The Gabriola Local Trust Committee has approved the scope and scheduled a project to conduct a targeted review of our Land Use Bylaws and Community Plan. This important step is a direct result of the efforts of MICA and the strong support we’ve received from the community.
This summer we ran a community survey to help prioritise which issues should be addressed in the review. For those who’d like a refresher, here is a link to the report of the survey results. Guided by our survey, the targeted review was presented to the Local Trust Committee on September 4th. The proposal was approved at that meeting. You can read the full report here.
The Approved Scope Includes Potential Bylaw Amendments On:
Definition of “structure”
Moorage buoys as a permitted structure
Lot coverage
Setback from the sea
Structures in the setback from the sea
Lot line setbacks for building envelopes on narrow lots
Accessory structures on lots without a principal use
General housekeeping amendments
You can see that the trust are intending to address the top five areas of the survey plus two of the items raised in open comments. The other items that were not addressed were outside the scope of a targeted review because they may require a change to the community plan, were excessively complex, or faced jurisdictional issues. Of course, we would have liked more, but this is a very positive step forward.
Next Steps
The project will officially begin in April 2026. Community engagement will include a new survey in May, and the creation of a Mudge Island Advisory Planning Commission (APC). Applications for the APC will close at the end of October 2025.
Trustees are already reaching out to individuals about joining the APC. All members of the MICA committee plan to apply, since the community extended our mandate this summer to see this process through. With our ability to communicate widely, our understanding of community priorities, and our knowledge of land use bylaws, we believe we are well positioned to represent Mudge effectively.
We were surprised that the Islands Trust has not yet formally engaged with MICA, given our role in facilitating community-wide dialogue. We hope that will change as the project moves forward.
How You Can Help
If you believe that MICA should continue the work we have started, we encourage you to email the trustees to endorse the Members of MICA’s selection to the commission. Here is a link to the Trustee Corner
The LTC and Trust Staff will also continue to communicate how to apply for the APC through their normal channels.
Closing
We encourage everyone to stay engaged. This is an important opportunity to shape the future of Mudge Island… together.
We hope to represent you on the APC and continue ensuring Mudge Island’s voice is heard.
