On March 5, Islanders Working Against Violence and the Salt Spring Island Foundation welcomed community supporters to ArtSpring for a special evening celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the successful purchase of the Norton Road property, which will become the future site of affordable housing on Salt Spring Island.
The evening offered a moment to pause, celebrate, raise a toast, and thank the many people who helped turn a bold idea into reality.
Approximately 60 supporters attended, enjoying live piano music by Frank Huether and delicious locally prepared snacks from Sweetgrass Catering while connecting with others who helped bring the project to life.
Gratitude for a Community Effort
Speakers during the evening reflected on the remarkable collaboration that made the purchase possible.
Remarks were shared by:
• Alicia Herbert, MC & IWAV Executive Director
• Walter Stewart, Board Chair of the Salt Spring Island Foundation
• Natalie Gold, IWAV Board Chair
A special moment came when Karen Hudson, representing Women Helping Women — a small group of women who supported IWAV through this purchase — presented flowers to Alicia in recognition of the leadership and dedication that helped guide the campaign.
As shared in our recent announcement about securing the property, the Norton Road campaign was powered by 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 — together with gifts from more than 100 Salt Springers and individual supporters — carried the project across the finish line.
From major commitments to modest donations, each contribution reflected a shared belief that our community can come together to create safe, affordable housing for those who need it most.
Looking Ahead
The purchase of Norton Road is only the beginning.
Over the coming months, IWAV will work with community partners and organizations to explore the most appropriate form of affordable housing for the property and develop a plan for its future use.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The success of the Norton Road campaign shows what can happen when a community recognizes a need and chooses to act together.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate what we accomplished — and help keep the momentum going.
If you’d like to continue supporting IWAV’s work — including the counselling, advocacy, and crisis services that Islanders rely on — consider participating in the IWAV Community Raffle.
Buy a ticket, win something wonderful, and help someone find safety.
Tickets are $10, available at the Transitions Thrift Store. Draw on March 31st!
Buy your ticket before March 26th for a chance to win a prize generously donated by our local community:
- Gift Basket (value $250) – The Salt Spring Mercantile
- Spring Bouquet Punch Card (value $175) – Bullock Lake Farm
- Six Iyengar Yoga Classes (value $120) – Jayne Lloyd Jones
- $100 Gift Card – Rock Salt Restaurant & Cafe
- $100 Gift Card – Tru Love Pizza
- $50 Gift Card – Love’s Galettes
