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Salish Heron anchor lost in incident under investigation

Robb Magley
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Salish Heron anchor lost in incident under investigation

BC Ferries lost another bit of “heavy metal” overboard this week, as travellers on an Aug. 12 Salish Heron sailing said a runaway anchor event put several tonnes of costly equipment in the drink.

Passengers were rushed inside as smoke from the vessel’s anchor system brakes — either failing or simply under friction — filled the air on the front deck of the five-year-old ferry, according to Long Harbour-bound passenger Claire Thomas, sharing that after a “massive shuddering of the vessel and a huge metallic screeching sound” and several minutes of confusion, the crew announced there had been an unexpected “anchor drop” and that it was safe to resume the journey.

Thomas, 57, shared she’d been travelling aboard the ferry system “since I was an infant” and found the dearth of information for passengers during the unexpectedly eventful sailing quite unsettling.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” wrote Thomas in a letter she sent to BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez, shared with the Driftwood. “I’m pretty shattered by the experience and kind of in shock. It was terrifying and to me completely unacceptable that there was such minimal information given.”

At press time it remains unclear whether the event was caused by operator error or a mechanical failure of the anchor’s braking system; a BC Ferries spokesperson confirmed the Salish Heron’s anchor was lost, saying incidents of this kind were “extremely rare within our fleet” and that crews quickly determined there had been no damage and no risk to passengers or crew.

“The vessel’s second anchor was tested and is fully operational, meeting all safety and regulatory requirements for service,” according to a statement from the ferry company. “The small amount of smoke observed by passengers when the anchor dropped was caused by the anchor’s braking system.”

It has been less than a year since the Queen of New Westminster lost a 10,000-pound propeller assembly — and 800 litres of hydraulic oil — near Tsawwassen, although the propeller was later recovered. The Spirit of British Columbia accidentally dropped anchor just out of Active Pass in 2009, but crews were able to raise it aboard before resuming operations. 

BC Ferries said technicians had begun an investigation into the cause of the anchor release on the Heron and will carry out further testing, a process a spokesperson said could take several weeks.

Firefighters grapple with dry weather fireworks calls

Robb Magley
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Firefighters grapple with dry weather fireworks calls

Multiple reports of fireworks being set off on Salt Spring — one of which resulted in a grass fire — have island officials scratching their heads as a protracted period of dangerous fire conditions in the region continues.

Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR) Deputy Chief Dale Lundy confirmed the department had received multiple calls from residents who had seen fireworks being ignited on the west side of St. Mary Lake Monday night, Aug. 11. Fire crews investigated that evening, he said, and while they discovered fireworks remnants, thankfully firefighters found no evidence flames had taken hold in the dry brush.

But unfortunately, Lundy said, the next afternoon in Ganges was a different story. Firefighters responded Tuesday, Aug. 12 to reports of still more fireworks being set off — accompanied this time by a plume of alarming smoke — at the Kanaka Skate Park adjacent to the Salt Spring Island Multi Space.

“There was a roughly 30 by 40 foot fire in the grassy area right by the skate park,” said Lundy, “as a result of fireworks activity in very, very dry conditions.”

Firefighters used some 500 gallons of water to extinguish the flames before they had a chance to spread further, Lundy said. Five SSIFR members responded while several more stood by at the Ganges fire hall in case they were needed. 

Significant wildfires nearby have dominated regional news in recent weeks, including the Wesley Ridge fire near Nanaimo which has only recently come under control, held at 1,450 acres. SSIFR deployed members and equipment to join the mutual-aid effort to combat that fire.

And smoke from Vancouver Island often finds its way across to Salt Spring, heightening local concern; the same day as the skate park fire, winds sent a hazy cloud across much of the island from the 5,000-acre (and growing) Mount Underwood fire south of Port Alberni.

Lundy said it was “hard to wrap your head around” someone making the decision to intentionally light any fire at all, much less set off fireworks, given how dry the summer has been and how much effort has been made controlling wildfires across the province.

“Fireworks are a banned activity during even the ‘high’ fire risk conditions, said Lundy. “And [on Salt Spring Island] we’ve gone back into ‘extreme’ again; people need to be mindful of the fire conditions, and use a little common sense.”

No burning of any kind has been allowed on Salt Spring Island since the campfire ban went into effect July 17. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit bcwildfire.ca;  the saltspringfire.com website has more local information, including a “cheat sheet” describing restrictions related to high-risk activities such as chainsawing and mechanical land clearing. 

Cusheon bridge work set to begin

Robb Magley
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Cusheon bridge work set to begin

Crews will start construction soon on a new bridge spanning Cusheon Creek on Salt Spring’s Fulford-Ganges Road, according to provincial planning documents — and the island’s south-end residents can likely look forward to several weeks of new traffic disruptions as a result. 

Final details are expected soon but early planning documents indicate the ministry means to replace the aging culvert beneath the roadway with a bridge — and while that’s being built, motorists can expect a temporary detour on a single-lane bridge on the downstream side of the roadway. The temporary bridge was seen arriving on-island via barge in June.

The project should “harden” a section of Salt Spring Island roadway that has been memorably vulnerable to severe weather in recent years. An atmospheric river event in November 2021 sent the water in the creek over two culverts and across Fulford-Ganges Road, just the latest among several big rainfall events that caused similar events over the last decade, according to a geotechnical report filed with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT). The bridge site area is considered to have high potential for “outburst flood events,” leaving the road at Cusheon Creek quickly impassable.

The higher-capacity culvert put in after the 2021 washout was a temporary fix, according to Emcon Services’ South Island operations manager Andrew Gaetz, who said the new bridge project was bringing a much more “robust” solution while still aligning with the environmental importance of the waterway.

“There’s a lot going on there to protect the road, and help both the water — because a lot of people rely on it — and also the environment,” said Gaetz Friday, Aug. 8 when he and MoTT area manager Owen Page were on-island as guests of the ASK Salt Spring roundtable. 

Gaetz said the project’s informational signs will likely be going up this week.

Cusheon Creek runs from Blackburn Lake to Cusheon Lake, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) said in a technical memorandum earlier this year they expected the culvert-to-bridge replacement would actually increase the amount of available wildlife habitat within the waterway. The new bridge is expected to have a six-metre-wide channel beneath it, resulting in a significant amount of potential fish habitat where previously there was just a narrow culvert and road fill, according to the memo.

Work held between now and mid-September creates the least risk for coho and chum salmon, DFO said, as well as coastal cutthroat trout in Cusheon Creek. The creek is expected to be temporarily isolated from fish passage within the project area for the duration of in-water construction activities, and sediment control measures will be in place.

The site, roughly 100 metres northeast of where Fulford-Ganges Road intersects with Horel Road, sees significant traffic, particularly in summer; a MoTT study of one week in August last year counted an average of 4,326 vehicles passing the project area every day.

Information will be posted at gov.bc.ca/saltspringislandprojects.

Photosynthesis set for 25th anniversary show

Robb Magley
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Photosynthesis set for 25th anniversary show

Salt Spring Island’s most celebrated photography group marks a milestone 25th anniversary this year with a special exhibition featuring works from both current and “alumni” members.

Since 2000, the island’s Photosynthesis group has shown its members’ photos every year at ArtSpring, a bit of diligence that has made it the oldest continuously-running photographic exhibition in British Columbia — and this year’s special event showcases current group members alongside several photographers from years past, including many who have moved away from the island, according to Photosynthesis board chair Alane Lalonde.

“The response to this invitation is very positive with almost all of the invitees accepting,” said Lalonde. “Due to the number of participants, each photographer will be allowed one image of their choice to hang in the gallery.”

Scheduled as part of the anniversary exhibit are photographs from current members Birgit Freybe Bateman, Seth Berkowitz, Alan Bibby, Nirmal Dryden, Howard Fry, Diana Hayes, Christina Heinemann, Susan Huber, Avril Kirby, Alane Lalonde, Doug McMillin, Larry Melious, Amy Melious, Bernadette Mertens McAllister, Pierre Mineau, Brian Purcell, Anette Schrage, Julianna Slomka and Michael Wall; and past members June Boe, David Borrowman, John Denniston, Janet Dwyer, Gregg Eligh, Timothy Gibbon, Tamar Griggs, Greg Klassen, Michael Levy, Sam Lightman, Shari Macdonald, Judy McPhee, Eric Onasick, Osman Phillips, Gillean Proctor, Chris Stackhouse, Ron Watts and Jana Zachariou.

The show runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20 until Tuesday, Sept. 2, with the daily exhibition open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an opening night gala Friday, Aug. 22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the group and upcoming show, visit photosyn.ca. A “sneak peek” of many of the participating photographers’ work is also online at saltspringphotographers.ca/gallery-2025.

Sam Lightman’s Shell 14/1 photo.
Janet Dwyer’s Encountered image, part of her On Ice series of images.

Seniors centre driving program enhanced

Contributed Article
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Seniors centre driving program enhanced

BY GAIL NEUMANN & PAUL ROBERTS

For Salt Spring Seniors Services Society

Salt Spring Seniors Services Society is saving the day for many island seniors by supplying volunteer drivers for those who are otherwise unable to get to medical appointments.

The society has been providing free rides for members for more than 30 years, and membership is not expensive at $10 per year.

In the past, this service was funded from general revenue, a combination of membership fees and donations. But now, the society has been awarded a contract by Island Health (IH), through which IH provides compensation for trips to and from qualifying facilities. What this means for our passengers is that, for some trips, they no longer need the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) form from their doctor to pay for their ferry fare.

Our drivers are busy! Time is of the essence to book a ride. As soon as you’ve made your medical appointment, call 1-844-940-6617, Island Health’s 24/7 booking line. They will connect you with our program. A minimum of two days is necessary to ensure a volunteer driver is available.

Transportation is available for any appointments defined as medical on the Canadian income tax form, so we cover dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc. These free rides are available for on-island destinations as well as to Victoria, Duncan, Sidney and Nanaimo.

Our volunteer drivers are given the option to be reimbursed for their expenses quarterly, determined by the Canada Revenue Agency rules for limits on tax-free compensation, or to receive an annual charitable donation receipt for some or all of the annual amount. Our drivers and dispatchers are friendly and helpful and do their best to make the experience pleasant. We are thankful for their generosity.

More drivers are welcome to apply to volunteer in our program. We need cheerful, responsible drivers with clean, sound vehicles. If you would like to enquire about joining our team, call the driver’s desk at 250-537-4635 to begin the screening process.

Empanadas Ilegales closes concert season

Contributed Article
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Empanadas Ilegales closes concert season

SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING ARTS

Next Thursday, Aug. 21, Centennial Park will resonate with vibrant Latin rhythms as Empanadas Ilegales, Vancouver’s beloved psychedelic cumbia and salsa ensemble, closes out the 2025 Summer Outdoor Concert Series (SOCS). Don’t miss the final event of the season running from 6 to 8 p.m.

Presented by Salt Spring Arts, the SOCS has brought a diverse array of musical talent to the island community this summer. The concert marks the season’s grand finale, offering one last chance for residents and visitors to enjoy incredible music in Centennial Park’s iconic open‐air setting.

Empanadas Ilegales delivers a signature blend of contagious cumbia rhythms, hypnotic guitar melodies, and experimental salsa trumpet lines to create a Latin surf-rock/free-jazz fusion. With members representing diverse Latin backgrounds, the band cultivates an immersive experience that takes any audience on an unforgettable journey. With their infectious beats and unique sound, Empanadas Ilegales are a must-have addition to any lineup, offering an unparalleled energy and vibrancy that keeps crowds moving and grooving all night long.

Opening the series finale is Salt Spring’s own Tommy Van Solo, with roots in Vancouver and the small mountain town of Kaslo. He is an original member of Vancouver’s tropical disco-rockers The Boom Booms, and the frontman/songwriter for the rock band Small Town Artillery Collective. As a solo artist, Tommy puts on a warm and deep-feeling concert, not afraid to engage with a crowd and lean into experimentation within the confines of his songs.

SOCS events are free to attend, though donations to support future arts programming are welcomed and appreciated.

For more info, visit saltspringarts.com/socs.

CRD Director’s Report

Contributed Article
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CRD Director’s Report

By GARY HOLMAN

SALT SPRING CRD ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTOR

Maximum Transit Levy

To further improve transit service on Salt Spring, an increase in the maximum levy allowed by the current, voter-approved establishment bylaw is required. Voters can approve such an increase. The Local Community Commission (LCC), with delegated authority for transit, has recommended that a Local Government Act provision allowing the electoral area director to authorize such an increase without voter approval be pursued. 

I support the bylaw and tax increase necessary to match provincial funding for an expansion, as I believe would the majority of voters. But the issue is whether voters should have a direct say on transit improvements, as they have in the past. As CRD director, I initiated Salt Spring’s transit service in 2007, with voter approval secured via an Alternative Approval Process (AAP or ‘counter petition), as was a subsequent increase about a decade ago. 

The transit levy will be the subject of the Sept. 5 ASK Salt Spring session, and I have also suggested to the LCC that a town hall or open house be held on the issue.

Maliview Sewage Treatment

The aging Maliview sewage treatment plant is regularly violating provincial and federal standards for ocean effluent releases, and these agencies have directed the CRD to rectify the situation. The Maliview Sewer Commission, of which I am a member as CRD director, has approved staff recommendations to replace the treatment plant, collection system and install emergency backup power — all needed to meet regulatory requirements, but at an estimated $5 million cost.

CRD staff have secured a $1.9 million infrastructure grant, and I have supported over $500,000 in Community Works (federal gas tax) funding for this essential project, with the remainder to be funded by ratepayer-approved debt. Approval can be secured if over 50 per cent of property owners sign a petition, now being circulated. The 60-day period allowed for the petition process ends Aug. 18. 

Failure to approve the borrowing via petition would then require a much more costly AAP, and potentially an even costlier referendum — all costs borne by the service area. Ultimately, senior government agencies can also mandate the CRD to undertake the project. This week, I will be canvassing the service area, along with CRD staff and local resident volunteers, to urge Maliview ratepayers to take advantage of substantial grant funding, and avoid even more costly voter approval processes.

Highland-Fernwood Water Quality Advisory

My apologies to Highland-Fernwood water district users for the significant degradation of their water quality persisting for over a month. CRD staff have been working diligently to identify the problem, which is excessive manganese concentration apparently caused by installing a new raw water intake too deeply in St. Mary Lake. Unfortunately, it has taken time to identify the issue, secure the necessary regulatory approvals, purchase and install another temporary intake at a shallower depth, and undertake final water testing. On Monday, CRD staff announced that sampling and testing has found the water is now safe to consume.

A thorough project review will be undertaken with recommendations to the Highland-Fernwood Water Commission for any further steps needed to avoid future issues. Community Works funding will cover most of the cost of the new water intake and temporary intake. I would also urge all ratepayers of CRD utilities — in fact, all Salt Spring residents — to visit the CRD website and subscribe to the CRD and provincial emergency response notification services.

Drake Road

Supported Housing

The long-awaited supported housing facility on CRD’s Drake Road property – providing 32 units of supportive housing and four units of affordable worker housing — will be open for occupation in September. The Lookout Society has been chosen to manage this facility by BC Housing, which has fully funded the project. The former Seabreeze and current Kings Lane transition housing tenants will have first priority for the fully self-contained units at Drake Road, and any remaining units will be allocated by application on a needs basis. 

Extension of water (thanks to the North Salt Spring Waterworks District’s recent moratorium decision) and sewer services to the site will support further possible affordable housing development on the 5.5 acre property, now leased to BC Housing for 60 years. The project is SSI’s first multi-family modular housing project, and this lower cost building technology is already being considered for other housing projects here. Round-the- clock support staff will create over a dozen unionized employment opportunities. And finally, the choice of Lookout — one of the largest social service providers in B.C. — as facility operator will further enhance the already significant capacity of our very capable non-profit organizations on Salt Spring. We owe a debt of gratitude to BC Housing, contractor Muchalat Construction, very patient and gracious Drake Road residents, and all involved in bringing this project to fruition. 

Salt Spring Primary Care Network

I hope residents have had a chance to read the excellent Driftwood article (Aug. 6) on the Salt Spring Primary Care Network (PCN) submitted by the South Island Division of Family Practice. Along with Salt Spring Health Advancement Network chair David Norget, I have been participating in the PCN Working Group that is collaborating with the community to help secure office space and housing for the 11 full-time-equivalent physician, nurse and other health professionals being funded by the provincial government. It will take time to fill these positions, but those needing a family doctor or nurse practitioner can register on the Health Connect Registry (healthlinkbc.ca) and will be contacted as soon as health providers become available.   

Hands Across

the Water

An initiative of the Orcas Island Yacht Club, a Hands Across the Water event is being planned for the weekend of Sept. 19 to 21. LCC Chair Earl Rook and I have been participating in an inter-island planning group and the LCC has approved a grant in aid for the event. It will provide an opportunity for cultural and information exchange between Salish Sea neighbours, but also a needed shoulder season spending boost for local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead organizing role for Salt Spring and has posted some preliminary information on their website.

Please contact me at: directorssi@crd.bc.ca with any questions or comments.

Summer Band Camp expands offerings

Contributed Article
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Summer Band Camp expands offerings

SUBMITTED BY BANDEMONIUM MUSIC SOCIETY

The Bandemonium Music Society is busily preparing for their second annual Summer Band Camp, and this time around the slogan is “Band Camp Is For Everyone!”

All events take place at the Salt Spring Island Multi Space music room, with the main event being the Youth Band Camp. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday, Aug. 25 through Friday, Aug. 29. This program is designed for students aged 11 and up who have some band or instrument experience, and was a tremendous success last year.

“The energy from the kids was incredible,” said returning instructor Ben McConchie about last year’s camp. “They showed up ready to play, learn and create something special together. Over the course of just a few days, we saw huge growth — not just in musical ability but in confidence, collaboration and creativity. There were moments when the whole room lit up because something just clicked, and you could see it in their faces — the joy of making music together.”

Camp coordinator Kim Thompson said they were excited to expand this year’s programming.

“We’re adding workshops for older teens and adults,” said Thompson, “and a free instrument demo for younger kids.”

Reading Music for Absolute Beginners is aimed at teens and adults and is suitable for the total novice as well as those who play by ear but would like to add reading musical notation to their skill set. Improv Theory and Jam is for intermediate to advanced players who’d like to work on their improvisation chops. Adult Beginner Band is just what it says, a chance for new or returning players to play and learn together in a friendly group setting.

McConchie will lead both the youth and adult band sessions, and said he’s committed to making Bandemonium a space not just for young players but for adults who might be ready to reconnect with music after years away.

“So many people still have their old trumpet or flute in a closet somewhere,” McConchie said, “and they just need a nudge — or an excuse — to get it out again.”

McConchie said playing music is like riding a bike — the muscle memory comes back, but more importantly, the joy does too.

“Whether someone hasn’t played since high school or just wants to try something new, we want them to know they’re welcome,” he said. “It’s about community, fun and giving yourself permission to play again.”

Those who can’t decide what instrument to take up can check out the free Instrument Demo Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They can also bring in any instruments gathering dust in a closet for a checkup and playability assessment.

The Kids’ Instrument Demo is the same day from 10 to 11 a.m. Kids aged eight to 11 are invited to drop in with their parents for an up-close and personal introduction to the instruments in the band. Hopefully it will inspire them to join their school band in the fall!

There may be further workshops and informal jams added to the schedule closer to the event.

Salt Spring Summer Band Camp is run by the Bandemonium Music Society and operates with the generous assistance of the Salt Spring Foundation.

For more details and to register, visit saltspring.band.

Editorial: Healthy changes

Driftwood Staff
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Editorial: Healthy changes

Everyone knows about the staffing challenges facing healthcare in our province — as elsewhere — in the past decade or more.

Whether through personal experience or news or anecdotal reports, it’s clear that being attached to a family doctor or a primary care provider, which in more recent years can include a nurse practitioner, is no longer a given. Despite best efforts on Salt Spring, many people have found themselves without an on-island physician, or none at all, in recent years. According to a recently released Strengthening Primary Care in B.C. report from the B.C. Ministry of Health, 27 per cent of Salt Spring residents do not have a primary care provider. If that number sounds high, it is only three per cent higher than the province-wide average, and much lower than a number of communities, including Victoria, at 37.5 per cent.

But thanks to efforts of Salt Spring’s doctors and wider healthcare community, and the provincial government, the number of people without access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner or dedicated care team could start to fall. As last week’s article from the island’s new Primary Care Network outlined, funding for 11 full-time-equivalent positions has been made available to the island. Recruiting personnel and clinic space comes next.

But in order to justify the expenditures, the demand must be clearly demonstrated. That’s why it’s important for anyone who does not currently have a doctor on Salt Spring Island to sign up on the Health Connect Registry through healthlinkbc.ca.

Another healthcare access improvement announced this week is that Island Health has provided a contract to Salt Spring Seniors Services Society, compensating that group to take seniors to medical appointments to and from qualifying on- and off-island facilities. See the story on page 11 of this issue of the paper for more details, and note that more volunteer drivers are needed to make it a success.

We know that compared to the rest of the world our healthcare system is excellent. According to one measure — the 2024 CEO World Health Care Index — Canada’s healthcare system was ranked fourth best in the world, after Taiwan, South Korea and Australia.

But that kind of statistic is of no comfort until everyone in a country, province or community can benefit from it. Recent changes to the system should be heartening for islanders.

Love of nature celebrated in ‘Blush’

Robb Magley
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Love of nature celebrated in ‘Blush’

Nathalie St-Amant speaks about the wild forests — as really she does of anywhere out-of-doors, from remote bear-travelled beaches to sheep-trimmed meadows at Ruckle — with the vocabulary of someone hopelessly, romantically entwined.

This is no misunderstanding; St-Amant’s upcoming show called Blush is an exploration of that rush of blood she feels simply “being” in natural places. She said that tug from within the heart compels her to literally run to paint en plein air.

And, sometimes, to run away.

Many of the paintings shown in Blush were products of a recent trip to one of those wild places, a remote Clayoquot Sound cabin hemmed in by forest and ocean where she and fellow painter Michael Henry Wright spent 10 days serenaded by crows and visited by bears; it was a place long in her mind from time spent there many years ago.

After two days of weather, the skies opened and St-Amant raced to a place she calls the Cathedral — an endless source, she said, of blushing.

“It’s kind of this big cliff,” said St-Amant. “I went straight to there, because it’s my favourite-ever thing. That place makes me blush so much, makes me ecstatic so much that sometimes I have to run and hide under the blanket to breathe. I’ve had these instances where it was too much, you know; you’ll see that painting at the show.”

St-Amant said she’s always been attracted to the wild places, being completely immersed and as far from humans as possible — and to the contrast with the other places she loves. Those include more pastoral areas like the house at Ruckle Park or the garden and farmland there, which reflects just a different facet of her “passion and love for creation.”

“Nighttime is such a big deal there,” she said. “You’re pretty much swallowed by the guts of the forest, you’re completely engulfed — and you feel very, very small.”

In between bear visits — one memorable ursine mother stole a carton of cashew milk, according to St-Amant, and slurped it noisily nearby — and spontaneous dips in the ocean, Wright and St-Amant painted in that shared environment “like mad colour scientists and passionate fools,” she said.

“He wants to do crazy interpretation, and I’m a little bit more classical,” laughed St-Amant, “but I’m still, you know, expressionistic. We just went at it — there was this magic between us that we started feeling as painter friends.”

The cabin itself — and another nearby, both built by Wright — also turn up in St-Amant’s painting. Many, but not all, of the Blush works were begun there, she said, as she works to finish them on a compressed timeline for the show’s opening.

“It’s like Emily Carr was saying: you’ve got to finish your paintings freshly from the wild,” said St-Amant. “Because you’re still kind of there — still nurturing and receiving that gift that was given. I’m still relishing it — it’s almost like eating little bits to taste it again.”

Blush runs from a 5 to 7 p.m. opening reception on Friday, Aug. 15 through Sept. 3.

Visit saltspringgallery.com for more information.

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