Off the Grid and the Judith Fisher Centre
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The Judith Fisher Centre is located on Lasqueti Island, in the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and mainland BC's Sunshine Coast. Transportation to and from our community is provided by the Lasqueti Island Ferry, which serves foot passengers only, and connects Lasqueti to the French Creek Marina on Vancouver Island, just north of Parksville.
Lasqueti Island is not connected to the BC Hydro grid system; each community member is responsible for their own electricity production through the use of solar panels, micro-hydro or wind power. The 2021 census reports 498 full time residents, with new families arriving and new children being born. |
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We all need increased access to medical and wellness services. At the Judith Fisher Centre, we host a permanent facility for nursing services, massage therapy, vaccination clinics, remote medical appointments, visiting health professionals, and a protected place for First Responders to wait for the Coast Guard or Air Ambulance.
As many of us know firsthand, Lasqueti residents discharged from the hospital must rely on volunteer support to assist prolonged stays "on the other side". The health centre's Respite Suite offers a supportive and accessible on-island facility for assisted recovery and temporary care, as well as supporting the community with the potential for accessible hospice care.
As many of us know firsthand, Lasqueti residents discharged from the hospital must rely on volunteer support to assist prolonged stays "on the other side". The health centre's Respite Suite offers a supportive and accessible on-island facility for assisted recovery and temporary care, as well as supporting the community with the potential for accessible hospice care.
Elderly or health-compromised members of our community have faced relying upon volunteer community support or leaving the island, once they are unable to maintain their homes. We designed our Elder Cottages to provide a home or temporary housing, close to medical services and transportation. Thanks to a generous donation the first cottage - The Barbara Greene Cottage - was built in 2014, and was joined by a fully accessible duplex cottage in 2022.
Now that the Judith Fisher Centre is operational, we need to continue fundraising to keep it running. Everyone who uses these facilities needs heat, water, and electricity. We pay for these through a community supported local tax requisition, service grants, society memberships, modest usage fees and, most importantly, donations.
The continuing support of our donors has always been our vital life-blood, and makes it possible to continue on our path towards completing our elder cottage housing village, and supporting well-rounded health-without-stress for all Lasquetians. All donations of $20 or more receive a charitable tax receipt.
The continuing support of our donors has always been our vital life-blood, and makes it possible to continue on our path towards completing our elder cottage housing village, and supporting well-rounded health-without-stress for all Lasquetians. All donations of $20 or more receive a charitable tax receipt.
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The Lasqueti Last Resort Society (LLRS) is registered charity, powered by a dedicated rotating cast of directors, who have tirelessly worked to bring the Judith Fisher Centre to fruition. Founded in 2002, the LLRS promotes health and the prevention of illness to the residents of Lasqueti and surrounding islands. Over the years, a huge percentage of Lasqueti residents and seasonal visitors have contributed time, money, and love to make this a reality.
It is a significant challenge to run a health centre meeting current standards in an off-grid location, where we have to provide all our own utilities; we couldn't have done it without endless donated hours from just about every local expert on the island, as well as the willing hands to complete both the humblest and most rarified jobs. This place belongs to all Lasquetians, and we hope they are all as proud of it as we are. |
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Current Board of Directors
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Marilyn Darwin, President
Mikaila Lironi, Vice President Sandy Morrison, Secretary / Treasurer Darcy Pascall, Director Don Dempster, Director Ron Abrahams, Director Tom Carter, Liaison Director Mary Hurlburt, Director Richard Chesham, Director |
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