August 13, 2025: Thetis Island Property Cleanup Successfully Completed

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
August 13, 2025  2025-12-IT 
 
Thetis Island Property Cleanup Successfully Completed 
 
Lək̓ ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – The cleanup of a property on Thetis Island that had been unlawfully used as 
an automobile salvage yard and outdoor vehicle repair business is now complete. This marks the conclusion of a 
lengthy process aimed at bringing the property into compliance with local land use bylaws. 
 
The cleanup was authorized by a BC Supreme Court order and funded by the Islands Trust Council and approved 
by the Islands Trust Executive Committee. The cleanup involved the removal of derelict vehicles, debris, and 
auto parts from the site, with Islands Trust Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement staff overseeing the process to 
ensure full compliance. 
 
The property had been the subject of legal action by the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee since 2020, with the 
owner repeatedly failing to comply with bylaw compliance and enforcement actions and BC Supreme Court 
orders to cease unlawful activities and remove debris. Despite compliance and enforcement efforts, the site 
remained a safety hazard, further exacerbated by a fire in April 2023. With the cleanup now complete, Thetis 
Island Local Trust Committee has taken further steps to recover taxpayer funding used for the remediation of the 
property, in the form of certificates of costs from the Registrar of the BC Supreme Court. 
 
"The cleanup of this property not only supports efforts to restore the environmental integrity of the area but 
upholds local bylaws and maintains safe, livable spaces for residents," said Tobi Elliott, Chair of the Thetis Island 
Local Trust Committee.  
 
Most investigations originate from community complaints, though under Islands Trust Council policy, staff may 
also initiate action if there are concerns about environmental damage or safety risks. Islands Trust Council and 
local trust committees may adopt general bylaw compliance and enforcement policies to set priorities for 
investigations.  
 
The successful resolution of this case underscores the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee’s commitment to 
maintaining the integrity of land use regulations while protecting both the community and the environment. 
 
Contact:  
Warren Dingman, Manager of Bylaw Compliance & Enforcement, Islands Trust – 250.405.5175 
Tobi Elliott, Chair, Thetis Island Local Trust Committee, Islands Trust – 250.210.9205 
 
News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria B.C. | V8R 1H8 
Telephone 250.405.5151   
Toll Free via Service BC in Vancouver 604.660.2421 | in B.C. 1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca | www.islandstrust.bc.ca

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