Solid Waste Management Plan Adopted

At the June 11 Board meeting, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board adopted the 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), marking a major milestone in shaping how waste will be managed across the region over the next decade.

The Plan is the result of more than three years of technical studies, collaboration with advisory committees, and engagement with residents, local governments, and First Nations. It establishes a long-term, community-informed roadmap for solid waste services, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship.

Public engagement played a central role in finalizing the Plan. To gather input, the SCRD developed and promoted an online survey and hosted in-person engagement opportunities, including 3 open houses and 11 pop-up events throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Respondents were provided background information and invited to share feedback on the proposed strategies and actions outlined in the draft Plan. The online survey was open for six weeks, from March 2 to April 10, 2026, alongside in-person engagement activities. Staff also presented the draft Plan to local governments, resulting in letters of support from the District of Sechelt and Town of Gibsons for submission to the Province.

All feedback collected during the engagement period was reviewed and compiled into an engagement summary report.

With the Plan now adopted, the SCRD will move forward with the final steps required under provincial guidelines, which include:

• Submit the 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan and public consultation summary to the Province for review and approval.
• Replace the current Public and Technical Advisory Committee with a new Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee to support implementation of the Plan.
• Advance priority projects, including the vertical expansion of the Sechelt landfill and other approved Plan actions, once provincial approval is received.

The adoption of the 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan marks an important step in advancing the Board’s Strategic Focus Area of Solid Waste Solutions and in delivering sustainable, reliable, and community-supported waste services for the Sunshine Coast.