April 2025: Savary OCP Review and Update
Calling all Savary geeks, nerds and citizens,
Here is a chance to learn lots more about your favourite place. The Savary OCP project team has recently released the Background Report, and the Groundwater study for Savary and updated the FAQ section of the OCP webpage.
If you want to know what is happening and where we are in the process please take some time reading the links below.
To read the water study, the background report and the updated OCP FAQ click here: https://www.qathet.ca/current_project/savaryocp/
People on Savary have wondered about the water for at least a century, and now we have some data to consider. According to Sylvia Barroso, of Groundwater Solutions and the author of the Savary Groundwater Assessment "Savary's groundwater is fresh and extremely vulnerable".
Ms. Barroso presented her report to the OCP Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday April 14. SILT has asked the Chair if more presentations by Ms Barroso may be made to the community by Zoom and face to face on Savary so that the community can better understand this vulnerability of this vital resource.
With the completion of the OCP Background Report and the Phase 2 Vision Small Group Discussion Report, the Consultants are now moving on to Phase 3 – Key Directions.
There is a recording of Sylvia Barroso’s presentation for the qathet Regional District Planning Committee on the 'Assessment of Groundwater Resources on Savary Island - Qɛyɛ qʷən' final report here https://qathetrd.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/175838/?preview=177830. The presentation begins around minute 45:30.
For more news About Silts and Savary, Check out our Blog and Newsletters.
ABOUT US
The Savary Island Land Trust (SILT) was established in 1997, with the goal of preserving the last undivided and undeveloped wilderness on Savary (DL1375).
What We’ve Accomplished
In 1997 there was no conservation land on Savary. Today, 43% of the island is protected. Look at the map of all conservation lands here.
Take Action
Ready to take the next step? You can become a member, volunteer or donate to help preserve Savary Island now, and for future generations.
NewsLetters
Read about SILT events, conservation milestones and community, as well as the natural history of Savary.
Resources For Visitors
The Savary Visitor’s Map is designed to provide useful information about how to enjoy the island sustainably.
Resources for Savary Islanders
Includes maps and information on: the Official Community Plan; how to connect with local government; best practices regarding building, groundwater, transportation, and tree-removal.
Natural History of Savary Island
Learn about the plants, animals and geological history of Savary here.
Our Story
In 1995 a group of concerned Savary Islanders joined together with the goal to save the Heart of Savary - the last undivided and undeveloped wilderness on Savary - from becoming a gated community development. They established the Savary Island Land Trust Society in 1997. In 1998 SILT became a charity and received its first gifts of land. Since that time, SILT has acquired 23 lots across the island and nearly 43% of Savary is protected. Our successes are rooted in the vision of our founders, and the commitment of our donors, members, artists and volunteers.
We never lost sight of our first goal: the Heart of Savary. It took 22 years and the efforts and generosity of many islanders, the Friends of Savary, and SILT to raise the funds for the Nature Trust of BC to acquire the land for conservation in 2018. Thanks to each and everyone who helped and contributed to this community achievement.
Savary is the most ecologically rare and has the highest density of subdivision of any of the islands in the Salish Sea. Protecting wetlands, dunes, forests, meadows, springs and groundwater remain critical to the biodiversity and sustainability of the Island. In 2019, the Savary Island Nature Legacy Fund for land conservation was established with a gift from the Armstrong Family Foundation. Since that time, it has grown to $75,000. To donate click here.
To celebrate 25 years of SILT in 2022, we set up the the Savary Island Sustainability Fund. A donation to this fund will help SILT continue to protect nature on Savary, and offer stewardship education and activities to nurture a sense of place and connection for Savary Islanders now and into the future. To donate, please click here.
