We are pleased to announce that in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Foundation, efforts have begun to raise the funds needed to complete the purchase of 210 Norton Road by January 12, 2026. This 11.8-acre property at 210 Norton Rd has an existing 2500 square foot house, established orchard and garden, and is already zoned for 26 units of affordable housing.
The Norton Road Acquisition Fund has already received some significant contributions, and IWAV already has over half the required funds to reach this goal. “We are now on a push to raise $500,000 by December 12th to ensure we are on a solid path to success”, said Alicia Herbert, IWAV Executive Director, “A $40,000, donation within the first few days of our campaign confirmed that there is heart in this community behind our efforts!”
Norton Road Key Features
IWAV intends to renovate the existing house, expanding services for women and children affected by violence, and looks ahead to providing more safe, affordable housing to meet community needs. “The existing house and orchard are close to town, shopping, health services and shopping. All on one level, it offers accessibility for our workers and clients”, explained Herbert, “It is a rare opportunity for an established nonprofit like IWAV to find the perfect property that meets the needs of our clients and community”.
The Norton Road property – already zoned for 26 units of affordable housing– with a North Salt Spring Waterworks hook up for the house, and drilled wells in place for future development is one of Salt Spring Island’s identified new affordable housing opportunities. Laura Patrick, Islands Trust Trustee on Salt Spring is dedicated to exploring and supporting housing within the Trust’s mandate, as she recently emphasized at ASK Salt Spring. Gary Holman, Capital Regional District Director is advocating for the project, “IWAV’s project has a real chance to succeed. I will support the inclusion of 210 Norton Road in the community sewer system if IWAV completes this property purchase.”
From Vision to Reality
IWAV’s success at Croftonbrook continues to inspire. There, IWAV transformed a 20-unit complex into 74 safe, affordable homes through careful planning, environmental stewardship, and strong local partnerships. The development of Croftonbrook required a rezoning, the redirection of an existing creek and the development of an independent water treatment system using a well, greywater and roof water to service 54 new units. “We accomplished all of this within approximately 5 years from start to being fully tenanted”, Herbert explained, “We feel confident we can also succeed at Norton Road, having already completed significant due diligence on the property”.
Herbert will be featured at ASK Salt Spring on Friday, October 31st for Islanders interested in knowing more about IWAV’s Plans. ASK Salt Spring happens every Friday from 11am – 1:00 pm at SIMS, the former middle school.
A Lifeline for Islanders
For more than 30 years, IWAV has provided a lifeline for Islanders through housing, counselling, and crisis services. According to their recent annual report, in 2024 alone, the 24/7 Crisis Line answered 457 calls, more than 50 women and children found refuge at the Transition House, and 10 women and 5 children stabilized at The Cedars Second-Stage Housing.
At Croftonbrook, 76 adults, 15 children, and 24 pets live safely in permanent, affordable homes. 25 residents are 18 to 54 years old, and 51 residents are 55+. These residents include workers, volunteers, seniors and other community members.
The Norton Road property represents the next chapter, allowing IWAV to expand services immediately while planning for future affordable housing development.
How to Help
Community support is vital to make this vision a reality. Donations can be made directly to the Norton Road Property Acquisition Fund through the Salt Spring Island Foundation.
Click here to donate today
Have questions?
📞 604-417-3790 | ✉️ info@iwav.org | 🌐 https://iwav.org/norton-road/
