Tag Archives: Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Education, Transportation

Vote on recommending school bus fee deferred

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A vote on a recommendation to charge an administration fee for some school bus riders has been deferred to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ next business committee meeting.

The motion to recommend the board of trustees institute a $40 annual administration fee for all students who register and reside within the walk limits to school was moved by Trustee Chantal Morvay who later announced she would abstain from the vote as she realized she would be affected by the recommendation. Secretary Treasurer Mark Walsh then recommended deferral to give time to research the mover of a motion having a conflict.

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Housing

Provincial response to tiny homes resolution elicits disappointment

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local elected representatives are disappointed in the province’s response to appeals to address local government’s concerns around supporting tiny homes as an affordable housing option.

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Housing

Tiny home resolution endorsed at UBCM

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Union of BC Municipalities’ membership endorsed a resolution calling for changes to the BC Building Code to allow for tiny homes as permanent dwellings.

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Housing

Low income prevalence dropping on Gabriola

Editor’s note: This appears to be another example of high living costs driving away working age families. Gabriola is becoming an island for seniors and tourists.

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More people on Gabriola appear to have higher incomes, according Statistics Canada data.

The prevalence of low-income dropped between the 2020 and 2016 censuses. In 2015, 24.9 per cent of people in the Gabriola Local Trust Area were considered low income while in 2020, that was reduced to 17.8 per cent.

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Transportation

First Nations’ engagement focus for future of Island Rail Corridor

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First Nations’ engagement is a major focus right now as the Island Corridor Foundation considers the future of the rail corridor, a director reported to the Regional District of Nanaimo parks and trails select committee.

Nanaimo director Ben Geselbracht provided an update at the May 3 regional parks and trails select committee following a presentation by a delegation advocating for the ICF’s mandate to allow active transportation options along the rail bed. The delegation argued the economic outlook was not on the side of the foundation to continue pursuing an intact rail system.

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