Utility rates for 2024 are being presented to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board for final adoption on December 14. Prior to this taking place, the SCRD is hosting two virtual information sessions, focused on water rates for 2024.

The proposed rates for 2024 are below. All rates include user fee and parcel tax.

Regional Water Service (Chapman, Langdale, Egmont, Cove Cay, Eastbourne, Granthams and Soames)
Current Rate: $1,043.54
Proposed increase: $121.46
Proposed 2024 Rate: $1,165

North Pender Harbour
Current Rate: $1,303.45
Proposed increase: $101.55
Proposed 2024 Rate: $1,405

South Pender Harbour
Current Rate: $1,194.78
Proposed increase: $165.22
Proposed 2024 Rate: $1,360

Further information on the proposed rates can be found by clicking here in the agenda package for the November 10 Special Committee of the Whole.

During the information sessions, SCRD staff will provide an overview of the systems, ongoing challenges, and funding requirements for 2024. There will also be ample time for questions. Joining information for the sessions can be found below.

Water Rates Information Sessions

Focus on North and South Pender Water
Date and time: Monday, November 27, 6 p.m.
Join by clicking here

Focus on Regional Water System
Date and time: Wednesday, November 29, 6 p.m.
Join by clicking here

Wastewater

Community information spaces for all wastewater systems can be found at https://letstalk.scrd.ca/wastewater. Community members can ask questions directly to SCRD staff at any time on these pages.

Let’s Talk Budget

Round 1 budget for the SCRD will take place from December 4 to 6. The SCRD has developed a community information space for residents who want to learn more about the budget and to ask questions. This can be found at https://letstalk.scrd.ca/budget.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board and Unifor Local 466 Negotiating Committee are pleased to announce that an agreement has been ratified between the SCRD and Unifor Local 466.

The four-year agreement is effective from January 1, 2024.

“To have an agreement ratified before the current one expires is virtually unprecedented and is a sign of true collaboration,” says SCRD Board Chair Leonard Lee. “On behalf of the SCRD Board, I would like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in the negotiations and I am confident that this agreement shows staff how valued they are to our organization.”

Wage rate increases for all wage bands as follows:

Effective Date   
January 1, 2024 – 6%
January 1, 2025 – Consumer Price Index or 4%. Whichever is higher
January 1, 2026 – Consumer Price Index or 2.75%. Whichever is higher
January 1, 2027 – Consumer Price Index

Some highlights from the agreement include:

• Focus on recruitment and retention of staff.
• Consideration of public sector service for vacation and benefits upon hire into a regular job.
• Bundled approach to health benefits selection.
• New scheduling language for the Transit service.

Media contacts:
Bryce Viitanen,
Chief Spokesperson, Unifor Local 466
brycev@unifor466.ca
604-740-2448

Gerry Parker,
Senior Manager, Human Resources, and the Chief Spokesperson for the SCRD
gerry.parker@scrd.ca

The bears are almost all denned up for the winter, as is the WildSafeBC Program for the Sunshine Coast.

The program’s goal is to prevent conflict with wildlife through education, collaboration, and community solutions.

This season, we achieved this goal by sharing information about attractant management. Ensuring that attractants such as garbage, compost, and fruit are secured and inaccessible to wildlife is essential in keeping both our community, and wildlife safe.

WildSafeBC’s local coordinator, Julie McNeil, has worked with the community to prevent negative outcomes for wildlife and for people by providing wildlife information and conflict-reduction strategies to residents, visitors, and the business community.

Education outreach has included community events, bin tagging, door-to-door canvassing, wildlife awareness and safety presentations, bear spray workshops, and WildSafe Ranger presentations in schools. To learn more about what we were able to accomplish this year, please view our year-end report, scheduled to be released in December at https://wildsafebc.com/resources/community-reports/

While the bears may be soon in their dens, there are many other animals that do not hibernate such as cougar, elk, coyotes, and deer. We encourage everyone to become more familiar with the wildlife that may be passing through our communities. Please report sightings of bears, wolves or cougars in urban/residential areas, or wildlife in conflict, to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.  Please visit wildsafebc.com and follow their Facebook page for updates, tips, and other information to assist you in keeping wildlife wild and your community safe!

WildSafeBC Sunshine Coast is grateful for the generous support the program receives from its funders including the Sunshine Coast Regional District, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, and the Province of BC.

About British Columbia Conservation Foundation:

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is a not-for-profit organization. BCCF’s mission is to promote and assist in the conservation of the fish and wildlife resources of the Province of British Columbia through the protection, acquisition or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat.

The shishalh Nation and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) have entered a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on water in the Region.

The MOU details the framework to research the potential for a water reservoir on the shishalh Nation gravel lands and shows a joint commitment to address water supply in the Region.

For the first time, the MOU also sets out shared values and a vision for sustainable water supply on the Sunshine Coast. Among the shared values is the need for collaboration as we grow sustainably and through reconciliation, working together to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The shishalh Nation is proud to be carrying on the tradition of our ancestors as protectors of water and stewards of the land. We are excited to work alongside the SCRD on a joint goal of safe and sustainable water for everyone in the Nation’s swiya,” says lhe hiwus Lenora Joe, Chief of the shishalh Nation.

“The first shared value identified in this agreement is one of collaboration, and through the water summit meetings held in 2023 we have agreed that we are stronger and can work faster together,” says SCRD Chair Leonard Lee. “We must strive to foster a sustainable future where water is used responsibly for the benefit of both present and future generations.”

The MOU can be found linked here.

Further information on the reservoir project was provided to the SCRD Board at the November 30, 2023, Special Board Meeting. You can read the agenda here

Media contacts
Julia Cook
Communications Manager, shishalh Nation
jcook@shishalh.com
604 399 9512

Aidan Buckley
Manager, Communications and Engagement, SCRD
aidan.buckley@scrd.ca
604 885 8052

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board has adopted the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan to guide decision making for the Region for the next four years and beyond.

“The process for developing this plan began in June and included several meetings with a wide range of employees from across the SCRD to take an ‘environmental scan’ and learn about our organization’s challenges,” says SCRD Board Chair, Leonard Lee.

Following these meetings and through a number of workshops, the Board identified two service delivery focus areas for 2023-2027 — water stewardship and solid waste solutions.

“We need to continue to secure reliable and diverse water sources across the Sunshine Coast and support efficient water use while fostering responsible stewardship of this critical resource,” says Chair Lee. “These are mission-critical challenges that the Board and staff felt needed to be urgently prioritized for the health and safety of the community.”

In addition to the two focus areas, the Board identified four lenses that provide a framework for how the SCRD will approach all services, initiatives, and projects, to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the day.

The lenses are:

• Service Delivery Excellence
• Climate Resilience & Environment
• Social Equity & Reconciliation
• Governance Excellence

“We will monitor and measure the implementation of this plan through regular updates to the Board as well as ongoing dialogue to capture successes and work through challenges,” says Chief Administrative Officer, Dean McKinley.

The plan supports and encourages collaboration among SCRD partners and community stakeholders in the pursuit of regional goals and aspirations.

“Working in partnership with staff and the community, your elected board is committed to making the best decisions we can for all residents of the Sunshine Coast, including future generations,” says Lee.

The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan is available to view at www.scrd.ca/strategic-plan.

The first round of budget discussions have wrapped up at the Sunshine Coast Regional District with 42 new projects moving forward.

This year, the SCRD’s budget process involves two public meetings.

1. Round one budget meetings. At this meeting new budget proposals were brought forward to the SCRD Board. The SCRD Board also contemplated projects that are yet to be completed from prior years (known as carry forward projects) so that they can factor workload on staff into their decision making. The SCRD Board also received presentations from community partners for service supported by the SCRD. During this meeting, budget proposals are either deferred to another year, denied or moved ahead to round two budget discussions. These meetings took place last week. You can watch the meetings here on the SCRD’s YouTube channel and download the full agenda package for the meetings here.
2. Round two budget meetings. Budget proposals that were not fully approved at round one are brought forward and a final decision is made as to whether or not they are to be incorporated into the financial plan for the upcoming year. Projected implications for taxation are again presented to the Board. This meeting will take place on February 5.
3. Adoption of financial plan. Following budget meetings, the financial plan – incorporating all projects and initiatives that have been moved through and discussed at the budget meetings is adopted by the SCRD Board. The budget adoption is due to take place on February 22, 2024.

Some new projects coming forward in this year’s budget include;

Solid Waste –  SCRD staff have identified an opportunity to increase the lifespan of the Sechelt Landfill by relocating the contact water pond, which manages storm water that comes into contact with solid waste. An options analysis and conceptual design were completed in 2023, with detailed design and regulatory approvals in progress. This project is expected to extend landfill life by approximately four years until mid to late 2030 at less than half the cost of exporting waste.

Recreation – In 2024, a thorough needs assessment will be conducted for recreation in the Region. This process will include community engagement to help inform the future of recreation services on the Sunshine Coast.

Parks – To ensure the long-term health and resilience of Cliff Gilker sports field turf, in 2024, staff will engage professionals to connect a field irrigation system to an onsite well. This will ensure that irrigation is available for the field and that potable water is utilized for the community.

Fire Departments –Investments in fire departments including additional personnel, vehicles and equipment are coming forward for consideration in Round 2 budget discussions.

Water – Several water projects have been included for discussion in Round 2. These projects focus on increasing supply, and ongoing maintenance of the aging water system. Projects include the development of a well field in Langdale, continued work on a raw water reservoir, rehabilitation of watermains and maintenance of the Chapman Water Treatment Plant.

Staffing – Requests for staffing are being considered as part of Round 2 Budget Discussions. These requests were not discussed during Round 1 as an organizational review is being undertaken at the SCRD. Results and a report from the organizational review will be provided to the SCRD Board in advance of Round 2 discussions.

Information Sessions
SCRD staff and directors will take part in virtual information sessions for the budget. These sessions will include further information such as potential taxation implications and more details on projects for 2024. Times and dates for these sessions are below. Links to join the meetings will be provided in mid-January.

• Monday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Learn more and ask questions at any time about the budget at letstalk.scrd.ca/budget

Armed with fresh snow and groomed trails, the Dakota Ridge winter recreational area is scheduled to open for another busy season on Thursday, January 11.

Dakota Ridge is a pristine winter recreational area on a 1,532-acre plateau that features 20 kilometres of world class cross-country ski trails (classic and skate), 4 kilometres of groomed snowshoe trails, 3 kilometres of wilderness snowshoe trails, and a sledding area.

All terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and snow bikes are not permitted in Dakota Ridge. There is, however, an access trail that can be used by these types of recreational vehicles to get to terrain beyond the Dakota Ridge winter recreational area.

In past years, trails which are impeccably maintained by dedicated volunteers have been destroyed by off-road vehicles which in turn creates hazardous conditions for skiers. It is extremely important for motorized recreational vehicle users to be responsible and respectful of the non-motorized winter recreation area.

In addition to the above, SCRD staff would like to remind visitors to Dakota Ridge that the road servicing the area is a logging road and that, although it is plowed on a regular basis, winter conditions should be expected. Please use caution, adjust your driving to the conditions, and be prepared to stop or pull over if you meet a truck on the road.  Access is restricted to four-wheel drive vehicles with winter tires and chains

Regular updates on road conditions are available on the Dakota Ridge webpage at www.scrd.ca/dakota-ridge

After three days of budget discussions, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board will consider 90 new projects and initiatives for 2023. These new projects, combined with carry forward projects from previous years mean that 260 projects and initiatives may move forward to be actioned in 2023 once the budget is adopted in March.

The SCRD’s budget process involves four public meetings.

1. Pre-budget meeting. At this meeting, SCRD staff provide information on new budget proposals for projects and initiatives for the coming year. The SCRD Board give feedback on these proposals, including areas where they would like further information to assist with decision making for the next round of budget meetings. The SCRD Board also contemplate projects that are yet to be completed from prior years (known as carry forward projects) so that they can factor workload on staff into their decision making. These meetings took place in December 2022.
2. Round one budget meetings. At this meeting new budget proposals which are now accompanied by further information including a business case summary for the proposed project / initiative are brought forward to the SCRD Board. The SCRD Board also receive presentations from community partners for service supported by the SCRD. During this meeting, budget proposals are either deferred to another year, denied or moved ahead to round two budget discussions. At this point, projected implications around taxation for the community are also presented to the Board. These meetings took place last week. You can watch the meetings here on the SCRD’s YouTube channel and download the full agenda package for the meetings here.
3. Round two budget meetings. Budget proposals that were not fully approved at round one are brought forward and a final decision is made as to whether or not they are to be incorporated into the financial plan for the upcoming year. Projected implications for taxation are again presented to the Board. The Round 2 meetings have been rescheduled from February 21-22 to March 2 to allow the Board more time to review Budget related impacts to taxation.
4. Adoption of financial plan. Following budget meetings, the financial plan – incorporating all projects and initiatives that have been moved through and discussed at the budget meetings is adopted by the SCRD Board. The budget adoption is due to take place on March 23.

The main drivers for taxation increases in this year’s budget are:

• Over $5.3 million dollars for the Regional Water Service which will include the replacement of the ultraviolet treatment system at Chapman Water Treatment Plant.
• Over $5 million dollars of investment in recreation facilities which will include a roof replacement for the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
• Additional resourcing requests due to potentially 260+ projects moving forward into 2023.
• As with governments across the Province, the SCRD is also experiencing increased cost in operations and maintenance for all the services it provides.

Preliminary Property Tax Rates

After Round One Budget, the following are the preliminary average SCRD tax rates area per $100,000 of assessed value of homes.

The figures below are not final and only cover the SCRD portion of your tax bill. More detailed information on each of the taxation areas below will be available in the updated SCRD Financial Plan prior to Round Two Budget.

Calculating the preliminary SCRD portion of your tax bill

You can calculate the preliminary 2023 SCRD portion of your tax bill in three steps:

1. Take the assessed value of your home which can be found here at BC Assessment.
2. Divide the assessed value of your home by $100,000.
3. Multiply that figure by the 2023 preliminary amounts outlined above based off of your Electoral Area or Municipality.

For example: If your home is worth $800,000 and the preliminary 2023 SCRD tax rate is $200 then the SCRD portion of your tax bill would be 8 x $200 = $1600.

Information Sessions. In-person and Virtual

On Monday February 13, 2023, SCRD staff and directors will take part in information sessions for the budget. Times and dates for these sessions are below along with links to join the meetings.

At 12:00 noon on Monday, February 13, the community is welcome to join an information session in-person from the SCRD Boardroom at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt. If you would rather join this session virtually, you can do so by clicking here.

Later that evening, SCRD staff and directors will host another information session, this time virtually at 6 p.m. You can join this session by clicking here.

Stay up to date with the budget and ask questions at any time at letstalk.scrd.ca/budget.

After periods of significant rainfall over the past two months, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has lifted Stage 1 water conservation regulations on the Chapman Water System.

SCRD staff continue to monitor creek flows and snowpack in the Chapman Watershed. The extended drought period, followed by freezing temperatures at Chapman Lake, added a level of uncertainty and unpredictability for water supply in the fall and winter months. Staff visited Chapman Lake last week, and along with creek flow data, have determined that there is sufficient water supply to lift all water conservation regulations at this time.

The SCRD’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has also been stepped down. In the coming weeks, staff will complete tasks from the EOC and are integrating learnings from the past year into our emergency response plans.

Some pictures taken last week at Chapman Lake are below.

Water Projects

Three major projects will move forward this year to assist with water supply for the Chapman Water System. These include:

Church Road Well Field

Pump tests are continuing at the Church Road Well Field as staff look to bring the well online. There have been significant delays due to unforeseen supply chain issues. This project will add up to five million litres of water per day to the Chapman Water System.

Water Meter Installation in Sechelt

SCRD staff anticipate that a contractor will be in place by late March to install about 4,800 water meters in Sechelt. This project is a high priority and will help increase water awareness and efficiency amongst all SCRD water users. Further information will be shared when available.

Langdale Well Field

Contractors will be on-site near the Langdale Ferry Terminal throughout February. The work will include pump tests to better understand the aquifer and to estimate the potential well capacity.  The results from the wells have been favourable, and the SCRD will soon begin the water licence application process.

“I want to once again thank our community for conserving water these past few months, your contributions helped secure water supply on the Chapman Water System,” says SCRD Board Chair Leonard Lee. “Our staff are hard at work on projects to further diversify our water supply as we prepare for any further impacts of climate change and likely associated drought conditions on the Sunshine Coast this summer.”

Stay up to date on water projects at letstalk.scrd.ca/water

This past year showed how the climate crisis affects day to day life on the Sunshine Coast. High summer temperatures, damage due to storms and a record-breaking drought period that resulted in a State of Local Emergency, the climate emergency needs our response – now.

So what can be done in the face of this climate emergency? This is where the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) wants to hear from you.

The SCRD is leading the creation of a new regional Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to reduce emissions and enhance our region’s resiliency to the effects of a changing climate, and we need our community to help build the plan.

The SCRD recently completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and found that emissions have increased by 7.2% since 2007. Emissions mostly came from transportation (48%), industry and construction (30%), and residential buildings (mostly from home heating) (10%).

A climate risk assessment has also been done for the community. The findings show that there are significant risks to public health, essential infrastructure and homes from extreme weather events, and increasing risk of loss of biodiversity and ecosystem damage from rising sea levels and warmer temperatures both on land, and in the ocean.

The Community Climate Action Plan is a multi-year project. Today, we need your input on a questionnaire so that we can get a sense of the work and initiatives that the community would like to see being brought forward as the plan comes together.

Respond to the questionnaire at letstalk.scrd.ca/climate. On this community page you can find out more about the project and have a chance to provide feedback and ideas. It will take you less than ten minutes to complete the questionnaire which closes on Monday, February 27. Your responses will help form a plan that will be integral to how our region responds to the climate emergency.

Watermain replacements at Reed & Henry Road will result in minor traffic disruptions for the next four weeks.

The work will begin on Monday, January 23 and weather permitting, is expected to last up to four weeks. The work will involve excavation and installation of new waterline along the shoulder of Henry Road and will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

There will be lane closures on both Reed Road and Henry Road for the duration of the work. In addition, water service interruptions for residents in the area are expected in late February as the work concludes. This service interruption will be communicated ahead of time via www.scrd.ca and the SCRD’s Facebook Page.

A map of the affected area is below.

As summer approaches, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) understands that water is top of mind for our community. To better inform residents, the SCRD is providing this update on water supply projects that are underway.

Getting Ready for Summer

This summer, the SCRD is preparing for similar drought periods as the past two years. This means little to no rainfall with extended (100+ days) of drought. With some of the water sources outlined below supplementing water supply, the focus for the SCRD will be on retaining as much water as possible in our main water sources, Chapman and Edwards Lakes for community use through late summer and early fall.

If we have a significant drought, then Stage 4 Water Conservation Regulations (complete ban on outdoor water use) will be in place at some point this summer. The SCRD implements water conservation regulations to ensure that water is available for community use, health purposes and fire suppression through the summer and into the fall. As we have seen from this past year, these regulations helped extend water supply into December.

Below are projects, both short-term and long-term that the SCRD is working on right now to secure water supply for this summer and increase water supply in the coming years.

• Short-Term

Church Road Well Field Project

This project has been underway for the past year and initially, will provide upwards of three million litres of water per day to users on the Chapman Water System. Staff are currently working on two main priorities related to this project.

1. The potential supply from this well field is up to 4.6 millions litres per day. Through testing, the SCRD has determined that pumps currently in place at this well field will provide roughly three million litres per day. The SCRD is working to have larger pumps installed by June which would allow for more water to be drawn from the well field. Even if the larger pumps cannot be installed in the coming weeks, this well field is anticipated to be online and available for use by June.
2. Water licence. The SCRD currently has a conditional water licence that outlines requirements that need to be met before it can receive its final water licence. The SCRD’s consultant has been collecting Soames Creek flow and fish habitat survey data and will be providing this information to the Provincial Government in the next month for their review. A meeting has been scheduled with the Provincial Government to ensure the data is sufficient to obtain the final water licence before June 1.

Church Road Well Field Pumphouse

Gray Creek

Gray Creek is used as a water source throughout the summer months and provides roughly one million litres of water to users on the Chapman System per day. However, when rainfall occurs, the SCRD cannot use this source. This is due to what is known as “turbidity.” Rainfall causes particles on the creek bed to mix with the water making it unsafe to drink without some form of treatment at the creek.

Staff have been reviewing options to ensure that Gray Creek can be a more reliable water source. This could include the installation of a portable treatment plant at Gray Creek.

Town of Gibsons Water Supply

The SCRD and the Town of Gibsons are working on an agreement that would allow for the Town of Gibsons to supply water to the Chapman Water System earlier than past summers. Usually, this supply method is used on an emergency basis however being able to use this supply earlier in the summer months would allow more water to be retained at Chapman and Edwards Lakes.

Reduction of Environment Flow Needs

The SCRD is required to release a significant amount of water from Chapman Lake for Environmental Flow Needs (EFN). This water ensures that fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems along Chapman Creek are maintained. The SCRD applied to the Provincial Government to reduce the amount of water that is required for EFN. A reduction in this EFN would allow for more water to be stored at Chapman Lake and Edwards Lake.

Infrastructure

During last year’s record-breaking drought, the Chapman Water Treatment plant was close to shutting down on several occasions. This was due to there not being enough water running through the plant to keep it operational. Thanks to the incredible work and creative thinking of SCRD staff, the plant continued functioning throughout the drought period. This year, staff will install pumps which will allow for the plant to function with less water passing through it. This reduces the potential need for any plant shutdown to take place.

Staff will also recalibrate all monitoring equipment that tracks water coming from sources, through the treatment plant and out to the community. This important data contributes to decision making for calling water conservation regulation stages.

 Siphons at Chapman Lake

 Siphons (pictured) at Chapman Lake are still in place and ensure that water can be accessed from the lake when the channel that brings water from the lake runs dry. These siphons are very effective and do not cause air or noise pollution at the lake. The siphons can be operated on an emergency basis during Stage 4 Water Conservation Regulations.

Siphons at Chapman Lake

High Users

Last month, the SCRD issued letters to 515 metered households that used the most water this past summer. In some cases, hundreds of thousands of litres of water per month. These households were informed of an immediate need to plan for summer and to reduce their use.

• Long-term projects

Water Meter Project

The project to install water meters in the Sechelt area is moving forward, with a contract for the installations due to be awarded in the coming weeks. In addition, the SCRD is awaiting further information on a six-million-dollar grant application for this project. Further information, including a timeline for installation of the water meters will be available after the contract has been awarded by the SCRD Board.

Raw Water Reservoir

 The SCRD is moving ahead with important analysis of a site for a potential water reservoir. This site, known as “Site B,” is located above the Sechelt Airport. Work underway through April includes geotechnical drilling to determine the potential for this area to be used as a reservoir.

Langdale Well Field

Testing of two production sized test wells at Langdale Well Field has been completed and results are being analyzed for both water quality and supply. Results from this well field have appeared favourable so far. Next steps will include a report for the SCRD Board, along with a design of the required pump house building at the site. Staff will then prepare water licence applications for the Provincial Government.

Work conducted at Langdale Well Field

• Additional

Water Summit

In early 2023, for the first time, a Water Summit Series was initiated to bring elected officials from local governments across the lower Sunshine Coast together. The first two meetings occurred in January and March and focused on building understanding and identifying collaborative values. The next meeting is scheduled for May to develop a vision that will lead to a broad plan of action. The plan will help advance the most impactful, efficient, and sustainable water projects.

Rainwater Harvesting Rebates

The SCRD offers rebates to residents who wish to install rainwater harvesting systems on their properties. Rebate are offered for larger capacity storage systems due to these systems being more effective than smaller rain barrels in supplying water during periods of drought.

Already this year, over $19,000 worth of rebates have been per-approved for residents. The SCRD has provided 183 rebates since the program began in 2018. Learn more at https://www.scrd.ca/rainwater.

Upcoming Meetings

On Thursday, April 6, at the Committee of the Whole meeting, SCRD infrastructure staff will provide a water supply update to the SCRD Board and to the community. This meeting will also include reports on water projects and water supply scenarios for this summer. Anyone can attend this meeting in the SCRD Boardroom at 1975 Field Road in Sechelt. Agendas and links to join virtually or watch the meeting online can be found at www.scrd.ca/agendas.

Due to an issue with the sprinkler system, the pools and hot tub at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre are closed at this time.

This morning, a sprinkler head broke at the facility, causing build up in the sprinkler system to flow out over the hot tub area. No one was using the hot tub at the time this occurred. A news release was issued about corrosion in the sprinkler system when it initially came to staff attention in late 2021.

Since the issue with corrosion was identified, a temporary heat detection system was installed at the facility. A budget for the replacement of the sprinkler system has been approved by the SCRD Board and staff are currently in the process of securing a contractor to complete this work. Staff will continue to monitor the sprinkler system at this time.

The two pools at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre may potentially reopen later today. The hot tub is anticipated to be out of use for the coming days. Residents are asked to stay tuned to the SCRD on Facebook and to www.scrd.ca for updates.

Updates on all of the above will be provided when available. The SCRD is very appreciative of the understanding of patrons who had to leave the pool area when the issue occurred.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) Pender Harbour Transfer Station will be re-opening the share shed on April 5.

The share shed is a space at the transfer station for users to leave an item that could be picked up and reused by another member of the community at no charge. The share shed will be open from Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

It’s important for residents to note that the share shed is not there to bypass paying for waste brought to the transfer station. The share shed is being reintroduced as a six-month pilot program where items can be dropped off at no cost. This will be reassessed and drop off charges may be applied in the future.

Pender Harbour and Egmont residents are encouraged to contribute good quality items that are no longer wanted but could still be used by others in the community. Staff at the site will be providing quality control of the items going into the share shed and will have the final say on whether items can be added.

The following items are permitted (must be clean and in good/working condition):

• Children’s toys
• Housewares
• Furniture (as space permits)
• Small appliances
• Large appliances (in neutral colours and as space permits)
• Sports equipment
• Tools

The following items are not permitted:

• baby/child safety items (including car seats)
• Clothing, fabric, textiles, bedding, curtains, towels
• Construction materials
• Household hazardous waste program (paint, cleaning products, or fuel)
• Mattresses
• Liquids of any kind
• Sofa beds
• Liquids of any kind

For more information, visit www.scrd.ca/transfer-station.

Last year, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) made major changes to one of the primary planning and development bylaws in the region. This bylaw had not been changed for over 30 years! Following this work, the SCRD has kicked off major projects to further improve planning and development services on the Sunshine Coast.

At the July 27 Board meeting, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) received support from the Board of Directors to proceed with the recommendations presented in a report to improve the SCRD’s current development approval processes (DAPs).

In August of 2021, the SCRD secured grant funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support an end-to-end review of its existing DAPs. The SCRD subsequently engaged KPMG LLP in January of 2023 to review its DAPs and to provide validated recommendations for key process improvements. These recommendations were based on a review of internal procedures, bylaws, technology, engagement with the board of directors, and internal and external stakeholder interviews including with other local governments and representatives from the development industry.

“While the development approval process plays an important role in ensuring developments are healthy and safe, the need to make the process more effective, efficient and responsive to community needs was a common theme among stakeholders,” says Ian Hall, General Manager of Planning and Development.

The findings showed that SCRD processes, policies and bylaws related to development approvals that served well for the times they were created have come to a point in the asset management life cycle where a foundational overhaul is required to meet today’s needs.

KPMG worked with SCRD staff to refine and validate the findings into a focused, prioritized list of ten recommendations that take into consideration level of effort, value, and time requirement for implementation. These recommendations were further broken down into 30 achievable actions that will begin in late 2023 and be completed by mid-2025.

“The Board is pleased to endorse opportunities to help build thriving and resilient sunshine Coast communities,” says Leonard Lee, SCRD Board Chair. “We would like to thank staff and our project contributors for the significant time and energy they have dedicated to this review process.”

The DAP review fits with other major projects underway to renew land use planning on the Sunshine Coast.

First, SCRD has just initiated renewal of Official Community Plans (OCPs) for rural areas. OCPs describe the long-term vision of communities to guide future land use in the region. The SCRD has seven OCPs that range from five to 28 years old, which all require updates to meet current Provincial requirements and best practices. As the review continues, the SCRD will engage with communities in the region on the plans.

Second, a Board Policy on reviewing OCP Amendment applications is also in development. This policy is designed to be a transparency tool, with the goal of making visible the elements of applications to provide better information for the community review and decision-making process. The SCRD Board has directed this work and a follow up report is expected to the Board later this year.

And third, a Regional Growth Baseline study was completed earlier this year in partnership with District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons and shishalh Nation. The study compiles and shares information about historical, current and forecasted regional growth, consider current and future needs such as shared goals, objectives, values, servicing levels, and constraints on the land. This information can inform future regional growth discussion, OCP renewal, and other policy and bylaw updates.

For more information on the DAP review project and others, visit letstalk/planning.