From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
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.
Originally published in the Bird’s Eye
Two communities, both alike in ocean views, in fair Strathcona where we lay our scene. From ancient boundary disputes to new taxation, where civic math… wait a second, this doesn’t add up.
I’ve been debating whether to include this story since April 29. Is it relevant? Is it journalism? Is it just my own feelings getting tangled up in local politics? Or is it representation for the people that were there? Heart and ego occasionally arrive wearing the same outfit. You know I’m telling the story.
April 29, 2026 12:27 p.m. – Your Editor arrives at the SRD building. Air cast, cane, very little sleep, and even less snacks. Outside, an impressive number of Quadra folks and friends gathered with their handmade signs, chants at the ready.
Then the front doors swing open. “Is there any media here?” a staffer shouts out.
Startled, I raised my hand. “It’s me. I’m the media.”
Continue reading Strathcona Gardens – How Many Dollars Count as a Meaningful Voice?From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello,
At the beginning of the week I submitted a Director’s Report to the Discovery Islander which focused on results of the Quadra Island survey regarding Strathcona Gardens. Since then, there has been an SRD Board meeting where actions were taken to further the potential inclusion of Quadra Island properties in the Strathcona Gardens Service. This report shares news on that, as well as info from the survey which 626 Islanders participated in.
From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello,
The March 25 SRD Board meeting was certainly memorable, with between 80-100 residents of Quadra Island and Area C crowding into the boardroom’s public gallery and overflowing into the foyer. They were there to observe as the Board considered a report regarding adding Quadra Island (or all of Area C) as annual tax paying participants of the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service. That topic is what this report focuses on.
Originally published in the Bird’s Eye
Did I set out to write a two-page article this week? Nope. Did I anyway? Yup. This is a big deal for our island — and it’s still early in the series. So yes, I’m running the longest two pages in Bird’s Eye history. Sorry, not sorry. Enjoy!
By Melissa McKinney, editor/owner of the Bird’s Eye.
On March 25, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board voted on whether to add Quadra Island to the Strathcona Gardens recreation service area. Around 80 Area C residents showed up to watch — enough to fill the boardroom, spill out through the open double doors into the lobby, where even standing room was tight. The SRD livestreams their board meetings on YouTube, so small groups of residents huddled around phones watching their own local government meeting from the parking lot outside. Inside the lobby, the meeting’s audio played from multiple phones on a slight delay, making it difficult to follow unless you were actually in the boardroom.
Continue reading A $943,000 Question: Quadra and the Strathcona Gardens Vote
