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September at Rainbow Ridge
There’s lots of progress to report.

Public Hearing on Zoning
This is a critical moment to make your voice heard and show your support. The SRD will be hosting a public hearing to discuss the proposed bylaw on Monday, September 8th @ 5pm at Manson’s Hall. We encourage you to attend and share your perspective.

Results of the Cortes Aquifer Study
We are pleased to present the findings of the Cortes Island Aquifer Health Assessment, a study commissioned by the Cortes Housing Society to map and assess the health of our island aquifers. This report, made possible with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC, gives us the critical data needed to responsibly plan for the years ahead.

Pictures from Natural Building Workshop & Open House
Thank you to all who attended our Natural Building Workshop and Rainbow Ridge Open House last weekend. With over 75 people stopping by to share their ideas and cheer us on, it was a wonderful event. With direction from Mark Lombard, volunteers built a chip slip wall to adorn our community building. Thank you for helping make our dreams a reality!

New Design for Rainbow Ridge
After several design revisions, we’re excited to share the updated layout for our community development on Sunday, July 13th from 10 AM to noon at Rainbow Ridge. Â
Natural Building Workshop & Rainbow Ridge Open House
We are hosting two upcoming events on the weekend of July 11th. The first is a 3 day workshop on chip slip natural building. There are opportunities to drop in for 3 hour sessions as well. Please email us to register.
Seasonal Employee Housing
As a part of our effort to support housing on Cortes, the Cortes Housing Society (CHS) is working to address the significant challenges that employers and employees face finding adequate housing in the summer. Seasonal housing challenges are impacting local organizations and business’s ability to retain existing employees and attract new seasonal workers during peak season.
Makerspace in Action
The Cortes Community Health Association and the Cortes Housing Society have been working together this past month. Thanks to a Gender Equity Grant from Cortes Island Community Foundation (CICF) and the Community Foundations of Canada, the CCHA is offering rural skills workshops for women on Cortes. They are using our new Cortes Wood Makerspace as a venue for building useful things.
Aquifer Project Update
With clear skies and summer just around the corner, are you concerned about your well water supply and having enough water for crops and household needs? What can we do to protect groundwater sources on Cortes Island and ensure that development is sustainable over the long-term?
Rainbow Ridge Update
Things are moving ahead at Rainbow Ridge. The land is now cleared for 24 townhomes. Three logging truck loads will be locally milled into timber for our community building. Lower grade wood will provide firewood for islanders and donations to the school wetlands project.
Trades Program on Cortes
A big thanks to everyone who joined us at our “Opportunities in the Trades” forum on April 14th. We had a great discussion about the importance of training the next generation of tradespeople and the resources that are available to support this effort.

Explore the Trades Directory
Connecting residents with local professionals for home improvement, construction, landscaping and more, making it easy to find recommended services in the region.

What You Can Do
Three ways you can help.

Stay Informed
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with our latest news, events and community activities.

Get Involved
Come to our Open Houses & Forums, follow our Speaker Series, and contribute to our Trades Directory.

Donate
Help fund our housing projects and initiatives
with a monthly or one-time donation.
Thank you to our 2023/24 $10K+ funders
And the hundreds of Cortes residents that support our work on an ongoing basis
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