On May 27, Salt Spring elected four candidates for its first ever Local Community Commission. The body of elected officials will administer a scope of Salt Spring Island-specific services in place of the Capital Regional District. The elected candidates will serve alongside Area Director Gary Holman to oversee and advise on economic development, wastewater disposal, community parks and recreation, small craft harbour facilities, transit and transportation, street lighting, grants-in-aid, compensation for livestock injured by dogs, and the contribution services for arts, public library, and search and rescue.

During the election period, LMHF reached out to the candidates to get their perspectives and positions on issues related to health, well-being, and healthcare on our island. Read on to hear what your newly-elected Commissioners had to say about these topics.

Jump to: Gayle Baker | Ben Corno | Earl Rook | Brian Webster

Gayle Baker 

• What is your relationship to the Lady Minto Hospital and/or the Hospital Foundation? (eg, volunteer, donor, staff, member)? How would you use your role as a Commissioner to support the Hospital and the Foundation? 

I have no formal relationship with either Lady Minto Hospital nor the Foundation. 

• Though the purview of the Community Commission does not directly cover health, it does encompass a number of areas integral to community health and wellbeing (incl. economic development; wastewater disposal; parks and recreation; arts; public library facilities; street lighting; transit; search and rescue). In this context, what health priorities will you focus on? What health initiatives will you champion? 

When a holistic definition of heath is utilized, virtually even one of the 11 services and three Contribution Agreements over which the LCC has been given authority are major contributors to the health of our community. If elected, I will work patiently and tenaciously to ensure that every one of those services is driven by the best wisdom, is made more agile to act more quickly, is scrutinized in detail to guarantee the best uses of each of our tax dollars, and that the performance of the LCC will be evaluated each year to determine its effectiveness. 

While issues around accessibility for all modes of transport have been a key concern for me during my years as Chair of the now-dissolved Transportation Commission, if forced to select a single target, it would be the unfortunate economic, fiscal, and environmental costs (totaling $600,000 this year) of trucking our effluent off-island. We simply have to move forward with dispatch to address this. 

• The LCC’s role includes overseeing and advising on Economic Development. How do you see the supply of affordable workforce housing on Salt Spring intersecting with local economic development? Do you intend to direct resources under your purview, such as grants-in-aid, to support affordable workforce housing? 

An issue that unites the vast majority of all 15 markedly-different candidates is a concern about the availability of Workforce Housing and the detrimental economic impacts of this huge gap. Grant-in-Aids, normally offering up to $5,000, are an important source of support for local issues. Examples are recent Grants-in-Aid allocated to the Mental Health Initiative, trash in our village, and the soon-to-be launched Ganges Ambassador Program. 

Additionally, the LCC will have the responsibility for the nearly $96,000 allocated-to the recently-dissolved Community Economic Sustainability Commission to address economic vitality issues. Although this allocation has in the past been largely used for studies, if elected, I will lobby to use a significant of this on-going funding to establish a Contribution Agreement with a local nonprofit to focus all of its efforts on Workforce Housing initiatives to include: 

• Land acquisition, 
• Fund- and donation-raising, 
• Advocacy with local governments for incentives like tax breaks for Workforce Housing projects
• Partnerships with local employers (like you!) to advocate for the removal of barriers impeding your projects,
• Advocacy with the province concerning Rental Tenancy laws and processes,
• Coordination of Inter-Agency Working groups (including nonprofits, government, and local architects/developers) to move potential projects forward quickly,
• Rental support systems (like the ones already offered by Lady Minto Hospital) for local employers, 

And, the list goes on . . ..

Obviously, this will not all be accomplished with less than $100,000, but this funding will allow the almost-immediate development of an agile program. With clear and measurable objectives, we will soon be able to assess its effectiveness, modify as needed, and – assuming its successful performance – allocate the annual amount needed to finally address our needed housing for workers. 

• One of the greatest challenges faced by our local hospital is staffing, due in large part to a lack of affordable workforce housing on-island. What role do you feel that our Hospital itself plays in local economic development? How would you use your position to help to ensure its continued operation?

Lady Minto Hospital and the Foundation are major contributors to not only our health but also Salt Spring’s economic viability. If one sets aside the immeasurable health benefits you provide – as well as the reality that many newcomers select Salt Spring Island solely because of Lady Minto Hospital – your economic contributions as one of our largest employers are significant. Additionally, your initiatives to address staffing/housing challenges are large, including:

• Lady Minto Hospital continues to be a major employer in our community, continuously hiring new health-care workers and support staff. At a recent ASK Salt Spring gathering, Erin Price-Lindstrom said: If you need a job, come see us. We are always hiring!
• Lady Minto Hospital also serves as a training site for health care aids: Provided link: Work in the health care sector – Province of British Columbia
• Lady Minto Hospital has hired a full-time administrator to help newly recruited and short-term staff to navigate housing issues.
• A resource list matching available rentals with hires is maintained and supported by the Lady Minto Foundation
• Working with owners, several housing units are maintained to support short-term staff housing needs, and
• Of course, the Lady Minto Foundation’s purchase of the Seabreeze Inne will eventually offer housing for 18 permanent hospital staff members.

Thank-you Lady Minto Hospital and Foundation! 

• As you are likely aware, in 2021 LMHF purchased the Seabreeze Inne to convert to hospital staff housing. If elected, will you support affordable workforce housing initiatives such as this project? 

Absolutely! Through the CRD Workforce Housing service described above, paid staff and volunteers will partner with government, nonprofit, and private sector partners to support employers provide housing for their employees. 

While the 18 units at Seabreeze Inne will be very helpful, if elected, I will clearly recognize that this is not enough and that Workforce Housing initiatives to further address your large need for healthcare worker housing will need continuous attention and support from this proposed new CRD Workforce Housing initiative. 

• CRHD has identified a new ECU project in their 10 year financial plan. This project has the potential to bring major economic and social benefits to our community as more community members are facilitated to age-in-place. If elected, what would you do in your role to support this proposal’s approval and funding?

My apologies, but I am not familiar with this Extended Care Unit Project, and have not been able to locate any details of this new initiative. Until I have more information, if elected, I cannot yet commit my support, but do look forward to learning more. 

But, on a personal note, I clearly understand the social and economic benefits of aging in place and hope to do so myself! I was able to support my mother to stay at home until her death at 98. If this proposal offers support to others to allow their loved ones to stay in their homes, I am philosophically in strong support of this life-giving alternative for our elders. 

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Ben Corno

• What is your relationship to the Lady Minto Hospital and/or the Hospital Foundation? (eg, volunteer, donor, staff, member)? How would you use your role as a Commissioner to support the Hospital and the Foundation?

My primary relationship with the LMH is as a Patron! I was in there last week getting some bloodwork done, and I find myself there perhaps once or twice a year if I take a turn for the worse. 

• Though the purview of the Community Commission does not directly cover health, it does encompass a number of areas integral to community health and wellbeing (incl. economic development; wastewater disposal; parks and recreation; arts; public library facilities; street lighting; transit; search and rescue). In this context, what health priorities will you focus on?  What health initiatives will you champion? 

In the realm of physical health, I am focused on continuing to make SSI more walkable and bikeable, and assuring that the variety of different sports and leisure activities that we enjoy here have adequate support to keep growing. I also have a focus on improved street lighting which is implicitly a safety and health issue. 

Regarding mental health, which I regard as paramount in taking advantage of any adjacent healthy lifestyles, or activities, I look forward to being involved in assuring that community support groups that respond to mental health challenges have the funding and spaces they need to be effective.

• The LCC’s role includes overseeing and advising on Economic Development. How do you see the supply of affordable workforce housing on Salt Spring intersecting with local economic development? Do you intend to direct resources under your purview, such as grants-in-aid, to support affordable workforce housing?

I see the viability of Salt Spring businesses as totally reliant on access to housing and absolutely look forward to prioritizing the use of grants-in-aid toward community groups already working on these challenges, as well as taking our own CRD affordable housing decision-making into the purview of the LCC. 

• One of the greatest challenges faced by our local hospital is staffing, due in large part to a lack of affordable workforce housing on-island. What role do you feel that our Hospital itself plays in local economic development? How would you use your position to help to ensure its continued operation?

Our hospital needs to be staffed well enough, and equipped properly so that people living and working on SSI can access health services on the island. It is disruptive to have to leave the island for procedures that could be performed on SSI. As well, staffing issues at the hospital play a role in when someone may choose to go to the emergency room, or how long they may wait. Both of these variables impact a person’s work schedule and work-life balance. 

A healthy hospital is also an attractant to families that may choose to move to Salt Spring, or for people looking to settle here. Our economy is a group experience, and if people are avoiding living here, or leaving due to declining capacity at our hospital, it will have an impact on the health of our community economy. 

• As you are likely aware, in 2021 LMHF purchased the Seabreeze Inne to convert to hospital staff housing. If elected, will you support affordable workforce housing initiatives such as this project? If so, how?

Yes, I will; I think this purchase was a great example of our community and its major pillars taking action inside of our own ecosystem.  I hope to be available whenever projects like this need support, literally or in an advocacy role. The LCC is tasked with the purchase of property, and in the context of affordable housing, should have a forward role in realizing AH projects. 

• CRHD has identified a new ECU project in their 10-year financial plan. This project has the potential to bring major economic and social benefits to our community as more community members are facilitated to age-in-place. If elected, what would you do in your role to support this proposal’s approval and funding?

I would do just that, support this Extended Care Units approval, and fund the initial steps to get it going. It seems well suited to our community, and however this project needs support, I would expect to offer it. 

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Earl Rook

• What is your relationship to the Lady Minto Hospital and/or the Hospital Foundation? (eg, volunteer, donor, staff, member)? How would you use your role as a Commissioner to support the Hospital and the Foundation?

As a full-time resident of Salt Spring Island, my relationship to Lady Minto Hospital is as a client and consumer of its services. My role as a commissioner would be to support the long-term best interests of our community of which the hospital is one of the foundational institutions.

• Though the purview of the Community Commission does not directly cover health, it does encompass a number of areas integral to community health and wellbeing (incl. economic development; wastewater disposal; parks and recreation; arts; public library facilities; street lighting; transit; search and rescue). In this context, what health priorities will you focus on?  What health initiatives will you champion?

I spent the 25 years prior to my retirement with the Minnesota Department of Health, one of the more highly regarded public health agencies in the US. While my work was largely in Finance and Administration I worked closely with the leadership and staff of the various divisions (Infectious Disease, Chronic Disease, Health Promotion, Environmental Health, Community Health) and gained a strong appreciation of their work and mission. I am a strong supporter of public health. Among the fundamental contributors to a strong public health infrastructure, safe and affordable housing, safe drinking water, and effective waste disposal suffer serious deficiencies in our community yet are largely outside the initial purview of the LCC. The LCC nonetheless needs to take a leadership role in pulling together the governmental and non-governmental organizations involved to drive a coordinated multi-jurisdictional effort to support new and ongoing housing initiatives, clear roadblocks to progress, and resolve our fragmented water supply problems. The LCC will have full jurisdiction over transportation and parks where the ongoing efforts to improve public transit and increase our pathways will be a priority. Park master plans currently under development will look at ways to expand outdoor sport and recreation options. My personal priority in the health sector will be to work to ensure the viability of our hospital and access to primary care medicine for all residents. 

• The LCC’s role includes overseeing and advising on Economic Development. How do you see the supply of affordable workforce housing on Salt Spring intersecting with local economic development? Do you intend to direct resources under your purview, such as grants-in-aid, to support affordable workforce housing?

A sustainable local economy, particularly on an island like Salt Spring, requires an adequate supply of safe and affordable housing for the people who do the work of that economy. Salt Spring falls woefully short. We are beginning to see projects completed, with more projects underway. The LCC will need to find ways to support those existing projects while getting additional units on the drawing board. Funding resources under direct LCC purview (e.g., grants in aid) are limited but the LCC could look to CRD capital grants, federal gas tax funds, and other off island funding sources as has been done in the past to help fund affordable housing initiatives.

• One of the greatest challenges faced by our local hospital is staffing, due in large part to a lack of affordable workforce housing on-island. What role do you feel that our Hospital itself plays in local economic development? How would you use your position to help to ensure its continued operation?

The Hospital and primary care medicine are one of the foundational elements of a sustainable economy and society on our island, along with schools, fire protection, emergency responders, hydro, water, telecommunications, and waste disposal. It is a basic responsibility of all our elected leaders to ensure that these basic services that support our broader community are sustainable. All decisions taken by the LCC commissioners need to keep the long-term health and well being of our community in mind. The single biggest threat to our local economy is the shortage of adequate housing for the people who sustain our economy. Dealing with the housing crisis must be a priority from day one.

• As you are likely aware, in 2021 LMHF purchased the Seabreeze Inne to convert to hospital staff housing. If elected, will you support affordable workforce housing initiatives such as this project? If so, how?

Because affordable housing for workers is a critical problem on Salt Spring it would be a top priority for me as a commissioner, as it should be for every other candidate. The LCC should work to smooth the way for local housing initiatives developed by community organizations. I applaud the initiative of the Hospital Foundation in putting together the  Seabreeze project, but there is little the LCC can do until the court renders a decision on the pending litigation.

• CRHD has identified a new Extended Care Unit (ECU) project in their 10-year financial plan. This project has the potential to bring major economic and social benefits to our community as more community members are facilitated to age-in-place. If elected, what would you do in your role to support this proposal’s approval and funding?

The benefits to the community of an Extended Care Unit on Salt Spring are clear. However, I cannot commit to support a project, however worthy in principle, without a solid understanding of the rationale, scope, and funding mechanisms of the project. I can find nothing online about this project but would be happy to meet with you to discuss it.

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Brian Webster

• What is your relationship to the Lady Minto Hospital and/or the Hospital Foundation? (eg, volunteer, donor, staff, member)? How would you use your role as a Commissioner to support the Hospital and the Foundation?

My relationship with Lady Minto Hospital is that of a strong supporter and occasional (thankfully) user as a patient. While our new Local Community Commission will not have any direct links to the hospital, there are many ways where the LCC’s work and that of the hospital and the foundation intersect. Number one among these is the potential for the LCC to take action on housing for working people on Salt Spring. Some might say that this is not currently one of the LCC’s responsibilities, but that is incorrect. The LCC has responsibility for economic development/sustainability and I believe that housing for working people and their families is our community’s number one economic sustainability issue. If elected, I will raise this issue at the first opportunity and support immediate action plus the creation of a housing service to ensure ongoing resources are available to address this important issue.

• Though the purview of the Community Commission does not directly cover health, it does encompass a number of areas integral to community health and wellbeing (incl. economic development; wastewater disposal; parks and recreation; arts; public library facilities; street lighting; transit; search and rescue). In this context, what health priorities will you focus on?  What health initiatives will you champion? 

My first answer touches on this, but you are correct that the LCC’s responsibilities affect broader issues of health in many ways. As a Salt Spring Parks and Recreation Commissioner for seven years, I saw the importance of providing all community members with opportunities for healthy physical activity. If elected, I will continue with this emphasis while also pushing for accelerated work toward foot and cycle paths linking Ganges with all three ferry terminals.

• The LCC’s role includes overseeing and advising on Economic Development. How do you see the supply of affordable workforce housing on Salt Spring intersecting with local economic development? Do you intend to direct resources under your purview, such as grants-in-aid, to support affordable workforce housing?

The connection is inextricable. The economic well-being of our community depends on increasing access to housing for working people. I am a Salt Spring farmer and small business owner and have had to deal with these challenges head-on in recruiting and retaining our own staff, especially over the last few years. As I stated earlier, I intend, if elected, to push for immediate action as well as the establishment of a housing service that will support long-term efforts to address this major challenge.

• One of the greatest challenges faced by our local hospital is staffing, due in large part to a lack of affordable workforce housing on-island. What role do you feel that our Hospital itself plays in local economic development? How would you use your position to help to ensure its continued operation?

Lady Minto Hospital plays a critical role in our community’s economic well-being. It does this by providing essential health services that are part of the foundation of a vibrant community. And it does this by providing good long-term jobs for the Salt Springers who work there. It is essential that we take action on housing for working people in order to keep Lady Minto Hospital viable over the long-term. The most important work the LCC can do in this regard is ensure that action on housing begins immediately.

• As you are likely aware, in 2021 LMHF purchased the Seabreeze Inne to convert to hospital staff housing. If elected, will you support affordable workforce housing initiatives such as this project? If so, how?

Yes, I am aware of the Foundation’s initiative and congratulate it for pursuing action in a creative, constructive manner. While this project is currently entangled in frustratingly slow legal issues, this does not in any way diminish the importance of taking proactive steps to address our very serious housing challenges. If elected to the LCC, I will ensure that housing for working people is at the top of our priority list.

• CRHD has identified a new ECU project in their 10 year financial plan. This project has the potential to bring major economic and social benefits to our community as more community members are facilitated to age-in-place. If elected, what would you do in your role to support this proposal’s approval and funding?

Because the LCC has no direct involvement with CRHD, the main role of the LCC will be one of lobbying the CRHD, Island Health, the Province and other government bodies to support this important project. I agree completely that this project will bring major long-term benefits to our community and should be strongly supported by the Salt Spring LCC.

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