Update on Trust Policy Statement
On July 29th, the Trust Council gave first reading to their new draft Trust Policy Statement (TPS). This document is of paramount importance because it sets minimum standards for all island’s official community plans and other land use bylaws. The Trust has announced a 6-month public consultation process, hoping to finalize the TPS before trustees’ terms end in November of next year.
Share Your Views on the Draft Islands Trust Policy Statement
The Islands Trust has posted an online survey available until February 2, 2026 and Friends of the Gulf Islands Society has provided this guide, highlighting our concerns with the draft TSP. We hope you will complete the survey and we urge you to consider our concerns when doing so. Above all, the TSP is intended to carry out the mandate of the Islands Trust Act – ” to preserve and protect the unique amenities and the environment of the Trust Area. Other opportunities to express your views, including a virtual Town Hall on Sept. 10 – 6:30-8:30 pm. Note that any questions for the Town Hall must be submitted by September 5 by email to islands2050@islandstrust. Letters expressing your views can also be sent to this email until February 2026. There may also be on-island community meetings organized by your Local Trust Committee. For more information and to read the draft TPS, visit Islands 2050. We hope you will complete the survey and write letters. We are asking you to express your concerns. Your voice matters.
Petition
Our petition of almost 1500 signatures has been sent to the Trust Council to be included in the correspondence for the September 16-18 Quarterly Trust Council meeting on Gabriola Island. Please sign if you have not already done so and encourage your friends and family to support this. We will continue this petition until the end of the TPS public engagement process in February.
FOTGIS at the Galiano Saturday Market August 27
We had good discussions with residents and visitors, most of whom were unaware of the TSP review and now-released draft.
Members’ Meeting, September 22
All FOTGIS members are invited to attend our Monday, September 22 monthly Board meeting at 10 am by Zoom. Members will be sent a Zoom Link and agenda prior to the meeting. If you’re not already, consider becoming a member today!
Memberships
If you are a member, thank you! If you are a subscriber, please consider a membership in Friends of the Gulf Islands. Your membership dues fund our website, posters, brochures and other forms of outreach to our island communities. Please share this newsletter. Encourage your family, friends and neighbours to become a member. Memberships are only $15 (individual), $25 (family). Or subscribe to our free newsletter