The Strathcona Regional District is moving forward with adoption of a regional fire administration support service that would provide assistance to the various fire departments in the Regional District.
There was little discussion and no opposing votes at the May 10th SRD Board meeting.
Continue reading SRD moving forward with Regional Fire ServiceLast week, Sadhu Johnston, President of the Cortes Island Fire Fighters Association met with David Leitch, Chief Administrative Officer of the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and two of his staff.
“There was a lot of smoke and not a lot of fire in there. We ended up having a very productive conversation and we’ll be entering into contract negotiations for another five year contract for firefighting on Cortes. It was very productive and they were really willing to work with us and address the unique needs of Cortes and find ways to address concerns in working together,” said Johnston.
Continue reading Cortes Fire Department meeting with the SRD
The Strathcona Regional District is looking into the possibility of offering community-focused non-profits access to insurance. Robyn Mawhinney, Regional Director for Area C, brought the idea forward at the April 12 Board meeting.
“I’ve been asked repeatedly if there would be a way for the Strathcona Regional District to offer access to more reasonably priced insurance for nonprofit groups. I wonder if there are other areas within the SRD where nonprofits have highlighted this concern, and if we might as a board be interested in inquiring with the Municipal Insurance Service of BC (MIABC) to consider offering a product accessible to community minded nonprofits in support of the valuable work they do, and I have a proposed motion when it’s the right time,” she said.
Continue reading SRD looking into providing insurance for non-profits
The first Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) Forum was held on Pender Island during 2019. They were forced to hold virtual events after COVID hit, but the 2023 RIEP Forum is an in-person event that will be held on Gabriola Island, April 25-27.
“This is a flagship event for the 18 plus rural islands of BC. The reach is from Bowen Island to Malcolm Island to Salt Spring to Gabriola, to Cortes, and Quadra. Our motto is, ‘No one island can be resilient alone, and together we’re stronger and better,’” explained Francine Carlin, Chair and Interim Executive Director of the Rural Islands Economic Partnership.
Continue reading April 25-27: 2023 RIEP ForumOne of the hot topics for Cortes residents, at the April 12 Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC) meeting, was garbage pick-up. We may soon be asked to pay another $43 per household for a service many of us do not use. This is the amount Recycle BC is currently subsidizing our garbage collection program. They are threatening to withdraw that subsidy, but Mark Vonesch, Regional Director for Cortes Island, believes the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) will come up with a plan that will satisfy Recycle BC.
On January 25, SRD staff met with Recycle BC representatives to discuss the fact that the curbside pickup on Cortes Island is not delivering the amount of recyclables they expect. They want Cortesians to put out a minimum of 67 kg per household, which means that virtually 100% of the recyclables currently taken to the Cortes Recycling Depot would have to be left at the curb. The SRD was given until April 15 to come up with a draft plan to increase the volume.
Continue reading Mark Vonesch: Saving the Cortes curbside recyclable pick-up subsidy
