Thank you for signing our petition supporting a strong Trust Policy Statement, the governing document of the Islands Trust.  We now have over 1,100 signatures!  Also, thank you to those who contributed to change.org which helps boost petition circulation.  We are proud of this tremendous support for a strong Trust Policy Statement (TPS) that prioritizes protection of the natural environment and the rural character of our islands. We are continuing to publicize the petition so please encourage others to sign. 

The latest draft of the TPS has been released and will be discussed on July 29, 1 pm at a Trust Council Special Meeting where they hope to give it first reading. We will be listening to these meetings and are analyzing this draft in preparation for commenting during the following public engagement period.

Holding the Trust Accountable -  Our President, Jennifer Margison gave an inspirational delegation to the Trust Council when they met on Salt Spring Island this June.  First, she proudly unfurled an impressively long scroll with the names of the petition signers who support a strong Trust Policy Statement. 

Then, she made a presentation restating that the Islands Trust is not an ordinary government body. It is unique—a one-of-a-kind institution with a legislated preservation mandate. She urged trustees to ensure that the Trust Policy Statement that is being revised effectively protects our environment from further degradation. This will also support thriving communities, meaningful partnerships with First Nations, responsible affordable housing solutions, and offer both residents and visitors the chance to breathe deeply, feel renewed, and give thanks for these remarkable islands.

Our other good news is that the MLA who represents the southern part of the Islands Trust area, Rob Botterell, a Pender Island resident, has spoken in support of the Trust having a strong environmental mandate.  Also, the recent Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon wrote a letter to the Trust elected leadership (Trust Council), supporting the “ecological mandate of the Trust”. 

His letter states in part, “It is my expectation that the Trust Council recognizes that this requires careful deliberation and consideration of perspectives to manage expectations of growth, development and local economies without exceeding the carrying capacity of local ecosystems and preserving unspoiled natural amenities.”

Our sentiments exactly!

For information on our organization and our other projects, please see our Friends of the Gulf Islands Society website.