Update: Major changes to Gambier Island governance structure announced on July 5th.
While the Islands Trust is in the process of proposing changes to Gambier’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaws (LUB), the Government of British Columbia and Squamish Nation announced a new Land Use Planning Agreement that includes the entire island of Gambier.
See below for changes affecting Gambier Island residents.
Critical Questions Raised with Recent Land Use Planning Agreement
You may have heard about a Major Land Agreement by the
Government of British Columbia and Squamish Nation. What you may not know is that it now designates the entire island of Gambier as an “Area of Importance”, a candidate area of cultural significance now positioned for shared stewardship and co-management (Page 21).
This raises questions for Gambier residents, including: What is the impact of this new governance structure? Who will oversee foreshore leases? How will this impact private property? Does this impact the role of the Islands Trust?
The Agreement also includes a forested area on the northeast of Gambier, now declared as a cultural site (Page 52). This essentially means that there will be no logging, forest or industrial infrastructure (including roads) permitted in the area. The area is open to general public by trail access.
Recent News: Squamish Chief & Vancouver Sun
What We Heard from the Islands Trust on June 24
On June 24, 2025, the Islands Trust confirmed that Gambier’s proposed bylaw changes will be BUILT ON THE AMENDMENTS TO KEATS ISLAND OCP. The discussion documents for proposed changes to Bylaw No. 153 (OCP) and Bylaw No. 154 (LUB) are still open for public input.
Proposed changes to the OCP and LUB will include recommendations for private docks, public infrastructure, development, water access, setbacks, and land use.
The Islands Trust’s mandate is “to preserve and protect the Trust area and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents of the Trust area.” To date, the process for consultation with residents has been limited and unclear, raising important questions about the effectiveness of the review process.
Planning Today for the Next 25 Years. What’s At Stake?
Do you have questions about how changes will impact you? Your input is needed today.
OCP Review Timeline So Far
Now’s Your Chance to Influence What’s Next
With the process moving faster than the community can keep up with, residents are being left out of decisions that will shape Gambier’s future.
Many Gambier Island residents have raised serious concerns about how the Islands Trust Council is managing the OCP review. The Islands Trust’s current approach has been called inefficient, unclear and out of step with the community it’s meant to serve.
Even the Trust has acknowledged internal confusion by requesting a mandate review from the provincial government. With critical decisions being made, residents have every right to question whether this process reflects their interests or if a reset is overdue.
Phase 1: Project Initiation
May 27, 2021
LTC endorses charter. This formal endorsement authorized Islands Trust staff to begin the OCP/LUB review process and community engagement.
Spring – Summer 2021
Planning research, early First Nations engagement, community outreach. Initial data gathering included ecological mapping and background research. Public consultation during this phase included an island-wide survey (18% response rate) and one in-person open house at New Brighton (approx. 40 attendees). However, residents have noted that questionnaires were shared without relevant background materials or studies to contextualize the questions. This limited the ability of respondents to provide informed feedback.
June – July 2021
Project Working Group formed and Terms of Reference developed. Established a dedicated team to guide community engagement and key topic areas. Their feedback informed the creation of discussion papers.
Summer – Fall 2021
Data analysis and mapping with UBC team for priority setting. Informed early drafts of environmentally sensitive development permit areas (DPAs) and land use planning zones. [Completed]
Fall 2021
Development of initial discussion paper templates. Templates guided the production of issue-specific documents related to density, environmental protection and shoreline use, which informed bylaw drafting later.
Winter 2022
Development of a community mapping tool and Engagement & Communications Framework. Enabled broader, ongoing resident engagement, while providing clarity for the consultation process.
This phase laid the groundwork for the OCP/LUB review, enabling Islands Trust staff to begin research and draft early policy directions. It also initiated public consultation and First Nations engagement. A Project Working Group of residents helped shape the direction of discussion papers and engagement strategies, setting the tone for what was to come.
Phase 2: Consultation
Spring 2022
Retained a consultant for engagement plan. Helped develop inclusive engagement strategies to reach broader community members.
April 2022
Community Information Meeting. Initial concepts were presented and public feedback was received, though trustee reports noted low attendance and limited awareness. Some community members expressed concern that no additional in-person events were offered and that letters or direct emails were not reflected in official summaries. Input from this session helped shape early policy priorities.
Spring 2022
OCP Engagement Working Group initiates mapping and outreach. Began engaging residents with interactive mapping exercises and information materials to build awareness.
Summer 2022
Development of updated discussion papers. These papers formed the foundation of public dialogue around forest protection, shoreline use, and heritage preservation.
June 2023:
LTC considers updated charter and endorses Engagement Plan recommendations. Authorized the planning team to begin preparing draft bylaw language. This was a key milestone that permitted transition from consultation to legislative drafting.
Late 2023
Draft bylaw language developed and shared informally with First Nations (early referral).
Early 2024
Presentation of draft bylaw language at Community Information Meetings and Advisory Planning Commission (APC) referral. Solicited structured feedback from both the public and the APC.
Mid – Late 2024
Ongoing revisions based on feedback. Adjustments to the bylaws are being made based on feedback received through public input and APC review.
Late 2023
Draft bylaw language developed and shared informally with First Nations (early referral).
This phase marked a turning point from early ideas to draft bylaws. It brought the first public presentation of proposed policy changes and expanded outreach across the island. While the April 2022 Community Information Meeting and Engagement Working Group were intended to reflect community priorities, trustee reports noted low attendance and limited awareness. Public feedback during this time shaped key discussion papers and formed the basis for Bylaws 153 and 154. These draft bylaws were shared again in early 2024 and referred to the Advisory Planning Commission (APC). These documents now form the legal basis for what comes next, but there is still time to raise your voice and influence the outcome.
Phase 3: Bylaw Development & Legislative Process (Now)
March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025: Community Information Meeting & APC Session. This was the most well-attended Islands Trust meeting on record for Gambier Island, with 60+ attendees. Speaking time was restricted to 2 minutes per person. Residents raised significant concerns about density, development process transparency, and trustee accountability. The meeting underscored growing community demand for clearer consultation. View meeting minutes {Add Link}.
June 24, 2025–Public Meeting.
Community Information Meeting. Originally expected to be a public presentation of draft bylaws. The Islands Trust confirmed bylaw changes are still being proposed.
Ongoing
Residents are encouraged to submit their comments and feedback at any time. The discussion documents for proposed changes to Bylaw No. 153 (OCP) and Bylaw No. 154 (LUB) are still open to public input.
Have a comment or questions about the recent governance structure changes or June 24th public meeting? Share your thoughts using the form below.
While we may not be able to respond, all submissions will be collected as part of ongoing community engagement.
Summer 2025
Awaiting confirmation from the Islands Trust on further process and public engagement opportunities.
Fall 2025
Anticipated public engagement meeting in November.
Spring 2026
Anticipated public engagement meeting in March.
You Have a Legal Right to Be Heard
What does participation look like?
Under the Local Government Act of British Columbia, you have the right to be notified, consulted and involved in land use planning decisions. This includes changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) or zoning bylaws.
If the process feels rushed, confusing or incomplete, you also have the right to say so. Communities across B.C. are pressing pause when decisions don’t reflect their values—and so can we. Asking for more time, clarity or consultation reflects meaningful participation. These decisions affect your home, your access and your future. You have a right to shape them.
What are residents saying?
Across Gambier, residents and community groups have raised serious concerns about how the OCP and LUB review is unfolding.
Gambier is a lot of different things to different people. This requires understanding. The Trust needs to connect with people on Gambier and represent Gambier and community vision to the government instead of representing the government to Gambier Islanders. The process needs to be better. Let’s do it right.
Share Your Voice
You don’t need to be a policy expert to participate. If you live on Gambier full-time, part-time, or seasonally, your voice matters. Here are simple ways to stay informed and take part in the decisions shaping your community.
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For Residents, By Residents
This site was created by and for Gambier Island residents. We are not affiliated with any political group or organization. Our shared goal is to make the OCP review process easier to understand and participate in.
All content is non-partisan, grounded in official records and reviewed by a broad cross-section of community voices. This is a platform for clarity, transparency and participation. For further information, view documents affiliated with the OCP and LUB review.