Final reading of a bylaw intended to ease Salt Spring’s housing crunch by allowing secondary suites, cottages and garden suites on parts of the island has been postponed.
The Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee delayed the reading, originally set for Tuesday, in order to consult with Tsawout First Nation and make amendments to the proposed accessory dwelling units bylaw based on feedback from a public hearing.
In a letter dated Aug. 16, the Tsawout said the proposed bylaw infringes on the band’s rights to protect its traditional territory.
“They haven’t done their due diligence on the environmental impact studies and how this will impact the community in the future,” said Tsawout Coun. Abraham Pelkey. “What we’re asking for is to work together for the betterment of the island and a well-thought out process, rather than just band-aid solutions.”
As a signatory to the 1852 Douglas Treaty, Saanichton-based Tsawout First Nation has the right to fish and hunt on Salt Spring Island, which is traditional hunting and harvesting territory for the community, as well as other WSANEC bands.
Pelkey said the possible impact that increased development and living capacity will have on the nation’s rights to manage its traditional territory now and in the future needs to be addressed.
“In our culture, in our ways, you’re advocating not just for yourself now but for the future generations,” he said. “If there’s a great impact for them, we want to make sure it’s impacting them in a positive way.”
The bylaw was first drafted in February to help ease the housing crisis on Salt Spring Island, where even staffing the local hospital has been difficult due to a lack of affordable homes. The draft bylaw received second reading on July 12.
After the letter from Tsawout First Nation and a public hearing on Aug. 18, Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee staff called for more consultation to resolve issues raised at the hearing.
Trustees agreed, and instead of a third reading as scheduled, the bylaw was sent back to committee staff for further amendments around limiting the number of dwellings and addressing environmental impacts, and for further engagement with Tsawout First Nation.
“We have a lot of work to do with building relationships with various First Nations,” said Laura Patrick, Salt Spring Island trustee. “That’s an ongoing commitment. We’re eager to work out new ways of working together.”
