Tag Archives: Gerald Whalley

Rivers & Oceans

SRD to look at ‘ALL helpful information’ about fish farms

Editor’s note: While there are no fish farms on Cortes Island, there was one on Raza Island directly north of us. The Discovery Island fish farms were in Electoral Area C.  The following article comes very close to being a transcript of my radio broadcast.  

The Strathcona Regional District passed a motion for staff to prepare a report that ‘consolidates the information on open net pen transition provided to the SRD Board prior to October 2022, and updates.’ 

Continue reading SRD to look at ‘ALL helpful information’ about fish farms →
Environment

The importance of ‘Rural Character’ to the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan for Area C

Three years ago, Area C received funding to develop an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). COVID intervened and it wasn’t until last August that a 14 member advisory group was assembled. The resulting draft plan was presented at the Wednesday, January 11, meeting of the SRD Electoral Areas Services Committee.  

“It was a very quick process, and we really appreciate all the efforts that went into it. The task force was convened in August and  by November the task force, the consultant and the SRD planner had come up with a draft proposal, which was then circulated to the community, and that draft was commented on by the community. But subsequently, because there was a very short timeline, some amendments were made to the document that was published and what you’re receiving today,” explained Lannie Keller, a Read Island resident and team member. 

Continue reading The importance of ‘Rural Character’ to the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan for Area C →
Finances, Politics

Cortes Island matters at EASC’s Inaugural Meeting

A number of Cortes Island matters were discussed at the new Electoral Areas Service Committee’s (EASC) Inaugural meeting. This is a special committee made up of the four Strathcona Regional District rural directors and the first stop before their concerns are brought before the full board. The initial discussion of Cortes Island’s proposed Grants in Aid; a Whaletown Community Club request for funding to install a wheelchair ramp at the Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery; and a proposed staff report about liveaboards: were all on the agenda today. As expected Gerald Whalley, the only director to have previously served on the Board, was elected Chair. The big news is that Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch has been elected Vice Chair.

Continue reading Cortes Island matters at EASC’s Inaugural Meeting →
Communications, Disaster

The Earthquake early warning system

At their December 7 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District discussed modifications to a contract for 16 earthquake early warning stations stretching from Chatham Point, north of Campbell River, up to Haida Gwaii. 

The $1.8 million needed to fund this project was provided by a grant from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). 

Continue reading The Earthquake early warning system →
Housing, Poverty

Who will look after Campbell River’s homeless population when temperatures plummet?

When temperatures plummeted to −20° last year, SRD Emergency Coordinator Shaun Koopman stepped in to make arrangements for Campbell River’s homeless population to be sheltered in the city’s community centre. The SRD intervened again last week, but at their November 9 meeting the Board decided this was a Campbell River problem.

Continue reading Who will look after Campbell River’s homeless population when temperatures plummet? →