SRD Spotlight September 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026 00:43 | Local

Strathcona Regional District – Area ‘A’ Director’s Report – August 29, 2026

Local Government Election:

Elections for the Strathcona Regional District are just around the corner (October) and I hope to continue to have your support as I am running for re-election. I really enjoy representing the residents of the Sayward Valley and will remain focussed on keeping our property taxes as low as possible.

August Board Meeting:

At our August 26 Strathcona Regional District board meeting, there was nothing passed that negatively affects the Sayward Valley.

Item of Interest:

The Board passed a motion, which I opposed, to hold a referendum for the residents of Campbell River, Area ‘D’ (Oyster Bay), and Area ‘C’ (Quadra Island) to determine if these voters want to expand the Strathcona Gardens Service to force Quadra Island to pay.

Unfortunately for Quadra Island, the voters in Area ‘D’ together with Campbell River outnumber Quadra voters by about 30 to 1, so Quadra’s opposition will likely be of no effect.

Area ‘A’ (Sayward Valley) does not in any way contribute to the Strathcona Gardens service.

If you have any questions on these or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact me. My door is always open.

Gerald Whalley
Regional Director (Area ‘A’)
Phone: 250-282-3787
gwhalley@srd.ca

Campfire Ban Takes Effect May 7 Across B.C.’s Coast Including Sayward

by | May 4, 2026 23:12 | Events

A campfire ban is set to take effect across British Columbia’s Coastal region starting at noon on May 7, 2026, as officials move to reduce wildfire risk during increasingly dry conditions.

According to the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre, the prohibition will apply to all campfires, along with Category 2 and Category 3 open fires. Fireworks and similar high-risk activities are also included in the restrictions.

This early-season ban reflects growing concerns about wildfire hazards and the need for residents and visitors to take extra precautions outdoors.

What’s Prohibited

  • Campfires and smokehouses
  • Category 2 open fires (including fireworks)
  • Category 3 open fires

Fire Safety Starts With You

Even small actions can prevent devastating wildfires. Improperly discarded cigarette butts remain a common cause of human-started fires. Officials are reminding everyone to:

  • Never use planters, decks, gardens, or trash cans as ashtrays
  • Always fully extinguish cigarette butts and matches in water before disposal

Burn Ban Safety Tips

Reducing fire risk around your home is just as important:

  • Trim tree branches up to six feet from the ground
  • Mow grass short (about two inches)
  • Water lawns, shrubs, and surrounding areas regularly
  • Clear away dead leaves and plants
  • Store fuel and flammable materials safely
  • Keep ladders and trellises away from rooftops

With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, cooperation from the public is critical. Respecting fire bans and practicing safe habits can make a real difference in protecting homes, forests, and communities.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current fire restrictions and report any signs of wildfire immediately.

SRD Indigenous Emergency Services Liaison

by | Apr 24, 2026 00:56 | Jobs

The Strathcona Regional District is seeking an Indigenous Emergency Services Liaison to help strengthen relationships and collaboration between the Regional District, local First Nations, and Indigenous communities in the area.

This important role will focus on building partnerships, supporting emergency preparedness and response initiatives, and ensuring Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and priorities are meaningfully integrated into regional emergency management planning. The successful candidate will act as a key connection between Indigenous communities, emergency service providers, and regional government.

Responsibilities include fostering strong working relationships with First Nations and Indigenous organizations, supporting culturally informed emergency planning and response, facilitating communication and collaboration during emergency events, and advancing reconciliation through partnership and shared decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have post-secondary education in a related field such as Indigenous Studies, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or Community Development, along with relevant experience in Indigenous relations, emergency services, program coordination, or community engagement. A strong understanding of Indigenous governance, culture, and emergency management practices is essential.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in supporting community resilience and emergency preparedness throughout the region.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the competition number, by the specified closing date. A criminal record check will be required for the successful candidate. Preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, in accordance with applicable legislation and organizational commitments to reconciliation and inclusion.

Learn more at the SRD website.

Strathcona Regional District Launches Emergency Preparedness Week With Free Training And Community Events – May 3rd, 4th, 8th In Sayward

by | Apr 19, 2026 02:56 | Events

Strathcona Regional District is marking Emergency Preparedness Week with a series of free public training sessions and community-focused events designed to help residents become better equipped to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening local resilience across the region by encouraging individuals, families, and neighbourhoods to take practical steps toward preparedness before an emergency occurs. Throughout the week, residents can participate in a variety of workshops and information sessions that focus on real-world skills such as building an emergency kit, developing a household emergency plan, and learning how to respond during critical situations like wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms, and other disruptions that can impact coastal and rural communities on Vancouver Island.

Organizers are also emphasizing the importance of understanding local hazards specific to the Strathcona region, where geography and weather patterns can increase exposure to events such as flooding, landslides, and tsunami risk in coastal areas. By providing accessible training and clear, actionable guidance, the program aims to ensure residents are not only informed but also confident in how to respond when emergencies arise.

The events bring together emergency management professionals, first responders, and community partners who will be sharing expertise and practical advice. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore preparedness tools, and connect with local resources that can support them before, during, and after an emergency.

Officials with the regional district say the week is about more than just awareness—it’s about building long-term readiness at the household and community level. By making training free and open to the public, the program lowers barriers to participation and encourages more residents to take part in preparedness planning.

Emergency Preparedness Week serves as a reminder that while emergencies can be unpredictable, taking small, proactive steps now can significantly improve safety and response outcomes in the future.

Full schedule spans multiple communities and formats

The week’s events begin on May 2 with a two-day Marine (Basic) First Aid course in the Outer Discovery Islands and continue with a mix of in-person and online sessions.

Highlights include:

May 2–3

  • Marine (Basic) First Aid in the Outer Discovery Islands

May 3–4

  • Household preparedness and pet preparedness sessions on Cortes Island
  • Emergency (Basic) First Aid training on Quadra Island and in Campbell River
  • Structural Protection Unit demonstration in Sayward

May 6–7

  • Marine First Aid training in Zeballos
  • Intermediate first aid certification in Campbell River
  • Tsunami boater safety and household preparedness virtual sessions
  • Wildfire preparedness workshops in Tahsis and Gold River

May 8

  • Additional Emergency (Basic) First Aid sessions in Campbell River and Sayward

Organizers note that multi-day courses require attendance at all sessions to receive certification.

Just Like Home Lodge Project Moving Forward To Support North Island Patients And Families

by | Apr 11, 2026 01:13 | Local

Healthcare accommodation facility near Campbell River Hospital expected to welcome guests in fall 2026

A major healthcare support project designed to help North Island residents stay close to loved ones during medical treatment is continuing to move forward, with construction of the Just Like Home Lodge on track for completion later this year.

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, is developing the Just Like Home Lodge next to North Island Hospital – Campbell River campus to provide a safe and supportive place for patients and caregivers traveling for specialized medical care.

The lodge is designed as a home-away-from-home for people from communities across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast who must travel to Campbell River for services not available in their hometowns.

Reducing travel stress for North Island families

For many residents in smaller communities such as Sayward, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, and surrounding areas, accessing specialized healthcare often requires long travel times and overnight stays near the hospital.

The Just Like Home Lodge aims to ease that burden by offering affordable accommodation just steps away from the hospital, allowing families to stay together and focus on recovery and support rather than travel logistics and lodging costs. Evidence shows that patients often recover more effectively when loved ones are nearby, and the lodge is designed to support that connection.

The facility will include:

  • 10 private sleeping rooms with washrooms
  • communal living and gathering spaces
  • large shared kitchen and dining area
  • laundry and day-use facilities
  • RV and guest parking
  • comfortable shared spaces for families and caregivers

The Campbell River hospital currently serves 32 communities and approximately 57,000 patients across the region, highlighting the need for accessible accommodations close to care.

Construction progress and timeline

Recent progress updates from the Strathcona Regional District show the project is moving ahead on schedule, with major construction milestones already completed and the building beginning to take shape above ground.

The development includes both the Just Like Home Lodge and a Healthcare Workforce Housing component, which will add 20 self-contained rental units for medical professionals to help attract and retain doctors, nurses, and other essential staff in the region.

Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with plans to welcome guests in fall 2026 once the facility is ready for operation.

Strengthening healthcare across the region

The project is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access and support for rural and coastal communities.

By providing accommodation for patients and families while also addressing healthcare workforce housing shortages, the lodge is expected to strengthen medical services across North Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.

The Strathcona Regional District says the facility will provide an important resource for patients, caregivers, and visiting medical professionals, helping ensure people can access care without the added stress of travel and accommodation challenges.

Community-supported initiative

The Just Like Home Lodge is funded through a partnership between regional government and community donors, with capital fundraising led by the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and operating support provided by the Strathcona Regional District.

Community donations and support have played a key role in moving the project forward, reflecting strong regional backing for a facility that will benefit families across the North Island.

Once complete, the lodge will offer a welcoming and affordable place for patients and loved ones to stay close during medical treatment — helping ensure that no one has to face healthcare challenges alone.

Learn more at the Just Like Home Lodge website.