Regional Directors Jim Abram, Brenda Leigh and Gerald Whalley would prefer to more independent of the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board. For reasons obvious to anyone who has observed the Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) over the past two years, Cortes Island Regional Director Noba Anderson would rather stick with the board. A proposal that staff study the feasibility of an independent EASC Grant in Aid Service was brought forward at the May 27, 2020, SRD Board Meeting.
Continue reading Proposed EASC Grant in Aid Service DeniedTag Archives: Electoral Areas Services Committee
Public Hearing For Rainbow Ridge Postponed Until September – Or Later
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.
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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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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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YouTube Recording of The April 15th SRD Board Meeting
A YouTube recording of the April 15th SRD Meeting is now available. Several Cortes and Quadra Island items were discussed at this meeting, which took place 23 days ago. In addition to grant applications from Linnaea Farm, Sierra Quadra, the Quadra Children’s Centre and two major projects from Quadra, there are questions of Board transparency and accountability.
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