Tag Archives: SRD

Business, Food

Measuring Workforce Exposure to the US Tradewar

A new interactive dashboard on the Institute for Research on Public Policy website measures the vulnerability that specific Canadian communities have in the US trade war.

“Canada’s reliance on the U.S. market has left certain communities vulnerable to shifting trade policies, including tariffs and protectionist measures,” explained Rachel Samson, the IRPP’s vice-president of research.

“Our dashboards can help identify which communities could experience challenges if tariffs are applied to sectors they depend on, allowing governments to work with the community to plan effective responses.”

The data is organized around Canada’s 293 census divisions.  

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Politics

Area C Director’s Report: Official Community Plan update + more

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.

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Environment, Indigenous Nations

Homalco First Nation’s ecosystem approach to flooding protects people and culture

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Working with nature, and not against it, a Vancouver Island First Nation is creating a plan to climate-proof its growing community.

The Willow Creek watershed project will restore wetlands and watercourses in the Homalco First Nation’s territory to reduce flooding and other climate disaster risks, but also boost cultural values and sustainable economic development, said Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Chief Darren Blaney. 

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Development

Minimizing the impact Trump’s tariffs could have on the $130 million REC-reate Strathcona Garden project

It is only two weeks until President Donald Trump decides whether to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. There is some question whether he will follow through. Trump was initially going to impose the tariffs on February 4, but the previous day Wall Street’s three main indices fell sharply over concerns about the global economy. The stock market recovered that afternoon, after Trump announced he would postpone the tariffs for a month. However Canadians are preparing for the worst and, on the local level, one of the topics discussed at yesterday’s Strathcona Gardens Commission meeting is the impact Trump’s proposed tariffs could have on Campbell River’s $130 million REC-reate Strathcona Gardens project. 

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Cost of Climate Change, Housing, Transportation, Youth

Cortes Climate Round-up February 2025: Inspiring local climate stories, events, action!

Its not too late! The SRD is still accepting feedback about the proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. The conversation at the Climate Cafe last month was about how the proposed changes reflect our stated climate goals in the OCP and how we can be more resilient. SRD staff are considering amending their proposal as a result. Check out the latest at the Regional District’s website and send comments — it’s not too late!

Continue reading Cortes Climate Round-up February 2025: Inspiring local climate stories, events, action! →