June 5, 2024 - Islands Trust Recognizes 50 Years of Preserving and Protecting

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
June 5, 2024 – for immediate release 2024-07-IT 
 
Islands Trust Recognises 50 Years of Preserving and Protecting 
 
Lək
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 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Today, Islands Trust recognises 50 years as a special purpose government mandated 
to preserve and protect over 450 Islands and the surrounding waters in the Salish Sea.  
 
The Province of British Columbia created Islands Trust in 1974 in response to rates of development in the Gulf Islands and 
the need to protect the unique amenities and environment of the region. Today, Islands Trust preserves and protects the 
islands in the context of many complex challenges, including climate change, lack of affordable housing, freshwater 
limitations, hundreds of species at risk, and development and tourism pressures. 
 
Over the past five decades, the Islands Trust has evolved to meet new challenges and opportunities. The organization is 
deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It is also working to address housing equity and climate 
change related challenges. Islands Trust has implemented innovative projects and policies to support sustainable living for 
islanders, while staying true to the core mandate of preserving and protecting the unique amenities and environment of 
the region. 
 
"For 50 years, Islands Trust has been working to preserve and protect the unique amenities and environment of these 
islands. Our commitment to protecting these islands for future generations remains as strong as ever. We are proud of 
our history and excited about our future as we continue to adapt and innovate in response to a changing world," said 
Islands Trust Chair Peter Luckham. 
 
Islands Trust Council is holding its next quarterly meeting on Salt Spring Island, June 18-20, 2024, where it will recognize 
its 50th anniversary. 
 
“For half a century, the residents of the Gulf Islands have come together to preserve and protect the special context of 
their community,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “That’s why, today we are not only celebrating this 
anniversary by looking back at its legacy but also by looking forward to future challenges that will be taken up by those 
dedicated to serving their communities, working toward further reconciliation with local First Nations and tackling 
contemporary challenges head on.” 
 
The Islands Trust looks forward to the next 50 years of service during which it will build on its legacy with continued 
dedication to the principles of preservation and protection, while fostering resilient and vibrant island communities. 
 
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Islands Trust is a special-purpose government representing over 30,000 people living within the Islands Trust Area and 
10,000 non-resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located within Coast Salish territory and is the homeland 
to many Coast Salish Peoples who have calle

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