From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello,
The maples are blooming and early mornings are a feast for birder’s ears: I hope you are finding time to enjoy spring’s wonders. This report has an update on Quadra’s long-anticipated Recycle Depot and ongoing advocacy to get the promised long-term care facility for Campbell River back on track.
Strathcona Gardens survey
First, big thanks to the hundreds of island residents who have taken a few minutes to share their data and thoughts in the Strathcona Gardens + Quadra Island survey! And welcome to new subscribers via the survey, thank you for inviting me into your inbox.
If you haven’t yet clicked the link and taken three minutes to engage, there’s still time: the survey closes April 22. Find the survey here: forms.gle/fdpsTPL4Y2XMpCrM6. There are also paper surveys available at Quadra Island Pantry and Quadra Library, for those who prefer an analog survey experience.
For context and information on this topic, search ‘Strathcona Gardens’ on RobynMawhinney.ca and find several previous reports with many details.
Quadra’s Recycle Depot
The recycle depot building on West Road is complete and there is an operator contracted to run it. When will the depot open and accept our recycling? At the CSWM meeting April 9 it was decided that the depot will be opening May 29! However, due to a contract snafu with Recycle BC, the depot will be operating, in a limited capacity this summer and will be fully operational October 2026.
This summer Quadra will be experiencing a “staffed soft launch” of the recycling depot. This means that the existing bins (currently near the library) will be moved to the new depot site. The new depot will have limited hours of operation, four days a week. The benefit of the staffed depot will be to minimize contamination and illegal dumping: the current system has been experiencing a high level of contamination which has driven tipping costs up to $280/tonne.
CSWM staff reported that the soft launch will “help residents acclimate to sorting materials and adjust to new hours, prior to implementation of strict Recycle BC contractual terms, audits and potential penalties”, and that it will “manage the anticipated stockpile surge gradually, preventing a single day opening rush that could overwhelm the Depot and impact user experience”.
While we wait for full operations to unfold in October, Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) staff have found middle ground with Recycle BC, who have offered to accept all Recycle BC materials as a ‘pop-up’ at the depot twice monthly for the four open days. This means that glass, soft plastics, and more will be able to be dropped off, per the schedule which will be released shortly. Details on the depot’s opening and schedule will be posted here once determined: cswm.ca/quadradepotconversion.
Long-term care in Campbell River
The 2026 Provincial budget dealt a blow to construction plans for a long-term care facility in Campbell River. The facility has been a strategic priority and in the financial plans of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District (CSRHD) for several years. In 2023, during a visit to Campbell River, Premier Eby officially announced it would go ahead.
The planned facility represents essential infrastructure to meet current needs and to ensure seniors receive dignified care close to home. Providing appropriate support to those in need of long-term care could also alleviate pressure on the Campbell River Hospital. Unfortunately, the promised Campbell River facility was one of seven across BC which was deferred in the recent Provincial budget.
The CSRHD Board is focused on advocating for reconsideration of the deferral decision. CSRHD Chair Doug Hillian has requested an in-person meeting with Premier Eby to outline local and regional implications, ensure an understanding of the urgency and importance of this project, and explore pathways toward reversal of the deferral. As Vice Chair of CSRHD I will support the in-person advocacy.
Long-term care demand in the North Island region is approximately 35% higher than the Island Health average, and the highest of any community on Vancouver Island in terms of demand relative to population size. As well, the North Island has about 10% fewer long-term care beds per 1,000 people aged 75+ than the Island Health average.
The Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital Board is committed to partnering in the funding of this vital health infrastructure. Typically, the CSRHD provides 40% of funding for capital equipment and capital projects for local health facilities. The Province, through Island Health, provides the remaining 60% of capital funding. Myself and the Board are advocating where possible for a solution which gets the project back on track and a new long-term care facility for Campbell River and the region.
Connect
Thanks for reading! You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: email [email protected], or call 250.203.2468. Visit RobynMawhinney.ca for links to helpful community resources and ‘back issues’ of Director Reports. Visit srd.ca/government/agendas-minutes to keep up to date on SRD governance happenings.
Until next time,
Respectfully,
Robyn Mawhinney
| Images in this Report are from a recent walk at Slolicum/Shellaligan Pass, plus a view from the Heriot Bay wharf as I headed to Surge Narrows for an Official Community Plan meeting.Next OCP meetings: May 7, 1pm at Surge Narrows — Local economy, Industrial & Commercial Uses & Home OccupationsMay 13, 6pm at Quadra Community Centre — Aquaculture, Agriculture, Tourism & Economic Development |