A path going through a recently growth up wooded area
Forests

Taxes waived for Lot 302 on Read Island; a brief respite for Cortes Island

Both the Campbell River Mirror and National Observer reported how the tiny Surge Narrows Community Association (SNCA) purchased 20 acres on Read Island in 2019. 

“We just couldn’t bear to see yet another clearcut,” explained Read Island resident Lannie Keller. “It was a beautiful piece of treed land along the main road where people travel to get mail, to the school or the dock.”

Local Postmistress coming to pick up the mail at the Surge Narrows dock, on Read Island – Photo by Roy L Hales

A Strathcona Regional District (SRD) staff report states, “A public walking trail passes through a variety of unique ecosystems on the property, including mature/old growth forest.” 

This is the third year that the SRD has waived the property taxes for Lot 302. 

Rosie Steeves, one of SNCA’s Directors, described the 2019 purchase as a game changer, illustrating how a handful of determined residents can save their environment. 

Some people hope to emulate this on Cortes Island, purchasing the 2,681 acres owned by Mosaic Forest Management. The forestry giant had intended to start logging operations this month, but recently posted notice in the Tideline that they will defer operations until the beginning of 2023.

In his post, Land Use Forester Colin Koszman cited, “Several factors, including contractor availability, ongoing assessments and planning work, and continuing discussions with the community and our partners.”

Cortes Island residents have a respite of at least three months.

How much money would it take for Mosaic to part with its extensive Cortes holdings? Is there enough time to raise it?  

An old growth stump amidst the second growth in one of Mosaic’s proposed Cortes Island cutblocks – Photo by Roy L Hales

This is the second time SNCA has purchased property on Read Island, but it took two or three years to raise the $78,000 for Lot 309 in 1992.

Ralph and Lannie Kellar offered to put up $50,000 and guarantee the full $150,000 purchase price for Lot 302. There was no need. SNCA raised the funds in four months. 

The Kellars are among the 130 residents of Read, Maurelle, Rendezvous, and Sonora Island residents who belong to the charity. 

Lot 302 is now a green corridor, stretching from the Surge Narrows dock to the island’s Fish and Forest Reserve. 

The SRD Board cited Section 391(4)(a) of the Local Government Act when it waived the taxes:

“The following property that is in an electoral area may be exempted under subsection(a) land or improvements, or both, owned or held by, or held in trust by the owner for, an athletic or service organization and used principally for public athletic or recreation purposes”

Lot 302 is meant to be as public park in perpetually. 

There was no discussion at the September 21 SRD Board Meeting. It took a little more than a minute for the SRD Board to waive the need for three readings, and the taxes for 2023.

Top image credit: A path running through the John Kim Nature Sanctuary, which is beside Lot 302 – Photo courtesy SRD

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