On July 25, 2025, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek voter consent for Bylaw No. 607, which proposed borrowing up to $57.1 million for the redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex.

The two-month approval window closed on September 22, with 1,813 electors—approximately 5.5% of eligible voters—submitting forms in opposition. Under AAP rules, approval is granted if fewer than 10% of the 33,012 eligible voters in Campbell River and Area D register dissent.

At its October 22 meeting, the SRD Board of Directors reviewed the results and acknowledged the high level of community engagement. Participation in this phase of the REC-REATE Project surpassed that of Phase One, with feedback reflecting a wide spectrum of public perspectives.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit response forms,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll take the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”

The REC-REATE Project is a long-term initiative to revitalize the aging recreation complex, building on nearly a decade of planning and public input. The goal is to create a modern, inclusive facility that promotes accessibility, health, wellness, and sport for all.

Following the adoption of the borrowing bylaw, the Board has opted to take additional time to thoughtfully assess the feedback gathered through the AAP. This deliberate approach aims to ensure the redevelopment delivers lasting value while addressing both current and future community needs.

A group of elected officials from Vancouver Island is calling on both provincial and federal governments to intervene and address the escalating challenges facing the coastal forestry sector.

A Sector in Decline

Forestry operations along British Columbia’s coast are in steep decline. The industry is grappling with a combination of high production costs, dwindling demand for traditional forest products, inadequate infrastructure (especially in transportation), labour shortages, and complex regulatory hurdles. These pressures are taking a toll on mills, small forestry businesses, and the communities that rely on timber for economic survival.

A major concern is the erosion of competitiveness compared to forestry operations in other regions. Rising transportation expenses, slow permitting processes, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations—without adequate support—are making coastal forestry less sustainable. The consequences have been stark: mill closures, job losses, and shrinking municipal tax bases, which in turn strain local services.

What the Coalition Is Proposing

Island representatives are urging governments to implement a coordinated support plan, which includes:

• Infrastructure investment: Funding for roads, ports, and rail to lower transport costs and improve market access.
• Innovation incentives: Support for value-added wood manufacturing to reduce reliance on raw log exports.
• Regulatory reform: Streamlining approval processes while maintaining environmental protections.
• Labour development: Training and retention programs to address workforce shortages, especially in remote areas.
• Indigenous partnerships: Strengthening collaboration in forest management and economic development, with respect for Indigenous rights and expertise.
• Trade support: Exploring new markets and reducing export barriers for forest products.

Why Urgency Matters

Forestry remains a cornerstone of economic stability for many Island communities, particularly in remote and forest-rich areas. With shifting global demand and intensifying competition, leaders warn that without swift intervention, the region risks long-term economic damage.

They also emphasize that a weakened forestry sector threatens responsible forest stewardship. Financially strained operators may be forced to cut corners or forego sustainable practices—jeopardizing both environmental health and future viability.

A visitor to Sayward found themselves in a tricky situation when their drone became stranded—30 metres high in a tree perched on a cliff near the Sayward wharf. What followed was five hours of determination, inventive thinking, and the remarkable generosity of the Sayward community.

From an electrician who showed up with a bucket truck, to the unforgettable arrival of Adam—a skilled tree faller who rappelled down the cliff with Mission Impossible flair—the people of Sayward came together in the most extraordinary way.

What started as a moment of stress and disappointment transformed into one of relief, deep gratitude, and a renewed belief in the power of kindness and ingenuity. Immense thanks to Adam & Melissa, Megan, Mike, Hans, Frank & Faith, and the wider Sayward community—you reminded us what true neighbourliness looks like.

Video Credit Grey Whale Tales and Trails

Whether you’re heading out for a quick paddle across a quiet lake or embarking on a longer journey downriver, one rule remains constant: every person on board must have a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). This applies to all watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other human-powered vessels. It’s not just a recommendation—it’s the law.

Calm Waters Can Be Deceptive

Even the most tranquil-looking body of water can turn dangerous in an instant. A sudden gust of wind, an unexpected current, or a momentary lapse in balance can lead to a fall overboard. And when that happens, there’s no time to search for a lifejacket. Having one on—or within immediate reach—can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Safety Has No Age or Experience Limit

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-time paddler, young or old, the water doesn’t discriminate. Accidents happen to everyone. That’s why it’s essential to treat every outing with the same level of preparation and respect. A properly fitted PFD is your first line of defense against the unexpected.

Be Prepared. Be Legal. Be Respectful.

• Plan ahead: Check your gear, weather conditions, and route before you launch.
• Follow the law: Carry the required safety equipment, including lifejackets for all passengers.
• Respect the water: Understand its power, unpredictability, and potential risks.

A few simple steps can prevent heartbreak and save lives. So before you push off from shore, ask yourself: Is everyone protected? Because safety isn’t seasonal, and it never takes a day off.

Lifejackets vs. PFDs: What You Need to Know

Not all flotation devices are created equal. Lifejackets and PFDs serve different purposes, offer varying levels of protection, and are regulated differently. Let’s break it down so you can make the safest choice for your adventure.

Lifejackets: Maximum Buoyancy, Maximum Safety

Lifejackets are designed to save lives in the most critical situations—especially if you’re unconscious or in cold water. They’re bulkier than PFDs but offer superior flotation and are strictly regulated for colour, performance, and buoyancy.

Transport Canada approves three types of lifejackets:

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in collaboration with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, has officially broken ground on the transformative Just Like Home Lodge & Healthcare Workforce Housing initiative.

The launch was marked by a celebratory gathering of community members, government officials, and project partners—united by a shared vision to improve healthcare access across the North Island and Central Coast.

Just Like Home Lodge will offer a welcoming, affordable sanctuary for patients and their families who must travel to Campbell River for specialized medical treatment—ensuring comfort and support during challenging times.

Healthcare Workforce Housing will introduce 20 new rental suites designed to attract and retain vital healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, helping to strengthen the region’s medical infrastructure.

Construction is officially underway, with the project slated for completion in the summer of 2026.

October 13, 1935 – August 21, 2025

Bertram “Kim” Sacht, a man marked by fearless curiosity and confidence, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Rock Bay Hospital on October 13, 1935, to Louis Frederick Sacht and Anna Ethel Kelsey, Kim was the brother of Frances, Dorothy, and Lawrence, all of whom predeceased him.

Growing up in the Sayward Valley as part of a pioneer logging family, Kim left school after Grade 11 to follow in his father’s footsteps. He devoted over fifty years to the logging industry, participating in numerous successful operations across Vancouver Island, the mid-B.C. Coast, and the Interior.

From his youth, Kim loved the outdoors—he fished, hunted, gardened, sailed, and explored. Over his lifetime he journeyed widely, travelling through Mexico, Cuba, New Zealand, Africa, and throughout British Columbia in search of new adventures and excellent fishing.

In 1956 he met Judith Kathleen Richardson of Comox, who had come to Sayward to teach. They married on July 6, 1957, and over the next eight years they had five children: Kathleen Dorothy (married Steve Logan), Jane Leslie (married Morey Walker), Roger Louis (married Sheila Martin), Timothy Kelsey (married Susan Vegh, then Rita Barchard), and Arnold Benjamin. After Judy’s death in 1983, Kim married Bonnie Denis in 1984, and later Anne Halliday in 2010.

Kim is survived by his grandchildren—Ky, Ben, Amiel, Lyahna, Kelsey, Ian, Adam, and Claire—and his great-grandchildren Lexus, Keon, Tajai, Oliver, Juliette, and Ellyrah.

A lifelong learner, Kim was an avid reader with books always stacked by his favourite chair. He subscribed to numerous magazines, loved hosting dinner parties, appreciated a cold beer or a glass of red Chilean wine, and enjoyed dancing—jive, square, round, waltz, fox-trot—all with grace. Theatre, live music, and movie nights out were among his pleasures. His work ethic and determination to see things through inspired all who knew him. Once asked what, if anything, he would do differently in his life, he replied, “Nothing—just make different mistakes.”

Kim’s family extend deep gratitude to the caregivers at Nicola Ward, Third Floor, The Hamlets—truly extraordinary people.

A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at the Vernon Golf and Country Club on September 27, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Kathleen at 250-307-5409