Gabriola Sounder

Trustees seek to prioritize bylaw enforcement

Island Trustees will be working with bylaw enforcement staff to come up with a new way to prioritize enforcement on bylaw infractions on Gabriola Island.

BCUC gives go ahead to 7% hydro rate increase

The BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) issued a decision on Feb. 15 regarding BC Hydro’s rate application which. These changes will be reflected on bills effective April 1, 2012.

17 km of streams mapped on Gabriola for Riparian Area protection

Gabriola, and many areas of the Islands Trust, remain the only local government left in British Columbia to implement updated Riparian Area Regulations (RAR), according to Trustee Sheila Malcolmson.

Regional Director’s Report for January

Well things are settling down at the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) as we get more of the budget meetings out of the way.

The Gabriola Chamber of Commerce marks National Chamber of Commerce Week

Monday, Feb. 20 marks the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Week 2012. Chambers of Commerce stimulate local economies, direct community promotion and engage in multi-level advocacy which benefits the entire province.

A firefighter’s perspective - specialized tools

Fire departments have unique training and specialized tools to respond to emergency situations other than fires such as motor vehicle incidents. In the event of a serious motor vehicle incident, firefighters are responsible for making the scene safe and rescuing the patient.

Haven and Arts Council partner up to create “The Artist’s Haven” residency program

Fire Hall costs may reach $4.9 million with loan interest

The construction cost of the proposed Fire Hall is projected to be less than $3.9 million. However the total cost to tax payers could be close to $4.9 million. It all depends on the actual construction costs and the interest rates available when the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District (GFPID) Board takes out its proposed $2.3 million loan from the province.

Cougar spotted twice on Daniel Way

At least two cougar sightings on Gabriola have been reported to Stuart Bates, Conservation Officer in Nanaimo.

Housekeeping of bylaw complaints finds two unlawful dwellings

Bylaw Enforcement Officer Peter Phillips did what he called a ‘housekeeping’ of the complaints file relating to unlawful dwellings recently. This involved inspecting a number of homes on Gabriola which had been reported to Peter’s office as being unlawful.