The political maneuvering began as the agenda, for the Strathcona Regional District Board’s May 27th meeting, was adopted. Regional Director Jim Abram added a “subsequent,’ which he said was way down the agenda. A number of comments, scattered throughout the video below, show that the other rural directors knew what was coming. Regional Director Brenda Leigh alluded to Abram having “something better to propose.” Cortes Island Regional Director Noba Anderson expressed disappointment that one of her colleagues “is trying to put forward a motion ahead of time to not even allow this discussion.” Two major Quadra Island projects – the proposed BC Ferries passenger service and new firehall – have also been delayed because of the Electoral Areas Services Committee’s (EASC) prearranged decision. The public hearing for Rainbow Ridge is postponed until sometime after September 7th, 2020.
Continue reading Public Hearing For Rainbow Ridge Postponed Until September – Or LaterTag Archives: Director Area C
Cortes Foundation Application Denied
Over the course of the last two months, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) received funding requests from both of the community foundations operating within its area. At the April 29th Board meeting, they granted a total of $32,500 to the Campbell River Foundation – whose catchment area includes Sayward, Quadra, Cortes and the Oyster River. On May 12, the Cortes Island Foundation asked for $50,000. This prompted an intense discussion of the SRD’s relationship to community foundations at the end of which the Cortes Foundation application was denied.
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The Electoral Areas Services Committee Discuses Grant In Aid Policy
Strathcona Regional District (SRD) staff finally unveiled their proposed revisions to the Grant in Aid policy two months ago. All four regional directors voiced objections. Noba Anderson pointed out the changes would prevent most Cortes Island organizations from applying. Brenda Leigh protested, “This policy interferes with my ability to run my grant program in Area D.” Jim Abram added, “You can’t ask a group that has no money to go out and get an audited statement.” Gerald Whalley suggested the SRD Board refer the proposed Grant in Aid policy to the Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) for a recommendation.
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Hoskyn Channel Landing
Hoskyn Channel is the body of water separating Read and Quadra Islands. It is named after Richard Hoskyn, a Royal Navy officer who retired in 1867. In 1999, a group of about ten families and Marine Harvest purchased a net cleaning barge-float for $2,850. Five years later, Regional Director Jim Abram secured a lease on the 0.8 acre Quadra Island dock site. The SRD provided $10,000 to have a ramp built, but the work was done by volunteers. On November 15, 2019, Paul Grey, President of BC Marine Trails (BCMT) informed the SRD “the Hoskyn Channel Launch is steep and requires a four-wheel drive.”
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Financial Impacts of COVID 19 on Cortes, Quadra & Other Electoral Areas
While only two projects have been cancelled so far, a significant number are on hold. Strathcona Regional District staff are monitoring the financial situation closely. Their preliminary report on the financial impacts of COVID 19 within the electoral areas suggests there will be a budget surplus “primarily due to staff vacancies, layoffs, and related travel and training costs.
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