Vote Yes For a Salt Spring Island Municipality

09/10/2017

We are very disappointed in the outcome but as the time honoured saying goes, the people have spoken. We are happy that we’ve seen a record turnout at the polls for this important decision and we congratulate the opposition on their success.

Our belief remains that local government decisions should be made by a representative cross-section of Salt Spring Islanders. Today, not having taken the first step on that path, we reach out to our fellow Salt Springers who voted “no” to let them know we remain committed to more effective governance as far as the current system allows. We are extremely grateful for all the hard work of our volunteers and the funding provided by our donors. We could not have communicated our message of hope for the future without those resources.

Islanders have argued for months now, sometimes politely, sometimes angrily, about the best way forward from September 9th. After all the squabbling, there is no dispute about this: born here or lured from elsewhere by the island’s magic, we all love this precious place and its unique community. Our only argument has been what form of governance best equips us to face coming challenges.

The people have now decided. Whether one was Yes or No on this question today, we are united in wanting to create a better Salt Spring tomorrow. The road ahead isn’t smooth but we all have a stake in the outcome. Yes and No voters alike know that they will have to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure a brighter future for us and the generations to come.

We also thank George Grams, Peter Grove, and Wayne McIntyre for fulfilling their campaign promises of six years ago to secure a full governance review allowing islanders to make the best possible informed choice.

09/09/2017

Today is the day - when you make your voice heard!

The FREE VOTER SHUTTLE is ready to 'rock 'n roll' at 9:00am enroute to the Community Gospel Chapel so that you can VOTE!!

Check out the route - have questions? Don't hesitate to call 250-538-5541 or 250-884-4460 to schedule your pickup.

If you are not on the route and need a ride, call us no matter where live on the island. We have drivers on standby who will pick you up and get you to the polls.

This is a FREE VOTER SHUTTLE for ALL voters!

When the sun rises on Sunday, regardless of the outcome, remember what makes Salt Spring special and unique - it's because of you - a neighborly, compassionate and caring community.

Thank you!

09/08/2017

Dave Phillips makes us laugh! And what a good point he makes ... We need a bit of humour about now… 😆 Check it out!

09/08/2017

Voting No is a vote against democracy. Dennis Fortin, renewable energy entrepreneur speaks plainly about voting against a local government.

By Dennis Fortin, Salt Spring Island resident since 2006. Dennis Fortin is retired from a career in the RCAF and the Airline industry. In the seventies he moved his family to a small farm in Eastern Ontario. He built one of the first solar heated homes in the area and operated a renewable energy bus...

09/08/2017

Bt Gillian McConnell, Salt Spring Artist and Rob Honey, Salt Spring Builder It would appear that the phrase “in concert with the Islands Trust” on the YeSSI poster was misconstrued. Playing “in concert with” means “appearing and performing on the same stage” and therefore does not constitute a misre...

09/07/2017

The no side spreads fear to preserve a governance model that does not address the real needs of the community. Richard Walker writes: "If we vote 'No' and do nothing, we will continue to lose young families, businesses, services and employees. Care givers, nurses, technicians and doctors in our hospitals, and support professionals in our schools and Community Services will all be impacted. Children, young adults and seniors will all feel the impact."

By Richard Walker, Salt Spring Resident. Salt Spring Coffee was forced off the island some time ago, and now the last remnant of that unique success story, the RoCo cafe, is closing its doors. Tree House is open and operating, but the bureaucratic hurricane that surrounds that venerable landmark may...

09/06/2017

PLEASE SHARE: Making it on SSI as a young family is a struggle that often ends in defeat. 'We managed to stay for 5 years, had many different types of employment, started a business.... When people ask why we left SSI, the answer is straightforward; “Salt Spring is a wonderful place to live if you can afford it.”' Read about this young entrepreneurial family's valiant attempt to thrive in our community.

By Matt Watters March 31, 2017 Let me start at the end of my story: only a municipality can bring together Salt Spring’s various agencies, coordinate and provide solutions. Disjointed problem-solving creates interminable delays despite a consensus that something be done to help young families establ...

09/06/2017

PLEASE SHARE: Mark and Terena LeCorre own The Tree House Cafe. In June 2014 the Harbour Authority (HASSI) ordered them to vacate the lane way next to the cafe. Now late in 2017, the problem still isn't solved. Their story shows exactly how this convoluted system of ours isn't working for the people who live here - and why NOW is the time to vote Yes for a system that will.

By Mark and Terena LeCorre - owners of The Tree House Cafe When we moved to Salt Spring ten years ago we bought a charming, iconic one of a kind local treasure in the Tree House Cafe. We also bought a business that needed much repair and upgrading. There were many things that were falling apart, but...

09/05/2017

George Grams is the second of our three elected officials to advocate for voting yes to forming local government. George sits on the Trust Executive Committee and is 3 years into his second term as one of our two local trustees. He also chairs the local trust committees of Mayne, North Pender and Saturna Islands. George explains how the current fragmented system with its eight independent authorities is NOT WORKING for the welfare of our island, and why he is voting Yes.

"In considering whether to respond to the many requests I’ve received from members of the local community to make public my position on incorporation I have at all times been guided by Islands Trust policy. Two policies give direction on the subject. The policy on Standards of Conduct, clause 2.7, d...

09/05/2017

If you need a ride, there is a FREE VOTER SHUTTLE - take advantage of living in a democracy, and go vote!!

09/05/2017

Still hearing from renters that they are being told they cannot vote - YES YOU CAN!!!!

If you need a ride, there is a FREE VOTER SHUTTLE - take advantage of living in a democracy, and go vote!!

09/04/2017

Tom Toynbee was born on Salt Spring island in 1934. His grandmother Jane Mouat founded Mouat’s store in Ganges. Tom graduated from SSI Consolidated School in 1952 and from UBC with a business degree in 1958.
He returned to Salt Spring in 1971 to manage Mouats which he and his brothers and cousin bought from the Mouat cousins in 1969. Now retired, Tom has been very involved in community service over the years including many years as the chair of the Ganges Sewer Commission. "I am voting Yes because we need to bring decision making closer to the people."