What's Happening…
|
|
|
Salt Spring Island Online
This new website is doing a really good job of listing upcoming events
on Salt Spring Island. Whether you are visiting or live on Salt Spring
Island,
www.saltspringislandonline.ca is a "must visit" site to view upcoming
events and performances. Already, there are listings for agricultural
events, upcoming films, the literary arts, musical performances. the
visual arts, family and sporting events, and other many more. Search by
genre, or just click on the calendar to see what's happening when you come
to visit.
|
Bus Service on Salt Spring Island
A public bus service commenced operation on Salt Spring Island on January 8 2008.
|
Mt. Erskine
Mt.
Erskine with an elevation of 448 metres, contains arbutus and coastal
Douglas fir forest (which B.C.'s Conservation Data Centre classifies as an
"ecosystem at risk") and offers spectacular views, as well as providing
the largest habitat for the beautiful hairy manzanita on Salt Spring
Island, after which Manzanita Ridge is named. A growing number of people
hike the trails to the top of Mt. Erskine to see the unique views offered
from the top. Most people are unaware that the summit is actually on
private property, but the Salt Spring Island Conservancy is coordinating a
fundraising effort to buy 100 acres on the top of Mt. Erskine. Although
this is a major undertaking, much of the required funds ($650,000) have
already been pledged. Combined with the adjacent, already-protected
properties, it will provide permanent protection to a large contiguous
undeveloped area of up to 240 hectares (600 acres). Visit the
Salt Spring Island Conservancy or
www.mounterskine.org for more information.
|
Music and Munch
Held at All Saints Church by the Sea at 110 Park Drive in Ganges, these free musical
performances have been nearly full to capacity on a few occasions. The free performances take place on Wednesdays
throughout the summer at 1210 pm with a light (& delicious!) lunch provided by the Anglican Caterers following for
$5.50.
|
ADSL
High Speed Internet finally
arrived on Salt Spring Island in 2003. At first service was only available only in Ganges and along Fulford-Ganges Road
nearly as far as Slegg Lumber and just down the hill from there on Beddis road.
ADSL became available in Fulford Harbour in 2004. That same year, Telus
successfully tested new "long loop" DSL technology up to 8-9 km from the
central office in Surrey, BC. In late 2004, Telus began stringing fibre
optic cable around much of Salt Spring Island. ADSL service was available
in the Cusheon Lake area about the end of April 2005. Like many companies,
they place a fair bit of importance in the "apparent demand" for ADSL in
deciding what new areas will qualify for the needed upgrades, so if ADSL
isn't available where you live, be sure to email Telus at adsl_access@telus.net
or call 310-4638
to let them know that there is a demand for it here!
|
Fall Fair
The Fall Fair
will take place on September 18 and 19, 2021 at the Island Farmers'
Institute Grounds on 351 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island. This will
be the 125th Anniversary of the first Fall Fair on Salt Spring Island
which was held in 1896. We may have to modify or even adapt according
to health regulations later on, but we are optimistic. We just hope
that we are not shut down at the last minute!
|
Canada Day
July 1 is Canada Day. Join the Chamber of Commerce and Royal Canadian Legion as they
host this event at Centennial Park just before noon.
|
Robert Bateman receives Order of British Columbia
June 2001: Robert Bateman,
a well known wildlife artist and environmental activist. has received
the Order of British Columbia. This is the highest honour that can be
bestowed by the Province. Mr. Bateman is one of the world's foremost
wildlife artists. He has been painting full time since 1976. He also
holds the Order of Canada and 9 honorary doctorates from Canadian and
American universities.
|
Gary Oaks Deal Successful
On June 21 2000, it was announced that the $3.5 million purchase of 250 hectares of
threatened Gary Oak woodland had been purchased from Texada Land Corporation. This removes the threat of logging
or other development that was in the works for this sensitive ecosystem. Texada Lands purchased large tracts of
land on Salt Spring a several years ago and now has a full scale clearcut logging operation on some parts of the
Island. The Gary Oak woodland is on the north shore of Burgoyne Bay and stretches far up the hillside on Maxwell
below Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. The Forest Renewal BC bought the land through funding from their private
forest biodiversity program.
Over $1.1 million was raised by the Salt Spring Appeal through the sale of the now famous
calendar. The province of BC has committed $20 million
to acquire land in the Gulf Islands – including Salt Spring Island – for the purchase of park land. The struggle
to raise funds was helped by many residents of Salt Spring Island including well known names such as Arthur Black,
Elizabeth White, Robert Bateman and Andrea Collins. MLA Murray Coell and Kip Woodward can also be thanked.
Negotiations are underway to purchase land around Maxwell Lake before it is logged. This area on the shoulder
of Mount Maxwell (actually Baines Peak) supplies drinking water to Ganges and the surrounding area. Texada Lands
will sell it, but there is a substantial difference in the asking price between the land intact with the trees and
with them "harvested." With the trees cut down, the quality of the water from Maxwell Lake will be seriously
degraded for years to come.
garry oaks |
Foxglove Farm & Garden Supplies
The Foxglove Farm & Garden Supplies
is located at at 104 Atkins Road in Ganges.
Call 250-537-5531 or email
|
 |
Saturday Market
The Saturday Market runs from early in April until the end of October.
Growers of produce, artists and artisans, and other home businesses
show and sell their wares at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays from
about 9:00 to 4:00. This event happens every Saturday through the
summer months - rain or shine. Check out the
Saturday Market
web site. There is also a
Tuesday Market
that starts at the beginning of June.
|
