Protect our Fresh Water.
Protect our Coast.
Greenburn Lake - South Pender Island - Gulf Islands National Park
Freshwater will be one of my priorities. On a small island with limited groundwater, development decisions and water planning cannot be separated. With increasing climate pressures, longer dry periods and greater wildfire risk, we need good information about our aquifers, responsible land-use decisions, better water conservation and a clear understanding of the water resources available for emergency fire protection.
I also want the Trust to place greater emphasis on our coastal environment. Shorelines are among the most ecologically sensitive parts of the island, and they are increasingly affected by development, erosion and sea-level rise. Protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems and species at risk should be part of how we prepare South Pender for the realities of climate change.
“Water is life.” On South Pender, that is more than a saying. Our freshwater supply is limited, entirely dependent on rainfall, and fundamental to how we think about growth, development and the long-term health of the island.
For me, freshwater is one of the clearest measures of South Pender’s carrying capacity. If we are going to grow gradually and sustainably, as our OCP requires, we need to make sure that our water supply can support both people and the natural environment.
There are some important realities we need to keep in mind.
South Pender’s freshwater supply is vulnerable to seasonal scarcity and depends entirely on local rainfall for recharge. We receive only about 32 inches of rain in an average year, and roughly three-quarters of that falls during the fall and winter. That leaves us with a long, dry summer period at exactly the time when population and water use increase.
Climate change is making this challenge more serious. Longer droughts not only put pressure on wells and groundwater, they also increase wildfire risk. Having reliable water available for fire protection is especially important during the driest months of the year.
We can already see the pressure elsewhere in the Southern Gulf Islands. Some neighbouring islands are facing severe summer water restrictions. That should be a warning to us. South Pender needs to plan carefully now rather than wait until we are facing the same problems.
Protect our Coast.
Our South Pender coastal environment is a treasured feature our community and your Local Trust Committee (LTC) has important responsibilities to protect our coastline and adjacent marine environment.
Our Official Community Plan (OCP -Part 4 Marine use and development and Part 5 “Coastal Environment”) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) provide important guidance for preserving sensitive shoreline ecosystems and natural features in the coastal zone.
If you elect me as your trustee I will:
• ensure that the OCP and LUB guidelines are fairly applied and where necessary enforced;
• promote educational opportunities so that residents, property owners and visitors are aware of our coastal zone sensitivities and requirements and the accelerating impacts of climate change and storm surges;
• fully support the 50 ft. coastline setback from the natural boundary of the sea for buildings and other structures as provided in our LUB section 3.3(3).
• ensure that development “that would result in a loss of significant marine or coastal habitat, or could interfere with natural coastal processes” is prohibited as required by OCP section 5.1.3(v)
• in consultation with the effected community, consider the possibility of establishing a coastal development permit area where reliable evidence and community information shows that a particular area is vulnarable to development disturbance and protection of the natural environment is required (OCP Coastal Environment Policy S. 5.1.3(b).
If you elect me as your trustee for the coming term, protection of South Pender’s coastal environment will be one of my main priorities. 
King Tide at Mortimer Spit - South Pender Island
Our coastal areas also contain important First Nations cultural heritage and history. Reconciliation cannot simply be language in a policy document. Where First Nations rights, title and interests are affected, consultation needs to be respectful and meaningful. I support South Pender's longstanding commitment to building that relationship with the First Nations whose territories we share.
Beaumont Marine Park - Gulf Islands National Park - South Pender Island
Over the coming weeks, I hope to speak with as many South Pender residents as I can. I want to hear what you value about this island, what concerns you, what you think the Trust is doing well and where you think it needs to change.
I won’t pretend that every issue has an easy solution or that everyone will always agree.
But I can promise that I will listen, I will do my homework, I will be straightforward about where I stand, and I will work hard to protect the natural environment and rural character of South Pender while helping our community navigate the changes ahead.
I would be honoured to have your support.