From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
This report is a quick one, providing you more time to enjoy the glorious June weather.

OCP ­— your input is welcome

You’re likely aware that Area C’s Official Community Plan (OCP) update process is underway, and that Planning staff are currently meeting with key interest groups and preparing a community context report to inform the next steps in community consultation. Did you know that SRD Planning staff are also interested in hearing from you right now?

At the June Electoral Area Services Committee SRD Planner Annie Girdler, who specializes in long-range planning, reported that one of the current OCP goals is getting the word out to Area C residents that the Planning phone line and inbox are open for folks to share their thoughts. Whether you have general input or something specific you’re keen to be included in the OCP, you are welcome to email or call. Send your thoughts to planning@srd.ca, or call 250-830-6718 (8:30-4:30 Mon-Fri).

Community awesomeness

There is so much great work happening on Quadra right now. I’m heartened and grateful for the comprehensive Economic Diversification and Resilience planning process the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce is spearheading, in partnership with the We Wai Kai Nation and the Quadra Island Foundation. The project is harnessing community knowledge and specialized leadership support, is intended to take two years to complete, and includes reporting back to the community along the way.

As well, the Vital Signs survey the Quadra Island Foundation is undertaking is foundational to understanding ‘where we are at’. The Quadra Island Vital Signs report will provide valuable data to identify areas for advocacy & focus and support future non-profit grant applications. I hope you’ll invest 20 minutes to complete the survey before June 30… find it at quadraislandfoundation.ca.

Village Bay Lake payphone

The Village Bay Lake area is one of several within the SRD which has been affected by Telus decommissioning payphones. The SRD Board recognizes the importance of payphones in areas where there is a lack of alternate options: I’m happy to report a motion I proposed at the May Board meeting was supported, furthering SRD advocacy for these vital safety links in remote locations.

The Board moved to send a letter of complaint to the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) regarding decommissioning and removing payphones from areas where there is a lack of alternate service and an ongoing need for public payphones for reasons of community safety and accessibility. I’m hopeful the Board’s advocacy will positively affect this issue.

Connect

Thanks for reading! You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: you can email RMawhinney@srd.ca, or call 250.203.2468. If you’d like to chat in person, you can book a meeting with me. Visit calendly.com/robynmawhinney; my next QCove office day is Friday June 20.

Until next time,
Respectfully,
Director Robyn Mawhinney