Ganges Gathers Workshop Summary

Extracted text (beginning)

MAY 2022
Ganges (SYOWT/Shiya’hwt)  
Village Area Plan Task Force
Workshop 
Summary

Introduction
On March 26th and 27th, 2022, members of 
the Salt Spring Island Ganges Village Area 
Plan Task Force gathered for a two-day team 
workshop facilitated by Ahne Studio.
The workshop began with an overview 
presentation of the first phase engagement 
process and the draft themes that emerged 
from the community's input. Through a 
series of activities, the group co-created a 
draft vision, developed a set of goals, and 
identified a boundary for the Area Plan. 
The ideas, perspectives, and experiences 
of the group were captured using sticky 
notes and refined in real time using a virtual 
whiteboard. The following pages outline a 
revised version of the input that was shared. 
The verbatim notes from the workshop 
boards can be found in the Appendix. 

Task Force members combined 
their perspectives with input 
from the community, to develop 
an emerging vision and set of 
goals. 
Issued: May 2022Ganges (SYOWT/Shiya’hwt) Village Area Plan Task Force Workshop Summary
3

Emerging 
Vision

Ganges is the beating heart of Salt Spring. 
The village nurtures local and global connections 
by fostering a welcoming, diverse, healthy, and 
creative community.
The  village  acknowledges  its  diverse  legacy  
grounded in Indigenous roots. With small town 
values of respect, kindness, and safety, Ganges 
flourishes  and  regenerates  in  the  face  of  sea  
change.
5
Issued: May 2022Ganges (SYOWT/Shiya’hwt) Village Area Plan Task Force Workshop Summary

Lenses
The Task Force identified four lenses through 
which Area Plan policies should be developed 
and evaluated: Arts, Culture, and Heritage, 
Environmental and Community Wellbeing, 
Economic Resiliency and Vibrancy, and 
Reconciliation and Equity in Planning.

Environmental 
and Community 
Wellbeing
Arts, Culture, and 
Heritage
Economic Resiliency 
and Vibrancy
Reconciliation and 
Equity in Planning
Issued: May 2022Ganges (SYOWT/Shiya’hwt) Village Area Plan Task Force Workshop Summary
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Emerging 
Goals

1.   Connect community services and amenities 
through a walkable, accessible, and safe network.
2. Create a village that is transportation-friendly, 
balancing the interests of all users, commercial 
activities, and enhancing safety for all.
3. Ensure that village character reflects the soul 
of the Island, with funky, vibrant, authentic, and 
cohesive approaches to planning and design.
4. Increase the supply of safe, affordable, and 
special needs housing, supporting a diversity of 
lifestyles living in the village core.
5. Prioritize infrastructure that evolves to address 
the needs of a thriving village.
6. Foster a vibrant year round economy that 
promotes and celebrates local businesses and 
services, encourages entrepreneurial spirit, and 
sustains a robust, local workforce.
7.   Ensure that the village is inclusive and welcoming 
to all.
8. Commit to genuine reconciliation through 
village planning proc

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