denman island community profile · this article includes a description of the updated geological...

DENMAN ISLAND COMMUNITY PROFILE

Revised: February, 2011

Denman Island Community Profile 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................2

1. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT...............................................................................................................................3

LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................................................3 TOPOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................................................................3 BEDROCK GEOLOGY.....................................................................................................................................................4 COALBED METHANE AND NATURAL GAS POTENTIAL.......................................................................................................4 BUILDING STONE POTENTIAL ........................................................................................................................................5 SURFICIAL DEPOSITS ....................................................................................................................................................5 SAND AND GRAVEL POTENTIAL .....................................................................................................................................5 SOILS..........................................................................................................................................................................5 ECOSYSTEM PROFILE....................................................................................................................................................7 CROWN LANDS ..........................................................................................................................................................14 AQUACULTURE ..........................................................................................................................................................18 CLIMATE ...................................................................................................................................................................20

2. HUMAN HISTORY AND POPULATION..........................................................................................................21

FIRST NATIONS AND ARCHAEOLOGY............................................................................................................................21 EUROPEAN SETTLERS .................................................................................................................................................21 POPULATION .............................................................................................................................................................22 HOUSING ..................................................................................................................................................................23 HOUSEHOLD SIZE ......................................................................................................................................................24 HOUSING ASSESSMENT & TENURE ..............................................................................................................................25

3. INCOME AND LABOUR ...................................................................................................................................28

4. INFRASTRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................................................31

FERRIES ....................................................................................................................................................................31 ROADS......................................................................................................................................................................32 HYDRO .....................................................................................................................................................................32 WATER .....................................................................................................................................................................33 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING .......................................................................................................................34

5. COMMUNITY SERVICES..................................................................................................................................36

EDUCATION ...............................................................................................................................................................36 HEALTH SERVICES......................................................................................................................................................37 EMERGENCY SERVICES ...............................................................................................................................................38

6. PARKS AND RECREATION..............................................................................................................................39

BIBLIOGRPAHY .........................................................................................................................................................43

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INTRODUCTION The jurisdiction of the Denman Island Local Trust Committee includes Denman, Sandy and Chrome Islands, Seal Islets and all other unnamed islets, and the surface of the water to the middle of Lambert Channel to the east, to the high water mark of Vancouver Island at Comox to the north, and to Deep Bay to the south1. The bylaws of the Denman Island Local Trust Committee apply to the land and the surface of the water on and within 1000 meters of Denman and Sandy Islands at zero tide.2 As part of the Islands Trust Area, Denman Island has endorsed the mandate of the Trust, which is to:

“...preserve and protect the trust area its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents of the trust area of British Columbia generally, in cooperation with municipalities, regional districts, improvement districts, other persons and organization and the government of British Columbia.”

The Denman Island Local Trust Committee comprises two locally elected trustees and one appointed member of the Executive Committee of the Islands Trust, who serve three‐year terms. The Local Trust Committee has land use planning powers and authority similar to those of a Regional District. Like the other local trust committees, the Denman Local Trust Committee submits bylaws to the Islands Trust Executive Committee for approval. The Local Trust Committee regulates land use and development. Additionally, the Local Trust Committee makes recommendations to government agencies concerning initiatives affecting the local trust area, with the intent of encouraging activities that are consistent with objectives and goals of the community, as outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP).

This Community Profile was commissioned by the Denman Island Local Trust Committee to serve as a tool for planning. It is intended to complement local knowledge and provide background information that might not readily be available on Denman Island. The Profile examines a variety of statistical information, both current and historical, in order to identify trends within the community. Information contained in this document will aid in the OCP review process by providing insight into the community’s unique and evolving nature. The majority of statistics in this document have been obtained from outside agencies, thereby dating the information. This document should be updated periodically as new information becomes available.

1 Refer to Schedule A of the Islands Trust Act for the exact jurisdictional boundaries. 2 Islands Trust, (2008) Denman Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 185. Victoria: Islands Trust.


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1. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Location

Denman Island is located off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island between Buckley Bay and Hornby Island (Figure 1). Denman is bounded by Baynes Sound to the west and Lambert Channel to the east.

Denman Island is a long narrow island 19 km in length and 6 km at the widest point. The Island encompasses 51 km2 or 4,974 hectares, and the general configuration follows the coastline of Vancouver and Hornby Islands. Denman Island has a relatively smooth coastline, roughly 69 km in length, providing few protected bays.

Topography

Topographically the Island is relatively flat, having a maximum elevation of 124 metres above sea level; however, there is a dominant ridge that runs the length of the Island. There is also a coastal bluff in the north eastern portion of the Island. In general, the terrain is relatively flat with gently rolling hills, and only 8% of the Island has slopes greater than 20%.3

Denman Island has two lakes, Graham Lake and Chicadee Lake.4 Graham Lake is located in the south eastern portion of Denman and has a surface area of approximately 15.4 hectares during maximum supply. Chicadee Lake is smaller and extends 13.8 hectares at full supply. 5 Both Graham and Chicadee Lakes maintain a natural fish population. Additionally, both lakes are sources of water for drinking, household and garden use.

The Island has numerous wetlands and creeks. There are roughly 30 recognized swamps on the Island covering an area of approximately 115 hectares. Although there are significantly fewer marshes, they cover about 90 hectares.6

3 Regional District of Comox‐Strathcona (1971). 4 Sometimes spelled “Chickadee”

5 MELP, (1994).

6 ibid.

Figure 1: Location of Denman Island


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Bedrock Geology

Denman Island is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Nanaimo Group, deposited in the Comox sub‐basin of the Georgia Basin during the Late Cretaceous, approximately 90 to 65 million years ago. The Nanaimo Group of the Comox sub‐basin consists of 7 formations, including (from oldest to youngest) the Comox, Trent River, Denman, Lambert, Geoffrey, Spray and Hornby Formations. Three of these formations make up the bedrock of Denman Island–the Trent River, Denman and Lambert. These rocks dip gently (regionally at 10–15 degrees to the east) with the formations outcropping in three bands trending northwest‐southeast lengthways along the Island.

The Trent River Formation (total thickness 425‐785 metres) occurs furthest west. Only the upper part (upper 280—430 metres) of the Trent River underlies Denman Island. The upper Trent River consists primarily of mudstone and siltstone, with beds of sandstone and minor conglomerate.

The Denman Formation is composed primarily of sandstones and conglomerates outcrops in a northwest to southeast oriented strip down the centre of Denman Island (total 145‐195 metres thick). The eastern part of the Island is underlain by the Lambert mudstones, siltstones, and minor sandstone and limestone (total thickness greater than 115 metres).7

Fossil sites on Denman Island have been identified along the shorelines in the vicinity of Denman Point, south of Fillongley Park, and near Repulse Point.8

The bedrock exposure of Denman Island, and the shoreline outcrops in particular, provide exceptionally clear and well exposed examples of three modes of marine sedimentation:

1. sandstone and mudstone laid down on deepwater fans; 2. mudrocks laid down on deepwater slopes; and 3. sandstones and conglomerates laid down, mainly in spectacular erosional channels,

on deepwater slopes and toe‐of‐slope.

These types of bedrock are of outstanding scientific and educational value.

Coalbed Methane and Natural Gas Potential

The coals and porous sediments of the lower Nanaimo Group, which outcrop on Vancouver Island and are expected to be present at depth under Denman Island, may contain potential coalbed methane or natural gas resources. The coalbed methane potential of these zones is indicated by the gassy nature of coals produced on Vancouver Island, and by a coal exploration well drilled in 1914 near Tsable River on Vancouver Island (Alvensleven Tsable River ATR‐1), which encountered gassy coal in the lower Nanaimo (at 550 metres depth) and produced gas until 1984, serving a forestry camp.9

7 Cathy‐Bickford, C.G., (1992). This article includes a description of the updated geological terminology for the Nanaimo Group for the Denman Island area, maps and resource potential information. 8 Ludvigsen, R., and Beard, G., (1994). This book includes a summary of the updated stratigraphic nomenclature applicable to Denman Island, as well a simplified map showing the geology of the island, and the location of known fossil collecting localities. 9 ibid.


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A recent report indicates low potential for conventional natural gas within the Comox sub‐basin, due to a paucity of reservoir‐quality sandstones.10

Building Stone Potential

Denman Formation sandstone (historically named the DeCourcy Formation) from a quarry on Denman Island was used to construct the Normal School and Drill Hall in Victoria, and the Metropolitan Building and Dawson School in Vancouver. The structural‐sandstone quarry had a very brief history, as the sandstone was found to deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the weather. The quarry was approximately 26 metres long and 17 metres wide. Potential reserves extend for 100 metres west of the quarry along a prominent ridge.11 Additional building stone may be present at other localities on Denman Island, but it would likely possess the same qualities of rapid deterioration.12

Surficial Deposits

The bedrock of Denman Island is overlain by unconsolidated Pleistocene and Recent sediments. A thin veneer of unconsolidated surficial deposit overlays the majority of the island, with significant thickness present in the northeastern area. Between Fillongley Park and Longbeak Point the surficial deposits consist mainly of Quadra sediments (sand, minor gravel, silt, subaqueous till, and peat) up to 90 metres thick. These sediments are overlain by Vachon Drift glacial moraine deposits (till, lenses of gravel, sand and silt) ranging in thickness from a few centimetres to 10 metres, the thicker sections being in the area south of Komas Bluff. Salish deposits (shoreline, deltaic and fluvial gravel, sand silt and clay) are present in a small area at Henry Bay, and on the Sandy and Seal Islands.13

Sand and Gravel Potential

There are two active gravel pits on Denman Island, both located northeast of Chicadee Lake. The Island has been thoroughly “prospected” for gravel with little success by earlier loggers who did not wish to haul road material any farther than necessary. It appears that the gravel resources on the Island are limited and could be exhausted in the not‐distant future. It should be noted that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has been importing road gravel onto the Island for some years.14

Soils

Soil is a result of climate, living organisms, topography, soil moisture, and parent material. On Denman there are roughly 6 types of soil. The majority of the Island is composed of the Royston series. This particular series is a member of the Brown Podzolic soil group. These soils have a gravelly loam dominant texture and are usually well drained. This series occurs on undulating to steeply sloping regions and develops from medium textured glacial till. These

10 Hannigan, P.K. et al, (1998).

11 Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Ministry File No. 092F 426.

12 BC Ministry of Energy and Mines, (no date).

13 Geological Survey of Canada, (1960).

14 Jim Aitken, former Denman Island Resident (no date).


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soils include the large portion of north western Denman and extend southward, narrowing in central Denman and then continue to Boyle Point. This soil type generally has a dominant vegetation of Douglas fir, Balsam fir, Red Cedar and Hemlock.

The understory is usually salal, sword fern, huckleberry and Oregon grape. These soils are not particularly adapted to agriculture as they have high gravel content; however, they are well suited to forestry.

Lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) span a variety of soil series. On the eastern portion of Denman, which is primarily ALR, the series are generally Bowser, Haslam and Kye.15 These three soils are from the Podzol group and consist of loamy sand or shale. These three Podzolic soils are generally well or imperfectly drained, and range from stone free to moderately stony.

The Bowser series is located just north of Fillongley Park, with a small portion extending inland, and along the coast to Whalebone Point. These soils develop on Quadra sediments and are not only inferior for agricultural purposes but also present great difficulties for silviculture, because of their excessively well drained character.

The Haslam series is primarily found on central Denman as well as on the west coast of the Island from Woodham Road to Repulse Point. This soil type has developed on shallow medium‐textured glacial till underlain by shale and sandstone. These soils are not generally suited to agriculture, as they contain many stones, are usually infertile, and are prone to drought.

North of the Haslam and Bowser series on the east coast is the Kye series, which extends up to Henry Bay. This soil type has developed on coarse textured material and is not particularly suited for agriculture, as fertility is low and the soil is acidic and prone to drought. These soils are best suited to forestry.

Another soil series found in the ALR is Arrowsmith. This particular series is from the Peat soil group and comprises Denman’s numerous swamps and marshes. Arrowsmith series occurs in depressional, poorly drained areas. The soil has developed on deep undecomposed organic material and is not naturally suited for agriculture. However, peat soils can support agriculture through draining and the addition of limestone to reduce soil acidity.

15 Soil information for Denman was obtained from, Canada Department of Agriculture, (1959).


Ecosystem Profile

Sensitive Ecosystems Denman Island Local Trust Area is an ecologically diverse area, with numerous regions of ecological significance, both provincially and globally. In 2008 the Province of BC completed Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) for the Coastal Douglas‐fir Biogeoclimatic Zone, which includes Denman Island. In 2009, the Islands Trust and Islands Trust Fund worked together to create Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping for Denman Island based on the TEM. The Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping was designed with the help of the BC Ministry of Environment, to update the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory completed by the Provincial and Federal Governments in the mid‐ 1990s.

The objective of the Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping was to identify, classify and map areas that are rare and ecologically sensitive. The mapping identifies seven sensitive ecosystems of which the Denman Island Local Trust Area has representations for five. These are described below in Table 1 and are shown in the Denman Island Sensitive Ecosystem Map completed in 2010. Between 1989 and 2002, Denman Island lost the largest area of sensitive ecosystem of all the Gulf Islands, due, no doubt, to the extensive logging that occurred from 1997 to 2001. Since that time the loss of sensitive ecosystems has levelled out, but continues to be a concern. Sensitive ecosystems now represent 6.9% of the Denman Island Local Trust Area (Figure 2; Table 1).

Cliff0%

Herbaceous1%

Other82%

Woodland0%

Wetland6%

Freshwater1%

Mature Forest10%

Figure 2. Sensitive Ecosystem breakdown for Denman Island

In addition to the five identified sensitive ecosystems, Denman also has rare mature forest ecosystems. These are usually conifer‐dominated, occasionally deciduous, dry to moist forest types between 80‐250 years in age. They are future older forests, provide connections between natural areas and act as buffers minimizing disturbance to sensitive ecosystems. In

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the Denman Island Local Trust Area 529.5 hectares (1308 acres) or 10% of the area is identified as mature forest.

Significantly, although a few old growth trees remain, the Denman Island Local Trust Area has lost all of its Old Forest Ecosystems (over 250 years in age). Table 1. Sensitive Ecosystems identified from Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping for the Denman Island Local Trust Area, April 2010. Sensitive Ecosystem

Description Total Area and percentage of Denman Local Trust Area

Woodland Dry open forest with 10‐30% tree cover (conifer‐dominated or mixed conifer‐broadleaf), often with shallow soil and bedrock outcrops. Provide habitat for rich assemblage of plants, insects, reptiles and birds. Rare, highly fragmented, and vulnerable to rural development. Include Garry oak woodlands.

24.1 hectares (60 acres) or 0.5%

Herbaceous Non‐forested areas (less than 10% tree cover) with shallow soils. Include bedrock outcrops, large openings within forest, spits, dunes and shorelines vegetated with grasses and herbs. Plants can be easily trampled or dislodged due to thin soils; highly vulnerable to human disturbance. Non‐forested ecosystems with shallow soils; includes bedrock outcroppings, coastal headlands, shorelines vegetated with grasses and herbs.


Cliff Very steep slope, often exposed bedrock, may include steep‐sided sand bluffs. Ledges and fissures on cliffs provide nesting sites for birds, roosting sites for bats, and overwintering shelters for snakes.


Wetland Areas that are saturated or inundated with water for long enough periods of time to develop vegetation and biological activity adapted to wet environments.


Freshwater Bodies of water such as lakes and ponds that typically lack floating vegetation. Habitat for numerous fish, amphibians, aquatic plants, and invertebrates; play vital role in lifecycle of many species.


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Riparian Ecosystems The Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping did not identify any riparian ecosystems in the Denman Island Local Trust Area. However, this is likely due to the small scale of the stream systems found on Denman Island compared with those found on Vancouver Island or the mainland. Previous island profiles have identified two areas as significant riparian ecosystems. One is located adjacent to Valens Creek, running the length of southern Denman Island on the west side, parallel to Graham Lake; the other is on Beadnell Creek just west of Fillongley Park. Riparian ecosystems are floodplains, such as lakeshores and gullies, which provide habitat for a diversity of plants and animals, as well as breeding grounds for numerous bird, mammal, amphibian and invertebrate species. Marine Habitats The Denman Local Trust Area has a long coastline; however, only a few regions have been recognized as vital habitat for rare plant species and nesting seabirds. Significant coastal bluffs occur in northeastern Denman at the Komas Bluff, Whalebone Point, Repulse Point and Chrome Island, and along the south and south‐eastern coast of the Island. Seasonally Flooded Agricultural Fields The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory Project, completed in the mid 1990s by the Provincial and Federal Governments, identified seasonally flooded agricultural fields as areas of significant biological diversity. Denman has five areas that are seasonally flooded for agricultural purposes with the largest site located in central Denman. Sites of seasonal flooding are vital as they provide habitat for wintering waterfowl. Rare and Endangered Species and Ecosystems The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has identified species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern. Endangered species are those facing imminent extinction or extirpation, threatened species are those that are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed and species of special concern are those that have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Eight of these species occur on Denman Island. Additionally, the Province of BC has identified 19 species as red or blue listed. Red‐listed species are those that have been designated as endangered or threatened by the Province of BC, blue‐listed species have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive or vulnerable to human activities or natural events. Provincially and federally listed species are shown in Table 2 below.

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Table 2: Species Listed as Rare or Endangered Provincially or Federally on Denman Island, as of 2009

Species Provincial Ranking Federal Ranking

Edith’s Checkerspot , Taylori Subspecies

Red Endangered

Marbled Murrelet Red Threatened Brandt’s Cormorant Red None Pelagic Cormorant,

Pelagicus Subspecies Red None

Oregon Ash Red None Band‐tailed pigeon Blue Special Concern Barn Owl Blue Special Concern Coastal Wood Fern Blue Special Concern Great Blue Heron, Fannini

Subspecies Blue Special Concern

Red‐legged Frog Blue Special Concern Western Screech Owl,

Kennicottii subspecies Blue Special Concern

California Gull Blue None Coastal Cutthroat Trout,

Clarki Subspecies Blue None

Slim leaf Onion Blue None Nuttall's Quillwort Blue None Pointed Broom Sedge Blue None Surf Scoter Blue None Townsend’s Big‐eared bat Blue None Double‐crested Cormorant Blue None

The Province of BC also identifies significant ecological communities as red or blue listed. Red‐listed communities are those that have been designated as endangered or threatened by the Province of BC, blue‐listed communities have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive or vulnerable to human activities or natural events. Seven of these communities are found on Denman Island. A Global Rank is also applied to the ecological communities to demonstrate their global ecological significance. On Denman Island five ecological communities are globally ranked as Critically Imperiled or Imperiled. Critically imperiled communities are at very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity, very steep declines or other factors; imperiled communities are at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations, steep declines or other factors. Provincial and globally ranked ecological communities are shown in Table 3 below.

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Table 3: Ecological Communities Listed as Rare or Endangered Provincially or Globally on Denman Island, as of 2009

Ecological Community Provincial Ranking Global Ranking

Grand Fir / Three‐leaved Foamflower Red Critically Imperilled Red Alder/Slough Sedge [Black

Cottonwood] Red Critically Imperilled

Trembling Aspen/Pacific Crab Apple/Slough Sedge

Red Critically Imperilled/Imperilled

Western red cedar / vanilla leaf Red Critically Imperilled Douglas‐fir / Dull Oregon‐grape Red Imperilled Douglas Fir / Arbutus Red Not Ranked Red Alder / Skunk Cabbage Blue Not Ranked Agricultural and Managed Forest Land Forty‐six percent of the area of Denman Island is designated as Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), comprising 168 parcels or partial parcels (Figure 3).16 The ALR is relatively uninterrupted and is largely concentrated along the central and eastern coast of the Island from Mallard road extending up to Henry Bay. On the western coast of the Island, narrow strof ALR extends from McFarlane Road to just past Scott Road, north of Denman Point (buexcludes the residential area on the central coast). Properties within the ALR are subject to theAgricultural Land Commission Act, which is intended to establish and maintain farms to provida secure source of food, and to encourage farming and regulate non‐farm use and subd

ip t

e

ivision.

The area of individual parcels varies from 0.06 hectares (0.16 acres) to 141 hectares (348 acres), with an average of 13.4 hectares (33 acres). According to the BC Assessment Data (2006), there are 147 assessment records for private ownership within the ALR (crown parcels, public land, and park were not included). Of these properties, 106 have residential improvements and 41 are vacant.

BC Assessment’s Managed Forest Land Class refers to privately‐owned forest land property for which an acceptable forest management commitment has been made that is approved and complies with the Private Managed Forest Land Act. There are six parcels in the Managed Forest Classification (Figure 4). These parcels total 230 hectares (568 acres), making up 4.5% of the area on Denman Island.

16 Provincial Agricultural Land Commission (ALC), 2007.


Figure 3: Agricultural Land Reserve on Denman Island

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Figure 4: Private Managed Forest Land on Denman Island

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Crown Lands

Denman Island has 176 hectares (436 acres) of vacant Crown land, representing less than five percent of the Island's total area.17 As of September, 2010 all of these Crown Lands were transferred to the Ministry of Environment for designation under the Park Act or Ecological Reserve Act, which is expected in the Spring of 2011 or 2012. More information about these new park and conservation lands is provided in Section 6, Parks and Recreation, of this document.

In 2001 the Islands Trust compiled information on Denman’s Crown lands as part of an ongoing program to create Crown Land Profiles for the major Islands in the Trust Area. These Crown Land Profiles only describe unencumbered vacant Crown Land, and on Denman Island six parcels were included in the Profile: three in the centre, two in the south, and one at the very southern tip of the Island (Figure 5).18 Also at this time, Trust Council developed a framework for decision making regarding Crown lands, and signed a protocol agreement between the Islands Trust and the Province.

The Denman Island Crown Land Context Map from the Crown Land Profiles in 2001 identifies other Crown land parcels on Denman Island that are significant because of their important contribution to preserving Denman Island’s habitats and ecosystems (Figure 6). The Crown Land Context Map identifies the following Crown land parcels that are not included in the Profiles based on the existing interest in the land: the Forestry Look Out, Chickadee Place, the remainder of Morrison Marsh, the Gravel Reserve, Boyle Point Park, Fillongley Park, the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve, and the Inner Island Nature Reserve. Today, the Islands Trust Fund holds the Inner Island Nature Reserve, the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve, and the Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve, all of which are managed by the Denman Conservancy Association. As the Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve was acquired after the Crown Land Profiles were prepared, it is not shown in Figure 6.

The Crown lands of Denman Island now comprise nearly all of the larger stands of older conifers on the island. These stands are critical to preserving the ecological integrity and providing undeveloped green space and recreational opportunities for the public.

Successive waves of human activity have reduced the once extensive forest stands; as a result there are no longer any extensive stands of "Old Growth Forest" on Denman. Most of the Crown Land stands are classed as either "Older Forest" (>100 yr) or "Older Second Growth" (60 – 100 yr), according to the Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping, 1997. Regardless, these stands support an important and threatened Coastal Douglas Fir community.

17 Westland Resource Group, (1990).

18 Islands Trust (2004).


Figure 5: Location of Crown Parcels in the Crown Lands Profile for Denman Island

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Figure 6: Location of other Significant Crown Parcels on Denman Island

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Parcel A ‐ Pickles Marsh/Beaver Pond Catchment This 87.59 hectare parcel is located in the northern part of Denman Island in the Pickles Marsh complex. The major part of Beaver Pond falls within Parcel A. This parcel contains a large complex wetland with high plant diversity. Data from the Conservation Data Centre in 1996, recognize this area as having high conservation value for the entire wetland complex, with very high biological diversity significance ratings.19 The parcel includes a feeding and nesting area for trumpeter swans, great horned owls, marsh wren, American bitten, sharp shinned hawk, bald eagles, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, and Cooper’s hawk.20

The parcel also includes the headwater storage for the Pickles Fork of Beadnell Creek, which is home to rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lower reaches of Pickles Fork are documented as a spawning area for the remnant Coho population of Beadnell Creek. Moderate flow of the creeks allows for Coho rearing.21 Parcel B – Chickadee Lake Catchment This 65.08 hectare parcel is immediately south of Chickadee Lake on the northwest side of Denman Island. The Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory has identified older forest and second growth forest within this parcel. Parcel B has sites with high diversity of native vegetation, including sedge‐grass marsh areas, and is important to the wetland complex on Denman Island, providing protection to the Island water supply and various habitats, including fish bearing streams. Parcel C – Old Quarry Site This 0.98 hectare parcel is located on the western side in the middle of Denman Island. Parcel C has low native vegetation diversity and no comprehensive wildlife or habitat inventory has taken place to date. There are no records regarding aquatic habitat. Parcel D – McFarlane This 15.05 hectare parcel is located on the southern end of Denman Island. Parcel D has low native vegetation diversity, although the parcel contains a moderately large tract of ‘older forest’, which is now rare on Denman. Valens Brook, a salmon bearing stream, runs through the southwest portion of the parcel. This watercourse is part of the Lacon Marsh wetland area, which runs about a third of the length of the island. The area was studied extensively in the Salmon Habitat Assessment Program conducted by the Denman Conservancy Association in 1997‐98, which concluded that the parcel is the major water catchment for lower reaches of Valens Brook and is critical for salmon survival. Parcel E – Morrison Marsh This 2.25 hectare parcel is located at the southern end of Denman Island at the northern end of Morrison Marsh. The entire marsh system is classified as a wetland by the Canadian Wildlife Service in the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory. Parcel E is part of a shallow wetland area that is

19 Islands Trust (2000). 20 Environmental Information Management System (EIMS) Site Information, Islands Trust Fund Board, July 2000.

21 Islands Trust, (2000).


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the largest marsh complex in the Strait of Georgia. Wetlands are uncommon in the Gulf Islands, and there is no other system of this size, type or excellent condition. Several recorded Blue Listed bird species including the Great Blue Heron, Trumpeter Swan, Townsend’s Big‐eared Bat (probable), Hutton’s Vireo and Bandtailed Pigeon, as well as the Red Listed Western Screech‐owl, have been recorded. This area is also home to the Blue Listed Red‐legged Frog. Parcel F – Eagle Rock This 0.5 hectare lot is an islet located off Boyle Point Provincial Park; this parcel has no land or sea access except at low tide when it is accessible by foot from Boyle Point Provincial Park. Parcel F has a high value for conservation and is classified as “Coastal Bluff” in the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory. No individual Red Listed plants have been recorded on this lot; however, no comprehensive inventory has taken place to date. This area was once a well known seal/sea lion haul‐out islet and minks have been identified.

Aquaculture

Baynes Sound is one of the most productive areas for commercial oyster and manila clams in British Columbia. The region's successful shellfish aquaculture industry is due to the biophysical capability for shellfish growing as well as the proximity to infrastructure.

Shellfish aquaculture occurs throughout Baynes Sound, with approximately 41 active tenures on Denman's west coast (see Figure 7).22 Currently there is no active finfish aquaculture in Baynes Sound. Denman had a small amount of finfish aquaculture in the past; however, the warm shallow waters of the western coast are not generally favourable for this industry.

In December 2002 the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, Coast and Marine Planning Branch, published a report entitled Baynes Sound Coastal Plan for Shellfish Aquaculture, to address the siting (i.e., tenure allocation) and operational issues of shellfish aquaculture. The Plan proposes the following six management areas for limited shellfish aquaculture development, based on resource use conflicts, the risk of environmental harm and data gaps, and provides the following recommendations for each management area:

1. Off Bottom: New off‐bottom tenure applications should be accepted (south Denman Island).

2. Special Management (Sub‐tidal): Some applications for expansion are recommended if visual impacts and user conflicts can be avoided by using structures under the surface of the sea, such as for geoduck culture (north Denman Island and southern Vancouver Island).

3. Special Management (Beach and Sub‐tidal): Applications for beach and subsurface culture may be acceptable (Vancouver Island, Base Flats).

4. Restricted Expansion (Off Bottom and Beach): Conflicts are higher, but applications for limited expansion at existing sites and new First Nations development are

22 BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (August, 2005).


recommended subject to meeting site‐specific requirements (north part of Baynes Sound on Vancouver Island side).

5. Future Analysis: Current conditions may prevent development but may not in the future, based on new information (Comox Harbour and Union Point).

6. No Additional Aquaculture: User and environmental conflicts prevent further development (south and central part of Denman Island and Henry Bay at the north end of Denman Island).

This Plan was to be formally reviewed every three years, but was be subject to change in the interim based on adaptive management and new information. As of March, 2010 the Plan had not yet been updated.

Figure 7: Existing Shellfish Tenures for 2005

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Climate

Climate records for Denman Island are published in the Canadian Climate Normals from 1951 to 1980 (Figure 8). (Later records are unavailable due to the closure of climate stations on the Island.) The records indicate an average annual daily temperature at the Denman Island

Station of 9.3C. The lowest average daily mean temperature occurs in

January and is 2.1C, and the highest average daily temperature occurs in July

and is 17.3C. The average total annual precipitation is 1,371.5 mm. The lowest monthly precipitation is in July and is 26.0 mm, occurring over 6 days. December has the highest monthly precipitation, receiving 251.9 mm in 16 days.

Figure 8: Temperature and Precipitation (1951‐1980)

Denman Island Temperature & Precipitation

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Tem

per

atu

re (

Cel

siu

s)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Pre

cip

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ion

(m

m)

Average Daily Temperature Total Precipitation

Source: Canadian Climate Normals 1951‐1980

Denman Island Climate Normals for the period of 1951‐1980 are the last records available specifically for Denman; climate data after that period did not meet the standards used to calculate Normals and, subsequently, all three climate stations on the Island were closed by the mid 1990’s. The next closest climate station with recent Climate Normals available (for the period of 1971‐2000) is Mud Bay, which is located adjacent to Denman Island on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Data have remained fairly consistent and show a slight increase of 0.1°C to the average annual daily temperature, which is 9.4°C. The lowest average daily temperature occurs in January and is slightly warmer at 2.5°C, while the highest average daily temperature is recorded over July and August and remains consistent at 17.3°C. The average total precipitation has increased by 24% to 1704.9 mm per year, with the lowest average monthly precipitation recorded in July at 28.8 mm, and the highest average monthly precipitation recorded in November at 292.4 mm.

20


21

2. HUMAN HISTORY AND POPULATION

First Nations and Archaeology

For thousands of years Denman Island has been part of the traditional territory of first nations people, and was used as a summer home by the Puntledge tribe, who wintered in Comox.23 Denman Island is part of “the land of plenty”, so named by the ancestors of the present‐day K’omoks First Nation to describe the area that stretches from what is known today as Kelsey Bay south to Hornby and Denman Islands, and including the Puntledge River watershed and estuary.24 Oral history and archaeology describe a rich and bountiful relationship between the K’omoks and the Land of Plenty, with salmon, seal, octopus, herring cod, deer, ducks, shellfish, and many varieties of berries being harvested, cultivated and prepared in accordance with environmental and spiritual beliefs. A rich culture was also practiced including potlatches and other ceremonies, with mask dances and songs.25

Archaeological sites are the physical evidence of how and where people lived in the past. For 98% of the time people have lived in this area, no written records were made. Archaeological sites and oral tradition are the only vestiges of this rich history extending back many thousands of years.26 On Denman Island, archaeological surveys have discovered the remains of habitation shelters and house depressions, and cultural material consisting of lithics and shell middens, as well as petroglyphs and burial sites.27

There are no first nation reserves on Denman Island, but several first nations have an interest in the area because of their historical use, archaeological sites, and cultural connection to the Island and its surrounding waters. The Islands Trust currently includes four first nations in the planning process for Denman Island: K’omoks First Nation, Qualicum Indian Band, Sliammon First Nation, and the Laich‐Kwil‐Tach Treaty Society (a group of first nations). There may be other first nations with an interest in Denman Island, and the Islands Trust will also include them in planning processes as it becomes aware of them.

European Settlers

Modern‐day settlers came to Denman around 1874. Early settlers made use of Denman’s raw materials; there was an abundance of wood that was ideal for constructing homes, and forestry on Denman became a profitable venture. Land was also cleared for agriculture by early settlers. Logging was particularly feasible on Denman’s west‐coast, as the timber could easily be transported into the water and boomed to be transported by tugboat. Other early industries included mining and fishing. As described earlier in this document, a quarry for sandstone was established during the early 1900s with a short lived operation. The fishing sector included oyster culture, providing income and food. Denman’s successful dairy farming contributed to the early economy.

23 Historical settlement information has been obtained from, Isbister, Winnifred, A. (1977).

24 K’omoks First Nation (2010).

25 ibid

26 BC Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (2008).

27 Archaeological Branch (1998).


22

The geographic settlement patterns during the late 1800s were similar to current settlement. The majority of the population was located along the west coast from Denman Point to Repulse Point. Denman Road housed the schoolhouse and crossed the Island to the east, where population occurred along the coast from Fillongley Park southward to Gravelly Bay. The central portion of the Island was not largely populated, having only occasional inland residents around Pickles Swamp.

Population

As of the 2006 census, Denman Island’s population was 1095. Since 1991, the population has increased by 18.9% or 207 persons overall, with a dip in population numbers in the 2001 census (Figure 9).28 It is important to note that the census figures only include people whose primary residence is on Denman Island and does not include seasonal residents with a primary residence elsewhere.

Since the 1976 census, the population has been steadily increasing, with the age structure realizing significant internal fluctuations. Both population and age structure on Denman determine the housing demand, labour force and infrastructure requirements, as well as community service needs and recreation needs.

28 Census Canada (2006).

Figure 9: Population (1976‐2006)

Population

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006

Source: BC Stats, via Statistics Canada


Figure 10 indicates an incremental increase in the number of children and teenagers on Denman; however, this age category decreased in the last decade, likely due in part to the decreasing number of 20‐39 year olds over this time. The recent decline in young people may be due to changes in the labour market. The large increase in this age group that showed in the 1986 Census count coincided with the mid 1980’s boom in the industrial sector on the Island.

Figure 10: Population by Age (1981‐2006)

Population by Age

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006

60+

40-59

20-39

0-19


The middle‐age group, 40‐59 years of age, has realized the most rapid rate of growth from 1981 to 2001. In 2006, the number of 40‐59 year olds decreased slightly, probably because few new residents moved to the Island and others from this category aged to join the 60+ category.

The number of residents 60 years and older is the only age category on Denman Island that has increased steadily and substantially since 1981. Between 1981 and 2006 the population of age 60+ years has increased from 100 to 340. This increase in older and retired population is not a surprise, as the relaxing rural atmosphere of Denman is very inviting.

The most significant change has been realized in the population of age 70 and above. This increase has significant implications for community services, especially those related to the provision of, and access to, health care.

Housing

Residential use is allowed on all privately owned land on Denman except parcels zoned Institutional, Conservation or Park. Policies outlined in the OCP pertaining to the land use and development of residential parcels are intended to provide a range of lot sizes that reflect the rural character of Denman and separate incompatible land uses.

Table 4 shows the existing number of lots and the potential number of lots if every lot was subdivided to its fullest extent, as permitted in the Land Use Bylaw at the time this profile was written. This table only show the number of lots, not the number of dwellings that exist, nor the potential number of dwellings if every lot built the maximum number of dwellings permitted. However, the information below is a good indicator of development potential on Denman Island. Most lots permit only one residence, but some larger lots may permit more than one, depending on the zoning and the size of the lot.

23


24

Table 4: Denman Island Density Potential, 201029

Zone Existing Lots Potential Additional

Lots

Potential Total Lots

Agriculture (A, A(1), A(2)) 149 21 170

Commercial (C, C(1)) 11 0 11

Forestry (F) 18 0 18

Institutional (IN, IN(1)) 11 0 11

Light Industrial (L) 1 0 1

Park (PK, PK(1), PK(2)) 17 0 17

Residential (R, R(1), R(2)) 405 77 482

Rural Residential (R2, R2(1), R2(2)) 239 69 308

Resource (RE) 6 0 6

TOTAL 857 167 1024

It should be noted that the data in Table 4 are intended for community planning purposes, and although they have been extensively reviewed, they do not account for certain factors affecting density potential such as road dedication, steep slopes, park dedication requirements, covenants, restrictions in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and lot width‐to‐depth ration. Additionally, the data do not reflect the changes resulting from the density transfer completed in 2010 in association with protection of Denman’s Crown Lands.

Household Size

The number of households on Denman has been increasing, with notable shifts in household size (Figure 11). In 2006 there were 703 private dwellings; 525 of these dwelling were occupied by residents, the rest being vacant or occupied seasonally.

Smaller household sizes of one and two people are accounting for a greater percentage of households, while the percentage of larger household sizes of three or more people is decreasing (Figure 12). Two‐person households accounted for the highest percentage of household size

29 Data based on calculations as of October, 2010

Figure 11: Household Size (1981‐2006)

Household Size by Total Numbers

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006

Year

Nu

mb

er o

f H

ou

seh

old

s

1 Person 2 People 3 People 4+ People


25

throughout the 1981 to 2006 time‐period.

The percentage of single‐person households saw an overall increase from 27% in 1981 to 35% in 2006. The percentage of two‐person households increased steadily but gradually from 37% in 1981 to 43% in 2006.

The percentage of three‐person households decreased from 18% in 1981 to 10% in 2006, and the percentage of four or more‐person households decreased from 19% to 13% over the same period.

Housing Assessment & Tenure

BC Assessment (BCA) records for 2008 indicate that the Denman Local Trust Area has 813 parcels of land, of which 714 (85 %) are designated for taxation purposes as residential, 57 as farm, 5 as managed forest land, 25 as business, 3 as utilities, and 9 as recreational and non‐profit purposes.30 Of the 714 residential properties, 131 are considered vacant, having no land improvements.

Figure 13 compares the number of properties classified by use by BC Assessment with the average assessment value. The highest average assessment is on residential properties greater than 2 acres in size, with smaller residential properties and business properties also relatively high, and farm, forest and utilities properties having relatively low average assessed values.

Of the total number of parcels in each category, the following are classified as vacant (ie having no land improvements):

Residential <2 acres: 17

Residential >2 acres: 114

Farm: 41

Forest: 3 30 BC Assessment data 2008

Figure 12: Household Size by Percentage (1981‐2006)

Household Size by Percentage

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006

Year

Per

centa

ge

of H

ouse

hold

s

1 Person 2 People 3 People 4+ People


Recreational/non‐profit: 5

Of the 16 occupied farms on Denman, a variety of farming is practiced, including: grain and forage, fruit trees, beef, mixed and other. Beef farming occurs on 4 farms, and mixed and other farming on 8 farms. The average farm on Denman is 7.94 hectares (19.61 acres) in size.

Figure 13: 2008 Property Assessments

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Res< 2ac Res> 2ac Farm Forest Business Utilities

Parcel Use

Nu

mb

er o

f P

arce

ls

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Ave

rag

e A

sses

smen

t (t

ho

usa

nd

s)

Number of Parcels Average Assessment (thousands)

Source: BC Assessment, 2008

BC Assessment considers 5 parcels on Denman as Managed Forest Land. The average size of these parcels is 36.79 hectares (90.91 acres). There are 2 timber production parcels on Denman with improvements, and the remaining 3 parcels are vacant.

Recreational and non‐profit parcels occupy 9 parcels on Denman, of which 5 are vacant. These data are not included in figure 13. The average assessed value is $3,538,000. Figure 14: Land Tenure Categories (1981‐2006)

Land Tenure

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006

Census Year

Nu

mb

er o

f O

ccu

pie

d D

wel

lin

gs

Owner Occupied Rented

In 2006 Census Canada recorded 525 occupied dwellings on Denman. Of these dwellings, 15%, or 80 were rented, while the remaining 85%, or 445 dwellings were owner‐occupied (Figure 14). From 1981 to 1996 the percentage of rented dwellings compared to owner occupied dwellings remained fairly steady, fluctuating by only 2% from one census year to the other. Further, despite a

26


5% surge of rented dwellings in 2001 to 23%, the largest percentage change in land tenure was between the 2001 and 2006 census years when rented dwellings decreased from 23% to the lowest levels in over twenty years at 15%.

The proportion of rented dwellings has decreased significantly over the same period that housing prices have increased; if, as expected, housing becomes more expensive and the rental market continues to decrease, it is likely that fewer opportunities for affordable housing will be available for local residents. Official Community Plan amendments in 2001 encouraged the creation of affordable and assisted housing on Denman, and a rezoning proposal to permit co‐housing on a large property that includes 15 affordable housing units was adopted in 2009.

27


3. INCOME AND LABOUR

Information on income and labour was obtained from BC Stats and relates to employment both on and off the Island. Differentiation between those who commute to Vancouver Island and those who work on the Island is not possible. Figures 15 through 20 demonstrate general trends in employment of Denman islanders from 1980 to 2005.

Public service employment, including healthcare, education, social services, and public administration, remained fairly stable between 1981 to 2006 census years, accounting for approximately 20% of the labour sector, except for a spike in 2001 to 26%.

Figure 15: Labour Force by Sector in 1981

Labour Force by Sector, 1981(Experienced labour force 15 years and over = 255)

Service / Retail 35%

Industial 41%

Public Service

22%

Unspecif ied2%


Employment in the industrial sector includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. This sector has seen an overall decrease over the years, with some upwards and downwards fluctuation.

At the same time service/retail sector has seen an overall increase. This sector includes communication, wholesale, retail, business, accommodation and food services, arts, entertainment and recreation, professional and technical services, utilities and waste management, as well and other services. Figure 16: Labour Force by Sector in 1986

Labour Force by Sector, 1986(Experienced Labour Force 15 Years and Over = 340)


Industial 51%

Public Service

21%


1981 to 1996 From 1981 to 1986 there was a significant decrease in the service and retail sector, while the industrial sector realized a substantial increase. In particular, employment in forestry increased significantly from 1.9 percent of the labour in 1981 to 10.3 percent in 1986. Additionally, there was an increase of roughly 3% within the fields of construction, mining and manufacturing. There were also marginal decreases in the industrial sector, particularly in agriculture, fishing, and transportation. Specific areas of decline in service/retail are not available for 1981 to 1986 due to changes in census format.

28


1986 to 1991 Figure 17: Labour Force by Sector in 1991

Labour Force by Sector, 1991(Ex pericened Labour Force15 Years and Ov er = 365)


Industial Sector40%

Public Service

19%


From 1986 to 1991, the proportion of people employed in the industrial sector decreased, while the proportion of people employed in the service sector increased. In 1991 the service / retail sector even surpassed the industrial sector, with 41% and 40% of the labour force respectively. The industrial sector saw slight fluctuations of about 1% ‐ 3% in most of the areas, with the only significant changes being declines in forestry of 7.6% and transportation of 4.9%.

1991 to 1996 From 1991 to 1996, Denman Island’s service and retail sector increased from employing 41% to 45% of the labour force. During this period Denman’s industrial sector decreased 4%, and the Island’s public service sector remained stable at 19%. Within the industrial sector the proportion of employment in agriculture and fishing declined between 1991 and 1996; however, forestry realized an increase of 2%. Increases within the service and retail sector were realized by wholesale, business and other services.

1996 to 2001 Between 1996 and 2001, Denman Island’s service and retail sector remained fairly steady, decreasing by only 2%; while both the industrial sector and the public sector experienced more significant changes. Overall, the industrial sector lost 6%, dipping to 30% of the labour force, while the public sector substantially increased its share of the labour force by 7% to a high of 26% overall.

2001 to 2006 From 2001 to 2006, there were small fluctuations in employment within the service sector, with an overall decrease from 43% to 42%. However, the labour force within the industrial sector fluctuated dramatically during this period with the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry losing 8 percent of its work force, while construction boomed, gaining 12%. Overall the industrial sector increased by 5% to 35% of the labour force. The public sector also

Figure 18: 1996 Labour Force by Sector

Labour Force by Sector, 1996(Ex perienced Labour Force 15 Years and Ov er = 420)


Industial 36%

Public Service

19%


29


saw dramatic changes during this period, with an overall decrease of 9% to 17% of the labour force. The decreases within the public sector were largely seen in health care and social assistance which experienced an 8% decrease.




Industrial 30%

Public Service

26%

Unspecif ied 1%





Industrial 35%

Public Service

17%

Unspecif ied 6%


30


31

4. INFRASTRUCTURE

Ferries

Passenger and vehicle transport to and from Denman Island is serviced by BC Ferries. At the time of writing, the ferry is scheduled to make 18 return trips daily across Baynes Sound between Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island and Denman Island.

Ferry use and traffic on Denman can have a major impact on the local character and environment. Denman Island is a short 10 minute ferry ride from Vancouver Island, providing residents with relatively frequent and easy transportation to Vancouver Island. However, as there is no direct ferry to Hornby, vehicles and cyclists destined to Hornby Island must traverse Denman Island to Gravelly Bay on the northeastern coast to take a second ferry to Hornby. Approximately half of the ferry traffic to Denman is destined to Hornby (Figure 21).

During the winter months, the traffic en‐route to Hornby decreases, and is primarily for residential use. During the summer ferries and roads become congested, causing difficulty for many. This problem is exacerbated by the number of tourists coming to these islands, in particular to Hornby which is a popular holiday spot. The through ferry traffic results in road congestion on Denman and creates safety, environmental and infrastructure concerns.31 Additionally, there is added frustration during the summer months as residents have long waits at the terminal and receive no boarding priority over tourists. In efforts to alleviate the problem of ferry traffic BC Ferries has increased vessel capacity on both routes several times. In 1987 the M.V. Kahloke, with a capacity of 30 automobile equivalent (AEQ) was replaced by the 50 AEQ M.V. Quinitsa on the Buckley Bay‐Denman Island route (Figure 22). While this

31 Hodge, Gerald, (1997).

Figure 21: BC Ferry Vehicle Numbers 1985‐1995 and 2005‐2008

Denman - BC Ferry Vehicle Traffic1985-1995 and 2005-2008

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

86/87

87/88

88/89

89/90

90/91

91/92

92/93

93/94

94/95

95/96

96/97

2005

2006

2007

2008

Reporting Year

Nu

mb

er o

f V

ehic

les

Vehicles Destined to Denman Vehicles Destined to Hornby

Source: Hodge, Gerald 1997; BC Ferries


32

increase initially alleviated some of the overload traffic, it also encouraged more people to use the ferry. With larger, more efficient vessels, more people are able to visit Denman or traverse it en route to Hornby. Interestingly, recent increases in ferry fares may be reversing this trend.

Roads

As of 2009, there are 63.8 km of roads on Denman that are maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). Of this, approximately half, 31.1 km of the road length has a gravel surface. While cars and cyclists share local roads, none of the island roads have designated cycling lanes. MOTI currently has no immediate plans for road expansion or upgrading on the Island. For maintenance purposes MOTI was granted a Crown reserve, the gravel pit, in south‐eastern Denman. However, this local gravel reserve provided minimal gravel and has been exhausted.32

The Denman Island Harbour facility, located next to the BC Ferry landing on the west side of the Island, became derelict and was removed as a result of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Dock Divestiture Program. The future of the dock site is currently under review by the Denman Island Residents Association. Under this program, the site could be developed as a community wharf.

Hydro

Electrification of Denman occurred around 1957. Service runs from Fanny Bay to Denman Island and then continues to Hornby. Currently there are 4 cables supplying the Island, the most recent cable installed in 1990, and all 4 being replaced in 2006. In the early 1970’s BC Hydro had 128 connections on the Island. By 1995 BC Hydro connections had increased to 782, and by 2007 there were 844 connections, 802 of which are residential and 42 are commercial.

Thanks to the cable replacement in 2006, the current Hydro facilities are able to support growth in the number and use of customers. However, it must be realised that while growth in domestic customers is viable, the existing facilities would not accommodate many industrial purposes due to the decreased reliability of underwater cables.

32 MOT, (1998); Westland Resource Group, (1990).

Figure 22: Buckley Bay BC Ferry Capacity 1952‐1988

Buckley Bay - Denman Island Ferry Vehicle Capacity

0

10

20

30

40

50

19

52

19

56

19

60

19

64

19

68

19

72

19

76

19

80

19

84

19

88

YearA

EQ

Ca

pa

cit

yNew Vessle Capacity

Source: Hodge, Gerald 1997 & Isbister, Winnifred 1977


33

Water

Water quantity and quality are issues for most of the Gulf Islands and Denman Island is no exception. There is a limit to the availability of ground and surface water on the Island. Water shortages occur on Denman primarily in the summer, as the recharge rate is low while demand is increased by the seasonal population and tourists.

Surface Water

Surface water is managed by the Ministry of Environment. The Water Stewardship Division administers the allocation of surface water in BC through a licensing process established under the Water Act. Licences are issued by Ministry of Environment regional offices for a variety of purposes such as domestic, irrigation, storage and waterworks. There are 55 water licences issued on Denman (Figure 23), down from 61 licenses in 1998.33 One license may be for more than one purpose. The greatest number of these licences is for domestic purposes; however, the quantity of use is greater for irrigation and storage.

Graham Lake There are ten water licenses for domestic withdrawal from Graham Lake, each permitted between 500 and 1,000 gallons per day. Graham Lake Improvement District holds Denman’s only surface water waterworks licence, and the Comox Valley Regional District is in the process of acquiring one for the Parnell Water System.

The Graham Lake Improvement District (GLID) water system was constructed around 1970 and services 65 of the 72 properties within the GLID boundary. The water district is licensed for 12,045,000 gallons of water to be extracted annually, and 33,000 gallons daily from Graham Lake.

The Denman Island Water Local Service Area (known locally as the “Parnell” water system) is a service area of the Comox Valley Regional District. The water system was constructed in 1969 to service a 23 lot subdivision along East Road, and taken over by the Comox Strathcona Regional District 1972. The water in the original system was provided by two wells, and does not meet the Canadian Drinking Water Standards. Users have been on a permanent boil water advisory for several years. As of March, 2010, the Comox Valley Regional District had completed background work and had been awarded federal and provincial grants to install infrastructure to connect the Denman Island Water Local Service Area to the Graham Lake

33 Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division, (2010).

Figure 23: Denman Island Water Licences, 2010

Water Licenses on Denman, 2010Total Water Licenses = 55

Domestic, 35

Irrigation, 14

Storage, 11

Conservation, 1

Other, 5

Waterworks, 3

Source: Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division, 2010


34

Improvement District, thereby using Graham Lake instead of groundwater for water supply which would once again provide drinking water to residents of the Service Area.34

Groundwater

The majority of Denman Island relies on groundwater for its potable water supply. Currently there are no regulations regarding groundwater in British Columbia but the Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division keeps a record of private wells, information about which is voluntarily provided by well drillers, groundwater specialists, and water well owners. A March 2010 query of the “WELLS” database showed 486 wells on Denman Island.35 An earlier version of this community profile reported the Ministry of Environment having records for 274 wells, but the date of this number is unknown.

There are several improvement districts on the island that serve multiple properties with groundwater. The Schmidt water system serves approximately 10 lots on Schmidt and Swan Roads, and the Kir‐nel water system serves 20 lots on Piercy Road, Nelson Crescent, and Kirk Road36. The Parnell water system is the third groundwater system, until the infrastructure installation for this water system to connect it to Graham Lake is completed in 2010.

Waste Management and Recycling37

With no landfill on the Island, solid wastes are disposed of at the Pigeon Lake Landfill near Cumberland. Denman has regular curbside garbage pickup 34 times per year: weekly from mid‐May to mid‐September and biweekly the rest of the year. This is a contracted service funded through property taxes and a $2.50 fee per bag. In 2009 this service collected 55,850 kg of household waste. The majority of the total waste stream is delivered to Pigeon Lake Landfill by private citizens and privately contracted services. In 2009 Denman Island sent to the landfill 340,800 kg of waste of all categories. Of this total, 240,270 kg was household waste, and the remaining 100,530 kg was largely construction waste.

In the interest of waste diversion, the Denman Island Waste Management Committee operates a recycling centre located on Denman Road at the Marcus Isbister Old School Centre. The recycling centre is staffed by paid workers and volunteers and is open three days a week a total of nine hours. An Encorp Bottle Depot and a Reusables Store (the "Free Store") are at the same location and keep the same hours. In 2009 the Recycling Centre processed 43,062 kg of solid waste, which included paper and newsprint, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, and batteries. The Bottle Depot handled in excess of 300,000 refundable beverage containers, a number that represents approximately 30,000 kg. The Reusables Store puts back into use otherwise unwanted clothing, small housewares, books and toys, which, had they been discarded, would have constituted approximately 10,000 kg of waste.

34 Koers and Associates Engineering Ltd. (2009).

35 BC Ministry of Environment. (2010).

36 Vancouver Island Health Authority 37 Robert French provided the data and content of this section, February 2010.


In sum, Denman Island diverts approximately 18% of the waste stream via recycling and reuse. If the construction waste component is removed from consideration, then Denman's waste diversion rate is approximately 23%.

35


5. COMMUNITY SERVICES

Education

The Denman Island Community School was built in 1990 and is centrally located on Northwest Road. It is part of School District 71. This new school replaced the school on Denman Road, which today is used as a facility for a variety of community groups. The current Denman Island Community School is an elementary school with kindergarten to grade 7, and there is a local school bus on the island for student pick‐up. Children in grade 8 to 12 are bussed to Courtenay with Hornby Island students. Two buses transport students to Courtenay; one goes to Lake Trail Junior and the other to Vanier Senior Secondary. Both buses depart on the 8:00 am ferry and return at 4:00 p.m.

Figure 24: Number of Elementary Students (1975‐2009)

Denman Elementary Enrolement (1975-2009)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1975

1977

1979

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Nu

mb

er o

f S

tud

ents

Number of StudentsE ll d

Source: School District 71

Figure 24 shows that the Denman school experienced a fairly consistent increase in enrolment between 1975 and 1994 when enrolment peaked at 104 students. Enrolment remained around 100 students until 1999, and has steadily decreased since, with a low of 54 students in 2008.

Table 5: Denman Island Students Attending Public Schools on Vancouver Island in 1997 and 2009

1997 2009

GP Vanier Secondary 32 46 Highland Secondary Unknown 1 Lake Trail Middle Unknown 5 Puntledge Park Elementary 28 7 N.I. Distance Education School Unknown 1

Table 5 shows September 1997 and 2009 numbers of Denman Island students attending public schools on Vancouver Island.

36


37

In addition to the Elementary school, there is also the Denman Island Pre‐School. This Pre‐School is located downtown in the community hall. The school is run co‐operatively by parents and has one paid employee. Enrolment trends for the pre‐school have fluctuated significantly and do not necessarily represent the number of pre‐school age children on the island. Private daycare is also available.

Health Services

Denman Island has a range of medical and social health services provided through the Denman Health Centre Society, the Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society, and a part‐time dentist.

Denman Health Centre Society38 The Denman Health Centre Society operates a medical clinic and social health services from the Denman Health Centre, which moved to a new, donated lot on Piercy Road and officially opened at the end of March, 2010.

The medical clinic is open Monday to Friday with the exception of every second Wednesday, and has three doctors sharing one practice. One of these doctors specializes in palliative care and women’s health. The doctors also provide on‐call coverage on weekends and evenings and provide support to the ambulance service.

The Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society (HDCHCS) and the Denman Health Centre Society are in an early partnership to create a health centre that has both medical and social health services. HDCHCS has an office in the newly renovated Health Centre, and the Vancouver Island Health Authority rents another room for mental health and public health services.

The Denman Health Centre also holds a Life Labs Medical Laboratory Services one day a week, and hosts a public health nurse for baby immunizations and development assessment. The Women’s Transition Society in Courtenay provides occasional services at the Denman Health Centre.

The Denman Health Centre Society has plans to expand and enhance health services on Denman Island in the future. One of these plans is to have a pharmacy deliver to Denman Island once a week, as residents currently have to travel to Vancouver Island to have prescriptions filled.

Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society (HDCHCS)39 The Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society provides a number of community‐based service through contracts with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Continuing Care), The Vancouver Island Health Authority (Youth and Addiction Family Services), the Ministry of Children and Family Development, grants, and fundraising.

Home Support Services are government funded services providing people in need, mostly seniors and those with disabilities, with help in their homes for a few hours a week, enabling

38 Judy Stephen, Vice‐Chair of the Denman Health Centre Society, provided information for this section.

39 Tracey Horovatin, Executive Director of the Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society, provided information for

this section.


them to age in place and/or stay healthy and safe in their own homes. The government funding does not fill all the need, and Home Assist Services can be used to supplement the shortfall. Home Assist Services are user pay, with a sliding scale offered through fundraising. Related Home Care Services are an Equipment Loan Program and Hospice Program.

Other programs include Children, Youth and Family Counselling and Support that aims to facilitate health family development and to address child and youth mental health issues. Also, Youth Outreach and Support provides youth, parents, and community members with education, support, and advocacy related to issues of drug and alcohol use and sexual exploitation of youth. In addition, the HDCHCS sponsors Food Coupon Programs on Hornby and Denman, and a number of community education/support programs and services based on community need.

The HDCHCS provides all these community‐based services through over 50 mostly part‐time employees, 10 volunteer board members, and a number of contract service providers.

Dental Services A dentist travels to Denman Island every second week, bringing his travelling clinic in a converted school bus.

Emergency Services

Ambulance Denman Island does not have a hospital. The island does have an ambulance service that transports patients to Buckley Bay, where an ambulance from Courtenay picks up and transports the patient to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, which takes a further 25 minutes. The ambulance service has the authority to call for emergency ferry services. If no ambulance is available to take the patient at Buckley Bay, the Denman ambulance will transport the patient directly to the hospital. The ambulance station currently shares a building with the firehall, but as of 2011, construction of separate building for the Ambulance Service was planned.

Policing Policing services are provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There are no RCMP headquarters on Denman; however, Hornby Island has a small RCMP office that is open during the summer, from which Denman is patrolled during the summer months. In the winter both islands are regularly patrolled by officers from Courtenay.

Fire Protection Denman Island has its own volunteer fire department. The Denman Island Fire Hall is centrally located on Denman Road. The department has approximately 30 volunteers and services the Island with two engines, three tankers, and a first responder vehicle.

The Denman Island Fire Department’s 2009 Annual Report shows that the frequency of call‐outs continues to increase, most notably the number of first responder calls. At the same time, chimney fires are considerably down, which may be due to the Department’s continued public education to encourage people to clean their chimneys regularly, but the number of wildfire call‐outs continues to be a concern.

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6. PARKS AND RECREATION

There are two Provincial Parks on Denman: Fillongley Provincial Park and Boyle Point Provincial Park. Additionally, Sandy Island Marine Park is located off the north‐western tip of Denman and within the Local Trust Area. As of September, 2010, 492 hectares of private land and 258 hectares of Crown Land was transferred to the Ministry of Environment to be designated under the Park Act or Ecological Reserve Act which is expected in Spring of 2011 or 2012. This was part of a joint density transfer application by North Denman Lands and the Ministry of Environment that transferred 33 densities from Crown lands to private lands, and involved a donation of private land to the Crown. These new protected areas include a large contiguous area of land around Chickadee Lake, and in the South of Denman expand Boyle Point Provincial Park. Two other Crown parcels in the south part of Denman Island known as McFarlane Marsh and Morrison Marsh were also transferred to the Ministry of Environment. Figure 25 shows these protected area acquisitions. There are also two active Regional District Parks, the Bill Mee Boat Launch and Stanehill Park, both in south‐eastern Denman, as well as a new park, Morning Beach, in the northern tip of the Island which was acquired in early 2010.

Boyle Point Provincial Park Prior to 2010 Boyle Point Provincial Park comprised 125 hectares of the southern tip of Denman. This park does not offer camping; however, a 1 km walking trail is open to the public year round. Waters off the shores of Boyle Point and Chrome Island are popular fishing and diving spots. Both Boyle Point and Fillongley Parks are open year round, although the majority of visitors to the parks occur during the summer months. The addition to Boyle Point Park in 2010 added a network of trails that connects to the pre‐existing trail.

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Figure 26 Protected Area Acquisitions 2010

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Fillongley Provincial Park Fillongley Provincial Park is located half way down Denman’s east coast. The park spans 23 hectares and encompasses a diversity of ecosystems, including coastal, estuarine, and old growth forest. The southeastern tip of the park is classified as Intensive Recreation, and is used for vehicle parking and camp sites. The remainder of the Park is classified as Natural Environment and is primarily undeveloped with walking trails along Beadnell Creek and an open meadow, once the site of the Beadnell family home.40

Fillongley Provincial Park is the only public campground on the Island and is open to the public year round. The park is also used during the day for hiking, picnicking and swimming. Day use of the Park over the past decade has seen an average 7000 parties visiting annually. This attendance figure has increased dramatically in the past few years (Figure 25).

Sandy Island Marine Park Sandy Island Marine Park is located north of Denman and includes Sandy Island (also known as Tree Island) and Seal Islets. The Park is 33 hectares in size and is open year round. Sandy Island is only connected to Denman via a spit during low tides; therefore, no roads provide access to the site. The park is usually accessed by boat and is used for a variety of marine sports, hiking, and wilderness camping. Unlike Boyle Point and Fillongley Parks, which have increasing park attendance, the boating attendance for Sandy Island increased in the early 1990’s, but has decreased in recent years (Figure 27).

40 Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, (1987).

Figure 25: Fillongley Provincial Park Use

Fillongley Provincial Park Use (In Parties)

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

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2009

Year

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mb

er o

f P

arti

es

Day Parties Camping Parties

Source: BC Parks, Strathcona District 1998


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This Park has several acres of forest cover. The majority of the Park attraction is the sand beach, eolian landforms and specialised herbaceous plants and wildlife.41 Sandy Island Marine Park aims at protecting the natural environment while also providing recreational opportunities; therefore, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks designated the entire park for Natural Environment use.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, (1987).

Figure 27: Visitors to Sandy Island Marine Park (1988‐2008)

Sandy Island Marine Park Boating Use(1988-2008)

0200400600800

10001200140016001800

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Year

Bo

atin

g P

arti

es

Source: BC Parks


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Archaeological Sites.

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Hannigan, P.K. et al, (1998). Sedimentary Basins of the Pacific Margin of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 3629.

Hodge, Gerald, (1997). Disturbing Trends: The Impact of Through Ferry Traffic on Denman Island. Paper prepared for the Denman Island LTC and the Through Traffic Committee.

Isbister, Winnifred, A. (1977). My Ain Folk: Denman Island 1875‐1975, Comox: E. W. Bickle Ltd.

Islands Trust, (1991). Denman Island Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 60. Victoria: Islands Trust.

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http://www.ei.gov.bc.ca/geosmin/mapplace.htm

https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/wells/public/indexreports.jsp

http://www.tca.gov.bc.ca/archaeology/local_governments/


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Koers and Associates Engineering Ltd., (2009). Denman Island Water Local Service Area – Graham Lake Source Study. Courtenay, BC.

K’omoks First Nation (2010). K’omoks History and Tradition. [online] http://www.comoxband.ca/history.php. Accessed on March 9, 2010.

Ludvigsen, R., and Beard, G., 1994, West Coast Fossils; A guide to the ancient life of Vancouver Island, Whitecap Books.

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Muller, J.E. (1973) Geology of Vancouver Island (West & East Half) MAP. Geological Survey of Canada, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. Base Map: Map Production Division, Survey and Mapping Branch, Department of Lands, Forests and Water Resources (1967, Revised 1971).

Regional District of Comox‐Strathcona (1971), Denman Island Planning Study. Comox.

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http://www.comoxband.ca/history.php.%20Accessed%20on%20March%209

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