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About Us

I

n 1974, in recognition of the special nature of the islands in the southern Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound, the Government of BC enacted the Islands Trust Act to protect this unique part of the world. The Islands Trust Area covers the islands and waters between the mainland and southern Vancouver Island, including Howe Sound and as far north as Comox.
Long stretch of sandy, rocky and wet beach leading out to the horizon on a blue sky and cloudy day

Accountability

The Islands Trust is accountable to the Minister for Municipal Affairs, taxpayers, and the public.
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view of the ocean from a sandy and rocky west coast shoreline

Bowen Island Municipality

Bowen Island Municipality has a special status in the Islands Trust Area as the only island municipality.
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First Nations dancer in a raven mask crouches in the middle of a circle made by a crowd of onlookers

Reconciliation

The lands and waters that encompass the Islands Trust Area have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial.
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Three large boulders symmetrically placed on a cliff edge looking out over a misty forest and cloud covered mountains

Governance

The Islands Trust has a governance structure unique in the world. Islanders vote to be represented by islanders.
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Three seagulls flying near the shore of a beach

Islands Trust Act

The Islands Trust is governed by the Government of British Columbia’s Islands Trust Act.
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A trail running along a green grassy cliff side into trees above a blue ocean and under a blue sky

Islands Trust Timeline

The Islands Trust is a unique form of government, created by the province in 1974 to control unbridled development and to 'preserve and protect' the islands. See what's happened since then.
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Aerial photograph of tree covered islands and ocean with a small boat leaving a long wake in the water

Overview of Islands Trust

The Islands Trust is a special purpose government established to preserve and protect the waters and islands of the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland.
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waves lapping at rocks that look out to a small tree covered island with ocean and blue sky in the background

Policy Statement

The Islands Trust Act requires Trust Council to adopt a Policy Statement with the policies it will use to preserve and protect the Trust Area.
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About Islands Trust

The Islands Trust is a special purpose government serving islands in the Salish Sea. We are responsible for preserving and protecting the islands’ unique amenities and environment. Contact Us

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2025/05/09 07:56:05am