May 3, 2021 - Surge of development applications slows processing time

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
May 3, 2021 – for immediate release 2021-07-IT 
 
A surge of development applications slows processing time at Islands Trust  
 
Lək
̓
 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Fitting with the province-wide trend of people looking to develop their properties, 
buy new properties, and tackle home improvement during the pandemic, Islands Trust is experiencing an increase of 
development applications. This increase is resulting in longer processing times. 
 
Compared to the Islands Trust five-year average, in the first quarter of this year, development applications more than 
doubled on Salt Spring Island to 105%. In the rest of the southern islands, applications went up 90%, and they also 
increased by 56% in the northern islands. 
 
Members of the public considering development applications are advised of long wait times and asked for understanding 
and patience. 
 
"Staff is working to maximum capacity," shared Peter Luckham. "Unfortunately, due to budget restrictions, we cannot 
hire additional staff, so we are asking applicants for their understanding and patience. Applications are up substantially, 
and people should expect processing time delays. We remind everyone that moving ahead on development without 
authorization can cause serious additional delays, disrupt fragile ecosystems, and destroy cultural heritage sites. Islands 
Trust bylaws implement our preserve and protect mandate, and they will be enforced when work is started without 
appropriate permits. The Islands Trust preserve and protect mandate requires deliberate, informed, and thoughtful work. 
This important work cannot be rushed or bypassed. We thank all applicants for their patience during this time. " 
 
The Islands Trust Conservancy is also processing an increased number of proposals for conservation covenants and land 
donations. Island property owners are encouraged to explore opportunities to protect ecological features and to benefit 
from income tax and property tax incentives. Learn more at https://islandstrust.bc.ca/conservancy/protect-nature/ 
 
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Islands Trust is a federation of special-purpose local government bodies representing 26,000 people living within the 
Islands Trust Area and another 10,000 non-resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located within Coast Salish 
territory and is the homeland to over 28,000 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 environment and 
amenities by planning and regulating land use, development management, education, cooperation with other agencies, 
and land conservation. The area covers the islands and waters between the British Columbia mainland and southern 
Vancouver Island. It includes 13 major islands and more than 450 smaller islands covering 5,200 square kilo

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