Quadra Islanders strongly debated Rebecca Spit scallop farm proposal over the merits of aquaculture, environmental protection, ocean views, property values and economic development. In a public hearing the debate was held where discussion was made on an application by the We Wai Kai Nation to rezone an 85.5-hectare foreshore site 350 metres offshore from Drew Harbour Indian Reserve #9 – just southeast of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park – to permit ‘passive’ aquaculture – scallop cultivation.
The new zone would permit only floats and navigational aids on the surface. ‘Passive’ aquaculture means no feed or chemicals can be added. The We Wai Kai currently have a temporary industrial-use permit in place for a 62.2-hectare portion of the site which expires at the end of July. Rod Naknakim, chief negotiator for the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society, started off the submissions with a history lesson, explaining that the We Wai Kai were assigned six Indian Reserves, including IR#9.
Naknakim said that the SRD has a legal duty to consult the We Wai Kai on matters affecting the First Nation’s territories, but had not done so “and therefore the zoning bylaw has no force and effect on the We Wai Kai.” Michael Stahnke opined that there is no justifiable reason why this aquaculture tenure has to be at this location. He added that the proposed site is possibly the most inappropriate location for commercial/industrial activity on the island.
Les Rombough, Island Scallops’ liaison to the We Wai Kai scallop project, said the company had no direct financial interest in the project. He said Island Scallops sells seed and equipment to the We Wai Kai and provides technical expertise.
