gabriola island

GABRIOLA ISLAND
COMMUNITY PROFILE
GABRIOLA ISLAND
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Prepared by Malaspina University-College Geography 446 - Issues in Regional Growth Management
for the Islands Trust Council.
Contributors:
Angela Araya
Sheridan Clemson
Ryan Brown
Katie Ma�hews
Pam Shaw
Anna Wilkerson
Meagan Askham
Peter Dale
Ma� Kazanowski
Kirsten Neilsen
Robert Stover
Steven Beasley
Adam Evans
Amrit Lally
Jasmine Roy
Katie Warnock
Nigel Blondeau
Meagan Brown
Luke Letham
Karla Ryan
Sue Wells
Geography Department
900 Fi�h Street,
Nanaimo, British Columbia
250-753-3245 www.mala.ca
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW
1
ISLAND GEOGRAPHY
3
CLIMATE
7
ENVIRONMENT
11
HISTORY
13
PEOPLE
15
HOUSING
21
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
23
LABOUR FORCE
25
AGRICULTURE
27
POWER USE
31
TRANSPORTATION
33
SERVICES
37
RECREATION
39
ARTS AND CULTURE
43
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
45
REAL ESTATE
49
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT
53
SOURCES
57
APPENDIX 1
59
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
OVERVIEW
Gabriola Island is territory of the Snunéymuxw first nations who have occupied the area
for thousands of years. First European contact came in 1792 when Spanish explorers
charted Punta de Gaviola (or Gaviola Point), which was thought to have been an extension
of Vancouver Island. Many of the island features are named a�er Alejandero Malaspina,
who was one of the explorers of this time. It was in 1852 that Governor James Douglas
had discovered a passage between Valdes Island and Gabriola. But it wasn’t until this
discovery that Gabriola, Valdes and Galliano Island received their present names.
The Island of Gabriola is currently home to over 4,000 inhabitants. With a mild climate,
many residents live on the island all year
round although some are seasonal. The
island topography ranges from sandy
beaches to forested hillsides. With 45
kilometres of shoreline, recreation is a
common activity on Gabriola. There are
three provincial parks, one regional park
and a plethora of community parks located
on the island.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Malaspina University-College is located in
Nanaimo, British Columbia and operates
a well respected Geography program that
includes a concentration in urban growth
management. In January 2008, members
of the geography faculty at Malaspina and
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ISLANDSTRUST
staff of the Island Trust came together
to create a partnership that would
provide senior level students enrolled
in Geography 446, Issues in Urban
Growth Management, the opportunity
to undertake a real community project.
Students would undertake research
and construct a community profile for
Gabriola Island that would serve as
background information for the formal
review of the Official Community Plan
for Gabriola Island.
The Gabriola Island Community Profile
is here presented in its first dra� to
the Islands Trust Council and will be
supplemented throughout the review
process. Malaspina University-College,
and its students and faculty, would like
to thank the Islands Trust, and Planner
Chris Jackson, for the opportunity to
participate in this project.
2
Map produced by Islands Trust
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
ISLAND GEOGRAPHY
LOCATION
Gabriola is one of the southern Gulf Islands and is located in the Strait of
Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia.
The closest major city is the City of Nanaimo located 6 kilometres off the
south coast of Gabriola and a 20 minute ferry ride away.
The island has an area of 5,256 hectares and it is approximately 14 kilometres
in length and 4.2 kilometres wide. The maximum elevation on the island is at
160 metres above sea level. This high point is found on Stony Ridge, located
near the centre of the island.
Gabriola Island is separated from Vancouver Island on the southwest side
by the Northumberland Channel. Mudge Island, 2.5 kilometres long, is also
located south of Gabriola and is separated by a channel called False Narrows.
On the northern most tip of the island, Entrance Island and Snake Island are
visible. Entrance Island is located approximately two kilometres off the coast
of Gabriola and is equipped with a light station to direct ferries into Departure
Bay on Vancouver Island. Gabriola is divided from Valdes Island on the
southeast tip by the Gabriola Passage. The Flat Top Islands and Breakwater
Island are located above Valdes Island also off the east coast of Gabriola.
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ISLANDSTRUST
COASTLINE
The island has a number of distinct
bays. Silva Bay is located on the
northeastern side and Degnen Bay on
the southeastern side of the island.
Descanso Bay is found on the southwest
of the island where the island’s ferry
terminal is located. Lock Bay is located
on the northern side of the island below
Leboeuf Bay. Taylor Bay, Pilot Bay, and
Clarke Bay can be found along the
northwestern shoreline.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The island has three provincial parks
which capture the exquisite physical
environment of Gabriola. Gabriola
Sands Provincial Park is located on the
northwest shore on an isthmus dividing
Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. This park has
two sandy beaches commonly know as
the twin beaches. Sandwell Provincial
Park is located near Lock Bay on the
northwest coast of the island. This
twelve hectare park includes a long
sandy beach and beautiful views of the
Strait of Georgia. Drumbeg Provincial
Park is on the eastern side of the island
and overlooks the Gabriola Passage.
This park is a protection zone for Garry
Oak trees and other sensitive species.
The Descanso Bay Regional Park
contains the sandstone formations of
the Malaspina Galleries and is found
less than 1 kilometre from the ferry
terminal at the northwestern tip of the
island.
4
GEOLOGY
The Island of Gabriola has many
important physical characteristics
which were shaped by many different
processes. The numerous cliffs, points,
and bays are a�ributed to the past
glaciations of the area and erosional
processes. The formation of the island
itself is thought to be the result of
tectonic events. The Fraser glaciation
event was thought to have hit the region
between 11,000-13,000 years ago, long
a�er the island was formed.
The island is believed to have formed
over 55 to 42 million years ago as plate
tectonic activities transformed the
landscape. These plate movements
pushed seabed sediments towards
the mainland with massive pressures.
As a result, Gabriola Island has a
characteristic bend shape in relation
to the island’s geology. This bend in
the island rock layers is also know as
a syncline and the evident U shape of
the underlying bedrock is the result
of the previously mentioned tectonic
activities.
Gabriola is entirely made up of
sedimentary rocks, ranging from
sandstone to shale, which formed on
the sea floor over a period of millions
of years during the late Cretaceous
Period. These sedimentary rocks are
part of the Nanaimo Group and each
are characteristically different from
one another. They are divided into
four formations. The Northumberland
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
formation is a massive mudstone
layer with thinner sandstone layers
imbedded and is located at the base
of the island and is visible along
parts of the Island’s coastline. The
Geoffrey formation is found above
the Northumberland formation and
is made up of a massive conglomerate
imbedded with medium-grained
sandstone and mudstone layers. The
Spray formation is found above the
Geoffrey formation and is composed
of thick mudstone layers parallel to
underlain massive sandstone beds. The
Gabriola formation is the upper-most
layer of the island and is visible in most
rock outcrops found near the centre of
the island. This formation is similar
in composition to the conglomerate
of the Geoffrey formation although
this formation has thinner sandstone
layers. The Malaspina galleries, located
at the northwest tip of the island, show
the unique layers within the island
sandstones as well as the erosional
processes of oceans wave action visible
along the island’s coastline.
Malaspina Galleries
5
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
CLIMATE
Gabriola Island’s climate data can be dated back to 1967 but the recordings show several
inconsistencies. The data recorded from 1967-1983 is only of total monthly precipitation,
rainfall, and snowfall; the earliest temperature recordings obtained were in March 1983
for the island. Climate data is as recent as 2005, which allows for analysis of precipitation
amounts (including rain and snowfall), mean temperatures, and comparisons of how
the climate has changed (or remained consistent) from 1967 to 2005.
Gabriola’s most recent monthly climate data report for 2005 is inconsistent due to missing
values and the amount of data available so Environment Canada’s Canadian Climate
Normals 1971-2000 will be used to discuss the climate of the island.
Gabriola Island has a mild temperate climate that is characterized by cool winters and
mild-to-warm summers. The Island receives
approximately 924mm of precipitation,
usually as rainfall and, in some cases, as
trace snow amounts. The temperatures
remain relatively consistent, depending on
the time of year, and rarely reaching extreme
temperatures. It has a similar climate to that
of Nanaimo; its temperature only slightly
warmer during the winter and cooler in
the summer. The physical geography of the
Island accounts for these slight variations.
See figure 2 for seasonal description.
Figure 1: Precipitation from 1967-2002
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Figure 2: Seasonal Mean Temperatures, 1983-2005
Winter temperatures are cool with
wet weather, receiving approximately
373mm of precipitation. Snowfall only
represents a trace amount of the total,
with an approximate total of 39.7cm.
The daily average temperature during
the winter months is 3.4°C, with values
having been recorded as low as -16°C
(January 1996) and as high as 15°C
(February 1986). The climate during
the winter months can be variable due
to recent climate change or trends, such
as El Nino.
8
The spring months on Gabriola are
mild, and receive about 189mm of
precipitation. Snow has been seen in
March, but in very li�le amounts and
there is no accumulation. The daily
average temperature for the spring is
8.7°C. The temperatures see a general
increase during the spring reaching up
to an average of 11.7°C by the end of
May.
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
The summer months are warm
and receive minimal amounts of
precipitation as compared to the rest of
the year with estimates at 95.1mm. The
most precipitation occurs in June, and
the remainder is equally spread out
over the rest of the summer months.
The daily average temperature of
Gabriola during the summer is 16°C
and rarely reaches above 22°C. The
temperature reached 32°C in July of
1994, a recorded extreme maximum.
September remains generally mild with
a daily average temperature of 13.8°C.
The average temperature for the fall
season is around 9.5°C. Precipitation
levels pick up in October, rounding out
the year with 266mm of precipitation.
As temperatures get cooler precipitation
occasionally begins to fall as snow, but
does not accumulate.
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GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
ENVIRONMENT
LOCAL SPECIES
Sea creatures near Gabriola include orcas, sea lions, seals, o�ers, wolf eels, octopuses,
and salmon, as well as a variety of shellfish including oysters, mussels, and clams. In
the winter months, the coast of Gabriola is visited by many species of waterfowl such
as the Scoter, Bufflehead, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Harlequin Duck. Shorebirds such as
the Black Turnstone and Ruddy Turnstone frequent the island as do garden birds such
as the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Thrushes, Warblers, Pileated
Woodpeckers, and Flickers. The Bald Eagle, European Starling, and Turkey Vulture are
common year round, and the Island features a heron rookery. Gabriola’s geographical
location is on the Pacific Flyway, which is a migratory path for bird species travelling
between their southern wintering areas and their northern breeding grounds. Favourable
climatic conditions and available habitat make it an important wintering area for many
species of water birds. More than 250 bird species live in or migrate through the Nanaimo–
Gabriola area.
PROTECTED AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
The protected and sensitive areas on Gabriola Island consist of the Bachmann Covenant,
Coats Millstone Nature Reserve, Reid Chapman Covenant, Elder Cedar Nature Reserve,
and Drumbeg Park..
The Bachmann Covenant is a 2.1 hectare area that is home to sensitive wildlife, such as
the red-legged frog, as well as home to a mature woodland forest consisting of Douglasfir and Arbutus trees. The Coats Millstone Nature Reserve, approximately 0.248 hectares,
was donated by landowner Clyde Coats and provides habitat for various birds and
animals. It encompasses part of a ridge rising above Descanso Bay and was once used
as a quarry.
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The Reid Chapman Covenant is a
significant marshland that lies in
between two coves. It is a mix of both
fresh and salt water, thus providing
a variety of homes for various sea
creatures, plants, animals, and birds.
The Elder Cedar Nature Reserve is a
65 hectare forestland that is composed
of young and mature forests, as
well as wetlands which maintain
great biodiversity. It is home to the
endangered Western screech owl and
Townsend’s big-ear bat.
Drumbeg Park protects Garry oak
ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir
forest landscapes and a diverse marine
environment. Species such as Bald
eagles, Great Blue Herons, harbour
seals and American oystercatchers can
be found along the shoreline. The parks
foreshore protects salt water marine
values in fast moving Gabriola Passage
(Rock fish rearing, extensive eel grass,
over 230 species of algae, sponges,
molluscs, sea stars, crustaceans, worms,
fish and marine mammals). Garry
oak ecosystems are among the most
endangered in Canada and only occur
on southeastern Vancouver Island and
the Gulf Islands.
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GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
HISTORY
Gabriola Island has a rich history, beginning with the First Nations inhabitants. Both
phyiscal evidence and oral history indicate that members of the Snuneymuxw Nation
had permanent and seasonal occupation of Gabriola Island prior to European contact.
Additional seasonal residents moved between villages on Newcastle Island and Gabriola
from September to April in search of shellfish, cod and other resources, and lived in the
Fraser Valley for the remainder of the year. Several permanent residences existed along
coastal regions including Degnen Bay and Indian Point (known as t’hit’h w’utquson in
the Hul’qumi’num lanquage)
In 1791, the Spanish were the first Europeans to set foot on the island. The Spanish
captain Navarez named the east end of the island ‘Punta de Gaviola’ (Seagull Point). In
June 1792, Descanso Bay was occupied by the Spaniards, headed by Captains Galiano
and Valder. The First Nations helped the Spanish find the water, which was a scarcity in
that time period.
SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
The se�lement of Gabriola began between 1887 and 1908, when Nanaimo’s coal industry
began to boom. The sheltered bays were populated first due to the reliance on boats.
Many of these se�lers were from Britain. Many men from the island commuted to work
in Nanaimo. Others tried their hand at agriculture, but the majority of the soil was not
conducive for crop growing, so their a�empts were unsuccessful. The few pockets of
good soil turned into market gardens for Nanaimo.
In 1887 there was a sandstone quarry located near Descanso Bay. It produced building
blocks for Victoria and later giant grid stones for crushing logs in pulp mills. A brickyard
13
ISLANDSTRUST
(today’s Brickyard Hill) was also
opened employing many Chinese
workers until its closure in 1945.
Starting in the 1920’s, Vancouver
residents sought out summer co�ages
on the Island. The north end of
Gabriola offered extensive waterfront
for reasonable prices.
In recent years, the population
of Gabriola Island has increased
rapidly, resulting in blacktopped
roads and subdivisions. A growing
population has provided for increased
amenities including community halls,
public services, and commercial
development.
14
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
PEOPLE
The majority of the people on Gabriola Island are full-time, retired residents, but there
are also a considerable number of people who make Gabriola their second home on
weekends and especially during the summer season. (h�p://www.gabriolaisland.org/
GICC/gabriola101.htm)
DEMOGRAPHICS
Gabriola Island has seen an increase in population since 2001 by approximately 528
people, according to the 2006 Census Data. This also increased the median age of Gabriola
residents from 49.3 years old to 52.9 years, and the percentage of the population 15 years
and older increased by 2.1% during the same five-year period
YEAR
TOTAL
POPULATION
MEDIAN
AGE
% POPULATION 15
YEARS AND OLDER
POPULATION
DENSITY PER KM2
2001
3522
49.3
86.7
61.1
2006
4050
52.9
88.8
70.3
Table 2: Demographic Change between 2001 and 2006
The changes in population for Gabriola Island were higher than the Regional District
of Nanaimo (RDN), and considerably higher than the BC average growth between 2001
and 2006. While Gabriola Island grew at a slower pace than BC and the RDN between
1996 and 2001, it nearly tripled the provincial percent in population change between
2001 and 2006 (Figure 3).
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ISLANDSTRUST
age range is also substantially higher
for Gabriola than it is in comparison to
both the RDN and the province of BC.
The population distribution for ages
below 50 has notably lower percentages
on Gabriola than it does in the RDN or
in BC (Figure 5).
Figure 3: Population Change between 2001 and 2006
The increase in population on Gabriola
Island can be a�ributed to the two age
groups that represent the residents
that are 45 years or older. These age
groups absorbed the majority of the
population growth between 2001 and
2006 (Figure 4).
MARITAL STATUS
As illustrated by the table below
from Statistics Canada (Table 3), the
majority of residents on Gabriola
Island are legally married and not
separated, with the second largest
representation being those that have
never been legally married, followed
by divorced, widowed, and separated
(but still legally married) people. This
is following the same general pa�ern
that is found in the RDN and in BC.
IMMIGRANT STATUS
Gabriola Island has a higher percentage
of immigrants than the RDN, but a
lower percentage than BC.
Figure 4: Population Growth between 2001 and 2006
The largest represented demographic
on Gabriola Island are those between
the ages of 50 and 70. Residents with
these ages account for 44 percent of
the total population on Gabriola. This
16
INCOME
In Figure 6, the percentage of population
with income levels between $1,000 and
$10,000 is higher on Gabriola than in
BC, while the percentage of population
income levels higher than $15,000 is
consistently lower. Between 1996 and
2001, the percentage of population
earning over $60,000 tripled. The 2006
income data for Gabriola Island has not
yet been released by Census Canada
(Figure 7).
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
Figure 5: Age Distribution in 2006
Figure 6: Average Income in 2000 - Gabriola Island and BC
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RDN
NANAIMO AREA B
TOTAL
Total Population 15 Years
and Older
MALE FEMALE
BRITISH COLUMBIA
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
3,593
1,735
1,860
118,765
56,975
61,975
3,433,880
1,665,240
1,768,640
910
480
435
32,120
17,210
14,900
1,102,395
591,495
510,905
1,830
920
910
61,575
30,795
30,780
1,730,480
863,210
867,275
Separated, But Still Legally
Married
140
70
75
4,080
1,830
2,245
110,575
48,710
61,860
Divorced
520
220
300
12,300
5,220
7,075
285,860
120,815
165,045
Widowed
195
50
145
8,690
1,910
6,780
204,570
41,015
163,555
Never Legally Married
(single)
Legally Married (and not
separated)
Table 3: Legal Marital Status for Gabriola, RDN and BC (Area B includes Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands)
RDN
NANAIMO AREA B
TOTAL
BRITISH COLUMBIA
MALE FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
MALE
FEMALE
Total Population
4,050
1,950
2,100
137,150
66,665
70,485
4,074,385
1,998,385
2,076,000
Non-immigrants
3,085
1,540
1,545
113,380
55,485
57,895
2,904,240
1,443,245
1,460,995
Immigrants
925
380
545
22,915
10,740
12,175
1,119,215
531,345
587,865
Before 1991
775
310
465
18,470
8,780
9,690
605,680
291,490
314,190
1991 to 2000
100
30
70
2,580
1,700
1,470
335,695
156,855
178,835
2001 to 2006
50
40
15
1,865
855
1,015
177,840
83,005
94,840
Non-permanent Residents
40
30
10
850
440
415
50,925
23,795
27,130
Table 4: Immigrant Status for Gabriola, RDN and BC (Area B includes Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands)
Figure 7: Gabriola Island Lands Trust Area:
1996 – 2000 Income
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GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
EDUCATION
A higher percentage holds a university
certificate, diploma, or degree on
Gabriola than in the RDN and BC.
The education level with the highest
percentage in the RDN and BC is
High School certificate or equivalent,
while on Gabriola it is people with
University certificate, diplomas or
degrees. Percent of population with
no certificate, diploma, or degree is
smaller than both the RDN and BC
(Figure 8).
There are 166 students registered in the
K-7 Gabriola elementary school for the
2007-08 school-year. Home schooling
students can be supported by the
Aurora Learn@Home Center. High
school students can a�end off-island
or study at home. Gabriola offers some
unique learning opportunities with the
only fulltime traditional boat building
school in Canada and a timber frame
and log home building school. The
Haven Institute and Resort has been
offering workshops and courses that
enhance personal growth, health and
wellness for 25 years.
Figure 8: Education Levels for Ages 15 and Over
19
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
HOUSING
Gabriola Island offers a different and unique island se�ing with many waterfront
properties at a lower expense than elsewhere. The total number of private dwellings
occupied by usual residents is 1,995. The majority of these dwellings are single-detached
houses, which make up 93% of the total occupied private dwellings. The rest of the
dwellings are made up of semi-detached houses (2%) and apartments and duplexes
(0.8%). The rest is made up of other dwellings (3%).
The greater part of these private dwellings are owned rather than rented. Owned
residences number 1,700 of the total dwellings compared to 290 rented dwellings. There
are a number of houses that are older as 1,035 dwellings were constructed before 1986.
The remaining 960 were constructed between 1986 and 2006.
Another a�ractive part of
housing on Gabriola is the
size of the properties that
the houses are on. Most
homes on Gabriola are on
lots of a half-acre to five
acres or more in size. There
is no sewer or water service
on Gabriola; many people
have wells and septic fields.
There are power, cable,
and telephone services,
including
high-speed
internet, on the Island.
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GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TOURISM
Tourism on Gabriola Island consists of the provincial and local parks, beaches for provide
kayaking, canoeing or swimming, Gabriola Islander Day, and art shows.
ACCOMMODATION
The table below shows the maximum, existing and potential numbers of tourist
accommodation units on Gabriola Island based on the Gabriola Island Official Community
Plan, 1996, Bylaw No. 166. Campsites/Campgrounds have not been included. There are
two campsites including Descanso Bay Regional Park which has 32 campsites spread
out over 40 acres of land. Additionally, there are 17 independently owned and operated
bed and breakfast establishments.
Tourist
Accomodation
Lot Area
(ha)
Maximum
# of Units
Existing
# of Units
Potential
# of Units
The Haven
2.77*
30
44
0
Pages Marina
2.09
27
5
22
Silva Bay Resort
1.72
22
0
22
Silva Bay Inn
0.81
10
3
7
Dragons Keep
Lodge
2.10
27
15
12
Surf Lodge
3.47**
39
13
89
TOTALS:
12.95
155
80
89
Table 5: Tourist Accommodation on Gabriola - *information derived from the Islands Trust website; **on 11 separate lots
23
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
LABOUR FORCE
The labour force and income according to the 2001 Census data for Gabriola Island found
that the labour force participation rate was 55.6% with a 49.1% employment rate and an
11.5% unemployment rate. English was the predominant language in the workplace,
and 85% of the population that are 15 years of age or older reported having an income
in the year 2000.
The average earnings in 2000 were $22,316.00 with the median total income of a person
15 years or older was $16,489.00; information that indicates that government transfer
payments composed 17.9% of the total income. The median household income in 2000
was $30,809.00.
In the labour force, 56% of people were reported to have worked in a regular location, 27%
worked from home, and 17% worked at no fixed address in 2000. Of those same people,
72% of people drive or ride as a passenger to work in a car, truck or van, 17% of people
cycle or walk to work, 6% use transit, and 5% reported another mode of transportation
to and from work.
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ISLANDSTRUST
LABOUR FORCE INDUSTRIES
According to Statistics Canada 2001 the Gabriola Island labour force is divided
into the industries listed in table 6.
INDUSTRY
NANAIMO AREA B
BRITISH COLUMBIA
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
1,675
915
765
2,014,600
1,068,030
946,575
50
30
20
104,355
75,865
28,475
Manufacturing and Construction
Industries
255
200
55
313,065
250,585
62,480
Wholesale and Retail Trade
240
135
105
315,425
163,425
152,000
65
20
45
122,165
52,400
69,755
Health and Education
295
100
190
339,730
85,505
254,225
Business Services
390
250
140
395,530
241,105
154,420
Other Services
380
175
205
424,360
199,145
225,210
Total-Experienced Labour Force
Argriculture and Other
Resource-Based Industires
Finance and Real Estate
FEMALE
TOTAL
TOTAL
Table 6: Lavour Force Industries (Area B includes Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands)
LABOUR FORCE OCCUPATIONS
According to Statistics Canada 2001 the Gabriola Island labour force is divided
into the occupations listed in table 7.
OCCUPATION
NANAIMO AREA B
BRITISH COLUMBIA
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
1,680
915
765
2,014,600
1,068,030
946,570
Business, Finance and
Administrative
140
35
105
353,710
91,600
262,110
Social Science, Education, Gov’t
Service and Religion
185
75
115
160,650
56,050
104,600
Management
165
70
90
218,445
140,275
78,170
Natural and Applied Sciencies
100
95
0
123,755
100,055
23,705
55
15
35
105,690
24,305
81,385
Art, Culture, Recreation, Sport
230
120
105
67,325
32,310
35,015
Sales and Service
430
170
260
514,985
216,480
298,505
Manufacturing and Utilities
40
30
0
96,585
71,980
24,605
Primary Industry
70
60
10
84,525
63,380
21,145
265
245
25
288,940
271,610
17,335
Total-Experienced Labour Force
Health
Trades, Transport, Equipment
Operators
FEMALE
TOTAL
TOTAL
Table 7: Lavour Force Occupations (Area B includes Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands)
26
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
AGRICULTURE
There is a long standing tradition of farming on Gabriola Island. It is still in many ways an
agricultural community. With 5,256 hectares (12,987 acres) of land in total on the Island,
seventeen major parcels of land are designated Agriculture in the OCP land designation
and provide a land base of protected land for horticulture, agriculture and a golf course.
Total land under cultivation is not available but while the Agricultural Land Reserve
(ALR) protects some parcels, some property outside of the ALR is also designated as
agricultural in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and all residential property can be
used in some capacity for horticulture or agriculture as per zoning bylaw No. 177. Small
scale farming has a long standing tradition as a means to augment low incomes and to
reduce the expense of life on the island. A copy of the Gabriola Official Community Plan
Land Use Designation Map can be found in Appendix A.
Agriculture on Gabriola Island comes in many forms. There are several larger (20 hectare)
farms, raising heritage livestock, orchard fruits, berries, poultry, greenhouse products
and exotic livestock such as alpacas. A vineyard offers wine and an eating area is planned
for picnics and events. At least one large scale poultry grower ships live birds off island
for processing. Numerous smaller scale operations offer eggs, free range turkey, chicken,
geese or duck for the local consumer. Seasonal market gardens provide fresh food in
season. This pa�ern of small farm development has been dubbed “rurban development”
and matches recent trends in BC for small scale “niche farming.” Community members
identified some difficulties associated with farming on Gabriola Island. Among the most
common were:
•
Shortage of water,
•
Lack of labour pool,
27
ISLANDSTRUST
• Affordable housing for farm
labour,
EXCERPTS FROM SALT SPRING
ISLAND COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Communication among the
farmers,
Frequency and volume of local food purchases
• Provincial politics that limit
opportunity (recent changes to
livestock processing licences),
• A ferry service that does not
provide service to and from the
Island in a timely manner, and
• High costs of transporation of
goods to market.
Livestock are shipped off island for
processing, as the only approved island
aba�oir is a private farm processing
facility that handles its own beef.
Poultry is sent to the nearest facility
on Vancouver Island if it is for public
resale, as per provincial guidelines.
Some of the issues limiting the
development of local facilities include
waste disposal and water supply. The
Island is not currently self-sufficient in
food production.
In the absence of statistics specific
to Gabriola, it is difficult to provide
exact breakdowns of the agricultural
sector. It is possible to extrapolate
similar information from a recent
survey of Salt Spring Island. Although
Salt Spring is a much larger island, its
proximity to a large commercial centre
and the similar concentration of rural
land and residents may be used to
approximate the impact of agriculture
on the island.
28
by Salt Spring residents:
• 68% purchase local produce weekly
• 23% once or twice a month
• 7% less than once a month
Key Findings:
• Sixty percent (26) of the farmers who
responded to the survey said they are
interested in increasing production, some by
increasing intensity and some by bringing
additional available land on their farms into
production.
• The study found that commercial produce
farmers on Salt Spring Island are growing
only a very small proportion of the total
amounts of produce that people on Salt
Spring purchase in a year.
• Salt Spring commercial produce farmers grow
a wide range of produce. The range literally
spans A to Z—asparagus to zucchini.
• Some of the vegetables and fruits are more
difficult to grow than others. This variety
supports the notion that there is good
potential for Salt Spring produce to meet
a significant proportion of the nutritional
needs of the community.
•
Major issues exist in terms of insufficient
quantities and seasonal availability.
• Most of the produce is available only through
the spring, summer and early fall.
• Farmers identified 26 different types of
vegetables and 13 types of fruits that they
grow commercially.
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
An
active
Agricultural
Hall
Association, Farm Team and the recent
addition of The Commons property
to the community’s resources helps
to focus interest and activities on
the celebration and support of the
agricultural community. The provision
of emergency food supplies through a
‘community garden’ and food depot is
in the process of being developed. The
seasonal Gabriola Farmer’s Market
running on Saturdays from May to
October provides an outlet for vendors.
As well, farm gate sales are common
along the rural roadways. Visitors to
the island can visit and shop at leisure,
using a guide to the products available,
or scanning the frequent bulletin
boards for offerings
29
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
POWER USE
The intended purpose of this section was to give an overall summary and review of
Gabriola Island’s residential electricity use. However, at the time of this writing, the
statistical data needed to conduct a comprehensive report and analysis is not available.
Repeated contacts with BC Hydro’s community relations manager yielded no data. As
a result, a brief summary of current information about Gabriola’s electricity use will be
given, as well as a list of recommendations for what data needs to be collected to do an
in-depth analysis of Gabriola’s energy use.
PREVIOUS INITIATIVES
On May 3rd, 2005, more than 300 volunteer
residents on Gabriola Island participated
in an energy conservation demo known
as “Beat the Peak”. The purpose of the
demonstration was to have residents
conserve as much energy as they could
between the peak hours of 4:30pm and
7:30pm.
BC Hydro installed a black box to measure
Gabriola’s energy usage for the period of
April 4, 2005 until the day of the demo on
May 3rd, 2005. Data gathered prior to the
day of the demonstration was used as a
baseline to compare to the results of May
3rd. In the end, Gabriola residents were
Figure 9: Gabriola’s Baseline Load: May 2005
31
ISLANDSTRUST
able to reduce the island’s power load
by 25%.
The success of this demonstration was
shared with BC Hydro and politicians,
and undoubtedly played a role in the
cancellation of the Duke Point Power
Project. BC Hydro is the sole provider
of electricity to Gabriola Island via a
cable coming from Vancouver Island
by way of Mudge Island, crossing
Dodds and False Narrows.
While this information provides a
glimpse into Gabriola’s power usage,
it does not provide enough data to
make meaningful conclusions about
the island’s historic power use, nor
does it provide a basis for accurate
projections. Therefore, a number
of recommendations can be made
regarding what information is required
to produce a comprehensive analysis.
32
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
BC FERRY AND OTHER
TRANSPORTATION
WATER TRANSPORTATION
The Gabriola ferry is a car, passenger, and foot ferry that runs approximately every one
hour between downtown Nanaimo and Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island. The crossing
time is approximately 20 minutes and covers 3.7 nautical miles. The route is serviced by
the BC Ferries vessel Quinsam with a car capacity of 70 vehicles and passenger capacity
of 407 persons. The vessel entered service in 1982, has a maximum speed of 12 knots
and has no amenities other than a passenger seating area. The Nanaimo Downtown
terminal features limited amenities beyond a washroom and vending machines, and
there are no amenities at the Gabriola Terminal. The Gabriola Island route does not
permit reservations.
The BC Ferries website serves as a promotional tool for destinations like Gabriola
Island, which is featured in a number of sections on the site that are designed for tourist
information and suggestions. Information about Gabriola Island is listed under travel
planning section of the site but is limited in content and useful links. The section of the
site featuring driving instructions only lists major terminals and does not include the
Nanaimo Downtown terminal. Further, the listing of addresses of terminals does not
specify that the Nanaimo Downtown terminal is the access point for Gabriola Island. As
a tool for promoting tourism and ease of access to information for those unfamiliar with
local geography, the BC Ferries website leaves much to be desired.
In the past decade BC Ferries has increased its fares on several occasions, passing
increased costs of operations to passengers and slowly reducing the subsidization of
the Gabriola ferry route. Continued increases in the price of oil coupled with BC Ferries
goal of limiting subsidizatoin of smaller routes will likely result in continued increases
33
ISLANDSTRUST
in ferry rates for Gabriola residents
and visitors. Additionally, the age
of facilities at both terminals and the
age of the vessel used on the run will
necessitate capital investments in
the coming years. Increasing costs of
access to the Island in the next decade
is an issue importance to residence,
business and government alike.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Tofino Air operates a daily float plane
service from Silva Bay on the south end
of the Island to the float plane terminal
by the Vancouver International Airport.
There are three scheduled return
flights per day in the morning, midday
and late a�ernoon. The flight lasts
approximately 25 minutes and costs
$134 plus taxes for a return fare. Tofino
Air provides frequent flyer discounts
for commuters who use the service on
a daily or weekly basis.
TERRESTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
The road infrastructure around Gabriola
Island is fairly well-developed; the
walking and biking trails throughout
are minimal and less developed. This
suggests a dependency of automobile
transportation on the island. The low
road density also reflects the rural
residential development of Gabriola.
The main roads, which extend
throughout most of the land, are
paved and are in fair to poor condition.
There have been numerous pavement
patchwork a�empts to improve these
34
SAMPLE FERRY RATES (PEAK)
PASSAGE
RATE
Passenger
$8.15
Group Rate
$6.95
Disabled
$4.10
Children (5-11)
$4.10
Underheight Vehicle
$20.65
Oversized Vehicle
$35.00
Motorcycle
$10.35
NOTE: School-aged children travel for free to attend school off the Island
provided that the travel times are consistent with school times.
Table 8: BC Ferries Passenger Rates for Gabriola Island Route
roads which have le� the surface
uneven and bumpy. Vehicle movement
is o�en unimpeded on these main
roads due to limited traffic and vehicles
are able to travel these routes quickly.
Secondary roads are mostly unpaved
with something of a gravel surface.
These roads are also uneven due to
many potholes. The construction and
maintenance of street infrastructure is
under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of
Transportation (MOT). This Ministry is
therefore responsible for repairs to the
potholes and surface of the roads, and
contracts this work to a private firm.
Furthermore,
there
have
been
numerous complaints regarding road
maintenance to Gabriola’s secondary
unpaved roads. The MOT spreads a
material quarried from the Texada
Island limestone mine on these roads
to cover-up potholes and smoothes
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
Clockwise from above: deck of BC Ferries
vessel Quinsam; Downtown Nanaimo
Terminal; Gabriola Terminal
the surface. This material has become
known as Texada Slime and some
residents claim it causes damage to
vehicles, and seeps into well water.
In terms of cycling and walkability,
the road infrastructure is not
accommodating. There are neither
paved nor unpaved shoulders,
sidewalks nor bicycle lanes on either
the main or secondary streets extending
throughout the island. There are some
dirt walking trails which connect forests
and parks, but they do not facilitate
travel throughout the Island.
OTHER TRANSPORTATION
The Gabiola Island taxi runs a small
scale taxi service taking passengers
to destinations across the island. This
service has proved to be a useful
resource for tourists and Island
visitors.
There is no public transportation on
Gabriola Island.
35
ISLANDSTRUST
Above: primary paved road Belwo: secondary unpaved road
36
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
SERVICES
WATER SUPPLY
On Gabriola Island, water is supplied from individual wells drawing water from the
aquifer(s) which are found in subsurface layers below the Island. Surface wells (those
which draw water from shallow depths) are numerous; these wells are more likely to
be impacted by seasonal variations in water quality and quantity. Deep wells tend be
characterized by a more consistent volume of water.
Many factors, including geologic conditions, soils, vegetation cover, sewage disposal
methods, agricultural runoff and proximity to the sea can influence the quality and
quantity of the island’s water supply.
The natural limits to water supply control the carrying capacity of the Island from a
density/development perspective. In recognition of this finite supply of water, many
individuals on the Island practice water conservation methods- with onsite water storage,
low water use appliances, limited or no use of pesticides and herbicides, and the reuse of
grey water. Additinally, alternate sources of water procurement are gaining popularity
including rainwater catchment and bulk water sales. Uses that require a great deal of
water are discouraged on the Island.
LIQUID WASTE
Sewage disposal on Gabriola Island is primarily provided for through in-ground septic
and field disposal systems, approved through a permit system by the Ministry of
Environment, depending on the size and capacity of the system. Alternative methods of
disposal are also in use on the Island and it is likely that the use of innovative treatment
methods will increase as the cost of these systems becomes less prohibitive.
37
ISLANDSTRUST
The Regional District of Nanaimo
provides a ‘Pump and Haul’ program
which allows residents to install a
liquid waste holding tank on their
property, which is emptied on a regular
basis by a mobile unit. This system is
available to residents who cannot host
an in-ground septic and field disposal
system
Since groundwater from wells is the
principle source of drinking water
the safe disposal of all effluent is
essential. Equally important is the
need to prevent sewage seepage into
the Island’s marine or surface waters.
It is also critically important to ensure
that sewage outfall does not damage
marine waters or surface water on the
Island.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Regional District of Nanaimo
provides garbage and blue box recycling
services on Gabriola. The Gabriola
Island Recycling Organization (GIRO)
operates a recycling depot and a re-use
centre. Compared to other areas of the
Regional District, residents on Gabriola
are considered to be good reducers, reusers, and recyclers.
The development of an on-Island
landfill is not supported by residents.
38
OTHER SERVICES
• Policing services are provided
by the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police, which have a detachment
on the Island.
• Fire protection services are
provided by the Gabriola Island
Volunteer Fire Department, which
also provides first responder
services on certain medical calls in
addition to services provided by
the BC Ambulance Service.
• School District 68 supports an
elementary school on the Island;
from grades 8-12, students travel
daily to Nanaimo.
• There is also a Regional Library,
Museum, a Community Hall, and
Post Office.
• Medical and dental services are
available on the Island.
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
RECREATION
THE MARKET
The Saturday Market occurs in the summer season starting at around 10am and ending
around noon. Residents of Gabriola and visitors alike wander the market to visit with
friends and locals while purchasing baked goods, locally grown fruits and vegetables,
and other items such as local artwork.
PARKS
Gabriola Sands Park, also known as Twin Beaches, features two sandy beaches and large
manicured grassy lawns. This small day-use only park is a very popular local destination
for swimming, picnicking, organized sporting activities and special events, including an
annual fireworks display on Hallowe’en.
The park’s two sandy beaches form an isthmus that divides Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay.
This isthmus provides important ecosystems for migratory and breeding shorebirds and
many marine invertebrates that live in the sand.
Sandwell Provincial Park has long sandy beach and views of the Strait of Georgia and
is a favourite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. Sandwell offers
a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the sandy
shores of Lock Bay.
Drumbeg Provincial Park is a favourite spot for diving, hiking, nature viewing and
picnicking. Overlooking the Gabriola Passage on the east end of the Island, Drumbeg offers
excellent views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains on the Mainland. The
park contains a kilometre-long sand and pebble beach with sandstone and conglomerate
rock formations, which can be seen at low tide. The park protects endangered Garry oak
39
ISLANDSTRUST
ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir
forest landscapes and a diverse marine
zone. Species such as Bald eagles,
Great Blue herons, harbour seals and
American oystercatchers can be seen
here, along with a number of intertidal
creatures.
Facilities at this day-use only park
include a grassy field, pit toilets, picnic
tables, hiking trails and an information
shelter.
The “707 Central Park” is accessible
from the end of Rickie Road, Fisher
Road, off North Road in the tunnel,
and off Coats Road. A new trail is
planned along the undeveloped road
access across from Tin Can Alley will
lead into the northwesterly corner of
the park in the future. The existing
network of trails is complex which
makes it easy to get lost in this large
area of the Island. This park is held by
the Regional District of Nanaimo.
WALKING TRAILS
The Gabriola Land and Trails Trust
(GaLTT) aims to conserve and connect
the natural areas and neighbourhoods
of Gabriola. In their newsle�er from
2005, they had proposed two new trail
developments – the “UREP” Nature
Reserve and the “707 Central Park”
(both temporary, unofficial names).
As of December 2007, GaLTT reports
that the RDN is continuing to work
on security issues to curtail vehicle
dumping access. A Management Plan
will help to select trail routes that make
sense to mark and maintain. There is
evidence to suggest this project will
be underway in the spring of 2008,
according to GaLTT.
The “UREP” Nature Reserve is located
on North Road across from Degnen
Road and is held by the Islands Trust
Fund. The main trail runs northerly to
connect with an old forest service road,
and then runs easterly and southerly
to connect to an undeveloped road
access off the end of Windecker Drive.
The trail has several windfalls down,
a stream crossing and some significant
wet areas in winter but is generally
passable on foot. There is no further
information on the GaLTT website on
whether this trail has been completed
or not.
GABRIOLA GOLF AND COUNTRY
CLUB
The Golf and Country Club is a ninehole golf course that has demanding
rolling and twisting fairways with
rolling greens, providing a challenge
for even the best golfers. Its hours of
operation vary depending on the year
and the day of the week, with Fridays
having the longest hours of operation.
40
The Golf and Country Club also
offers breakfast every Sunday, hosts
Ladies’ Day every Tuesday starting at
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
Gabriola Sands Park, also know as Twin Beaches
the beginning of April, Juniors’ Day
on Wednesdays in July and August,
Men’s Day on Thursdays starting at the
end of the March, line dancing every
Thursday night during the fall/winter
season, and every Friday night during
winter is darts night.
41
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
ARTS AND CULTURE
Gabriola is known as the “Isle of the Arts” having a vibrant artistic community that
supports everything from painting to theatre, and from po�ery to music. The Island
is home to a growing list of award winning literary, musical and performing artists.
The local Arts Council strives to create an environment of artistic support that makes
it impossible for the artists to live or work anywhere else. It is apparent just from the
number of events going on any week how important the arts and culture are to the social
health and wellbeing of the island. In a report on Artists in Small and Rural Municipalities
in Canada by Hill Strategies Research, Gabriola ranked 5th highest in the country with
a percentage of 5.8% of the labour force identified as artists compared to a national
average of 0.8%. As stated in the report, this high percentage “demonstrates that the arts
contribute to the quality of life and the social and economic vitality of many small and
rural communities in Canada.”
A branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library is located in the main commercial
district at Folklife Village. The Gabriola Museum is open to the public on weekends
from April through October with weekday openings from June to August.
The Gabriola Sounder and the Flying Shingle are Gabriola Island’s newspapers, the
former publishes on a weekly basis and the la�er is a bi-weekly community newspaper.
Currently there is interest in developing a community radio station at the Gabriola
Common.
There are 6 churches on Gabriola:
• Calvary Chapel of Gabriola
• The Church on the Rock
• St. Martin of Tours Church (Anglican/Lutheran)
• Our Lady of Victory Mission
• Gabriola United Church
• Gabriola Fellowship Church
43
ISLANDSTRUST
Like every community, Gabriola has
an evolving list of organizations and
associations that are working on
various initiatives that are important to
the citizens of the island. Volunteerism
is an important component of a healthy
arts and culture community.
ANNUAL AND SCHEDULED
EVENTS
Gabriola’s Chamber of Commerce hosts
a website with a list of annual events.
The events range from a Sand Sculpture
Competition (in August), a Potato
Cannon contest (potatoes are fired at
Mudge Island from a canon made from
a PVC pipe and fuelled by hair spray
while Mudge Island residents return
fire), the Annual Salmon Barbeque,
to Gabriola Elementary School’s
Christmas concert hosted by their
Parent Advisory Council.
Some of the main cultural events
held on Gabriola are listed in table
9. The annual Salmon Barbeque held
in August has been going for over 50
years.
GABRIOLA EVENTS
DATE
EVENT
Ongoing
Gabriola Arts Council- Artworks
April-May
Dancing Man festival
April- May
Gabriola Arts Council community theme show
May- October
Farmers Market
June
Home and Garden Show
July-August
Sunday Market
August
Salmon Barbeque
August
Wine Festival
August
Sand Sculpture Competition
September
Cycle and Kayak festival
October
Gabriola Arts Council Studio and Gallery Tour
October
Halloween Fireworks on the beach
December
Christmas Craft shows and concerts
Table 9: Events on Gabriola
44
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
ISLANDS TRUST ACT
Implemented in 1996, this document outlines the purpose of the Trust: “The object of the
trust is to preserve and protect the trust area and its unique amenities and environment
for the benefit of the residents of the trust area and of British Columbia generally, in
cooperation with municipalities, regional districts, improvement districts, other persons
and organizations and the government of British Columbia.”
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT
Implemented in 1974, this document provides local governments with a legal framework
and foundation to function; the powers and abilities to carry out their purpose; and
flexibility to deal with
unique issues found in their
communities.
ISLANDS TRUST
POLICY STATEMENT
Both the Islands Trust Act
and the Local Government
Act provide authority to the
elected trustees, who in turn,
developed a federation-wide
policy statement to which all
Islands Trust communities
must comply. Consolidated
45
ISLANDSTRUST
in 2003, this document applies to the
entire Islands Trust jurisdiction and
provides guiding principles for the
creation, adoption, and enforcement
of regional planning principles and
bylaws.
• Some of the categories that the
Islands Trust Policy Statement
includes are:
• Purpose and Implementation
of the Trust Policy Statement,
including Roles and
Responsibilities;
• Islands Trust’s Object and Guiding
Principles, Ecosystem Preservation
and Protection, including policies
for forest, freshwater and wetland,
riparian, and coastal ecosystems;
• Stewardship of Resources
including policies for agricultural
land, forests, wildlife and
vegetation, freshwater resources,
coastal areas and marine
shorelands, and soils; and
• Sustainable Communities with
policies including aesthetics,
growth and development,
transportation and utilities,
disposal of waste, recreation,
cultural and natural heritage,
economic opportunities, and
health and well-being.
46
GABRIOLA ISLAND OFFICIAL
COMMUNITY PLAN
(BYLAW NO. 166)
Adopted in 1997 and amended 12
times since, most recently in 2006, this
is a visionary document providing
planning policies and guidelines for
Gabriola Island.
The categories that the Gabriola Island
Official Community Plan covers are:
• Community Goals;
• General Land Use and Residential
Development, including
residential, small rural residential,
large rural residential, special
needs/seniors multi-family
affordable housing, single-family
affordable housing, and home
occupation;
• Economic Activities, including
commercial activity, village
commercial, district commercial
policies, local and tourist
communities, tourist recreational,
industrial land use, and temporary
light use commercial permits;
• Institutional, Parks and Outdoor
Recreational Uses;
• Resource Lands, including
forestry, agriculture, and
aggregate resources;
• Environmental, Marine, and
Heritage Resources, including
environmentally sensitive areas,
marine resources, and heritage
and archaeological resources;
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
• Development Permit areas,
including natural environment,
hazardous conditions, and
objectives for form of commercial/
industrial/multi-family residential
development;
• Transportation and Servicing
including land, water, and air
transportation, water supply,
and liquid and solid waste
management.
GABRIOLA ISLAND LAND
USE BYLAW
(BYLAW NO. 177)
Adopted in 1999 and amended 21
times since, most recently in 2007, this
document provides specific planning
and development regulations in the
following areas:
• Administrative Provisions,
including jurisdiction,
interpretation, and compliance;
• General regulations including
uses, buildings, structures, siting
requirements, home occupations,
signs, parking, and miscellaneous
regulations;
• Establishment of Zones including
division of zones, official zoning
map, and interpretation of
boundaries;
• Zoning, which is comprised of:
◦ Residential (Small Rural, Large
Rural, and Seniors and Special
Needs), Resource (Agriculture,
Forestry, Forestry/Wilderness
Recreation 1, Resource,
Resource Conservation,
Resource Residential, and
Gravel Pit)
◦ Commercial and Industrial
Zones (Village Commercial
1, Village Commercial
2 – Professional Centre,
District Commercial 1,
Local Commercial 1 –
Neighbourhood Pubs, Local
Commercial 2 – Restaurants,
Local Commercial 3 – Garden
Centres, Ferry Parking,
Tourist Commercial 1, Tourist
Commercial 2 – Campground,
and Industrial – Light)
◦ Recreation and Institutional
Zones (Parks 1 – Provincial and
Regional Park, Parks 2 – Passive
Recreation Community Parks,
Parks 3 – Active Recreation
Community Park, Institutional
1, Institutional 2, Institutional
3, Yacht Club Outstation
– Upland)
◦ Water Zones (Water General,
Water Commercial 1 – Marina,
Water Commercial 2 –
Mariculture, Water Commercial
3 – Marine Transportation,
Water Industrial 1 – Shipyard,
Water Industrial 2 – Log
Storage, Water Industrial 3
– Bulk Marine Transport, Water
Protection 1, Water Protection
2 – Park, Water Protection
3 – Lake, Water Yacht Club
47
ISLANDSTRUST
Outstation); Subdivision; Sign
Regulations; and Parking
Requirements.
OTHER PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Some other Development Regulations
that might be considered include:
•
Agricultural Land Reserve (B.C.
Agricultural Land Commission)
•
Fish Protection Act – Riparian
Areas Regulation (B.C. Ministry of
Environment
•
Sewage Waste Disposal
(Vancouver Island Health
Authority)
•
Mines/Quarries (B.C. Ministry of
Energy and Mines)
•
Highway Access Permit (B.C.
Ministry of Transportation)
•
Crown Land Tenures (B.C.
Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands)
•
Subdivision Approvals (B.C.
Ministry of Transportation/Islands
Trust)
•
Liquor Control and Licenses (B.C.
Liquor Control and Licensing
Branch)
•
National Parks (Parks Canada)
•
Provincial Parks (B.C. Parks)
•
Regional Parks (Regional District
of Nanaimo)
48
•
Local Parks (Regional District of
Nanaimo/Gabriola Island Local
Trust Commi�ee)
•
Communications Towers
(Industry Canada)
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
REAL ESTATE
BUILDING PERMIT DATA
(Data Obtained from Nanaimo Regional District Office)
Summary (1996-2007):
• Residential building permits peaked in 1996, declined to a low in 2000, followed
by a second peak in 2004, followed by a second low in 2006.
• The average number of residential building permits issued each year was 46 and
the average number of commercial building permits issued each year was 4.
• The average value of residential construction each year was $7,799,529 and the
average value of commercial construction each year was $567,258.
Figure 11: Building Permits and Construction: 1996-2007 - *Commercial includes industrial and public building
permits. *Area B includes Gabriola and nearby islands such as Mudge.
49
ISLANDSTRUST
Figure 12: Total Building Permits Granted: 1996-2007
Figure 13: Value of Residential Construction: 1996-2007
REAL ESTATE SALES: 1996-2007
(Data obtained from Remax of Nanaimo)
Summary:
• House and lot sales peaked between 2002 and 2003 and have since
declined.
• The average value and total value of property sales have experienced
significant growth since the early 2000’s.
Figure 14: Number of Lots and Single Family Houses Sold:
1996-2007
50
Figure 15: Average Value of Lots and Single Family
Houses Sold: 1996-2007
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
BC ASSESSMENT 2008
(Data obtained from Coast Realty):
Residential, Vacant Land & Acreage:
average increase of 8.7%
Residential Non-Acreage:
average increase of 15.34%
Residential Acreages & Acreages:
Average increase of 15.91%
Waterfronts:
Increases between 5-15%
Total increase:
$129,212,000 (this value also represents
new construction in addition to the
increase in market value)
The total residential assessed value:
$1,111,026,000
Figure 16: Total Value of Lots and Single Family Houses
Sold: 1996-2007
51
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT
In order to calculate the ecological footprint, Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees
organized human consumption into five major categories. For the purpose of this analysis
these categories were used in this report: Food, Housing, Transportation, Consumer
Goods, and Services.
FOOD
Vegetated lands account for 61% of Gabriola Island Land Trust Area (LTA).
Due to contamination issues, the Gabriola Island LTA had 48 hectares closed to shellfish
harvesting in 1999. In the years between 1996 and 1999 Gabriola Island has shown a 12%
increase in shellfish harvesting closures.
HOUSING
The Gabriola Island
Trust’s population
increased from 3,522
in 2001 to 4,050 in
2006 showing a 15%
increase.
Figure 17 shows on
average the amount
of people living per
household.
There
are 1,995 households
Figure 17: Selected Family Characteristics
53
ISLANDSTRUST
in the Nanaimo B electoral
area. The majority of these
dwellings
are
couples
without children; this is 885
total dwellings of the 1,995.
There are 675 one-person
households;
therefore
78.20% of households in
Nanaimo B house one to
two people. As shown in
Fig. 18, the grand majority
of private dwellings are
single detached homes.
TRANSPORTATION
While roads on Gabriola have a
relatively low density, they have
increased in length in the years
between 1996 and 2002 by 145 to 146
kilometres. Density has increased from
0.0276 kilometres per hectare to 0.0278
kilometres per hectare. Per capita length
has decreased from 0.0425 kilometres
per person to 0.0415 kilometres per
person indicating a small decrease in
traveling among residents.
The road density average in the Trust
Area is 0.0163 kilometres per hectare.
In 1996, the ratio of road kilometres
to persons was equal to the average in
the Trust Area of 0.049 kilometres per
person. In comparison, in 2001 it was
0.051 kilometres per person.
As Figure 19 below illustrates, the
majority of the population (740) drives
a vehicle to work. 150 people are
passengers and carpool to work, 105
54
Figure 18: Occupied private dwelling characteristics
use public transit, 200 walk or bike and
35 are reported to use other modes of
transportation.
CONSUMER GOODS
Research in this section was
inconclusive. There was no data
representing consumer trends on
the Island. However, it is known
that Gabriola Island does not hold
its own big box stores and therefore
most consumer goods would likely be
bought in the City of Nanaimo.
SERVICES
Figure 20 below shows the Industrial
distribution in the Nanaimo B area. As
displayed below, most of the population
works in Business services and 395
people work in what has been described
as other services. All other services are
relatively equally distributed between
45 people in the wholesale trade and
260 in the retail trade.
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
Figure 19: Mode of Transportation to Work
Figure 20: Industry
55
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
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APPENDIX 1 - GABRIOLA ISLAND
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN LAND USE
DESIGNATION MAP
GABRIOLAISLANDCOMMUNITYPROFILE
59
Printing Provided by the Malaspina Students’ Union Local 61 Canadian Federation of Students