Thetis trustees advance proposed Trust Policy Statement with conditions
The recommendation passed despite opposition from Trustee Ken Hunter after public comments raised concerns about prescriptive policies and the missed in-person meeting.
The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-24 · Thetis Island
The Thetis Island Local Trust Committee recommended proceeding with proposed Trust Council Bylaw No. 183, subject to Trust Council committing to a list of topics for incremental improvements after adoption. The motion carried, with Trustee Ken Hunter opposed.[1]
The proposed policy statement was discussed at a community information meeting during the February 3 meeting. Staff said the draft had received first reading in July 2025 and was in the referral process, with public feedback and referral responses to be provided to Trust Council before adoption.[1]
The meeting recording shows Chair Tobi Elliott apologized for the missed November presentation, saying it had been delayed after strike action and a subsequent scheduling delay.[2] The minutes record public comments that the community had not had an opportunity to participate in an in-person meeting to view the presentation and discuss it.[1]
Trustee Ken Hunter said he had not heard much support from speakers, was hesitant to approve the bylaw in its present form, had voted against first reading and would like to see another draft before second or third reading.[1] Trustee Peter Luckham said he favoured proceeding, citing Trust Council’s commitment to incremental improvements over time.[1]
The Senior Policy Advisor said the requirement to have a policy statement was not optional and was directed by the provincial government, while Trust Council could determine how prescriptive the policies would be.[1] The recording also captures the Senior Policy Advisor saying, “the requirement to have a policy statement is not optional.”[2]
The committee also approved first reading of a proposed shoreline-protection bylaw, requested referrals and a Section 219 covenant, and asked staff to schedule a community information meeting and public hearing after receiving a draft covenant.[1] The next regular meeting was scheduled for Monday April 20, 2026, at the Forbes Community Centre.[1]
Sources
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Thetis Island Local Trust Committee Minutes, February 3, 2026
that the Thetis Island Local Trust Committee recommend proceeding with Bylaw No. 183 subject to Trust Council committing to a list of topics for incremental improvements post adoption
link checked · passage found in the document we hold
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Transcript of the meeting recording (260203E)
No, the requirement to have a policy statement is not optional.
link checked · passage found in the document we hold