August – 2026 – Salt Spring Island, BC – Market Report

Salt Spring Island summer vista across the Gulf Islands with a snow-capped mountain on the horizon

Welcome August!

Here we are at the mid-point of the summer season…short and sweet…an invitation to enjoy Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands at their best. Remember the Omar Khayyam alert: the bird is on the wing. A reminder to jump in…don’t delay…Fall is next.

Boats moored at a Salt Spring Island marina on a bright summer day

Connect with the Sea

In the heart of some of the best protected boating waters in the world, it’s time to connect with the sea…sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, yachting. Coves, bays, beaches, swimming…say hello to seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, eagles. It’s an inspiring time, this segue into August.

Ripe grapes on a Salt Spring Island vineyard

Markets, Farms & Vineyards

Saturday Market, Tuesday Farmers Market, roadside farmgate stands, orchards laden with fruit, berries, vegetables, salad makings, vineyards and wineries, cideries…the 20 mile diet is a possibility. Lucky Islanders!

Ganges Village on Salt Spring Island in summer

Artists Haven

ArtCraft, Ganges Galleries, studio tours, ArtSpring…feed the soul with the energy of the many talented artists who have chosen to live on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands: painters, actors, fabric artists, dancers, potters, ceramics, musicians, photographers, sculptors, writers, videographers, and more. Salt Spring has long been recognized as an artists haven.

Coastal Gulf Islands scenery in late summer

The Real Estate Market

What about that ever interesting Real Estate Market? Since 2016, most buyers for the secondary home/recreational markets have been from Vancouver/Lower Mainland. Since 2023, although for a different reason each year, the marketplace was a hesitation pattern. Inventory was low, prices fairly stable, buyers would respond and often would come to view, but sales outcomes remained uncertain. Buyers were reluctant to act.

This hesitation dance eased in May of this year. April saw action in Vancouver and a month later it was evident on Salt Spring. This time lag is often the case. The sales were mainly in entry-level prices, in residential (not yet in land sales), and although some higher end listings did come on market by late June/July, the sales in that category have not yet clicked in.

Ferry arriving at Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island

A Fall Market in 2026

It is shaping up to be a Fall Market in 2026, which runs from August to January. By October, we may find stronger sales in that 2 to 3 million range. At the moment, most activity has been below one million. Although concern over title issues (indigenous or fee simple?) is not resolved, the move to buyer activity may now be about currency worries and a decision to preserve capital through a real estate investment in a unique area.

The almost daily changes globally and locally continue. 2026 is bringing with it many shifts, and not just in impacts of AI and robotics. It’s important to remember we all have an editing function and also periphery vision. Important not to fall down tunnels of prepared information. Important to be thinking.

Late-summer light over Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands

Meantime, this glide into August is the final moment of summer-summer pleasures. Choose your delight (a beach at sunset? Star-watching later?)…immerse and welcome this benevolent season.

Smile…it’s August!

Li Read

July Smiles Hello

Aerial view of a Salt Spring Island waterfront home tucked into the forest above the ocean

Summer is here, and Canada Day on July 1st celebrates the season, right across the country. Many people
consider July, August, September to be the Pacific Northwest Coast’s premier months.

Canada Day offers many special events on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands. If you love classic
cars, check out the gathering on Salt Spring. Pick up maps and find out about all the events offered in
July, by popping into the Visitors Centre in Ganges.

Forested Gulf Islands hills above a calm summer bay

Summer on the Islands

Long known as a serious artists community, make sure to check out Salt Spring’s studio tour, ArtCraft at
Mahon Hall, the galleries at ArtSpring, the galleries in Ganges. Along with feeding your soul with artistic
expression, there are seasonal menus at great restaurants (including wine tasting dinners at Hastings
House). The natural world of ocean, mountains, forests also offer their restorative powers…hiking/walking
trails, beaches, lakes, ponds, parks…kayaking discoveries…summer’s ease is with us.

Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands are in the middle of some of the best protected boating waters
in the world. The climate (known as cool Mediterranean) allows for vineyards, orchards, olive groves. Check
out the Farmers Markets and roadside stands. Enjoy the wineries, cideries. Catch a sunset and just “be”.

Clear water along a rocky, forested Salish Sea shoreline

The Real Estate Market

The real estate market on Salt Spring began to show improvement in May. The other Gulf Islands now begin
their activity. Low inventory (not a lot of choice for a buyer) continues, and prices show both reductions
and increases, while finally the buyer “hesitation dance” has eased. That buyer hesitation since 2022 was
always about uncertainty.

Each year, the uncertainty varied…late 2025 brought in the uncertainty of title. Would
indigenous title take precedence over fee simple/private ownership? Since May, buyers have returned and
sellers might become more active. The marketplace is not yet showing a definite pattern, but it does appear
to be showing a more positive rhythm. It may well be that 2026 will be characterized as a Fall Market
(August to January). Time to observe…

Aerial view of a Gulf Islands waterfront property with mountains and sailboats at anchor

Land Comes to the Fore

At the moment, undeveloped land sales and properties with only a cottage or studio are slower to find buyer
interest. People are seeking a home to move into, even if it requires renovations. More people are looking
to live on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands…these are not just recreational purchasers anymore. Inventory in
land only or with a studio on site is also very low…as residential continues to thin out, land will come to
the fore.

Sailboat moored at a private dock in a sheltered Gulf Islands cove

Title, the Dollar, and a Thought on Change

Although the issue of indigenous or fee simple title has not yet been resolved (check into DRIPA…the U.N.
Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act for details), the concern over the continuing suppression in
value of the Canadian dollar could be the reason for the recent uptick in buyer desire to act. Preservation
of capital is a strong motivator. That might also be the reason for owners not listing.

Meantime, Summer invites us to pay attention to the beauty in place at this season. It’s a time
to be thoughtful about new discoveries…a time to ponder. 2026 appears to be one of those years that deliver
profound change (our Gutenberg moment)…AI and impacts, fusion as opposed to fission in energy options,
robotics, space exploration, political machinations, cyber security issues, and so forth. Every day seems to
show change. Ever more important to listen, to exercise our editing function, to always question, to allow
our periphery vision to keep us out of prepared information channels. Be attentive.

Summer is here. July smiles hello!

Li Read

June – 2026 – Salt Spring Island, BC – Market Report

It’s Delectable June

By Li Read

Salt Spring Island in early summerIt’s delectable June, also known as the meteorological start of Summer, on June 1st. On Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands, the fresh natural world welcomes us. Yes, there may be difficult events surrounding us, but the annual beauty of Spring-into-Summer is a welcome gift.

It’s a short and sweet seasonal month, with lots of beginnings and ends. Just some random reminders:

Seacruisers classic car showA few things on the calendar this month.

  • Graduations from senior schools and universities, sometimes with starter careers in place, often with a gap year for real life experiences.
  • Father’s Day mid-month is often a day to drive from Salt Spring to Qualicum, and take in the annual Seacruisers classic car show, an amazing event and worth the drive.
  • The Saturday Market and the Tuesday Farmers Market are underway.
  • ArtCraft opens in Mahon Hall, Ganges Galleries are showcasing their artists. Monthly wine dinners at Hastings House are happily in place. Don’t miss!
  • The longest day of the year is June 20-21. This year, B.C. chose to remain on Daylight Saving Time.
  • Weddings take place, summer holidays start for many, kayaking, sailing, ferry visits between the islands, spa retreats to rejuvenate, studio tours and farmgate stands, specialty shops with one of a kind offerings. An abundance of June spills out to welcome us.

The Real Estate Market?

Gulf Islands waterfront propertyIt has remained relatively stable in number of listings, for some substantial time. Although some owners with 2020 low interest mortgages may have had to sell when remortgaging at higher rates, the Gulf Islands have not been a first time buyer area.

The Islands Trust, in place since 1973, is the form of governance. Its mandate of “preserve and protect” basically capped growth via strict zonings and bylaws. More information? Contact me for details.

The Title Question

Gulf Islands coastlineWhat of the months of recent publicity about title? Is it indigenous (based on DRIPA outcomes) or fee simple (private property ownership)? A recent Supreme Court of Canada case in New Brunswick found that private property / fee simple title superseded Indigenous.

There are many appeals underway for B.C.’s court ruling in the Cowichan vs Canada lawsuit (August, 2025), which had found in favour of indigenous title. There is an understanding that the recent New Brunswick case may settle the anxiety on this title question.

Uncertainty of ownership is not good for markets. Real estate remains active, and it may be a preservation of capital decision. The Canadian currency is perhaps perceived as not stable. Owning property in unique areas, with generally low inventory, could be seen as wise hard asset investment. It’s interesting that CMHC is noting that lack of housing remains in place.

A Thought on AI

Ocean swimming on Salt SpringThe true opportunity in AI may not yet be fully understood or realized. Important to consider that one can make a film that is entirely AI, and the viewer would not know it wasn’t filmed per usual. What does that really mean? Should we all be studying philosophy to be able to cope with life altering shifts? IF this is our Gutenberg moment, maybe check in with the 14th Century and remind ourselves what it led to?

In the pleasing summer ease that is ushered in with June, maybe it’s a good idea to consider imaginative outcomes for ongoing change. Anyone, anywhere, can suggest what AI is really going to deliver. While swimming in the ocean, think about ideas. What about this? What about that? Why not? Invent away.

It’s June, and Summer’s opportunities are calling. Enjoy!

Li Read

Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, Supreme Court of Canada decides

Aboriginal title can’t apply to private land, Supreme Court of Canada decides

By Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press

British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma says she believes the decision “bodes well for our arguments, and the appeals that we are seeking in B.C.”

A Supreme Court of Canada decision upholding that Aboriginal title cannot be declared over private land gives British Columbia an avenue to win a future appeal in the landmark Cowichan Tribes case, says the province’s attorney general.

The high court refused to hear an appeal on Thursday involving Aboriginal title on private land in the case of a New Brunswick First Nation, and Niki Sharma said that is promising for its appeal in the Cowichan case, which has cast doubt on the primacy of private property rights.

“I think it gives us a clear path to an appeal here in B.C., and we are continuing to pursue that legal option. When it’s the same legal issues that we are dealing with here, I think that bodes well for our arguments, and the appeals that we are seeking in B.C.”

— Niki Sharma, B.C. Attorney General

A B.C. Supreme Court in August ruled that the Cowichan Tribes has Aboriginal title over land along the Fraser River, that the granting of private titles by government unjustifiably infringed on the nation’s title.

It said Crown and city titles on the site are defective and invalid.

That ruling is in contrast to the ruling in a New Brunswick case, which Canada’s highest court refused to hear, following an appeal by the Wolastoqey First Nation.

The Crown-Indigenous Relations Department said Thursday that the ruling would inform arguments in other cases, including Cowichan, adding that “private property rights are fundamental.”

“would sound the death knell of reconciliation with the interests of non-Aboriginal Canadians.”

— New Brunswick Court of Appeal judge, December decision on a declaration of Aboriginal title over privately owned lands

The nation had sought leave to appeal that ruling but it was denied by the Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday.

“Canada takes note of the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the Wolastoqey case. In the case, the courts found that Aboriginal title could not be declared over privately owned lands. This important New Brunswick Court of Appeal decision will inform arguments in other cases, such as the Cowichan case in British Columbia.”

— Spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty

The spokesperson said the federal government would always protect private property rights.

“As the appeals process for the Cowichan case proceeds, Canada will make all legally viable arguments to protect private property. At the same time, we remain committed to advancing reconciliation and working with Indigenous partners to address claims in a way that respects and upholds their rights and preserves the certainty and stability of private property.”

— Spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty

The federal and B.C. governments and other parties, including the City of Richmond, B.C., are appealing the Cowichan Tribes decision that ruled the First Nation holds Aboriginal title over a parcel of land on the Fraser River, including Crown, city and private property.

No one from the Cowichan Tribes or the nation’s lawyer was immediately available for comment on the high court’s decision.

The judge in the Cowichan case ruled last August that Aboriginal title was a “senior interest” compared with fee-simple title, and that sections of B.C.’s Land Title Act that establish fee-simple title as “indefeasible” do not apply to Aboriginal title.

The Cowichan ruling has led to concerns that it puts private property at risk, although the Cowichan Tribes have said they are not seeking to lay claim to private land.

Montrose Properties, the largest private land owner in the Cowichan title area, was in court this week separately seeking to reopen the case, saying it was unfairly omitted from the original trial.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2026.

Original report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press

Shared by Li Read

NDP Tries to Steer Treaty Debate Away from DRIPA

NDP Tries to Steer Treaty Debate Away from DRIPA

By Les Leyne, Times Colonist

How badly does the NDP government not want to talk about the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples anymore?

Very badly, judging by debate on one of two First Nations treaties that were hustled into the legislature as the DRIPA crisis was reaching full boil last month.

The government made a vain attempt to steer away from DRIPA during debate on the K’ómoks treaty covering parts of northern Vancouver Island, even though DRIPA is specifically cited as an integral part of the treaty.

The Conservative Party of B.C. Opposition is intent on exploring every aspect of the contentious law that recognizes Indigenous rights to full partnership in most provincial decision-making.

It’s an obvious way to score political points. It is also warranted by the implications of the court decision last year that created the controversy.

So Conservative MLA Ward Stamer was deep into an exploration of all the intricacies of DRIPA when Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert objected.

“We’re not currently in discussion around DRIPA, which he spent a bunch of time discussing. That’s not currently in the legislation of what we’re debating.”

— Spencer Chandra Herbert, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister

It most certainly is.

It’s mentioned specifically in the preamble and the treaty itself — which the bill ratifies — explicitly refers to DRIPA several times.

“UNDRIP (the United Nations statement that provincial DRIPA law flows from) is the authoritative source for the interpretation of this agreement.”

— K’ómoks treaty text

The chapter on co-management of numerous broad responsibilities said it is based on UNDRIP.

Chandra Herbert similarly tried to downplay the importance of DRIPA on the treaties earlier. He said there was a reference to it, but not in any way that impacts the legislation.

Pretending the treaties have almost nothing to do with DRIPA may help the NDP cope with the controversy in their own minds.

But the Conservatives are nearing the end of a leadership race in which all five candidates capitalized on the uncertainty created by DRIPA.

Stamer continued the focus this week, saying the UN declaration is a broad statement of principles and was never designed as a governing framework for provincial constitutional law.

“It was not written as a detailed, operational blueprint for resource management … It was not designed as a constitutional replacement for the democratic institution of provinces.”

— Ward Stamer, Conservative MLA

The NDP government treats it as an authoritative reference point for decision-making, he said. Words like “consent, shared decision-making and co-governance” sound collaborative, but carry significant consequences and the government has not provided enough clarity about them, he said.

Stamer said the Conservatives believe in consultation and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. But democratic authority must remain clear and accountable.

He said many feel DRIPA is eroding the clarity of that authority.

“They sense fundamental changes are occurring, but they are not receiving clear explanations regarding the final destination of any of these changes.”

— Ward Stamer, Conservative MLA

A more immediate problem with the K’ómoks treaty, and a similar one with the Kitselas Nation on the Skeena River, is the overlapping claims by neighbouring nations.

That erupted when the treaties were introduced in mid-April, with numerous leaders from various nations objecting vehemently to land they claim as their own being included in treaties.

The K’ómoks treaty confirms the band’s title to about 3,442 hectares of land, some of which is now held by the province, despite neighbouring nations’ historic claims to the same lands.

They wrote to all MLAs saying the treaties violate Indigenous law and claim territory with little or no legal or historical foundation.

Passage of the required bill is not a sure thing. Even a full debate is uncertain. There are only five sitting days left and the legislature has spent hours on second reading of the first bill. So cutting off debate and forcing a vote is a possibility.

The NDP has a one-seat edge, assuming full attendance.

The two Green MLAs served notice this week that they will vote to advance the bill for further debate, but they appear to be on the fence when it comes to final approval, given the overlap objections. The treaties were presented as examples of how governments and First Nations can reach win-win deals to the benefit of all.

In the space of a month, the overlaps with other nations have become as divisive and contentious as DRIPA is.

Original column by Les Leyne, Times Colonist — lleyne@timescolonist.com

Shared by Li Read

May 2026 – Market Update

May Market Report: The Let’s Grow Season

Salt Spring Island in MayIt’s May! Is it truly the best month on the great Pacific Northwest Coast? It’s definitely a time of exploding growth and fresh beauty. Time to enjoy that restorative retreat!

Spring orchards in bloomOrchards are in bloom. Lambs meander with the flock in new vivid grasses, Maple and Alder trees are shafts of bright green in the midst of Cedar, Fir, Hemlock forests, with their darker palette. Everything is lush, spilling out of garden boundaries, teaching Nature’s lesson: this is the let’s grow season.

Spring energy and changeRestless energy drives everything. It also drives markets. Change is a part of Spring’s message. It invites us to clean, cull, open, and be ready. In spite of a time where every day seems to have an unexpected happening (good or bad), and without a definitive action plan, it’s also a time that offers new technology directions, reminding us we have creative and inventive souls, and no matter who we are or where we are, we are in charge.

Salt Spring and the Gulf IslandsSalt Spring and the Gulf Islands enjoy the innovation of a governance form that dates from 1973. It was an ethos based on preservation and protection of these significant islands. Growth was effectively capped and the park-like qualities of each island were saved. The outcome of this kind of protective stance, though, was to create a place one has to be able to afford. The Gulf Islands have not been the home of first time buyers.

Islands Trust governancePreservation, not affordability, was the inevitable outcome of the Islands Trust, the provincial government body that oversees the Gulf Islands. It’s important for those seeking to purchase on Salt Spring or on another Gulf Island to take the time to read the original Trust documentation, to look at the existing OCP (Official Community Plan) for a particular island, and also the specific DPA (development permit area) information per each island of interest. There are a lot of regulations for these non-municipal islands, and the outcome is “to preserve and protect”. The elected trustees manage the existing regulations. To change or amend, it would require provincial government participation.

Salish Sea lifestyleIn the heart of some of the best protected boating waters in the world, and with ease of access to nearby Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle (ferries and floatplanes), yet enjoying the slightly apart opportunities of small farm holdings, of artistic exploration, of work from home tech options, of alternative health and other restorative methods, the Gulf Islands shimmer in the Salish Sea. Salt Spring has a hospital, indoor pool, golf, theatre, and studio tours, three different ferries, regular sked floatplanes…a year-round lifestyle. Seeking more information? Look forward to hearing from you.

Creative paths to ownershipFor every question, there is always an answer. A desire to live on Salt Spring or another Gulf Island seems out of reach? Perhaps it’s possible to buy a property needing upgrades, perhaps one could purchase with family or friends helping, or choose a dynamic that involves shared ownership? Build equity and consider future upward steps? Be creative and consider all opportunities. All markets have ups and downs.

Market Conditions: 2020 to 2026

Oddly, between 2020 and 2025, listings remained low and prices relatively stable, but sales were slow. Buyer uncertainty created a long hesitation marketplace. It appears that 2026 may continue this undertone of uncertainty, possibly due to the title issue (indigenous vs fee simple). Projections are calling for action in the last half of the year. (Fall Markets run from August to January).

Meantime, May invites you to pay attention to the beauty that splashes over these treasured Gulf Islands. Time to get the kayak out….enjoy.

Please contact me if I can help you discover and buy your special place. Thank you.