Jan 24, 2020 - Islands Trust Seeks Input on its Draft 2020/21 Budget

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Bowen, Denman, Hornby,  Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
News Release 
200- 1627 Fort Street Victoria, BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151 FAX:  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca     www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
January 24, 2020            2020-01-IT 
 
Islands Trust Seeks Input on its Draft 2020/21 Budget 
Islands Trust focused on funding climate action 
 
Lekwungen, METULIYE/Victoria, BC - The Islands Trust Council welcomes public comments on its draft 2020/21 budget, 
until February 9.  
 
The proposed budget for 2020/21 of $8,180,478 is based on the assumption the Islands Trust will maintain existing 
service levels and implement the following Islands Trust Council Strategic Plan climate-action initiatives: 
 map the extent of eelgrass throughout the Trust Area 
 develop a regional freshwater strategy 
 review foreshore policies and bylaws, and develop a model policy 
 develop climate change, demographic, and environmental indicator data sets 
 test and develop the potential to broadcast public meetings 
 develop and implement a climate change-focused stewardship education program 
 continue the Policy Statement Amendment Project, which includes consideration of climate change related policies 
 continue Coastal Douglas-fir protection by some local trust committees as part of their climate action mitigation 
work 
 
“For the past 45 years, the Islands Trust’s day-to-day work has been about preserving and protecting the fragile 
ecosystems of the Islands Trust Area,” said Peter Luckham, Chair, Islands Trust Council. “Last year, we joined 
governments around the world in declaring a climate emergency. With this budget, the intention is to expand our 
climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. 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.” 
 
Compared to last year, the budget takes into account: 
 3% increase in total expenditures from the 2019/20 budget 
 1.5% projected overall tax increase for the Islands Trust Area (other than Bowen Island Municipality) 
 2.7% projected increase in Bowen Island Municipal tax levy 
 $383,650 draw from the surplus funds to balance the budget  
 climate actions funded through regular operations and program funding  
 Trust Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, funded through regular operations and program funding, in support of 
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of 
Indigenous Peoples  

 
 wage increases per union agreements and Public Service policies: 
o 2.0% wage increase for all union staff per the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU) 
Collective Agreement and a $62,000 increase t

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