May 14, 2024: Islands Trust Launches New Islands Trust Applications Portal

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
May 14, 2024 – for immediate release 2024-05-IT 
 
Islands Trust Launches New Islands Trust Applications Portal  
 
Lək
̓
 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust is introducing a new online Land Use Applications Portal to provide 
applicants, and the general public the ability to more conveniently submit and track development land use applications 
within the Trust Area.  
“The new Islands Trust portal for planning services will improve the applicant’s and public’s experience throughout the 
development application process within the Islands Trust. We are all looking forward to a more seamless and efficient 
experience for residents in the Trust Area,” said Russell Hotsenpiller, Chief Administrative Officer.  
 
The implementation of the new portal was funded by the provincial Local Government Development Approvals Program, 
which is funded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, 
with the aim to implement best practices and to test innovative approaches to improve development approval processes. 
 
Visit the Islands Trust’s Land Use Guides and Forms webpage for more information on the portal and to register for an 
account. The Islands Trust portal will provide step-by-step instructions on creating an account, submitting an application, 
and making a payment. Applicants, and agents with an upcoming planning-related project, are encouraged to sign up to 
use the new system. People with questions about the new online portal are encouraged to read the Help Guide or contact 
Islands Trust for assistance. 
 
In 2018, Islands Trust undertook an internal review of application processing and planning service delivery. The results of 
the review led Islands Trust to develop this new portal to improve application processing systems. It also led to a 
reorganization of staff in the planning department so that some members of the planning team are now focused on 
proactive long-range planning while others are focused on processing applications.  
 
In the last five years Islands Trust has processed a total of 2735 applications and referrals that included 51 rezoning 
applications; 85 subdivision applications; 262 development variance permits, 171 development permits; 121 temporary 
use permits; 34 agricultural land reserve applications; 1672 building permit referrals for the regional districts; and 339 
other applications and referrals. 
 
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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 called this place home since time immemorial. Islands Trust is responsible for 
preserving and protecting the Islands Trust Area's unique amen

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