Quadra Island

A woman emerges from diving into a body of water.

SRD Directors consider expansion of Strathcona Gardens Commission

January 10, 2024 by Loni Taylor

Regional directors for the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) had a heated exchange at the Dec. 13 board meeting over the possibility that a proposal is likely to include an expansion of the Strathcona Gardens Commission.

An expansion of the Commission would mean more rural Electoral Areas like Area C, Quadra Island, would take on a share of the cost of a rebuilt regional recreation center. The Strathcona Gardens is a rec center with a pool, ice rink and seasonal arena. The facility provides aquatic, arena, fitness, and wellness programming year round for a daily or membership fee.

Over 40 letters from Quadra Islanders expressed opposition to the inclusion, arguing the islanders do not use the facilities or benefit from their programming. Strathcona Gardens is currently located in Campbell River – a minimum of a two hour commute, round trip from Quadra Island, depending on capacity of BC Ferries and weather conditions.

To hear what constituents and directors reflected on at the December meeting, listen to the CKTZ News Update.

SRD Directors, residents question rural access to AAP process

January 9, 2024 by Loni Taylor

The most recent Strathcona Regional Director’s meeting on Dec. 13 raised concerns about access to democratic processes like the Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

The recent AAP that took place for all residents within the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) ended on Jan. 2. If passed, it would approve an SRD managed regional housing service that would be allowed to borrow up to $10 million dollars to establish.

Director Mawhinney of electoral area C, Quadra Island, first raised the issue of the AAP process applied to the SRD Housing Service proposal. The director shared concerns from constituents about the lack of a digital option to participate, considering the physical distance from the SRD office to many of her constituents.

Director Whalley of electoral area A also pointed to the challenges of relying on “snail mail” as well as the internet and agreeing that the issue was one of “fairness.”

SRD Staff Tom Yates commented that a digital alternative may be expensive and pointed to identity fraud as a concern for using email or other digital processes.

Find out more on this democratic participation process, listen to the CKTZ News update.

Assorted fresh vegetables in a large black pan and on a chopping board, including chard, squash, onions and tomatoes, along with garlic and spices.

First Cortes Community Meal sets stage for weekly warming meals in 2024

December 13, 2023 by Kim Paulley

Cortes Island’s first community meal took place at Mansons Hall on Dec. 7. It is hoped to be a weekly event on Cortes Island in the coming year, according Ester Strijbos, Coordinator of Better at Home for Cortes Island.

“What we’re hoping, is to do it on a weekly basis and rotate thru the three community centres, Mansons Hall, the Gorge and Klahoose.”

The community meal program, funded through the Better at Home Food Security Initiative, takes inspiration from the weekly community meal on neighbouring Quadra Island.

“They have this on Quadra Island, a weekly community meal, and it’s very popular there,” stated Strijbos.

The community meals are envisioned as all ages events that bring people together, according to Strijbos.

“We know that food in a social setting is a super big component of building connections.”

A second community meal will take place at Mansons Hall on Thursday, Dec. 14 at noon.

SRD Directors consider expansion of Strathcona Gardens Commission

SRD Directors, residents question rural access to AAP process

First Cortes Community Meal sets stage for weekly warming meals in 2024

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