Tag Archives: The Bird’s Eye (reposts)

Politics

Strathcona Gardens – How Many Dollars Count as a Meaningful Voice?

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

Two communities, both alike in ocean views, in fair Strathcona where we lay our scene. From ancient boundary disputes to new taxation, where civic math… wait a second, this doesn’t add up. 

I’ve been debating whether to include this story since April 29. Is it relevant? Is it journalism? Is it just my own feelings getting tangled up in local politics? Or is it representation for the people that were there? Heart and ego occasionally arrive wearing the same outfit. You know I’m telling the story.

April 29, 2026 12:27 p.m. – Your Editor arrives at the SRD building. Air cast, cane, very little sleep, and even less snacks. Outside, an impressive number of Quadra folks and friends gathered with their handmade signs, chants at the ready.

Then the front doors swing open. “Is there any media here?” a staffer shouts out.

Startled, I raised my hand. “It’s me. I’m the media.”

Continue reading Strathcona Gardens – How Many Dollars Count as a Meaningful Voice? →
Politics

Strathcona Gardens: Still in the Deep End

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

On March 25, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board voted 7–6 to move forward with drafting a bylaw that would add Quadra Island — not all of Area C — to the Strathcona Gardens recreation service area. Although that vote was a blow to many residents, it’s not the end of the road by any means. In our third article on the unfolding situation, we look at what options are legally on the table, how they can be navigated, who is involved, and how you can still have a say.

Continue reading Strathcona Gardens: Still in the Deep End →
Parks, Transportation

Dirt Roads and Big Options: OPC Meeting This Wednesday

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

If you’ve ever white-knuckled it past a cyclist on Heriot Bay Road, wondered why there’s no bus on this island, or tried to find a path to the beach that doesn’t cross someone’s lawn, then we’ve got just the meeting for you. THIS Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Community Centre, Meeting 4 of our Area C Official Community Plan (OCP) series covers Transportation & Parks.

Continue reading Dirt Roads and Big Options: OPC Meeting This Wednesday →
Community, Politics

A $943,000 Question: Quadra and the Strathcona Gardens Vote

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

Did I set out to write a two-page article this week? Nope. Did I anyway? Yup. This is a big deal for our island — and it’s still early in the series. So yes, I’m running the longest two pages in Bird’s Eye history. Sorry, not sorry. Enjoy!

By Melissa McKinney, editor/owner of the Bird’s Eye.

On March 25, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board voted on whether to add Quadra Island to the Strathcona Gardens recreation service area. Around 80 Area C residents showed up to watch — enough to fill the boardroom, spill out through the open double doors into the lobby, where even standing room was tight. The SRD livestreams their board meetings on YouTube, so small groups of residents huddled around phones watching their own local government meeting from the parking lot outside. Inside the lobby, the meeting’s audio played from multiple phones on a slight delay, making it difficult to follow unless you were actually in the boardroom. 

Continue reading A $943,000 Question: Quadra and the Strathcona Gardens Vote →