What do we connect?
Places
We are known for our work developing and maintaining the most visible connections on Gabriola—trails. On public land such as parks and nature reserves, we work by agreement with partner agencies such as the Regional District of Nanaimo Parks Department and Islands Trust. We also maintain important connections between neighbourhoods by partnering with private landowners through the use of trail licences.
GaLTT’s Accessibility Committee takes on improving access to our natural spaces, especially at beaches. Our Share the Trails Committee works to educate users on the respectful sharing of our trails by all user groups.
People
Community connections are important too, because people and groups working collaboratively are stronger and more effective at solving problems. We advocate strongly for ecosystem stewardship because it is fundamental to the health of communities. We also recognize that healthy communities are more likely to have the resources and will to protect ecosystems and steward resources responsibly. This is particularly critical at a time when our natural world is under such threat.
We engage directly with our community members through various outreach programs, seeking to educate and involve them in protecting natural areas and native species on Gabriola’s private and public spaces. To strengthen our effectiveness, we seek positive relationships with other organizations and government agencies with overlapping mandates.
GaLTT carries on its activities on the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw and other Coast Salish Peoples. We continue our work with them, in particular Snuneymuxw First Nation, to discover common interests in stewarding their territory.
Early days… On Gabriola Day in 2007, a small group representing different trail user groups proudly carried the great GaLTT banner in the parade, and our information table was set up along with the other festivities at Twin Beaches. We’re still setting up our table—but there are more things on it now!
Making connections…
