From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello and Happy New Year! Here’s hoping for a healthy, connected and kind 2025 in the Discovery Islands, on the coast, across the country, and beyond.
Quadra’s Recycle Depot
‘When will Quadra’s new recycling depot finally be operational’ is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive. I’m very happy to share an update with some positive news to start the year: the new depot has an anticipated opening of Spring 2025! The geotechnical work is complete, procurement of the structural work and building is in progress, and an operator has been secured.
Quadra’s recycle depot is managed by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service: CSWM staff are focused on the final push of getting the depot operational this spring. The depot’s hours of operation are under review by staff and the operator, working within the allocated budget and a jurisdictional scan of other island communities. Stay tuned for further updates on CSWM’s webpage about Quadra’s depot conversion: cswm.ca/quadradepotconversion.
Many folks are looking forward to an expanded range of what we can recycle here on Quadra… I’m one of them, and I’m super stoked to ‘see you at the new recycle depot’!
Financial Planning
It’s financial planning/budget season at the SRD, the time of year when Directors & staff take a careful look at each Service. In Regional Districts every Service operates in a ‘silo’, with its own operating and capital reserve funds – this is dictated by the Local Government Act, and is different than the municipal financial model.
Facets of the financial planning process include staff providing estimated cost increases on a service-by-service basis; consideration of adequate capital reserves for future asset management requirements for each Service; allocation of gas tax funds to infrastructure projects on a five-year timeline; deliberation of business cases for additional projects, and more.
The Board (& community) will see a draft budget in January. In anticipation of this, staff brought forward two business cases in December: a financial kickstart to the Regional Housing Service, and funding further phases of the SRD’s Reconciliation Framework.
Regarding the Regional Housing Service, CAO Dave Leitch advised that for cost-neutral housing projects, interim financing is necessary; he added that a workforce housing project will be coming forward to the Board, likely to the January meeting. The anticipated impact of the Regional Housing Service is estimated to be $11 for the average-value Area C residential folio in the years 2025 & 2026.
The Board has previously committed to developing an Indigenous Reconciliation Framework Action Plan which aligns with the Calls to Action of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission & BC’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The business case presented noted that co-development of the Framework is multi-faceted and requires outside expertise. If included in the budget as presented in December, the impact is estimated to be $3.38 per Area C residential folio in 2025.
Following the January 22 Board meeting, when we receive the draft financial plan, there will be a clearer view of the anticipated requisition for 2025. The Board may move to change it January through March: the final plan must be approved by March 31 of the year. I’m anticipating a modest increase in the requisition for the Quadra Community Centre: sustainable operations and saving for future needed capital projects is key to ensuring the heart of Quadra’s recreation will continue to be adequately sustained and able to support islanders.
Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service
Over the holidays I’ve received dozens of emails from residents writing to express their frustrations with the possibility of Area C residents being included in the Strathcona Gardens Service – which would lead to a significant additional tax burden. I appreciate folks taking the time to share their concerns.
Since this topic was first brought to the Board table, I’ve highlighted to my fellow Directors the significant community alarm with this possibility. In November I brought a motion through the Electoral Area Services Committee to the Board, asking that the Board support a referendum of Area C residents should the upcoming additional recreation participation report identify Area C for inclusion in Strathcona Gardens. While the motion was defeated, my determination for residents to have their say continues. I will continue speaking in favour of Area C residents being meaningfully consulted, and against actions leading to Area C residents being taxed for Strathcona Gardens without consultation.
To share your thoughts on this topic or anything else with the Board of Directors, send an email to [email protected]; you’re welcome to ‘cc’ me. For your email or letter to be shared with all Directors, it needs to be addressed to the Chair and Board or include within it a request for it to be included as correspondence.
Connect
You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: you can email [email protected], or call 250.203.2468. If you’d like to chat in person, you can book an in-person meeting at calendly.com/robynmawhinney. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community, I appreciate it.
Until next time,
Respectfully,
Director Robyn Mawhinney