Jan 22, 2021 - Islands Trust Seeks Input on its Proposed 2021/22 Budget

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
January 22, 2021 – for immediate release 2021-03-IT 
 
Islands Trust seeks input on its proposed 2021/22 budget 
 
Lək
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 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. – Islands Trust Council welcomes public comments on its proposed 2021/22 budget, through 
Sunday, February 7. 
 
The proposed operating budget for 2021/22 ($8,838,460) assumes that the Islands Trust will maintain existing service levels, 
implement a new species-at-risk program, develop heritage preservation overlay maps, and implement the following climate-action 
initiatives from Trust Council’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan: 
 
• Stewardship education program 
• Islands Trust Policy Statement update with engagement from First Nations, the public, and referral agencies 
• Secretariat program which gives administrative support to regional coordination groups  
• Climate change indicator development, specific to the Trust Area 
• Technology investments for online streaming of Islands Trust in-person public meetings to foster transparency and 
public engagement 
• Mapping the extent of eelgrass beds throughout the Trust Area  
• Completion of the first phase of a freshwater sustainability strategy  
• Groundwater mapping completion and development of water budgets for groundwater aquifers in the Trust Area  
• Development of model bylaws for local trust committees/Bowen Island Municipality that address groundwater use, 
rainwater catchment, and greywater recycling to promote freshwater sustainability  
• Development of model bylaws for local trust committees/Bowen Island Municipality that exchange bonus density 
for affordable housing 
• Development of model development permit areas for local trust committees/Bowen Island Municipality to protect 
Coastal Douglas-fir and associated ecosystems throughout the Trust Area 
 
Trust Council will continue to implement its Reconciliation Action Plan. 
 
“This past year has been difficult for everyone in B.C. and that includes Islands Trust,” said Peter Luckham, Islands Trust Council Chair. 
“The draft 2021/22 Budget captures what we have learned about operating during a pandemic, allows for some in-person meetings 
later in the year, and also reflects that we are full-steam ahead on strategic work at this mid-point of the term. We hope the public 
will participate in our budget consultation by completing our online survey, sending us an email, or presenting to Trust Council to let 
us know how they feel about what we’re proposing.” 
 
Highlights of the proposed 2021/22 budget: 
 3.26% ($221,130) projected tax increase overall for the Islands Trust Area (other than Bowen Island Municipality), plus 0.87% 
($59,013) in new tax funds from new development and construction 
 4.78% ($14,496) projected tax levy increase to Bowen Island Municipality, of which 1.1% ($3,273) will be generated from new 
development and construction 
 
News Release 

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