Around 29 local businesses and organizations signed in to the second Cortes Community COVID-19 Response Conference. This session was more topical: front line services like medical response and stores, off-island traffic, and enforcing the provincial guideline.
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BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary
National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative via CP Newsroom
BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly to more remote island communities.
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A Remote Island Prepares: Can Cortes Self Isolate?
Regional Director Noba Anderson invited many of Cortes Island’s key businesses and community groups to a Zoom conference call to explore responses to COVID-19. Thirty-nine people connected by phone or computer and a second person appeared on several computer screens. Many embraced the idea that we should act as if the virus is already here. In-so-far as is practical, most attendees appeared to want to see Cortes self isolate.
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Updating The SRD Grant In Aid Policy
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board has talked about greater transparency and accountability for more than a year. Chief Administrative Officer David Leitch says staff examined the policies of virtually every regional district in British Columbia. However when they finally unveiled their proposed policy at the March 11, 2020 board meeting, all four regional directors were opposed. The process of updating the SRD Grant-In-Aid policy has begun.
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EASC Turned Down Linnaea’s Application For Funds To Purchase A Heat Pump
In theory, Cortes Island receives a portion of the Provincial Gas Tax. A recent Strathcona Regional District report states, “as of January 1, 2020, the balance of Electoral Area B’s Gas Tax Reserve is approximately $565,325 and (this year) is expected to receive a 2020 transfer of $58,155 in addition to any interest earned on the balance.” According to Regional Director Noba Anderson, the amount keeps growing because Cortes has not been able to access these funds. “The SRD has still not developed any kind of application guide or internal policy around Gas Tax spending, although it has been on the CFO’s work plan I believe for at least five years.” On March 11, 2020, EASC turned down Linnaea’s application for $44,520 in Gas Tax dollars to purchase a heat pump.
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