Hello,
Since November 2022 I’ve had the honour of representing the Discovery Islands and Mainland Inlets at the Strathcona Regional District Board. Representing Area C has been challenging & rewarding. I’m happy to share my intention to run for re-election this fall and I hope I can count on your support. General local elections are scheduled for October 17.
Tag Archives: SRD Board
Cortes Island: Coming Referendum On Funding Youth and Senior Services
The SRD Board unanimously passed a resolution that Cortes residents will vote on whether to fund the island’s youth and senior organizations at the upcoming October 17, 2026 election.
Regional Director Mark Vonesh explained, “There was a little bit of a rush because I realized that, in order to get this onto the referendum—which I think is the fairest way to consult with the community—it needs to go through a process. It goes to the board, a draft bylaw is created, the draft bylaw is reviewed, and then it goes to the Inspector of Municipalities for approval. That comes back to the referendum at the election. The time period for this one was tight. It basically had to happen in the month that I introduced it, but the beauty of it is that we’ve got four months to talk about it.”
“I’m going to be holding a public meeting in the Fall, before the election, so we can come together and talk about it, and so I can share information that I have about the services. We’ll also make it available online, so it’s really accessible for people.”
Continue reading Cortes Island: Coming Referendum On Funding Youth and Senior Services
Area C Director’s Report: news from the May Board meeting
Hello,
Far from complaints of ‘Junuary’, recent rain showers have been a blessing as we head into a predicted hot, dry summer. FireSmartBC.ca shares actions, resources & tips for reducing the risk of wildfire damaging your home… they say the best protection against wildfire damage is prevention. This short report shares news from the May 27 Board meeting & summer dates for ‘chat with the Director’.
SRD Approves Funding For The Cortes Island Food Bank
At their May 27 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District Board (SRD) approved a motion to provide the Cortes Island Food Bank with close to $24,000 for its new outlet in Manson’s Landing.
Mark Vonesh (Regional Director, Cortes Island): “I’d like to move that a financial contribution of up to $23,425 be approved from the Electoral Area B Community Works Fund to the Cortes Island Food Bank Association to support construction of a food security hub, subject to finalizing a funding agreement between the association and the regional district.”
The minutes state that Michael Lott of Gold River seconded the motion, but the voice in the audio sounds more like Robin Mawhinney, Regional Director for Area C.
Mark Baker (Chair of the SRD): “Discussion? All in favor. Motion is passed.”
Continue reading SRD Approves Funding For The Cortes Island Food Bank
Allegations that Rural Directors Bullied Area D; Who bullied who?
At the May 27 SRD Board Meeting, Mayor Kermit Dahl of Campbell River accused Regional Directors Mark Vonesch, Robyn Mawhinney and Gerald Whalley of bullying Regional Director John Rice:
“For example, when Director Rice was outvoted on a development in Area D by three electoral area Directors who wanted to show him, ‘Stay in line or else we’ll show you.’ They could stop him from succeeding in moving Area D forward.”
This is not the first time Campbell River Directors have made this allegation.
Continue reading Allegations that Rural Directors Bullied Area D; Who bullied who?