The Gabriola Commons
Charter
Charter
The commons is the sum of all that we inherit together and
must pass on, undiminished, to our heirs.
Peter Barnes,
author
Photo by Bill Pope
The Gabriola Commons Charter
The Gabriola Commons is a source of ecological and community well-being that exists in perpetuity for the benefit of the people of Gabriola Island.
As a source of well-being, the Gabriola Commons contributes to our sense of community, of belonging, and of our bonds to one another. It is a magnet that draws the community in, and brings members of the community closer to each other. It is a space for human creativity and social justice, for art and learning, and for fairness and openness.
The Gabriola Commons demonstrates local community actions that enhance sustainability, preserves ecosystems and biodiversity, and contributes to the promotion of equity both on this island and the larger world.
The land includes a number of significant natural gifts and community amenities in one contiguous property: rich wildlife habitats; a pond and wetland area; open vistas and meadows; cedar groves and forests; age-old pathways linking neighbourhoods; a rural agricultural heritage and landscape for farming and gardening; indoor gathering places for community celebrations and events, for solitude and sanctuary, performance and festivity.
The property of the Gabriola Commons is a gift from an earlier generation which we in turn must pass on, undiminished and enriched, to those who follow us, as others will pass it on in perpetuity.
[May 21, 2008]
The Gabriola Commons is a source of ecological and community well-being that exists in perpetuity for the benefit of the people of Gabriola Island.
As a source of well-being, the Gabriola Commons contributes to our sense of community, of belonging, and of our bonds to one another. It is a magnet that draws the community in, and brings members of the community closer to each other. It is a space for human creativity and social justice, for art and learning, and for fairness and openness.
The Gabriola Commons demonstrates local community actions that enhance sustainability, preserves ecosystems and biodiversity, and contributes to the promotion of equity both on this island and the larger world.
The land includes a number of significant natural gifts and community amenities in one contiguous property: rich wildlife habitats; a pond and wetland area; open vistas and meadows; cedar groves and forests; age-old pathways linking neighbourhoods; a rural agricultural heritage and landscape for farming and gardening; indoor gathering places for community celebrations and events, for solitude and sanctuary, performance and festivity.
The property of the Gabriola Commons is a gift from an earlier generation which we in turn must pass on, undiminished and enriched, to those who follow us, as others will pass it on in perpetuity.
[May 21, 2008]
Guiding Principles for the Gabriola Commons
- Public Trust: The assets, including the natural and community resources of the Gabriola Commons, exist in perpetuity for the ongoing benefit of the people of Gabriola, including generations yet to come, not favouring one generation over another.
- Ecological Sustainability: The assets and the land of the Gabriola Commons are used only in ways that respect its ecology.
- Social Sustainability: The Gabriola Commons sustains and nourishes the fabric of the community for generations yet to come.
- Local Democracy: The Gabriola Commons stewardship is democratic, equitable and local.
- Community Service: The Gabriola Commons is a community legacy, serving community needs.