The RAR regulation (Riparian issues), brought into law at the provincial government level, and left to municipalities to further interpret, in their individual areas, is causing an opinion divide on Salt Spring.
It appears that the Trust on Salt Spring is extending their current development permit area bylaw, re preservation of fish habitat, to cover approximately 60% of the Island.
Please make sure you're informed as to what the local trust committee is proposing, what impact this may have on your particular property, and what the costs will be to you re development of your property should it fall within the boundaries of this newly expanded DPA (development permit area).
It's simply about information and understanding.
In this election year (civic election in the Fall), are the current trustees rushing this into law, without full and transparent explanation?
(These are the same trustees who espoused the "precautionary principle": take time, do nothing if uncertain of outcomes, in case the outcome is disastrous...this principle was meant to apply in a research lab, where microbes in the search for disease antidotes might conceivably get out of control. These trustees applied this scientific concept to land use issues).
Now, however, they appear to be rushing this DPA restrictive measure through, without real public presentation/discussion. The posting of a daytime meeting in the Trust office, where it would only be seen if one happened to go into the Trust office for some other reason, and discover it posted on the bulletin board there, is not good enough re disclosure.
Salt Spring Islanders are environmentally aware, and that's why most people choose to live here. Fish habitats are important to all Islanders.
The issue is simply that the local trustees have not presented their RAR interpretation clearly. As a property owner, it's essential that you understand the ramifications of what is proposed (and what is almost law), and that you understand the potential costs to you. As a property buyer, same thing: it's about information, clearly presented and transparent to the public.
This is important...apathy is no excuse.
Check it out, and be informed!
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