At its March 25 SRD Board meeting, Campbell River and its allies passed a resolution to draft a bylaw making the average Quadra Island homeowner pay an additional $588 in property taxes to help fund Campbell River’s Recreate Strathcona Gardens project. (This fight is not over yet.) Whether the proposed bylaw will pass remains to be seen, but a large number of noncontroversial Cortes, Quadra and Read Island items were passed at the same board meeting. They pertained to: 

• A Quadra Island Right of Way
• Vacancies in Advisory Planning Commissions for Areas C & D
• Squirrel Cove Aquaculture 
• Who Pays Administrative Costs for the Electoral Areas Services Committee
• Cortes Island’s Active Transportation Plan
• Funding Opportunities for Active Transportation in Areas B & C
• Legacy Gifts in Regional District Parks
• Residency Requirement for Short Term Rentals
• Proposed Electoral Areas Grant in Aid Service 
• Waste Pick-up Contract on Cortes Island
• Renewal of Post Office contract for Read Island
• Grants-in-Aid for Quadra Island 

As these are all short items, Cortes Currents decided to use them as examples of how the SRD conducts board meetings.

Quadra Island Right of Way

(A Quadra Island land owner applied for a right of way as a preliminary step to subdividing their property into 5 lots. This segment of the meeting started with Chair Mark Baker directing Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney of Area C to introduce the item.)

 Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney, number five.”

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you Chair. Statutory rights of way, Electoral Area C. Move that the report from the Chief Administrative Officer be received.”

Julie Colborne (Mayor of Zabellos & Director): “Second.”

(If a motion is not seconded, it is not ‘received’ and dies. This actually has occurred, albeit only on one occasion Cortes Currents is aware of.)

CAO David Leitch directed this item to Meredith Starkey from Parks and Planning: “Mr. Chair, Meredith will speak to this.”

Meredith Starkey:  ”Thank you through the Chair. So this report is to authorize the execution of statutory right of way (SRW) documents required as part of the application to deposit an approved subdivision plan with the land title and survey authority. There is a subdivision application approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. For the lands on some lands on Quadra Island, the SRWs that are attached to this report are conditions of the SRD’s support for that subdivision. The first is to authorize statutory right of ways over sewer infrastructure that the SRD would have ownership over, and the second charge is for an SRW for the purposes of pedestrian access over there Strata Road. Thank you.”

 Chair Baker: “Any questions, Director Mawhinney?”

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you, Chair. So I do have a question. I’m really happy to see that public access to the unopened Strathcona Regional District Park is being formalized through this agreement. I’m just curious if there’s a potential or possibility of utilizing the statutory right of way c in the report, to provide expanded access to properties on Green Road to the sewer service. If so, would it be advantageous to expand the charge form before we support it?”

Meredith Starkey: “Not at this time. There’s currently no sewer infrastructure in that area. That’s why we haven’t sought access to any lines. They just don’t exist there and it’s not currently being proposed as a. Potential route for that sewage service. So if that were to come up, it could be negotiated at a future date, but it’s not relevant to the existing subdivision.”

Director Mawhinney: “If I may have a follow up Chair, we’ve heard from engineering staff that there are people at the far end of Green Road who are interested in connecting to the sewer service. This statutory right of way touches on Green Road, partway along. They’ve also been given a very high quote for getting that sewer service to connect to the rest of the properties down further south on Green Road. I know we’ve had troubles in the past where we have a statutory right of way for one thing and then when we want to change it later, we run into challenges.”

“We’ve had a sewer statutory right of way, which then we couldn’t get a human access put on top of. So I’m trying to see if there’s a possibility that we cover all our bases before we move forward.”

Meredith Starkey: “I can see (Asina?) may have an answer for that from the engineering perspective. As far as a planning perspective goes, we don’t typically seek to encumber land arbitrarily. So if there was a known need, certainly we would pursue that. But in this case, there is not an identified need for that at this time.”

(Asina?): “Thank you through the Chair to the Director. The nature of the sewer service in that area is atypical to what you would see perhaps in Campbell River. It’s where properties on that system have what is called a step system, where they actually have to collect their own solids. The collection infrastructure running through this portion of the subdivision is very small in diameter, and would not be appropriate for extension or collection of any additional sewer. It’s not a main line that we’re seeking. The rights of way over. It’s the smaller collection system, so it would not function for extension down Green Road.”

Director Mawhinney: “Okay. I appreciate that context. Thank you.”

” … Be authorized to execute the Form C charge to establish a statutory right of way over lands, identified as SRW area C on plan EPP140146 for the purpose of non-motorized public access.”

Director Colborne: “Second.”.

Chair Baker started the final segment by recognizing Director Colburn as the seconder.

Chair Baker: “Director Colborne. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, the motion is carried.”  

Vacancies in Advisory Planning Commissions

(Chair Bakerdirected Mawhinney to introduce this item.)

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney.”

Director Mawhinney: “My lucky day, thank you Chair. Item number six, advisory Planning commissions membership vacancies. I will move that the report from the chief administrative officer be received.”

John Rice (Director Area D): “Second”

Chair Baker: “Director Rice. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Director Mawhinney: “I will move. B, that the resignation of Anna Hooper be accepted with respect to the electoral area D Advisory Planning Commission and she be thanked for her service.”

Director Rice: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “Director Rice. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, the motion is carried.”

Director Mawhinney: “And I’ll move. C, that the membership of Sheldon Etheridge be terminated with respect to the electoral area C Advisory Planning Commission and he be thanked for his service.” 

Director Rice: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Director Mawhinney: “And I will move D, that recruitment processes be initiated to fill vacant positions on the electoral area C and electoral area D. Advisory planning commissions.”

Director Rice: “Second.”

Chair Baker: Director Rice. Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Squirrel Cove Aquaculture 

Chair Baker: “Director Vonesch: number seven, please.” 

Mark Vonesch (Regional Director for Cortes Island): “Crown land application referral, Electoral Area B. Move that the report from the CAO” be received.

Director Rice: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seen none, motion carried. Director Vonesch?” 

Director Vonesch: “Yeah, just wondering, it sounds like we can just receive this or we can make a comment and, I’m just looking for direction on how to make that comment. Do I make a motion that we support this application? What’s the process?” 

CAO Leitch: “If the board is going to make a comment, it needs to come through this process. So it’s up for the board’s discretion, but a comment has to come from the board.” 

Chair Baker: “You can make a motion if you like.” 

Director Vonesch: “I would move that the board support this application.”

Director Rice: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Rice. Discussion: All in favor. Opposed? Seeing none, motion carried.”

Who Pays Administrative Costs for the Electoral Areas Services Committee?

Gerald Whalley (Chair of the Electoral Areas Services Committee) “I move number eight, Mr. Chair, overhead cost allocation policy of the report from the CEO. Be received.” 

Director Rice: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Rice.  Discussion: “All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, the motion is carried.”

Director Whalley: “I’d further move Option A, that a report be prepared to determine whether the overhead costs currently attributed to the electoral area administration service should be charged to electoral area planning and brought back to the ESC for further discussion.” 

Director Rice: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Rice. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried?

Cortes Island’s Active Transportation Plan

(Walking, cycling and similar physical activities are considered ‘active transportation,’ while sitting as you drive a car or boat is ‘passive transportation.’)  

Chair Baker: “Director Vonesch, number nine.” 

Electoral Area B active Transportation Network plan. I’ll move that the report from the CAO will be received.

Director Mawhinney: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney. Discussion: All …” 

Director Vonesch: “I just …” 

Chair Baker: “Sorry, go ahead.” 

Director Vonesch: “I just wanted to thank staff and all the constituents on Cortes who played a role in putting input into this report and really appreciate the findings, recommendations, and really just acting as a base for us to be able to move forward on, on some potential projects in the future. Thank you.” 

Chair Baker: “All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Vonesch: “I’ll move that the Electoral Area B active transportation Plan be approved.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Funding Opportunities for Active Transportation in Areas B & C

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney, Number 11.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you Chair. Electoral Areas B and C, active transportation plans, capital opportunities. Move that the report from the chief administrative officer is received.” 

Director Vonesch: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? See None, notion is carried.”

Director Mawhinney: “B, I will move that staff prepare a report identifying minor capital opportunities within Area B and Area C. Active transportation plans that could be advanced using available funding within the area B and area C financial plans.” 

Director Vonesch: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Legacy Gifts in Regional District Parks

(The next item appears to have been triggered by a $6,000 donation to park amenities in Area D. The SRD needed a policy to accept the money.)

Chair Baker: “Director Vonesch, number 12.” 

Director Vonesch: “Policy CP041,  Legacy gifts in regional district parks. I’ll move the report from the CAO to be received.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney. Discussion? All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Vonesch: “I’ll move the policy CP041, Legacy gifts in Regional District Parks, be approved.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Residency Requirement for Short Term Rentals

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney, number 13.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you, Chair. Short term rental accommodation Act, principal residence requirement. Move that the report from the chief administrative officer be received.”

Doug Chapman (Director, Campbell River): “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Chapman. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried. Director Mawhinney?” 

Director Mawhinney: “Oh, sorry Chair …”  

Chair Baker: “Wait, B …” 

Director Mawhinney: “There’s a B, thank you. That the status of all electoral areas within the Strathcona Regional District remain unchanged with respect to opting in or opting out of the short term Rental Accommodations Act principal residence requirement.” 

Director Vonesch: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “Director Vonesch. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Proposed Electoral Areas Grant in Aid Service 

Director Whalley: “Number 14, proposed electoral area grant service. I move that the report from the CO be received.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion: Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Whalley: “Good enough, Option A. I move that a bylaw be prepared for the board’s consideration that would establish a service for awarding financial assistance within the regional district’s electoral areas.”

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.

Waste Pick-up Contract on Cortes Island

(VEM contracting has been picking up Cortes Island’s curbside waste since at least 2010. Their contract is being renewed for five more years.)

Chair Baker: “Director Vonesch: Number 16.” 

Director Vonesch: “Cortes Island solid waste and recycling collection: move that the report from the CAO be received.”

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Vonesch: “B, I’ll move the Chair and corporate officer be authorized to execute the contract between the, contracting and the regional district for the collection of solid waste and recyclable materials on Cortes Island.”

Director Mawhinney: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Discussion?” 

Director Vonesch: “If I may Chair …” 

Chair Baker: “Go ahead.” 

Director Vonesch: “I just wanted to thank VEM contracting for agreeing to sign a new contract and just noting that we received this pickup for an extremely affordable price on Cortes. It’s about $110 a property per year, which is remarkable in comparison to other places and just thank staff for helping move that forward as well. Thank you.” 

Chair Baker: “Further discussion: All in favor. Opposed. See none, motion is carried.”

Renewal of Post Office contract for Read Island

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney.” 

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you Chair, Surge Narrows Post office license renewal. I move that the report from the CAO Be received.” 

Director Whalley: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “And Director Whalley. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Mawhinney: “I will move B, that a bylaw to authorize entering into a licensing agreement with Canada Post Corporation for the use of a portion of the Surge Narrows wharf facility be prepared for the board’s consideration.” 

Director Whalley: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Waley. Discussion: All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.”

Grants-in-Aid for Quadra Island

Chair Baker: “Director Mawhinney”

Director Mawhinney: “Thank you Chair, Request for financial assistance Electoral Area C. Move that the report from the chief administrative officer be received.” 

Director Whalley: “Second.” 

Chair Baker: “Director Whalley. Discussion All in favor? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.” 

Director Mawhinney: “And I will move B, that the board approved grants and aid to be paid from the electoral Area C Grant and aid budget as follows: $2,500 to the Quadra Cat Rescue to assist with controlling the unwanted cat population on Quadra Island and $600 to the Quadra Island Chamber Music Society to assist the 2026 Quadra Island Chamber Music Festival.

Director Whalley: “Second.”

Chair Baker: “Director Whalley. Any discussion, Director Sinnott?”

Susan Sinnott (Director, Campbell River): “I’m just wondering how you control cat populations without catching them and spaying them or neutering them. What are you doing?” 

Director Mawhinney: “That’s definitely part of it. Just to further that question, this society traps and releases if they’re wild. They also catch kittens and rehabilitate them and rehome them and the ones that are truly wild and have been neutered, they maintain their health by feeding them every once in a while or something. So it’s a holistic program.” 

Chair Baker: “All in favour? Opposed? Seeing none, motion is carried.

Links of Interest:

• Articles about, or mentioning, SRD Board Meetings
• Articles about, or mentioning, the Director Area B
• Articles about, or mentioning, the Director of Area C

Top image credit: Family outing – Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

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