Lasqueti trustees recommend Trust Policy Statement proceed with changes

The Local Trust Committee recommended proposed Bylaw No. 183 proceed, subject to four changes including revisions on land back, floor area and climate change.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2026-09-24 · Lasqueti Island

The Lasqueti Island Local Trust Committee recommended that proposed Trust Council Bylaw No. 183 proceed, subject to four recommendations. The recommendations include a regular review process, clarification that land may be directed to Indigenous Governing Bodies through voluntary opportunities, removal of “Floor Area” wording, and a new guiding principle on climate change adaptation and mitigation.^[1]

The committee’s recommendation asks Trust Council to amend Policy 1.2.1 so a review is considered each term, a regular review process is defined, and a Policy Statement Amendment Topic Review Inventory is initiated.^[1]

It also recommends amending Advisory Policy 3.1.3, “Land Back,” to state that its intent is to encourage support for voluntary opportunities to direct land to Indigenous Governing Bodies, rather than require it.^[1]

The committee recommended removing “Floor Area and” from the heading and text of Directive Policy 3.4.14, along with both instances of “Floor Area” in the glossary.^[1]

During the town hall, members of the public raised concerns about consultation, the draft Policy Statement’s definition of colonialism, marine docks and proposed policies concerning Indigenous governing bodies.^[1] The Chair said the public engagement period on draft Bylaw No. 183 was closed, while the referral period continued and input could still be submitted through a website survey.^[1]

The committee’s motion carried. The minutes identify the meeting as a draft and record that it was held on February 9, 2026.^[1]

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