IWAV Launches Online Auction With Treasures For Everyone!
You can have a sneak peek at items as they are added to the auction here.
Local artists, businesses, and neighbours have donated original artwork, experiences, antiques, handcrafted pieces, and specialty items to help IWAV raise funds to expand our services. A selection will be on display at Transitions Thrift Store starting November 12, and bidding opens online on November 26.
Why Norton Road Matters
The Norton Road property is an 11.8-acre site with an existing 2,500 sq. ft. home, orchard, and garden. Crucially, the land is already zoned for 26 units of affordable housing, offering an important opportunity to build safe, affordable homes for those who need them most.
IWAV’s plan is to secure the property now, renovate the existing house to expand services in the short term, and develop new housing on the site over the coming years.
Who Will IWAV Be Helping?
The Norton Road Property Acquisition Fund comes at a time when Salt Spring Island is facing severe housing and safety challenges. The crisis is hitting the most vulnerable residents the hardest:
- Women: 1 in 4 unhoused women on SSI lost housing due to violence or abuse.
- Children: Children made up one-third of all SSI Food Bank users in 2024.
- Renters: 45% of Salt Spring renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
- Youth (13–24): Young people account for 12–20% of the unhoused population.
- Seniors & People with Disabilities: These groups face the highest risk of becoming unhoused due to fixed incomes, mobility barriers, and lack of accessible options.
Securing Norton Road means protecting residents who are being disproportionately displaced.
Our Progress So Far
Thanks to extraordinary community support — including a historic $400,000 grant from the Salt Spring Island Foundation, the largest in their history — IWAV has raised two-thirds of the funds needed to purchase the Norton Road property.
To complete the acquisition and protect this land for affordable housing, we still need to raise $800,000.
How the Auction Helps
The Online Fundraising Auction is a key part of closing the final funding gap. Generous community donors have contributed:
- Artwork
- Professional services
- Unique experiences
- Antiques & specialty items
- Handcrafted goods
- Gift certificates
Every bid directly supports the Norton Road Acquisition Fund!
How You Can Participate
- Bid on Items (Nov 26–Dec 5)
There will be something for every budget. - Donate an Item (Until Nov 24)
To contribute artwork, services, experiences, or goods:
Email us at info@iwav.org or call 604-417-3790 - Make a Direct Donation
Every gift — large or small — supports this community effort.
https://ssifoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1596 - Spread the Word
Share the auction, encourage neighbours, and help us reach those who can give. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram!
Together, We Can Secure Norton Road
With community support, IWAV can protect this property and create safe, affordable homes for decades to come. This is a pivotal moment — not just for IWAV, but for the future of safety, stability, and equity on Salt Spring Island.
Thank you for standing with us. Stay tuned for more information and items to be added to the auction site — we can’t wait to share what our generous community has contributed.
