Regional Planning Committee Regular Meeting Minutes

Extracted text (beginning)

--- OCR PAGE 1: https://islandstrust.bc.ca/document/regional-planning-committee-regular-meeting-minutes-20/ ---
ADOPTED

Islands Trust

Regional Planning Committee  
Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Date: July 24, 2026  
Location: Electronic Meeting

Members Present:  
Mairead Boland, Saturna Island Local Trustee, Chair  
Sam Borthwick, Denman Island Local Trustee, Vice Chair  
Tobi Elliott, Gabriola Island Local Trustee, Executive Committee Representative  
David Graham, Denman Island Local Trustee  
Laura Patrick, Salt Spring Island Local Trustee (ex officio)

Member Regrets:  
Aaron Campbell, North Pender Island Local Trustee

Staff Present:  
Stefan Cermak, Director, Planning Services  
Mary Storzer, Regional Planning Manager  
William Shulba, Senior Freshwater Specialist  
Rob Kroeker, Planning Services Administrative Assistant / Recorder

Others Present: One member of the public was present.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Boland called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. and acknowledged that participants of the meeting were attending all across the territories of the Coast Salish peoples.

2. AGENDA

2.1 Review of the Agenda

No new item was presented for consideration.

2.2 Approval of Agenda

By general consent the Regional Planning Committee approved the agenda as presented.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

No member of the publish wished to speak.

4. DELEGATIONS

4.1.1 Maxine Leichter – Friends of the Gulf Islands Society

Regional Planning Committee  
Minutes of a Regular Meeting  
July 24, 2026

ADOPTED

Page 1 of 6

--- OCR PAGE 2: https://islandstrust.bc.ca/document/regional-planning-committee-regular-meeting-minutes-20/ ---
ADOPTED

The delegate spoke to concerns about protecting species at risk in the Trust Area. The Biologist’s report shows that locations harbouring species at risk are known, and now need to be protected. A model Development Approval Information (DAI) bylaw would be helpful to ensure consistent and adequate professional reports. A request was made for staff to explain the difference between Regional Planning Committee and Trust Programs Committee ecosystem protection work. The Committee was urged to adopt all recommendations in the staff report.

5. CORRESPONDENCE

None.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATION

6.1 Draft Minutes of Previous Meetings

For review and approval.

6.1.1 Regional Planning Committee Draft Minutes of May 1, 2026 Regular Meeting

By general consent the Regional Planning Committee approved the minutes as presented.

6.2 Resolutions Without Meeting

None.

6.3 Follow-up Action List

Received for information.

Trustee Elliott left the meeting at 10:23 a.m. and re-joined the meeting at 10:33 a.m.

7. BUSINESS – WORK PROGRAM ITEMS

7.1 Freshwater Atlas Updates and Timeline - Briefing

Senior Freshwater Specialist Shulba introduced the briefing. Committee discussion included:
• orientation to this work for new trustees after the October elections
• maintenance of data and contingency planning
• watercourse and wells

First 3,000 characters. Open the original for the whole document.