Welcome October!

Autumn colour along a gated country driveway on Salt Spring Island

October welcomes harvest season with the mid-month Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend. It is a celebration with
family, friends, and sometimes memories. It is a thank you as the final harvest is gathered.

Footbridge to a private dock in a sheltered Salt Spring Island harbour

Arts, Harvest & Hallowe’en

October also offers ArtSpring events, gallery receptions, studio wrap-ups…the inspiring artistic scene
is there to enjoy. Live music venues, spa retreats, special seasonal menus at our great restaurants (check
out Hastings House), wine and cider tastings, and Hallowe’en (island-style) at month’s end.

Aerial view from Skywater on Salt Spring Island across the channel to the Gulf Islands

Election Season

Every four years, civic elections take place, and two trustees per Gulf Island are elected to the Islands
Trust and a regional director is also elected (the CRD for the five Southern Gulf Islands). School Board
positions are also filled. This year the election is the 17th.

Also this October we have a snap provincial election (on the 24th). A busy month! The voting
process is important. It is the population’s recourse to elected officials, if not happy with their
performance. Take time to look at the bios of those running for positions and make sure you vote.

Lavender rows in front of a country home on Mayne Island

The Real Estate Market

Elections often bring uncertainty and that can create market hesitations. Markets do not like uncertainty.
For many different reasons, since 2023, the coastal real estate markets have been in hesitation mode. Low
inventory and relatively stable asking prices have encouraged inquiries and viewings, but sale outcomes
have been slow.

In many cases, unless they have to, most owners do not want to be sellers. Anxiety over the
diminishing purchasing power of our currency has people holding their real estate investment. Lack of
choice makes it difficult for buyers to decide best steps forward. Treading water time is often the
outcome.

Aerial view over a Salt Spring Island harbour and its wooded islets

A Year of Change

Apart from the always interesting real estate market (whether primary/city or rural/secondary options), the
huge change being delivered by AI continues. Early in 2026 it was being mentioned with euphoria. Now, AI is
being suggested as an existential threat to humanity. Serious change always brings fear and drama. While it
settles out to acceptance of “what is”, it’s important to keep on practicing our
periphery vision and to remember we have an editing function.

Seeking specific information on the Gulf Islands and on Salt Spring Island? Contact
me…all questions have answers.

Li Read