Hello, The lengthening daylight is sparking February joy for me, I hope it is for you also. 😊
I’ve been Director for three months and the learning curve continues. I’m excited to have attended three days of Local Government Leadership Academy training in Nanaimo. It was a super experience: heaps of relevant information & inspiration were shared, such great learning. The opportunity for conversations & connections with elected folks from coastal communities from Langford to Part Hardy and Sechelt to Bella Bella was also valuable.
The proposed Wharves Service, which I discussed in my previous report, has been highly engaging for lots of folks and provided me many opportunities to discuss various aspects of local governance, Services, and the wharves of Area C. I organized two Town Hall meetings to answer questions and hear concerns. I’m pleased that the SRD’s Chief Administrative Officer David Leitch and staff engineers joined me February 14th at these two meetings, hearing from residents on Quadra as well as Outer Discovery Islands residents at Surge Narrows. The intent is for the input to help determine the future stewardship of the wharves and inform a Bylaw which meets the needs of Area C residents. I’ll provide an update in a subsequent report.
I’m grateful SRD staff attended the Wharves Service meetings. Wolfgang Parada (SRD Engineering Services), Dave Leitch (Chief Administrative Officer) & Sheena Fisher (SRD Engineering Services) seen here at Hoskyn Landing before heading to Surge Narrows.
Something exciting which happened at the February 8th Board meeting: I was appointed to represent the SRD at Island Health’s Climate Connect Gathering as the Board’s representative. Island Health is seeking local government insights on how they can support climate mitigation and adaptation. There are several issues at the intersection of Island Health, climate change, and resilience which I’m looking forward to highlighting.
Forests and trees are a topic close to the hearts of many islanders. I’ve received and had recent communications about watershed protection, old growth, salmon habitat preservation, and woodlots. I appreciate folks keeping me informed, thank you.
Snow on a recent cutblock during my tour.
I recently met with Mosaic representatives, and they toured me through some of their Quadra Tree Farm License 47. They stated their ongoing commitment to the ‘90’s era agreement made regarding Quadra harvesting, which includes no cutblocks larger than 5 hectares and no herbicides. I learned they’ve committed to no logging in the Hyacinth Creek watershed while they await the results of a “watershed characterization assessment” by engineer Glynnis Horel. It will be interesting to learn the results of this assessment once complete and if it will affect Mosaic’s long-term harvesting plans in the Hyacinth Creek watershed. I’ll keep islanders informed of the results of the assessment once I learn of them.
If you’d like to connect with me, email RMawhinney@srd.ca, or call/ text 250.203.2468.
Until next time,
Warmly & respectfully,
Robyn Mawhinney