14 men and women sitting at a U shaped table
Politics, Poverty

First meeting of the new SRD Board

The new Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board was sworn in on Wednesday, November 9. 

“10 of the 14 Directors on the Strathcona Regional District Board are new. There’s been a huge changeover.  You do have some folks with experience in there, but it’s a new place to work. My initial experiences  with folks is that people  are approaching this job with a really open mind, a willingness to work together, cooperative attitudes and it’s really great,” explained Mark Vonesch, the new Regional Director for Cortes Island. 

The SRD Building in Campbell River – courtesy Google Maps

Prior to swearing them in, Judge Barbara Flewelling reminded the Directors of the common issues throughout the district. The need for affordable housing is probably on the top of everyone’s list. Homelessness is a major issue everywhere. In many areas, long drives are involved to reach anything from groceries to a bank. Rural areas do not have adequate internet service, which is why the Connected Coast project came into being. There aren’t enough BC ambulance first responders and shortages of medical caregivers is resulting in many closures. There is a widespread labour shortage and climate change appears to be upon us. 

“That’s a pretty daunting list, but don’t be discouraged. What I wanted to say was I was struck by the many common goals that you are all facing and shared by your districts, even though they each have their own unique needs and priorities. There are many challenges that such a large and diverse area presents, and it will require leadership and teamwork and collaboration to work together for the good of the land and the communities and the people who live in your areas who live in this land. I was happy to see there are many new faces with new ideas this year, and that’s encouraging,” she said.

Mark Baker, Mayor of Sayward and new Chair of the SRD Board – courtesy SRD

Mark Baker, the mayor of Sayward, is the new SRD Chair, “What’s important to me, that I stress to my council back in Sayward, is that we work for the betterment of the unit for everybody. It’s not ‘us’ that are important, it’s the job that we do. That’s what’s important, and I think it’s also very important that we have the opportunity to discuss resolutions and things brought forward to us here. When we have discussion, it’s extremely important to view and to express our feelings about what that topic is in front of everybody. That, to me, gives you an open, honest, and transparent government.”

A number of business items were discussed.  

Campbell River Director Ron Kerr is the new Vice Chair and will be representing the SRD at the Remembrance Day celebration in Campbell River’s Spirit Square today. 

Staff is preparing a tentative 5-year contract between the Regional District and the South Quadra Fire Protection District for operations in north Quadra Island.

Robyn Mawhinney, the new Regional Director for Area C, signing her declaration while Judge Barbara Flewelling looks on – Photo courtesy SRD

The Campbell River & District Coalition to End Homelessness has requested that the SRD become the operator for temporary and extreme weather shelters in the Regional District. After a long debate, (which you can read about here), the board decided to advise the coalition that the SRD is not prepared to take on the responsibility for operating homeless shelters at this time.

However the board agreed to write a letter of support for a proposed 3% tax on Cortes Island’s short term rentals. The final decision on this tax will be made by the provincial government, but Robyn Mawhinney, the new Director for Area C, was encouraged by the response this request for support received.

“I think it really sets a great tone for future meetings, that we can recognize when there is a community initiative that needs support and ensure that that happens.” 

Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch pointed to the number of Directors who stated housing was a major priority, even for the team of Directors that newly elected Mayor Kermit Dahl led to power in Campbell River. 

Mark Vonesh, Regional Director for Cortes Island, being sworn in by Judge Barbara Flewelling – Photo courtesy SRD

“Housing is a huge concern for them. They have more what I call big city housing needs, where homeless is on the streets. There are challenges with drug addiction and crime, but I think they’re also willing to approach housing in a compassionate way and recognize that policing isn’t the only answer for dealing with homelessness.”

Top image credit: The new SRD Board – screenshot from the Youtube recording of this meeting

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