Tag Archives: David Leitch

Possible SRD Breakdown? Campbell River Vows To Cut Payments

While most of the Strathcona Regional District’s costs can be directly allocated to specific areas, others are labelled administration costs and need to be shared among the 10 communities. At their February 19 meeting the SRD Board discussed ways to make a more fair allocation of this expense. 

Chief Administrative Officer David Leitch explained, “ To put this in perspective, let’s say the SRD’s total budget is $20 million or whatever it may be this year, we’re talking about the $2.8 million for admin costs.”

Campbell River has close to three quarters of the SRD’s population, but only contributes $1.6 million towards the $2.8 million administration bill. That’s just under 56%. Some Campbell River Directors dispute that number and most appear to think they are paying too much for a service they derive very little benefit from. Mayor Kermit Dahl served notice that at the next SRD Board meeting he will move to slash Campbell River’s contribution by 82%.

Continue reading Possible SRD Breakdown? Campbell River Vows To Cut Payments

Minimizing the impact Trump’s tariffs could have on the $130 million REC-reate Strathcona Garden project

It is only two weeks until President Donald Trump decides whether to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. There is some question whether he will follow through. Trump was initially going to impose the tariffs on February 4, but the previous day Wall Street’s three main indices fell sharply over concerns about the global economy. The stock market recovered that afternoon, after Trump announced he would postpone the tariffs for a month. However Canadians are preparing for the worst and, on the local level, one of the topics discussed at yesterday’s Strathcona Gardens Commission meeting is the impact Trump’s proposed tariffs could have on Campbell River’s $130 million REC-reate Strathcona Gardens project. 

Continue reading Minimizing the impact Trump’s tariffs could have on the $130 million REC-reate Strathcona Garden project

Area C Director’s Report: Recycle Depot, Budget, & a Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service update

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello and Happy New Year! Here’s hoping for a healthy, connected and kind 2025 in the Discovery Islands, on the coast, across the country, and beyond.

Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: Recycle Depot, Budget, & a Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service update

Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands

At their December 11 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board passed a bylaw to regulate bulk water processing, bottling and sales on Read, Maurelle, Sonora, Stuart, and the Rendezvous islands.

Three Campbell River Directors voted against receiving the staff report for this bylaw.

Director Susan Sinnott explained,  “I just want to hear from staff, the reasons necessary. Is there a pending application for people to bulk water in the Desolation Sound Area? Is there an imminent issue?” 

Continue reading Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer Islands

Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area

The 32 properties in Tiber Bay are one step closer to being included in the South Cortes Island fire protection area. They are currently outside the boundary and, consequently, the Cortes Fire department cannot immediately respond to fires in that area. It needs direction from the BC Wildfire Service. Tiber Bay residents will soon be receiving a petition in which they can state their preferences.

Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch read out the motion at the December 11 SRD Board Meeting,  “That a petition be prepared and distributed to affected property owners to determine if they support the extension initiative, and then a further report be prepared for the Board’s consideration at the conclusion of the petition process.”

Continue reading Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area