Land use and accompanying settlement patterns play a key role in Salt Spring’s long-term ability to lower emissions and adapt to the dramatic changes being brought about by the climate crisis. Scattered settlements in forested areas are more difficult and expensive to protect from forest fires, while roads that serve scattered development are costly and GHG-intensive to build and maintain.  

This pattern of development also contributes to a degradation of the ‘ecological services’ provided by healthy ecosystems, such as fire resistance and temperature moderation, and to a cascade of other negative impacts including unnecessary forest loss, compromised water quality, and diminished wildlife. Furthermore, external economic pressures contribute to concerns about affordable housing, which is needed to foster community diversity, social equity, resilience, and self-sufficiency.  

Local sea levels are forecast to rise relative to those in the year 2000, with changes accelerating this century. While the degree of rise is uncertain, the most recent study suggests planning for a relative sea-level rise (RSLR) of 0.5 metre by 2055, one metre by 2115 and 2 metres by 2225. Shoreline roads, buildings, and infrastructure on Salt Spring Island will see an increase in the frequency and magnitude of seawater inundation events, saltwater intrusion into potable water supplies, and permanent inundation. 

Along with losses to coastal ecosystems, sea-level rise will result in washouts of major roads, affecting emergency services access, interrupt the movement of people and goods, impede tourism, and negatively impact the local economy. A CRD study highlights potential impacts to scores of buildings and pieces of infrastructure, including ferry terminals and water- or wastewater-related infrastructure.  

The reality of the climate risks needs to be taken into account today in everything from our Official Community Plan to development decisions by government and individuals. Decisions need to be made now about the location and specifications of infrastructure that will be able to withstand the changes that are underway.  

While settlement pattern policies in the current OCP focus on the protection of specific areas and the reduction of future sprawl and greenhouse gas emissions, updating according to the CAP recommendations will be a crucial consideration in the next OCP update.