The Government of British Columbia is providing $120,000 in funding toward an incorporation study for Salt Spring Island.

The study will include two distinct areas of work  ̶  preparation of a comparative analysis of current governance with municipal governance; and public engagement and consultation on the comparative scenarios. 

In making the announcement today, Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, said the incorporation study will provide residents with the necessary facts and information to compare options and become fully informed about incorporation.

The incorporation study follows a provincially funded Salt Spring Island governance study which indicated there was sufficient community interest to warrant looking at incorporation. The governance study revealed community feedback concerning several matters that could be addressed through municipal incorporation, including more representation and local decision-making, better co-ordination of services, strategic and financial planning  and water management. Potential impacts on the Islands Trust also have been examined and the provincial government has asked the Islands Trust Council to develop a transition strategy should Salt Spring incorporate.

Ministry staff will meet with local elected officials and Capital Regional District staff shortly to begin planning the study process. The study will be managed by a volunteer committee and is expected to be completed in early 2016.

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334