National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly to more remote island communities.
Continue reading BC Ferries is asking passengers not to travel unless necessaryRegional 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.
Continue reading A Remote Island Prepares: Can Cortes Self Isolate?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.
Continue reading Updating The SRD Grant In Aid PolicyIn 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.
Continue reading EASC Turned Down Linnaea’s Application For Funds To Purchase A Heat PumpWhen Noba Anderson was re-elected, on October 20, 2018, most of Cortes Island thought she was our representative to the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board. Since then, we have discovered there is a sense in which Cortes Island has three directors.
Continue reading Cortes Island Has Three Directors
