Tag Archives: Director Area D

Turkstra rezoning application reconsidered and approved

How our local government works

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) reversed its previous decision and approved the rezoning of a property in Quathiaski Cove, on Quadra Island. Jonathan and Eliah Turkstra wish to subdivide their 5 acre property into two parcels.  

In an Electoral Area directors only vote, the Turkstra’s application was turned down on May 11, 2022.

This decision was changed at the May 25 SRD Board meeting, when Regional Directors Jim Abram, Noba Anderson and Gerald Whalley voted first to reconsider the application and then to approve the bylaw that will allow the Turkstra’s to subdivide.

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Significant variation in Director expenses, SRD calls for independent audit

How our local government works

The Strathcona Regional District will be conducting an independent audit of director remuneration and expenses. 

“I received more money than other directors,” admitted Regional Director Jim Abram of Area C (Discovery Islands-Mainland Inlets), who then proceeded to explain how this came about.

Chair Brad Unger said,  “There’s no defending anything here. The motion is for an audit of director renumeration. There’s no name of a director in that. It’s directors, it is all of us.”

Regional Director Brenda Leigh of Area D (Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake) protested, “I see this motion and this whole initiative as nothing but political – right before an election!” 

Continue reading Significant variation in Director expenses, SRD calls for independent audit

 Abram moves Quadra Links public meeting to May 18

How our local government works

Regional Director Jim Abram pushed through an early hearing date for the Quadra Island Golf Club (Quadra Links) rezoning proposal against the applicants wishes, as well as the recommendation of Strathcona Regional District (SRD) staff and the advice of six of his fellow directors.

Quadra Links wishes to rezone a portion of their property so they can develop a 30 spot RV park, but requested that the meeting be delayed until the Fall. Strathcona Regional District (SRD) staff recommended the hearing be scheduled for Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The SRD Chair and a number of Campbell River directors voiced their support, but cannot vote in rural matters.

Only rural directors can vote and most of them supported Abram. So the public hearing will be at 7 PM on May 18, 2022 at the Quadra Community Centre. 

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Library strike could start Wednesday

The libraries in our area are preparing for a strike. Shortly after BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents the librarians, issued a 72-hour strike notice last Wednesday, the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) made a new offer to its librarians. This was rejected and the union responded with a counteroffer.

Their collective agreement with the VIRL expired 15 months ago.

BCGEU President Stephanie Smith said, “Unless the employer comes back with a serious offer, pickets will be up at VIRL branches starting Wednesday, March 9.”

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Whiskey Point application to add a 90 seat meeting room sent back to SRD Board

The Whiskey Point Resort overlooks the ferry terminal at Quathiaski Cove, on Quadra Island. It’s driveway comes off a road that is often choked with Quadra and Cortes Island residents, as well as tourists, waiting to board the ferry. Never-the-less plans to add a 90 seat meeting room appeared to be moving forward, before it was brought before the Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) last June

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