Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society (the Society)?
A. The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society has been formed to purchase Island Timberland forest land holdings immediately adjacent to Carrington Bay Park on Cortes Island. These forest lands will be held in trust for all the children of Cortes Island, in perpetuity. They will offer educational, recreational, cultural and spiritual value for all our children. They will provide the opportunity for our youth to embrace and practise stewardship of forest lands and watersheds.
Q. Is the Society an anti-logging group?
A. No. Our Objective is to preserve ecologically “intact” ecosystems for visiting children and the Children of Cortes Island. These forestlands boast a diversity of species and ecological communities at risk that can be afforded protection through the purchase of the Children’s Forest.
Q. Who is on the Board of the Society?
A. The FTCCIS board is a diverse group of Cortes Islanders, including directors with professional expertise in biology, environmental & public education, public service, the arts, communications, and law. For for more info on the current directors, please see the Directors page.
Q. How does someone join the Board?
A. If you are interested in supporting and joining the Board, contact anyone of the Board Directors, or send a message to all the directors through our contact page.
Q. Where will the funding come from to purchase the Children’s Forest?
A. Funding will come from multiple sources. We are currently pursuing grants to assist with the purchase. Donations from the public are being sought. The Society has an account with CanadaHelps.org for donations. Private citizens with interest in Cortes will be directly approached. The Board will also be approaching family and friends.
Q. What will be the price for the Children’s Forest?
A. A purchase price has not yet been negotiated with Island Timberlands. However, it is anticipated that the price will be in the millions of dollars. Accordingly, the Board has established a preliminary goal of $5 million to be directed towards the purchase of the Children’s Forest.
Q. Does the Board intend on seeking financial support (e.g. the Whaletown Commons) from the Strathcona Regional District to purchase the Children’s Forest?
A. No. The Society will not be approaching the SRD for funding. We do not intend, nor will the Board pursue this approach with the SRD.
Q. Is the Children’s Forest linked with the Whaletown Commons?
A. No.
Q. When does the Board anticipate purchasing the Children’s Forest?
A. As a charitable society, we have permission from the Canada Revenue Agency to accumulate property/funds for five years in the pursuit of the Children’s Forest. Accordingly, our timeline for purchasing this property will be approximately five years.
Q. Should the purchase with Island Timberlands be concluded, and as a landowner, will the Society pay taxes?
A. Upon completion of the acquisition of the Children’s Forest, the Society will apply for a property tax exemption under the Taxation of Rural Properties Act.
Q. Will the Public have access to the Children’s Forest?
A. As Island Timberlands currently is the owner, the Public’s access will need to be governed by Island Timberlands’ permission. Once the Children’s Forest is purchased, the Public will have full access subject to activities being consistent with the Society’s objectives.
