CVRD Area G Report to Thetis Island - Fall 2022

Thetis Island Community Wharf
Where are we with respect to the Thetis and Hudson Island Wharf Revitalization Project? Due to the shortage of CVRD staff in the Parks & Trails Division, this Project has been delayed. CVRD staff are seeking updated costs from Herold Engineering. Once this update is received, the Thetis Island Port Commission will review them.

At present, there is about $80,000 of Thetis Island Wharf Reserve funds available for the Project. I have allocated an additional $116,000 from the Area G Community Works Funds (CWF). Next steps will involve the CVRD Parks & Trails staff engaging with both the Thetis and Hudson Island communities about remaining works, ongoing and future costs, taxation implications and approvals.

Thetis Island Local Trust Committee
I thank the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee for inviting me to their meetings and providing me with a spot on the agenda to present my CVRD Area G reports. The meetings are always interesting and a great chance for me to learn more about your community and Thetis Island Local Trust Committee work.

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Grant-in-Aid
After the Local Government Election in 2018, I investigated the CVRD Area G Grant-in-Aid taxation collected from both Saltair and Gulf Island properties. I began with 2012 and worked forward. I found that about $4,700 had been collected from the Thetis Island Community and not allocated back to the Community. TIRRA identified three projects that would benefit the community: cemetery maintenance, trail signage, and sound assistance for those with hearing issues at Forbes Hall. It was gratifying to see these funds returned to the community.

It is apparent Thetis Island has its own way of funding projects. Accordingly, four years ago, I stopped collecting and allocating Grant-in-Aid taxation. I found it hard to justify the additional costs of 5% by the CVRD for distributing these funds and the 5.25% Prov. of BC rural fee for collecting the funds when Thetis Islanders are so good at independently identifying worthwhile projects and raising necessary funds. Kudos to all the amazing fund raisers and volunteers on Thetis.

Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands - CWF for Thetis Island
As the Area G Director, I receive an allocation of CWF funds and have an opportunity to distribute them to priority projects within Area G. Above, I indicated $116,000 Area G CWF funds have been allocated to the wharf project. $25,000 has also been allocated to the Thetis Island Community Centre – Forbes Hall for a generator to provide an Emergency Centre for Thetis Island and surrounding Gulf Islands residents. Earlier, $8,100 was allocated for the folding wall in the Community Centre. These are the last of the currently available CWF funds for Area G. Recently, we were told projects designated for CWF funding must start by 2024 to qualify. Hopefully the Federal/Provincial Governments will continue this program or create a new one that puts dollars back into projects in our communities.

Thetis Island Connectivity
A grant application is still in process. There should be an update near the end of August. The CVRD has identified Thetis and Penelakut Island as a top priority for broadband connectivity.

Thetis Island Solid Waste/Recycling
A bit of history for those who may be new to Thetis.

Management Bylaw 3713 was adopted by the CVRD Board on December 11, 2013. Thetis Island voters authorized this taxation, which would be collected by the CVRD and forwarded to TIRRA to, “… provide a financial contribution to [TIRRA] to assist with the costs associated with the operation and collection of Solid Waste & Recycling.” https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/View/9496/510?bidId=

This taxation is included on your BC Property Tax Notice and is collected at the beginning of July. These funds are allocated to TIRRA in August, once the Ministry of Finance has released the funds to the CVRD. Your tax dollars enable TIRRA to operate the Thetis Solid Waste and Recycle Depot and transport both solid waste and recycling off Thetis Island.

CVRD Regional Recreation Referendum
The nine relevant “Regionally Significant” recreation facilities are Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Cowichan Community Centre, Cowichan Lake Sports Area, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Cowichan Sportsplex, Frank Jameson Community Centre, Fuller Lake Arena, Kerry Park Recreation Centre, and Shawnigan Lake Community Centre.

Prior to the 2022 usage data collection, I asked the CVRD Board to separately record the Area G data for Saltair and the Gulf Islands. This motion was approved.

The 2021/2022 data collection indicates that the Area G Gulf Islands residents use these facilities. However, it shows minimal usage by Gulf Island residents. I raised a motion to exempt the Gulf Islands from Regional Recreation. This motion was defeated.

There will be a referendum question for Regional Recreation on the ballot during the Local Government Election on 15 Oct 2022. Based on the current usage by Area G, it will cost Saltair and Gulf Islands taxpayers about $15.33 per $100,000 assessed value (phased in over 3 years) and could go as high as $119.54 per $100,000.

The Usage Data collected by RC Strategies states, “… the 2017 analysis resulted in accuracy of +/- 3%, nineteen times out of 20, this current study has results which are at or better than +/-2% nineteen times out of 20.” Area G accounts for more than 2% of the total usage of only two of the nine facilities and less than 1% of the total usage of the other six facilities. I raised a motion to have any facility usage under 1% removed. This motion was also defeated. The 2017 and 2022 reports can be found at https://www.cvrd.ca/2926/Regional-Recreation-Planning

CVRD staff will start communicating with the communities about this on or about July 25th. I will ensure Thetis Island residents have an opportunity to participate and have their questions answered prior to the election.

Thetis Island Saturday Market
Thank you to all the Thetis Island Saturday Market participants for creating such a friendly place to stop and shop. Each time I stop, there are new booths to explore.

Lynne Smith
CVRD Director Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands