Electoral Area D Oyster Bay · Buttle LakeVancouver Island, British Columbia
John Rice.
Your Area D director.A neighbour at the board table.
The work in front of us

Local issues.
Lasting attention.

The services we count on, the places we share, and the decisions that shape Area D.

01 / AREA D

Water we can rely on.

Water security is one of John’s core priorities. Reliable service, conservation and understandable costs all matter to the households that depend on the system.

Where things stand

The northern Area D metering project is supported by a $2.8 million provincial grant. The SRD is reviewing rates as the transition proceeds. A meter installation does not, by itself, mean a new billing rate has taken effect.

Water project & billing information ↗
02 / AREA D

A fair share for Area D.

John advocates for a broader Strathcona Gardens funding model. His position is that the cost of a regional recreation facility should be shared fairly among the communities it serves.

Where things stand

The SRD has issued assent voting information for Bylaw No. 643. The official notice links to the proposal and voting information. It is a proposed change, not an adopted funding arrangement.

Official assent voting information ↗
03 / AREA D

Safer everyday journeys.

Highway 19A connects homes, schools, shops and beaches. Road safety and useful transit connections have been recurring parts of John’s advocacy.

Where things stand

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit completed the Oyster River corridor study in September 2026 with SRD support. Some opportunities still need analysis, design, consultation and funding before they can proceed.

Highway 19A study announcement ↗
04 / AREA D

Room to grow. Space to breathe.

John’s stated approach is to accommodate housing while protecting the green spaces and rural character that residents value.

Where things stand

The SRD’s Area D Parks and Trails Plan is being developed alongside work on walking, cycling and rolling connections. The Active Transportation Network Plan was adopted in March 2026. The parks plan is a separate, ongoing process.

Parks, trails & active transportation ↗
05 / AREA D

Decisions you can follow.

Residents should be able to see what their director is working on and go back to the record. John publishes regular reports and maintains a collection of issue notes.

Where things stand

The report archive contains John’s published PDFs, grouped by year. They are his account of the work. For the wider public record, consult SRD board materials and official project information.

Browse the report archive ↗
06 / AREA D

The places that bring us together.

Accessible parks, connected trails and shared spaces make a difference at every stage of life. They deserve the same attention as the larger regional files.

Where things stand

Mitlenatch Park is receiving accessible play structures and new surfacing. The SRD project page lists construction windows and access restrictions. Schedules can change, so check the notice before visiting.

Mitlenatch Park project details ↗

Want the detail behind John’s positions? His existing facts and issue archive collects his commentary and supporting documents.

Project summaries checked September 14, 2026. Follow the source links for subsequent changes.