Alternative Approval Processes (AAP)

Under legislation, a local government has two methods by which they may seek approval of the electors: Assent of the Electors (a referendum), which is approval by voting, or Alternative Approval Process which allows the SCRD Board to proceed with an action unless 10% or more of the electors state their opposition within a prescribed period.

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is a cost-effective method to engage with the community to determine whether there is support for certain initiatives, such as long-term borrowing, or other service-related projects. If 10% or more of the eligible electors oppose the initiative, the SCRD cannot proceed with it and must consider other options including going to an assent vote (referendum).

A unified AAP combines various initiatives and runs them concurrently at the same time every year with a goal of saving taxpayer dollars as well as supporting increased engagement efforts to ensure the community is aware of ways to have their say or get involved.

Current AAP - Langdale Wellfield Construction Project

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is proceeding with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Langdale Wellfield Construction Project Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 777, 2025.

The bylaw proposes to borrow up to $13,181,144 to be repaid over a 20-year term to fund the Langdale Wellfield Construction Project. Approval of the electors is required since the borrowing proposed is for a period longer than five years.

Electors may submit completed response forms (linked in the menu below) by the following methods:

  • by email to legislative@scrd.ca Forms must be received before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025;
  • in person at the SCRD Administration Office, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC V7Z 0A8, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays); or,
  • by deposit in the mail-drop slot located on the east side of the SCRD Field Road Administration Office 24 hours per day/7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Langdale Wellfield Construction Project AAP

The project involves constructing a new wellfield near the BC Ferries Langdale terminal to increase the Sunshine Coast’s regional water supply and improve long-term water security. 

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is committed to securing reliable and diverse water sources. This project supports that goal and addresses growing demand and climate-related challenges. 

The total approved budget is $18.1 million. Of that, $13.18 million is proposed to be funded through long-term borrowing. The remainder will be covered by grant funding.  

The borrowing bylaw has received three readings and has been reviewed and approved by the Inspector of Municipalities.  

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is a cost-effective method to engage with the community to determine whether there is support for certain initiatives, such as long-term borrowing, or other service-related projects. If 10% or more of the eligible electors oppose the initiative, the SCRD cannot proceed with it and must consider other options including going to an assent vote (referendum). 

If the borrowing is approved, affected property owners will see an estimated annual increase of $97.28 on their Regional Water Service parcel tax. 

They are eligible participants in the AAP but will not be responsible for re-paying the loan. This
is due to provincial rules and the way the initial regional water service was established in the
SCRD.

The provincial rules for conducting an AAP specify that eligible participants for this AAP
are determined by the geographic area defined in the original service establishing bylaw
(SCRD Bylaw 1002) for the Water Supply and Service Distribution Area.

This includes Electoral Areas A – Egmont/Pender Harbour, B – Halfmoon Bay, D – Roberts Creek, E – Elphinstone, F – West Howe Sound, and the District of Sechelt.

While North and South Pender Harbour have since established separate water services, they still remain part of the initial service establishment for the Water Supply and Distribution Area and therefore must be included as participants in the AAP, but will not be responsible for repayment of the loan as North and South Pender water systems are each part of a separate and distinct service with their own parcel tax roll.

Contact Sherry Reid, Corporate Officer by telephone at 604-885-6825, or Kristi Evans, Deputy Corporate Officer, at 604-885-6813.  

Past Alternative Approval Processes

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek approval of the electors to borrow up to $1,499,500 over a 10-year term to fund the replacement of a fire engine (pumper apparatus) for the Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector approval to borrow up to $3,456,200 over a 10-year term to fund replacement the modified bitumen roofs at both the Gibsons and Area Community Centre and the Sechelt Aquatic Centre.  This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

 

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector approval to borrow up to $623,200  over a 10-year term to replace the Halfmoon Bay Fire Protection Service Rescue 1 Fire Apparatus. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to borrow up to $7,250,000 over a 15-year term to fund Phase Three of the Water Meter Installations Project. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below