Executive Committee Regular Meeting Agenda - Appendix A

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Pages 2 - 24
John Roe, Veins of Life Watershed Society - Addressing the Causes and Problems Affecting Freshwater and 
Marine Shoreline
Pages 25 - 33
Justine Stark, Capital Regional District/Rural Housing Program – Present Rural Housing Program to Trust 
Council
Page 34
Mayor Leonard, Bowen Island Municipality - A welcome and introduction from the Mayor of Bowen Island, as
a municipality within the Trust. Results and implications of the community opinion poll held on Bowen as part 
of the 2022 elections; concerns arising from Trust Council’s October 16th letter to the Province which requests
a wide-ranging review of the Trust; BIM Council’s position and resolution on proposed Islands Trust Policy
 
Statement engagement, as expressed in the October 31st letter to Trust Council.
Page 35
Maxine Leichter, Keep Salt Spring Sustainable - Council's Trust Policy Statement (TPS) review, and request for
Provincial review/amendment of Islands Trust Act.
Page 36 - 38
Jennifer Margison, Friends of the Gulf Islands Society - To comment on the draft Trust Policy Statement and 
Committee of the Whole discussion.

Addressing the Causes and Problems 
Affecting Freshwater and Marine 
Shoreline Ecosystems to Rebuild the 
Shellfish Industry Without 
Depuration



Septic Systems and the impact on the Salish Sea 

I am writing to you on behalf of Veins of Life Watershed Society a dedicated environmental 
organization focused on preserving and restoring British Columbia’s precious ecosystems. We 
are deeply concerned about the ongoing degradation of freshwater and marine shoreline 
ecosystems within the Islands Trust area, and its consequent impact on the local shellfish 
industry. Our intent is to highlight the critical issues and advocate for the stringent 
implementation of existing bylaws and regulations to ensure the sustainable recovery and 
growth of this vital industry without the need for depuration. 
Causes of Degradation in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems 
The ecosystems within the Islands Trust area are uniquely vulnerable to a variety of 
anthropogenic impacts. These delicate ecosystems are critical for maintaining biodiversity, 
water quality, and the viability of local fisheries, particularly the shellfish industry. However, 
several key issues have contributed to their degradation: 
1. Improperly Maintained Septic Systems: 
o Leaching of Contaminants: A significant portion of residential properties in the 
Islands Trust area rely on septic systems. When these systems are not adequately 
maintained, they can leak harmful contaminants, including pathogens, nutrients, 
and chemical substances, into nearby freshwater and marine environments. This 
leakage can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and the 
accumulation of pathogens in shellfish beds. 
o Bacterial Contamination: Poorly functioning septic systems are a primary 
source of bacterial contamination in freshwater streams and coastal waters, 
leading to elevated levels of Escherichia c

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