Silva Bay is more than a marina. It is the soul of Gabriola Island. Nestled on British Columbia's spectacular west coast, Silva Bay has been a cornerstone of island life for generations, supporting local jobs, moorage, floatplane services, and a private residence that has depended on its well for over 50 years.

The infrastructure at Silva Bay, including that well, was established before 1970, predating the Islands Trust entirely. These facilities were not built in defiance of regulation. They were built before such regulation existed, at a time when they were essential to the growth and sustainability of this island community.

Today, the Islands Trust is treating this continuous, decades-long operation as a new violation. That is not fair. That is not consistent. And it threatens real people — the families, workers, moorage holders, and floatplane operators whose livelihoods depend on Silva Bay remaining open and operational.

We believe regulation must acknowledge history, not erase it. Protecting Gabriola's environment and honoring its community heritage are not opposing goals. They can and must coexist.

We call on the Islands Trust to review their approach, recognize Silva Bay's historical legitimacy, and ensure that 50 years of continuous community service is never unjustly classified as a violation.

Sign this petition. Stand with Silva Bay. Protect our heritage, our jobs, and our future.