Salt Spring Island’s Local Community Commission Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 2023. The election will see our island select four commissioners to serve on the commission alongside Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director.

To support community members in learning about the positions of LCC candidates, particularly in relation to health and healthcare on our island, LMHF invited candidates to answer a brief questionnaire. The answers are shared below. Our thanks to all the candidates who took the time to respond, and for their thoughtful answers.

Jump to: Gayle Baker | Kylie Coates | Ben Corno | David Courtney | Jennifer Lannam | Eric March | Earl Rook | Brian Webster

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Gayle Baker 

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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:

4.1: 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! 

4.2: 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

4.3: Lady Minto Hospital has hired a full-time administrator to help newly recruited and short-term staff to navigate housing issues. 

4.4: A resource list matching available rentals with hires is maintained and supported by the Lady Minto Foundation

4.5: Working with owners, several housing units are maintained to support short-term staff housing needs, and

4.6: 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! 

5. 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. 

6. 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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Kylie Coates

1. 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?

Supporter.

2. 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? 

Giving people a 24 hour facilities of bathrooms and Ganges, warming station so in the winter people on the street can come out of the cold and the rain.

Also, putting lights in Centennial Park.

What health initiatives will you champion? 

RCMP mental health program teaching officers are having an officer on call that can deal with mental health issues.

3. 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? 

First, I would look at all the candidates who are working right now to get affordable housing built as the only candidate that right now is a part of a housing charity. 

I’ve been trying eight years to get more affordable housing on Salt Spring electing me to the LCC will give me a foot in the door to get more done.

Do you intend to direct resources under your purview, such as grants-in-aid, to support affordable workforce housing?

All I care about is getting more affordable housing built.

4. 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? 

If we lose the hospital, we might as well close the island down. Having the hospital here allows retirees and families to feel safe.

How would you use your position to help to ensure its continued operation?

We would give you a letter of support in your lawsuit. 

5. 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 it’s completely criminal. What has happened at the Seabreeze project another group that has nothing to do with it has interfered in this great project that is so desperately needed.

If so, how?

Ask the CRD and the province to officially investigate Salt Spring Community Services interference with a full financial audit.

6. 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?  

As an elected official, we need to lobby island health to spend more money here on the island Salt Spring’s hospital, and Duncan’s hospital are the most neglected hospitals in all of island health services.

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Ben Corno

1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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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David Courtney

First of all, thank you for asking. My Campaign is centred around 6 Areas of Public Safety. I’m pleased to convey that keeping Lady Minto intact, financially viable and expanding to meet growing demand is a priority when it comes to Public Safety.

1. 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?

Unfortunately, my wife and I are Patients from time to time and without question the service has been great. The Lady Minto Foundation makes us all proud of the service you provide to Our Community, especially over the last 3 years. I would be honoured to be your Advocate if Elected to the LCC.

2. 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? 

You’ve done your homework. We have endorsed an LCC, not a Municipal Government, there’s limitations with the LCC when accessing both Provincial and Federal Grants for Public Health Care with our MP, MLA and CRD Director. If Elected along with my fellow Commissioner’s we can Advocate on the issues that are outside the purview of the LCC. As the lead Advocate for the “Patrons of Route 6”, we’ve demonstrated with success that we can Advocate to our Provincial Government and BC Ferries for positive change. That continues on an ongoing day to day basis until it the New Vesuvius Bay & Crofton Terminals are built and the New Two Ferry Service is commissioned. One of the significant attributes of the 2 – Ferry Service it allows for a Sailing every 35 Min. Meaning a Critically ILL Patient can be transported from Lady Minto to the New Cowichan District Hospital (Fall 2026) in under 1 hr – 10Min to the Ferry + 10 Min Prior to Departure + 25 Min to unloading at Crofton + 12 Min the New Cowichan District Hospital = 57 Min in a perfect scenario. Bonus, the Paramedics could return in a timely fashion to Salt Spring to cover call outs.  Provided link: About the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement | Island Health.

3. 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?

There are so many players involved in this crisis now. I’d really like to see our Community focus and speak as one voice. That would be the CRD Director backstopped by the LLC Commissioners, advocating for suitable and cost effective solutions. 

4. 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?

 We are not alone, the current housing crisis faces every Community across Canada. Advocate on your behalf along with my fellow Commissioners. 

5. 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 and hopefully without the unfortunate situation that developed over the Seabreeze acquisition. I’ll advocate for any project that is fiscally responsible and provides the necessary accommodation required. 

6. 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?

Advocate on your behalf along with my fellow Commissioners.

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Jennifer Lannan

1. 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 currently have no ties to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation. I would use my role as commissioner to amplify the LMH Foundation’s goal to offer sustainable health care for residents of Salt Spring Island. I do appreciate the local hospital so much and my family and myself have received excellent care there. 

2. 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 am completely aligned with the notion of this question noting that the LCC encompasses a number of areas integral to community health and wellbeing. I truly see so much ‘encompassing’ with the mandate for the LCC- this keeps coming up for me. No matter how top of mind the hospital is, it is a huge peace of mind that it is there for our community. I am very much concerned for signals of community in decline, and I will do whatever I can in my power to have no more loss of services for all residents. Salt Spring Island needs more, not less. Supporting a healthy community through parks and recreation initiatives and lessening stress for families through economic development issues and housing options are where I’m aligned. I would also have great appreciation for increased maternity services for expectant parents—this is a topic I would certainly advocate for.

3. 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 supply of affordable workforce housing is integral to economic development. I believe we need a concrete period of time with investment in groups to commence housing construction, and specifically action. Housing issues cannot be ignored. The intersection of housing and economic development is undeniable. It is everything. I do support grants-in-aid be directed to housing issues, immediately.

4. 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 is no doubt one of the top employers on the island. A secure employee base means security for laying down roots and contributing to further community systems (schools, transit use, local business and so on and so forth). Health care positions are very desirable and I can imagine that a healthy, balanced community with housing options and highly functioning services would be a draw for many employees. 

5. 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?

I completely support supportive workforce housing initiatives. It would be even better to see new building developments. I recently came across a story about Cook Medical in Spencer, Indiana building hundreds of homes for employees. Many employers (Disney, Meta, Tesla & Boring) south of the border are working on the same initiatives. Health care and school board employers are also mentioned in the article pasted below. I know this would take big money, but I’ve often wondered about this type of action. I wish BC Ferries would consider this type of investment in Salt Spring Island. It could work for LMHF, too. [Provided link: Would you live next to co-workers for the right price? This company is betting yes.]

6. 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?

 A new ECU development so that islanders can age in place is vital. I have witnessed the scramble to find care and I am familiar with the struggles families face (a family member of mine was a senior’s residence administrator for many years). I trust it is best for people to stay in communities they are familiar with, if even just to see familiar faces. I would certainly make a personal and professional endorsement of approval for this project. Sounds like this would entice more employment opportunities and more population contributing to the local economy.

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Eric G March

1. 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? 

While I have no relationship with the Hospital Foundation, my relationship with Lady Minto Hospital is an important one. As someone with a chronic illness, I am a type 1 diabetic, Lady Minto is an important fixture of the community for me. I visit the lab every three months for routine tests, and it is important that I live in a community with an emergency room that is available 24/7 in case of an emergency. 

Supporting Lady Minto Hospital and the Hospital Foundation is not only important to me personally, but I believe it is important to the community. It is an important resource that prevents us from having to travel off island for basic medical services. Health services are outside the purview of the LCC’s mandate, however I am keen to listen to the needs of Lady Minto to ensure this valuable community resource is able to function as best it can. 

2. 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? 

All levels of government have a duty to contribute what they can to community well being. Search and Rescue, space for our community members to be physically active (eg. bike lanes and pedestrian walkways), and ensuring that our parks serve all members of our community are some of the extremely important areas the LCC serves the health and wellbeing of our community. 

3. 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 am a working member of Salt Spring’s community and I seek to be a voice for my fellow workers, including in the area of housing. Affordable workforce housing is essential for local economic development. Our workers are the foundation of our community, without affordable housing for the workers we have no community, simply a theme park for landowners and tourists. If I am elected I intend to use every tool at my disposal to support workers in all aspects of their, our, lives on Salt Spring Island, including affordable workforce housing.

4. 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? 

My partner and I are both skilled workers who contribute to the community not only through our labour but through our employers receiving the surplus value our labour provides. Unfortunately I am also chronically ill, and choose to live in a community with a hospital. Just in case. Without a hospital Salt Spring Island loses out on the labour, and the surplus value it brings, of workers like myself. The hospital supports our economic development by supporting the health of our workers, both those who need care rarely, and those who need more regular care. If I am elected I will work with all stakeholders to ensure the survival and full operation of Lady Minto Hospital. 

5. 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? 

I think we can all agree the situation with the Seabreeze turned out far less than ideal for all parties involved. I find this question a difficult one to answer because I am of two opinions. On the one hand I do not approve of nor support employers becoming landlords. When a worker’s housing is tied to their employment the instability can not only prevent full integration into the community but can lead to workers staying with an exploitative working situation to preserve their housing. On the other hand, our workers are in a housing crisis and we need all hands on deck to solve this crisis. Staff housing may be a necessary evil, as businesses are able to offer a much needed source of funding for worker housing. 

6. 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? 

More elder care facilities will become increasingly important as our population ages, and if I am elected I would be happy to work with all stakeholders to make this project happen. However we must make sure this project has a firm foundation. A firm foundation of staffing to run it and provide the care our elders deserve. As a candidate who seeks to champion the needs of the workers of Salt Spring Island, the best effort I can dedicate to make this a success is to make sure we have the happy and healthy workers to staff it.

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Earl Rook

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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