October 25, 2024: Islands Trust to Begin Thetis Island Property Cleanup

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
October 25, 2024  2024-15-IT 
 
Islands Trust to Begin Thetis Island Property Cleanup 
 
Lək
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 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. - The Islands Trust Executive Committee has approved funding to clean up a 
property on Thetis Island. The cleanup, which is authorized by a British Columbia Supreme Court order, is the 
culmination of years of seeking compliance with land use bylaws, followed by legal action about the unlawful use of 
the property as an automobile salvage yard and outdoor vehicle repair business. The property has been the subject of 
legal action by Islands Trust since 2020.  
 
Islands Trust will be engaging a contractor to remove derelict vehicles, debris, and auto parts from the site. Islands 
Trust Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement staff will be present throughout the cleanup to ensure compliance. 
 
"This cleanup is a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing concerns about this property," said Tobi 
Elliott, Chair of the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee. "By removing these hazards, we are ensuring the protection of 
the natural environment and promoting community safety." 
 
The property owner has repeatedly failed to comply with Islands Trust bylaw enforcement actions and with British 
Columbia Supreme Court orders to cease unlawful activities and remove the debris by the dates specified in the court 
orders. Despite enforcement efforts, the site remains a safety hazard, with the risk amplified by a fire that occurred on 
the property in April 2023. Islands Trust intends to take additional actions to recover taxpayer funding.  
 
Local trust committees create bylaws suitable to the local trust area and Islands Trust uses a ‘complaint-based’ bylaw 
enforcement and compliance process. Almost all bylaw enforcement investigations result from community complaints 
but investigations can be initiated by staff if there are concerns about damage to environmentally sensitive areas and 
health and safety. Islands Trust Council and local trust committees may adopt general bylaw compliance and 
enforcement policies to set priorities for investigations.  
 
Local trust committees and local trustees do not get involved in specific investigations unless a bylaw compliance and 
enforcement officer recommends a course of action. If a local trust committee approves an action, the Islands Trust 
Executive Committee must then approve any related financial costs before legal counsel assistance or contractors can 
be requested.  
 
 
Contact:  
Warren Dingman, Manager of Bylaw Compliance & Enforcement, Islands Trust – 250.405.5175 
Tobi Elliott, Chair, Thetis Island Local Trust Committee – 250.210.9205 
Peter Luckham, Chair, Islands Trust Council - 250.210.2553 
Ken Hunter, Trustee, Thetis Island Local Trust Committee – 250.210.9211 
 
News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria B.C. | V8R 1H8 
Telephone 250.405

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