Hello,
The buzz of bees in blooms has been welcome and the buzz around the community is increasing as spring days warm and lengthen. This report shares news about Quadra’s recycle depot (it’s opening May 30!), ongoing advocacy re: Strathcona Gardens assent vote, and Board support for investigating a First Responder Service for the Outer Discovery Islands.
Strathcona Gardens Service
A quick update about the SRD taxing Quadra properties for Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service. Subscribers to the email version of this report received all the details of the April 29 meeting, you can read the recent update here: RobynMawhinney.ca/directors-reports/.
A sincere thank you to the hundreds of Islanders who’ve cc’d me as they respectfully request the Minister orders a separate assent process (binding referendum) for Quadra Island residents, rather than aggregating the results of Quadra’s votes with the 40,000+ of Campbell River and Area D. This follows results of the April 29 Board votes on Bylaw 643 and SRD staff stating it was ‘ultimately up to the Minister’s discretion’ to determine if an assent vote (binding referendum) would be separate for Quadra Island.
I look forward to discussing Quadra residents’ concerns with the Inspector of Municipalities at an upcoming scheduled meeting — and I’m advocating for a discussion with the Minister herself. I’ll report back with an update following my meeting. RobynMawhinney.ca has a search function: search ‘Strathcona Gardens’ and all the Reports/press release I’ve written as this has unfolded will pop up.
Recycle Depot opening!
Yes, the recycle depot on West Road is opening and May 30 is the first day of operations. The depot’s regular schedule is Friday thru Monday, 9am – 3pm, open on statutory holidays. Our new depot will have an operator on-site during business hours.
From May 30 to October 2026, the current mixed recycling bins will be at the new depot and will be supplemented with cardboard bins plus Recycle BC pop-up events for flexible plastics of many descriptions, glass and foam. Check cswm.ca/quadradepotconversion for the details on what’s acceptable.
The delay in onboarding the Quadra Island Recycling Depot as a full Recycle BC depot is due to a province-wide Recycle BC Request for Proposals regarding transporting recycling. I’m grateful to CSWM staff for securing Recycle BC pop-up events twice a month until October 2026, when Quadra will be a full Recycle BC depot.
Upcoming Pop-Up Dates (save these!): May 30 – June 1; June 12- 15; June 26 -29; July 10-13; July 24 – 27; August 7 – 10; August 21-24; September 4 – 7; September 18 – 21.
Outer Discovery Islands First Responder Service Investigation
The Surge Narrows Community Association (SNCA) recently submitted a request to the SRD for investigation of what a First Responder Service could look like for the Outer Discovery Islands. The service area proposed by SNCA for exploration is Read Island, Maurelle Island, North Rendezvous Island, and southern Sonora Island (Owen Bay and Busby Island).
The Board supported a report being prepared with options and analysis regarding establishing such a service, with the research and report done by in-house SRD staff. This is a ‘heads-up’ that this investigation is underway; there will be more details in the future.
Appreciation for Quadra’s big-hearted volunteers
It’s been ‘AGM season’ lately, and I’ve taken the opportunity to attend several AGMs on Quadra Island as they fit into my schedule. There are so many big-hearted people doing great work on volunteer boards, leaning in, finding opportunities for collaboration, making nuanced decisions, and taking care of aspects of our community in so many ways. I lift my hands in gratitude to the volunteer board members and team members making so much good happen. Truly, thank you!
Connect
You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: 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
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Top image credit: a low-tide walk north of Walcan with lush big leaf maples, salal in bloom,; all photo by Robyn Mawhinney
Copyright © 2026 Robyn Mawhinney, Regional Director for Area C, All rights reserved.
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Robyn Mawhinney, Regional Director for Area C
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