Thetis committee puts Howling Wolf bylaw file on hold

The committee directed staff to pause the compliance file until a planning application is submitted for consideration.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-24 · Thetis Island

The Thetis Island Local Trust Committee directed staff to place the Howling Wolf bylaw compliance and enforcement file on hold until a planning application has been submitted for consideration by the committee.[1]

Staff said the Land Use Bylaw requires a home-based occupation, such as the market, to be established under a residential use.[1] Staff also said the dock in the water zone must be accessory to residential use, while the dock abuts a dedicated highway and the deck is built on a public roadway.[1]

The committee’s minutes say the property owner is working to come into compliance by placing a residence on the lot, which would resolve the bylaw issue concerning market operation.[1] The minutes say the deck and dock are not accessory to a residential lot and that rezoning might be required.[1]

During public participation, several speakers supported the market, citing local food, food security, tourism and access for aging residents.[1] The market operator said letters and a petition with 850 signatures had been received and would be forwarded to Islands Trust.[1]

The Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Manager said complaints cannot be anonymous, but complainants’ information is kept confidential.[1] He also said that if an investigation finds no contravention, the file is closed, and that continued unwarranted complaints may be considered vexatious and not investigated.[1]

The committee also voted not to proceed with Targeted Land Use Bylaw No. 119 as a minor project and added the targeted amendments project to its future project list.[1] The proposed amendments concerned a 2000-imperial gallon cistern for new residential dwelling units and guest cottages, fence heights and setbacks from the natural boundary of the sea, and the definition of derelict vehicle.[1]

Sources

  1. Thetis Island Local Trust Committee Regular Meeting Minutes, April 20, 2026
    that the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee direct staff to place the Howling Wolf bylaw compliance and enforcement file on hold until a planning application has been submitted for consideration by the Local Trust Committee.

    link checked · passage found in the document we hold

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