(Campbell River, BC) – At its October 28, 2026 meeting, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board considered Bylaw No. 643 – Strathcona Gardens Recreation Facility Service for final adoption. Bylaw No. 643 proposed expanding the Strathcona Gardens recreation facility service to include Quadra Island and establishing a revised cost-sharing formula among participating areas.
Following months of discussions at the Board table and consideration of the October 17 referendum results, the Board has chosen not to proceed with adoption of the bylaw.
During the October 17, 2026 referendum, held in conjunction with the local government elections, a majority of voters supported the proposed bylaw, with 7,307 votes in favour and 3,973 votes opposed, representing approximately 65% support. At Quadra Island polling locations, approximately 98% of votes cast were opposed to the bylaw, with 1,288 votes opposed and 26 in favour. Results at other voting locations included 6,705 votes in favour and 2,457 opposed at Campbell River voting locations and through City mail ballots, and 576 in favour and 228 opposed at Electoral Area D polling locations.
Quadra Island residents also attended the October 28 Board meeting to express their opposition to the proposed bylaw.
Although the referendum received majority support, final adoption remained a decision of the SRD Board. With the Board's decision not to adopt Bylaw No. 643, the proposed changes to the Strathcona Gardens recreation facility service will not proceed at this time.
Clarification of the Assent Voting Process
The SRD also wishes to address recent public statements and legal correspondence questioning the legality of the assent voting process for Bylaw No. 643.
In response to allegations that the Board's decision to conduct a combined assent vote was contrary to the Local Government Act, the SRD obtained an independent legal opinion confirming that the Board complied with all applicable statutory requirements and acted within its authority when it approved a combined vote for the existing and proposed service areas. This decision was approved by the required two-thirds majority at the April 29, 2026 Board meeting.
The Board takes allegations that SRD staff acted unlawfully seriously and firmly rejects these claims. The circulation of inaccurate or misleading information can undermine public confidence in local government and the employees responsible for carrying out its decisions.
The Board recognizes that residents have differing perspectives on Bylaw No. 643 and respects the right of residents and elected officials, past and present, to question its decisions. However, legitimate disagreement does not justify misrepresenting the facts, particularly when the relevant records are publicly available.
Next Steps
Any future direction or next steps regarding the proposed service changes will be determined by the SRD Board.
The SRD remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing accurate, factual information to residents.
For additional information regarding Bylaw No. 643, including referendum results, frequently asked questions and
background information, visit srd.ca/bylaw_643.
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Media Contact – David Leitch, SRD Chief Administrative Officer 250-830-6703 | dleitch@srd.ca