From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello, Signs of spring are popping up… my favourites this week are the growing birdsongs, the swelling salmonberry buds, and the peach blossoms outside my kitchen window. In this Report there’s an Official Community Plan process update and highlights from some recent learning.
Continue reading Area C Director’s Report: Official Community Plan update + moreFrom the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello, Here in the grip of winter, the lengthening daylight reminds us that spring is just around the corner.
The prospect of Area C property owners being tapped to pay tax in support of Strathcona Gardens is understandably causing alarm among many. Along with receiving a steady stream of emails in opposition, I’m also receiving questions about the possible costs and when we’ll know more, and the why of it all. I’ve been reporting as this has slowly unrolled over the last couple of years, and realize it may be helpful to provide a comprehensive snapshot of how we got to where we are and when we may know more: that’s what this Report attempts.
Editor’s note: While this story comes from the Comox Valley, the subject matter is of definite interest to Cortes and the other Discovery Islands. For most of our recorded history, wood fires have been the #1 heating choice on Cortes Island. A significant number of residents have switched to electric, heat pumps, or solar panels in the past few years. According to the Strathcona Regional District Engagement Summary Report, “In Electoral Areas A, B (Cortes), and C (primarily Quadra and the Outer Islands), about 50% used wood heat and 40% used electric with the remaining 10% using an alternative.“
By Madeline Dunnett, The Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Community members in the Comox Valley are calling for more education, awareness and tightened regulations related to wood-burning stove use in the region.
Continue reading Hot topic: Residents concerned about impact of wood stove smoke on health, environment
At their December 11 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board passed a bylaw to regulate bulk water processing, bottling and sales on Read, Maurelle, Sonora, Stuart, and the Rendezvous islands.
Three Campbell River Directors voted against receiving the staff report for this bylaw.
Director Susan Sinnott explained, “I just want to hear from staff, the reasons necessary. Is there a pending application for people to bulk water in the Desolation Sound Area? Is there an imminent issue?”
Continue reading Bulk Water Regulations For The Outer IslandsFrom the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Festive greetings! I’m sending you wishes for warmth and joy during this season of long dark nights, and I hope you enjoy some quality time with those who are dear to you.
Gratitude to volunteers
It’s wonderful what an engaged and involved community ours is. Shoutout of gratitude to the many many islanders volunteering across the islands, building community. During 2024 I’ve had a chance to work with a spectrum of volunteers and I’m so grateful for everyone’s dedication.
