September 7, 2018 Alanna Dixon Director, Economic & Corporate Initiatives Design, Coordination & Outreach Branch Technology, Innovation & Economic Development Division Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology By email:
[email protected] Dear Ms. Dixon: Our municipal council recently became aware of a potential regulation change that may allow other communities to gain support for economic diversification, planning, and revitalization through the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET). We understand that Ministry staff have begun engaging with ICET to explore the inclusion of the CRD electoral areas of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands in the ICET service area. We are requesting that Bowen Island Municipality be considered a stakeholder in any discussion undertaken by your Ministry. As a rural island community, Bowen Island faces challenges for economic development, job creation, and infrastructure development that are similar to those of the Southern Gulf Islands. Attached is related correspondence that explains our situation more fully. As you will see, we have been actively attempting by a variety of means to gain recognition of Bowen Island’s rural status and to secure the funding support for infrastructure projects we require. I can be reached at 604-947-4255 or
[email protected] . Sincerely, Mayor Murray Skeels Bowen Island Municipality Attachments (7) Letter from Acting Chair Susan Morrison, Islands Trust, to Premier John Horgan, “Designation of the Islands Trust Area for Rural Dividend Program and Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) Funding,” dated July 11, 2018. In reply: Letter from Assistant Deputy Minister Dave Peterson, FLNRORD, dated August 9, 2018. Letter from MLA Jordan Sturdy to Premier John Horgan, “Bowen Island Municipality Eligibility for Rural Dividend Program and Other Granting Programs,” dated July 4, 2018 .