Salt Spring Island, BC– The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) has assumed responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Salt Spring United Church (SSUC) meadow located at 111 Hereford Avenue in Ganges. The church meadow has been accessible to the public as a “park” in the centre of town since the 1980s and the CRD looks forward to continuing this tradition through a license of occupation.

In recent years the meadow has increasingly become a place where people are conducting themselves outside of the church’s intended use. With limited enforcement options and a desire to keep the space open for public use, the SSUC has requested that the CRD assume responsibility for this community space and thereby implement the ability to enforce CRD park bylaws. 

The CRD invites the public to continue the use and enjoyment of this green meadow space within the parameters of existing local CRD Community Parks Bylaw No. 3795. The meadow is accessed from the churchyard by a bridge, two entrance points from the Island Savings parking lot on McPhillips Road and two entry points from Hereford Avenue. Watch for upcoming changes to enhance the space and contact the office for a Park Use Permit to reserve for future public or private events.

“Community parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our community,” said Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director. “I am pleased that through this new partnership with the Salt Spring United Church we can keep this green space open to the public for future generations to enjoy.”

“The Salt Spring Island United Church is excited to be working with PARC with regard to our meadow,” said Marilynne Cunningham, Chair of the Board, Salt Spring Island United Church. “We acknowledge the work you are planning to do and trust that you will take into consideration the needs of the marginalized people of our community.“

COVID-19 Keep Apart In Parks

The health and safety of the public and staff is our top priority. Distancing is your responsibility. Failure to adhere may jeopardize public access to parks.

For more information and updates visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/ssiparc

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Dan Ovington, Manager
Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation
Tel: 250.537.4448