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What's New
2010
PETITION TO REVIEW THE ISLANDS TRUST LEGISLATION
The Islands Trust legislation was originally established several years ago, in response to
concerns over the increasing trend towards subdivision of Island Land into small lots and city
style subdivisions, changing the rural nature of the Islands.
The purpose was, and is, to preserve and protect the land and lifestyle of the Gulf Islands for the
people of the islands and for all British Columbians.
Today, 35 years since the Trust was formed, it has become mired in bureaucracy and controlled
by a small, closed elite that can override decisions made by democratically elected local trustees.
The establishment of questionably legal bylaws, the selective interpretation, by applicant, of
bylaws and other arbitrary practices and policies have hurt many people and split communities.
The Islands Trust has become a significant bureaucratic stumbling block to homeowners,
workers, small businesses and the families of all of these, and an unbalanced tax burden on
communities and residents, without providing services to those same communities.
Are you aware that the 1974 Islands Trust Act remains largely unchanged today? Is it not
reasonable that the 35 year old Islands Trust legislation undergo a core review by the Provincial
Government now?
Many Islanders feel the Islands Trust should be thrown out completely, some favour a
municipality model, some want more local involvement and accountability built into the Trust Act.
Some feel the Trust should have more power, some feel that power should be balanced with open
government. But whatever your leanings, most are feeling that, at a minimum, the Trust Act and
the Islands Trust needs to be reviewed and made more accountable and transparent.
People feel the Trust needs a review and revision by the Provincial Government to remedy
the following:
- The selective enforcement of bylaws.
- A proliferation of in-camera meetings.
- The vote on Local Island bylaws a by a non-island Chairperson.
- The unequal representation by population.
- The inability to appeal decisions/bylaws except through the courts.
- The unfair Taxation for services rendered (expenses are allowed to skyrocket).
- The random overruling of local bylaws by Trust Executive and Trust Council.
- The uncontrolled growth of the Trust itself - obtaining more jurisdiction than "land-use".
Islanders from Salt Spring, Hornby, Gabriola, Penders and other Islands are signing the petition
requesting the Provincial Government review the Islands Trust Act. Galiano needs to consider this
as well.
We recommend that you consider the above issues (and others) and if you agree the
Provincial Government should conduct a review of the Island Trust Act, please sign the
petition that was in your mail and send it to:
Galiano Ratepayers Association
Box 82,
Galiano, BC,
V0N 1P0
We will forward the signatures to Gulfislands Citizens Council.
If you wish to sign the petition electronically, visit:
www.ipetitions.com/petition/review_islands_trust_act/
Note: This is a Gulf Island-wide Petition. If you wish to read the comments by other signers of the
petition, click on the "signatures tab" on the web site above or click here.
Other associated links
Islanders protest Islands Trust. Hundreds are expected to turn out.
How Big Brother came to the Gulf Islands
Islands Trust's mandate 'no mere piety'
Viewpoint - Committing regulatory suicide in real time.
Galiano Ratepayers Association
Box 82
Galiano, BC
V0N 1P0
An organization dedicated to the protection of the rights of property owners,
while respecting the environment and the community in which we live.