It is with great pleasure that we announce the birth of a community land trust for Gabriola.
The Gabriola Island Land Stewards Society (GILSS) was formed by members of the community to hold and steward land on Gabriola under a community-ownership model. GILSS promotes and encourages uses of land that provide long-term community benefits, and that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
Membership in the Society is open to residents of Gabriola, and to members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. GILSS will be overseen by a board which will include four members at large, representatives of six Gabriola organizations (the Agricultural Co-op, the Commons, GALTT, Gabriola Housing Society, PHC and Sustainable Gabriola) and two individuals representing the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Our main objective is to acquire and steward land for community use including:
- food production
- sustainable energy
- affordable housing
- supportive housing
- community water supply
- community amenities
- small-scale economic development
- education
An inaugural annual general meeting to elect a board of directors and to discuss the future of the Land Stewards Society will be held on January 30th, 2021, from 2 to 4 pm at the Agi Hall. Membership fees are $10/year for individuals, and between $50 and $100/year for organizations.
Anyone who is wondering about donating to the Land Stewards Society is encouraged to contact us. Once the board has been established and land has been secured, members of the community will be encouraged to prepare proposals to lease land to accomplish the community goals.
Megan Adam
Steven Earle
Sibyl Frei
Laura-Jean Kelly