Islanders say Ganges Harbour character is at stake, as boardwalk is extended

SALT SPRING ISLAND (NEWS 1130) – Two months after people on Salt Spring Island essentially voted to keep their island as is, they’re looking at potential development at what is considered the social and cultural hub of the community.

The governing body of the island wants to complete the Ganges Harbourwalk. But the Local Trust Committee needs the cooperation of four private landowners to gain access to the waterfront. To get their agreement, the committee is proposing changes to zoning.

The Ganges Marina, for one, would like permission to build a new three-storey hotel.

“These design plans show a more intensive form of development than would be allowed under Bylaw 491,” says the committee on its website.

“With so much to lose, the character of the harbour and the ecology, the boardwalk at this point is not a good trade off,” says Kathy Weisner of Save our Shoreline.

“It’s not going to preserve the nature of Ganges. There is a strong First Nations protocol. Two bands are OK with the boardwalk but they don’t want the development,” she adds.

Islanders are being invited to take a look at what might be happening on the waterfront during a community consultation event on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.

Back in September, Islanders voted to preserve island life, and reject a municipal-model of government.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today