News Release TC Approves Climate-Focused Budget

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
News Release 
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March 13, 2020 2020-05-IT 
Islands Trust Council Approves 2020/21 Climate-Focused Budget 
 
Lekwungen, METULIYE/Victoria, BC, BC—The Islands Trust Council approved a climate-focused budget of $8.3 million for 2020/21.  
 
"We had a great deal of help with this year's budget," said Peter Luckham, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. "In total, 751 people 
provided input through an online survey or by sending emails. This fiscal year, the budget has a climate-action focus and based on 
survey comments, we understand climate is a shared priority across the Trust Area. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 
survey. Your input was heard and taken into consideration when we finalized the budget.” 
 
The 2020/21 budget shows a 5.0% increase in planned expenditures from the 2019/20 budget to fund general operations and the 
implementation of climate-action Strategic Plan priorities. Listed in order of importance, determined by budget 2020/21 survey 
participant responses, projects funded in the approved budget include: 
 Development of a regional freshwater strategy,  
 Review of foreshore policies and bylaws, and development of a model policy,  
 Development of climate change, demographic, and environmental indicator data sets, 
 Continuation of Coastal Douglas-fir protection work by select local trust committees, 
 Development and implementation of a climate change-focused stewardship education program  
 Mapping the extent of eelgrass throughout the Trust Area,  
 Continuation of the Policy Statement Amendment Project, which includes consideration of climate change-related policies, 
 Testing and developing the potential to broadcast public meetings. 
 
In addition to property tax revenues of $6,917,075 from local trust areas and $312,887 from Bowen Island Municipality, a draw from 
accumulated surplus of $501,150 has been approved to fund these strategic initiatives and subsidize operations of the Islands Trust 
Council, local trust committees, and the Islands Trust Conservancy Board. These tax figures represent a 2.0% general property tax 
increase to property owners from local trust areas plus a 1.3% increase from new development, and a 5.1% tax decrease to Bowen 
Island residents. Bowen Island Municipality contributes a proportional share of the operating costs of trust-wide services, which 
includes the work of Trust Council and the Islands Trust Conservancy. Each year, Islands Trust uses the formula established by 
provincial legislation and Trust Council policy to calculate the amount that is requisitioned from Bowen Island Municipality. 
 
The approved budget als

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