John Rice Area D Director

I have just posted my Directors Report for May 2026.

johnforaread.ca

For those interested, I have posted this month's Directors Report

This months report includes

• Aquatic Centre Update
• Home Away from Home Lodge and Workforce Housing update
• Water Meter Project Update
• Traffic Study on Highway 19A Update
• Meetings with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit
• Oyster Bay Rest Stop Concerns
• Oyster River Enhancement Society
• New Bus Stops and Shelters

This month's report can be found

johnforaread.ca

Strathcona Gardens Funding Participants Possible Change

In 2023, I brought a motion to the Regional Board asking that staff return further reports in the hopes of answering the question “Why is Area D the only Electoral Area paying into the Strathcona Gardens?”

Well, at the April Regional Board Meeting, the board will be voting on whether Quadra Island should join the funding participants.
Every other Regional District on Vancouver Island has realized years ago that to have strong Recreational Facilities that are well funded, it does take the entire Regional District to chip in.

Further, every other regional district on Vancouver Island recognizes that Recreational Faculties bring value to their entire Regional District.

The exception is our Strathcona Regional District.

Please read my Director's Report.

https://johnforaread.ca/PDF_Files/Directors%20Report%20March%202026.pdf

Please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey found at
https://form.jotform.com/260856892719070

Let's send a strong message to the Regional Board that it is time for Quadra Island residents to help pay for a facility that they have used and enjoyed for years.

Strathcona Gardens Service Please click the link to complete this form.

Just posted this months Directors Report

It can be found at
https://johnforaread.ca/PDF_Files/Directors%20Report%20March%202026.pdf

The hot topic this month was the Strathcona Gardens. Finally the Regional Board is tackling what every other Regional District on this Island have already resolved years ago and that is who should be included when it comes to funding Recreational Facilities.

Take the time to read my report as this is a very important issue.

johnforaread.ca

To correct some misinformation for all the folks on the Southern End of Area D there is an active petition claiming many things.

1. Taxes did not go up 9%. Taxes for the SRD services in 2026 is a net zero increase when compared to last year.
2. On specific services such as fire and water which comes from the Comox Valley RD please note the following
1. meter water rates went up 2.5% and fire remains the same cost as last year.
2. The parcel tax for water infrastructure replacement did increase as per the schedule released by the Comox Valley RD last year. Compared to last year this parcel tax increased from $ 251 in 2025 to $318 for 2026.

If any residents on the TAX increase for 2026 is not clear please call me. 250.203.1598