The B.C. government has approved an $80,000 grant for the first phase of a governance study for Salt Spring Island, bringing residents one step closer to determining whether a change in governance is best for their community, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The first phase of a potential two-phase governance study will focus on the current governance structure on Salt Spring Island and general implications of municipal incorporation. It will help engage the community, service providers and those who have a direct interest in the area, such as the Islands Trust. The study process will also provide the opportunity to gauge public support for moving to the second phase, an incorporation study. Elected officials from the island requested support from the B.C. government for this study due to the changes that have taken place on the island in the past 10 years.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -

"The purpose of this study is to review how the community is currently being governed, and what has changed on the island in the past 10 years. The study process will give residents, governments and service providers a clear idea of what becoming a municipality would mean for them. It will also determine if there is sufficient support for an incorporation study."

Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell -

"This is good news for Salt Spring Islanders. It's a chance to voice their opinions about what matters to them, and how they feel about governance in their community. It's all about getting the facts out there and gathering feedback about what residents want. I look forward to seeing the results of this first phase of the study."

Quick Facts:

• Local government representatives requesting the study were elected to office in November 2011 having campaigned for a provincially-sponsored governance study to determine whether Salt Spring Island residents would be best-served by incorporating the island as a municipality.

• The community is currently an electoral district within the Capital Regional District.

Media Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334