finally managed to get a flight to Panama, which shut its borders the same day, then connected to New York while the U.S. and Canada were closing their land border, and then on to London. Meeting Renée (who had been in France) at the airport in London, the couple jumped on a train just as all trains were shutting down, and travelled north for eight hours to Oban, where the boat was.

As marinas were also shut down, the two spent just one night on their boat getting it ready for travel before they gave in and headed back to Canada via bus, then train, and then planes out of Glasgow, London and Toronto before finally landing in Vancouver.

“Now we have a boat in Scotland which is our house, and we’re in Canada,” Pearson observed. 

Next steps after their quarantine is over will be to figure out how to make money remotely, and how to eventually get the boat from Scotland to the Mediterranean and keep the adventure going, Pearson said.

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