We are proud to share that the Norton Road property has officially been purchased — a milestone made possible by an extraordinary outpouring of community support.
What began as a bold vision became a shared commitment. In just a few short months, Islanders came together to help raise the funds needed to secure the property, ensuring it will remain dedicated to affordable housing and expanded services for women and families on Salt Spring Island.
“We are deeply grateful to this community,” said Alicia Herbert, Executive Director. “From our foundational partners to first-time donors, from artists and business owners to neighbours who gave what they could — every contribution carried this project forward. Norton Road is not just a property purchase. It is a long-term investment in stability, dignity, and care for Islanders.”
Why This Matters Now 
The need for stable, affordable housing on Salt Spring has never been clearer.
In Canada, 1 in 4 unhoused women report losing housing due to abuse.
Children made up one-third of Salt Spring Food Bank users in 2024.
45% of Salt Spring renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, placing them at risk of instability.
Young people aged 13–24 represent an estimated 12–20% of unhoused residents on the island.
Seniors and people living with disabilities face some of the highest risks of becoming unhoused in our region.
Behind every statistic is a neighbour, a friend, a classmate, a coworker, or a family member.
Securing Norton Road keeps this property in community hands and creates long-term opportunities for affordable housing for the Islanders who need it most.
A Campaign Powered by Community
This campaign reflected both visionary leadership and grassroots generosity.
Foundational support from Country Grocer and the Salt Spring Community Housing & Land Trust Society, alongside a historic grant from the Salt Spring Island Foundation, helped anchor the campaign and inspire confidence across the community. Additional contributions from funds and foundations — along with gifts from more than 100 Salt Springers and individual supporters — carried the project across the finish line.
Our first-ever online auction raised over $4,500 thanks to local artists, businesses, and residents who donated artwork, services, antiques, and treasured items. During “Caroling for Change,” IWAV staff sang outside Country Grocer while community members stopped to listen, connect, and donate toward the project.
Every gesture — large and small — helped move Norton Road from possibility to reality.
Looking Ahead
Over the next six months, IWAV will gather information and consult with community partners to determine the most appropriate type and use of affordable housing for the Norton Road property. Organizations expressing interest in these discussions include the Legion, GIFTS, Island Community Services, Pioneer Village, the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, Transition Salt Spring, and others. We are also in conversation with local government officials and expect to develop a plan by fall 2026.
“The success of Norton Road shows what can happen when a community recognizes the urgency of housing and chooses to act together,” Herbert said. “We are honoured by the trust placed in us and committed to stewarding this property for the long term.”
Sustaining the Work at the Heart of IWAV
Over the past few months, much of our community’s generosity has been directed toward the Norton Road housing project. While that work is essential, it has resulted in a noticeable decline in donations supporting IWAV’s day-to-day operations — the counselling, advocacy, crisis response, and prevention services that Islanders rely on.
To help bridge this gap, IWAV will host its first Community Raffle from February 21 to March 27! 
Islanders can purchase tickets for a chance to win generously donated prizes, including:
Gift Basket – The Salt Spring Mercantile (value $250)
Spring Bouquet Punch Card – Bullock Lake Farm (value $175)
Six Iyengar Yoga Classes – Jayne Lloyd Jones (value $120)
$100 Gift Card – Rock Salt Restaurant & Cafe
$100 Gift Card – Tru Love Pizza
- $50 Gift Card from Love’s Galettes
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the Transitions Thrift Store or by contacting info@iwav.org.
This raffle is one way we are ensuring we can continue showing up — consistently and reliably — for those who depend on us. Every ticket purchased helps sustain the support and safety services that remain at the heart of IWAV’s work.
Norton Road is more than a property purchase.
It is a commitment — to safety, to affordable housing, and to ensuring that Salt Spring remains a place where people of all ages can build and sustain their lives.
