Tag Archives: SRD Board

Development, Politics

Area C Director’s Report: the Strathcona Gardens storyline

From 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.

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Development, Sports

Petition Against Making Quadra Residents Pay For REC-CREATE Strathcona Gardens

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A timeline on the REC-REATE – Strathcona Gardens Revitalization Project website traces the origins of this project back to an operational review in 1998. At that time, most of the community was satisfied with the existing facility and the idea of building a new complex did not gain momentum until 2015. A community survey taken between February 2nd and March 2nd that year found that  someone from 72% of the Campbell River and 64% of Area D households visited Strathcona Gardens at least once a year.

Construction for Phase One,  the New Aquatic and Wellness Centre, finally began on September 10, 2024. However the estimated cost of this project had risen to $73 million and the Strathcona Regional District is exploring the idea that Quadra Island and Sayward taxpayers should be contributing.

Nothing has been decided, but the SRD has received a stream of letters from hundreds of Quadra Island residents stating they do not use Strathcona Gardens and definitely do not want to pay for it!  A little group calling itself the Friends of Area C collected hundreds of names on a petition opposing the suggestion that Quadra taxpayers should be included in Strathcona Garden catchment area.  

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Development

Area C Taxpayers Resistant to paying for Strathcona Gardens Re-Development

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Campbell River’s Strathcona Gardens is in the midst of re-development. Following a successful Alternative Approval Process (APP) in Campbell River and Area D, whose residents use this complex, in 2023 the Board authorized borrowing up to $64.6 million for this project. Crews are currently building the foundations. 

The SRD is exploring the possibility of using Area C property tax dollars to support this complex, but has not yet decided upon a course of action. This sparked a great deal of resistance from Area C residents who do not want to see their property taxes increased to pay for a ‘Campbell River’ project. 

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Fire

Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area

The 32 properties in Tiber Bay are one step closer to being included in the South Cortes Island fire protection area. They are currently outside the boundary and, consequently, the Cortes Fire department cannot immediately respond to fires in that area. It needs direction from the BC Wildfire Service. Tiber Bay residents will soon be receiving a petition in which they can state their preferences.

Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch read out the motion at the December 11 SRD Board Meeting,  “That a petition be prepared and distributed to affected property owners to determine if they support the extension initiative, and then a further report be prepared for the Board’s consideration at the conclusion of the petition process.”

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Politics

Director’s Report: gratitude, grants-in-aid, & wharves

From 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.

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