From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello and happy summer!
This report has news for you: the Hospital Board is exploring ‘front-loading’ long-term care project costs, an Evans Bay aquaculture report was made public, plus a refresher on Siting Permits for construction on Quadra Island. Many thanks to all who’ve reached out since I declared my intent to run for re-election, I appreciate the positive encouragement.
Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District (CSRHD) News
The 2026 provincial budget ‘re-paced’ the Campbell River long-term care project, deferring it to an unknown later date. The Campbell River project was one of seven across the province which met this fate. Acutely aware of the community need for this facility, the CSRHD Board has been advocating with the Province for a reversal of this decision.
In May a delegation from CSRHD, Chair Doug Hillian, Mayor Dahl, and myself as vice-chair, met with Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma to discuss the re-pacing and options for getting the long-term care project back on track. Minister Ma expressed genuine concern regarding the impact of the deferral however it was clear that funding was not available at this time. The Minister did express interest in exploring potential funding options that may assist advancing the Project amidst the deferral.
One such option would be that the CSRHD could ‘frontload’ its financial commitment to relieve the Provincial capital requirement for the initial years, possibly enabling the Treasury Board to fund the Project earlier than it otherwise could.
CSRHD vote to explore ‘front-loading’ of costs
At the Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District Board’s June meeting, the Board voted to work with the Province of British Columbia and Island Health to explore the concept of front-loading the CSRHD contribution to potentially advance the Campbell River Long Term Care Project. Any front-loading of costs would require iron-clad commitments from the Province and Island Health to ensure completion of the project.
This arrangement would not change the cost-sharing apportionment between the CSRHD and the Province. CSRHD provides 40% of capital funding requirements for named health facilities, funded through taxation within the CSRHD catchment area. All Directors from both the Comox Valley and Strathcona Regional Districts are members of the Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District Board. Learn more about the CSRHD at csrhd.ca.
Evans Bay aquaculture report made public
At the June SRD Board meeting a report regarding an Evans Bay aquaculture tenure was released to the public. In the past couple of years there have been several written inquiries and a delegation from concerned residents to the Board and Electoral Area Services Committee about a specific tenure.
The five-page Tenure Summary report is intended to clarify questions of public interest: the size, location, and history of the tenure area and compliance with the land use bylaw. As the report states, legal opinions obtained by the SRD in 2024 clarified the limitations to the SRD’s authority to regulate aquaculture activities.
While most local government business is transparent and open to the public, there is a defined list of reasons why a local government can discuss matters in closed session. Receipt of legal advice is one such reason and this restricted providing fulsome information to concerned residents. I’m grateful that the motion I made in May 2025 for a report to the public regarding this site has been publicly released. Read the report thru this link: tinyurl.com/Evans-Bay-Tenure-Summary.
Siting permit before building
In recent months two applications for development variances were considered by the Board. These variances were due to buildings constructed within zoning setbacks and property owners seeking relief for this after the fact. This got me thinking that a refresher on the construction permitting process on Quadra Island could be helpful.
Prior to constructing or installing a building or structure on Quadra Island, a Siting Approval must be obtained. This is a formal process that the Strathcona Regional District administers. The siting approval process ensures that structures satisfy all relevant regulatory planning requirements and that ‘community standards are achieved’. Siting approval is required prior to construction and for the issuance of new street numbers on Quadra Island. Within the Quathiaski Cove Village Plan area, development permits may be required: please check with SRD Planning staff about specifics.
New construction and renovations must conform to the BC Building Code, Island Health sewerage system regulation and other relevant requirements. Area C does not have a Building Service; building permits are not required.
You can find the Siting Approval Application along with other Planning applications here: srd.ca/planning/land-use-applications-forms. It’s recommended to contact the SRD’s Planning department before beginning the application to determine if the project might require other approvals. The Quadra Island Zoning Bylaw lists permitted uses, setbacks, and other conditions applicable to each zone. Find the zoning bylaw, Official Community Plan and the related maps here: srd.ca/planning/land-use-zoning under the Area C pop-down.
Connect
The next ‘Chat with the Director’ date at Aroma Cove Café is Thursday July 23, 8:30-10am: stop by, say ‘hi’, and discuss a topic of interest. Of course, you’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns any time, 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