Jesse McClinton - Director, Area G - Budget Update

Dear Neighbours,

On February 25, the CVRD Board finalized the 2026 Five-Year Financial Plan. In an era of high costs and regional economic shifts, my focus remains on one thing: responsible stewardship.

The 2026 Budget: A Shift Toward Restraint

The approved tax increase is 3.87%—the third lowest since 2007.

While this reflects a deliberate move toward fiscal discipline, I advocated for a 2.5% target to better align with the reality of our local economy. With the permanent closure of the Crofton pulp mill and the Chemainus sawmill shutdown through 2026, our region is feeling the weight of job losses and inflation.

Affordability is not a slogan—it is a responsibility. While we didn’t reach the 2.5% mark, the push for discipline prevented a much higher increase.

https://jessemcclinton.com/cvrd-2026-budget-stewardship-in-a-challenging-time/

Listening to Area G

Your feedback directly shaped this year’s decisions. Because of your input:

• No Yard Waste Tipping Fees: We heard your concerns about illegal dumping and "fee fatigue." This service will remain tax-funded to discourage backyard burning and protect our environment.

• Streamlined Services: The Board voted to eliminate the $750,000 economic development service. Growth is important, but every dollar spent must be tied to clear policy and measurable results.

• Competitive Rates: Area G remains the second-lowest tax jurisdiction per $100,000 of assessment in the CVRD.

Water Infrastructure: Planning for Resilience

Infrastructure is the backbone of our community. We are currently moving forward with several critical projects:

• Stocking Lake Dam: Replacement design is underway and fully funded by the Growing Communities Fund—meaning zero impact on your property taxes.

• System Reliability: Two new groundwater wells are being connected to ensure a stable supply.

• Future Filtration: We are evaluating cost-effective surface water filtration and shared servicing models to meet Island Health requirements without compromising long-term affordability.

Join Me: Saltair Community Meeting

I want to hear from you directly. Please join me to discuss the budget, water security, and our Official Community Plan (OCP).

• When: March 8 at 2:00 PM

• Where: Saltair Community Centre

• Topics: 2026 Budget, Water Infrastructure, OCP/LAP Updates.

I look forward to your questions and your input.

Jesse McClinton

Director, Area G

Phone: 250-252-6525 | Email: jesse.mcclinton@cvrd.bc.ca

Soup’s On: Wednesday, March 4th

11:30 am until 1:00 pm

Gather at Forbes Hall for a very Thetis Island lunch... 

Menu:

Hearty Chicken Soup (GF)

Hearty Vegetable Soup (GF)

Buns with herbed butter

Baked goods

Coffee and Teas 

Suggested donation of $7 for soup, bread, treats and teas & coffee.   

Soup’s On is entirely carried out by volunteers and, as one of the tasks is the program’s accounting, please do not pay with coins smaller than Loonies and Toonies. As all change must be counted and rolled.  

For those who find large groups challenging, enjoy your lunch in this week’s designated quiet room, the Boardroom.

Everyone is welcome to join us, seniors, seniors who don’t think they’re seniors, workers, families, and everyone who just wants a mid-day meal!

Menu remainders for take-out when available. Soup’s On also supports the Thetis Island Food Pantry. 

Coupon Booklets of 10 for your convenience, $70.00

The Soup’s On Team

Dangerous Goods

There will be Dangerous Goods this Thursday, March 5. Thetis only.

Cheers
Sharon

Propane Delivery, Local Option

Anybody needing a propane delivery please call Viper Fuels, 250-246-1838, if you would like to support a local business. I ordered some time ago, but they haven't had enough orders to justify a trip to Thetis yet.

Graeme Shelford

This Week's Specials at the Pub

Come on down to the pub this week and enjoy these delicious specials:

Lunch Thursday- Sunday

Chicago-style Beef Sandwich
Shaved Roast Beef, sweet and spicy peppers, provolone cheese served with soup, salad or fries

Dinner Friday-Sunday 4:30-7

Venetian Duck Ragu
Classic Italian Duck Ragu served over pappardelle pasta
w garlic toast

In addition, we are participating in Cowichan Dine n Sip. The Dine n Sip menu includes the Blue cheese crusted New York steak with Port reduction 

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and candied pecans for dessert

Looking forward to seeing you!

Thetis Island Marina staff
250-246-3464

Soup’s On: Wednesday, March 4th

11:30 am until 1:00 pm

Gather at Forbes Hall for a very Thetis Island lunch...

Menu:
Hearty Chicken Soup (GF)
Hearty Vegetable Soup (GF)
Buns with herbed butter
Baked goods
Coffee and Teas

Suggested donation of $7 for soup, bread, treats and teas & coffee.

Soup’s On is entirely carried out by volunteers and, as one of the tasks is the program’s accounting, please do not pay with coins smaller than Loonies and Toonies. As all change must be counted and rolled.

For those who find large groups challenging, enjoy your lunch in this week’s designated quiet room, the Boardroom.

Everyone is welcome to join us, seniors, seniors who don’t think they’re seniors, workers, families, and everyone who just wants a mid-day meal!

Menu remainders for take-out when available. Soup’s On also supports the Thetis Island Food Pantry.

Coupon Booklets of 10 for your convenience, $70.00

The Soup’s On Team

On Island Bobcat Services

· driveway and road grading

· back-filling

· gravel spreading

· loading

· brush clearing

· landscaping prep

· construction site prep

Free estimates. Reasonable rates. Fast and friendly service.

Call or text Doug Darling 250-210-4042

Jollity Weekly Order Reminders

It's starting to get green around here! The winter crops are bursting
out of the ground and the first seedlings of the year are popping up.
Hello, Spring!

We are picking up organic bread orders from True Grain and also bagels
this week.

For all baking and dairy orders, please submit your order by Monday
evening.
You can use our online order form or send us an email at
orders@jollityfarm.ca.

https://www.jollityfarm.ca/order-form

Would you like an organic chicken from our friends at Tamarack Farms? We
are getting another order at our Chemainus farm shop and can bring more
back to Thetis if you'd like to order. Let us know.

Dumplings x 4 varieties, plus chili oil, will be back in stock this
weekend.
Sausages and Ice Cream will be restocked the following weekend.

With thanks,

Jollity Farmers

Table and Chairs Free

Table and Chairs - Free
40" diameter drop-leaf table and 2 chairs. 
Chairs in good structural shape. Table hinges in need of some repair. Natural stain with green stain on legs. Will need some refinishing.

Text or call (204) 293-2557

Annual Invasive Plant Removal Weekend at Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve

Hello Thetis Islanders,

We’re reaching out to ask for your help at ThINC’s Annual Invasive Plant Removal Weekend on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

This year, we’ll be focusing on removing Scotch broom under the power lines and along North Cove Road, adjacent to the Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve, as well as tackling some English holly within the Nature Reserve. We’ll meet at the parking lot across from The Portal.

These invasive plants spread quickly, and community support truly makes the difference. The more people who come out, the more we can accomplish. If you’re able to lend a hand for a couple of hours (or the full day), we would be so grateful.

We also encourage neighbours to help by managing invasive plants on their own properties, especially those adjacent to the Nature Reserves as every bit helps protect and support these special habitats. Additionally, we hope to provide a community drop-off time, by donation, for invasive plants to be chipped again this year. Stay tuned for details!

Please bring gloves, pruning tools, and a lunch if you plan to stay for the duration.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me atcharlotte@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org.

Best,
Charlotte - ThINC Education and Stewardship Coordinator

Help with Embroidery

Hi I have a small embroidery project given to me by my sister. I am not an "embroidery expert" and need some advice. If you could help me, I would be appreciated.

Dawn Mills (604 790 9721 - 277 North Cove Road)

Sunday at the Pub!

Come on down to the pub today!

Brunch is on from 11:30-1:30. Our brunch special this week is Corned Beef Benny Hash.
And for dinner from 4:30-7:00 we have Murray's famous Prime Rib dinner served with roast baby potatoes, gravy, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables.

We'd love to see you!
Thetis Island Marina And Pub
thetisislandresorts@gmail.com