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Industry

Area B Director’s Report: Cortes Quarry expansion?

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By Regional Director Mark Vonesch

As many of you are aware, 2385425 Alberta Ltd. (Island United) has applied to increase the size of the tenure of their quarry on Cortes Island from 1.25ha to 5.16ha.

Applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to increase the footprint, approve washing as a permitted activity, introduce a concrete plant, and increase the annual extraction rate to a maximum of 39,999 tonnes per year (up from approximately 5,000 tonnes per year).

These applications impact public land and our community and there is now opportunity for us, the public, to provide input into the decision.

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Industry, Rivers & Oceans

Local volunteers challenge the expansion of a BC quarry near fish-bearing creeks

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A small quarry on Cortes Island, BC, could soon grow to more than four times its current size and local streamkeepers say the province may be considering the expansion without a full picture of nearby creeks, wetlands and fish habitat.

Island United, a local construction company, runs the Cortes Pit — a rock and gravel quarry in Whaletown. The company is asking the province to greenlight its plans to expand the quarry from 1.25 hectares to 5.16 hectares, add gravel washing and a concrete plant and extract about 40,000 tonnes of rock and gravel each year.

In a formal objection, Cortes Island Streamkeepers, a local volunteer group that monitors and restores island streams, is asking the province to pause the application while it works to set the record straight on what it calls “misleading information” about nearby streams and fish presence.

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Community, Industry

Concerns Regarding Proposed Cortes Island Quarry Expansion and Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts on Cortes Island

Public letter from Cortes Island resident Chris Dragseth to Premier David Eby

Dear Premier Eby,

I am writing as a full-time resident of Cortes Island for nearly seventeen years. During this time, I have actively participated in community planning processes, including the development of the Official Community Plan under the Strathcona Regional District. Throughout these discussions, the community has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving Cortes Island’s rural character, ecological integrity, and long-term sustainability while seeking balanced economic opportunities appropriate for a small island community.

In recent years, however, Cortes Island has undergone significant change that is placing increasing strain on both the environment and the year-round residents who call this island home. A growing number of wealthy seasonal property owners have purchased and redeveloped properties into large estate-style residences. While property ownership itself is not the issue, the scale and nature of this development have generated disproportionate impacts on local infrastructure, the environment, and community well-being.

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Indigenous Nations History

Fishing net defies time, resurfaces 2,000 years later in Tsawwassen

By Radha Agarwal, Delta Optimist, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A rare 2,000-year-old fishing net unearthed in Tsawwassen is undergoing conservation at the First Nation’s repository, providing a window into the coastal life that flourished in the region millennia ago.

“It really highlights the deep cultural importance of fishing for our people. It’s a privilege to be able to care for and hold a piece of our ancestors’ history and perpetuity,” said Tia Williams, Archaeology Coordinator at the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN).

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Fire

‘Earliest ever’ fire ban takes effect in B.C. Coastal Fire Centre

Editor’s Note: As of noon on Thursday May 7, 2026, the is a total fire ban on Cortes Island, Quadra Island and all other parts of the Strathcona Regional District. Campfires, backyard fires and beach fires are not permitted.

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – With a file from Denise Titian

Vancouver Island, B.C. – As of Thursday, May 7 at noon, camping trips on B.C.’s coast will entail empty fire pits. 

The provincial government says open fires throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with exceptions for Haida Gwaii, are prohibited. The prohibition will be in place until October 31, 2026, or until the order is rescinded. 

“It’s the earliest ever, but at the same time it’s certainly dry out there. After last year we certainly don’t want any more wildfires,” said Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Cann.

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