Don Lidstone, with Lidstone & Company, Barristers and Solicitors, past lawyers for the Islands Trust, has written a bombshell letter finding that the current draft Trust Policy Statement (TPS) does not carry out the object (Mandate) of the Islands Trust as required by the Trust Act. The letter that is addressed to the Trust Council (the Trust’s governing body) states that the draft TPS is “prioritizing development over protecting and preserving the unique amenities and environment of the Trust area.”
The letter argues that the draft TPS does not carry out the object of the Trust Act as it is required to do. Some of the reasons given are quoted below.
“Given the threat of development and growth on ecosystems and the environment, it is our position that these policies do not further the object of the Trust. In fact, prioritizing development over protecting and preserving the unique amenities and environment of the Trust area runs contrary to the object of the Trust.”
“…. the language in the Draft TPS, which opens the door for growth and development without regard for the limits of the island ecosystems.”
“… the Draft TPS fail to consider the ecological limits of the islands, and they do not account for the dwellings that already exist.”
“… the Draft TPS significantly weakens the protection of ecosystems in comparison to the Current TPS.”
The letter hints at possible legal action if the current draft is sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Unless substantial changes are made to the draft TPS, we will use this letter to try to convince the Minister not to approve the TPS.