The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Parks Services Division is moving forward with a second year of proactive fire mitigation efforts within SCRD park properties. This work is part of ongoing initiatives to reduce wildfire risk and enhance public safety across the region.

The 2026 fire mitigation projects will be carried out by the SCRD FireSmart team, with work scheduled for January and February 2026, weather permitting.

The following SCRD parks have been identified for remedial fire mitigation work:

• Cedar Meadows Park
  Week of January 7, 2026 (approximately 2 days onsite)
• Grandview Heights Park
  Week of January 12, 2026 (approximately 1 day onsite)
• Seaview Cemetery
  Weeks of January 22 and January 29, 2026 (approximately 6 days onsite)
• Maple Park
  Early February 2026 (approximately 6 days onsite) 

The FireSmart team will be doing the following work:

• Removal of forest floor debris
• Pruning of tree branches up to 6 feet from ground level on flat terrain
• Pruning of tree branches up to 9 feet from ground level on hillsides
• Chipping and removal of woody debris

The SCRD appreciates the community’s understanding while this vital preventative work is completed. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to park users and nearby residents.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) extends a huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by our community booths this holiday season to learn about holiday recycling and share thoughts on the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan.  

The SCRD has initiated the process to update the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan — a ten-year roadmap that will guide solid waste management services, including programs, infrastructure and policies for managing waste and recycling into the future. 

Residents shared valuable input on what matters most when it comes to garbage, recycling, green waste and food waste services on the Sunshine Coast. 

The SCRD will be engaging on the Plan again in the new year. Visit our dedicated engagement webpage at https://letstalk.scrd.ca/trash/ to: 

• Share your feedback 

• Learn more about the Solid Waste Management Plan process 

• Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to connect in early 2026.  

Tips to sleigh your holiday recycling can be found at www.scrd.ca/holidayrecycling. 

The first round of financial planning discussions wrapped up at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) earlier this month.  

The next round of discussions will take place on February 2 and 3, 2026. Projects moving forward include: 

• Several projects to maintain vital water infrastructure including reservoir maintenance and the replacement of the pump station at the Selma Park reservoir. 

• Continued exploratory work on feasibility for additional water at the shíshálh Hospital well. 

• Solid waste projects including ongoing funding for the Oceans Plastic Depot and new initiatives including a furniture recycling diversion program and a community reuse event called ‘Trash to Treasure.’ 

• Other solid waste projects are focused on maintenance and the future of garbage disposal in the region. This includes upgrades to the Pender Harbour Transfer station, including a replacement scale. Work will progress on the Solid Waste Management Plan and the development of a long-term solid waste disposal option for the region.  

• Projects to replace the basin tile at the Pender Pool and a major refurbishment project for the big red slide at the Sechelt Pool have moved forward.  

• In emergency planning, a project to help neighbourhoods get prepared for emergencies, along with two grant funded projects for emergency support services and emergency operations centre equipment and training.  

• A proposal to allow for the continuation of paid on call for SCRD volunteer firefighters was incorporated into this year’s financial plan.  Staff will present the findings from a community questionnaire on this subject at the next round of financial planning discussions in February.  

• Continued funding support of over $1.6 million for community partners delivering services such as the Pender Harbour Health Centre, Roberts Creek Community Library, Sunshine Coast Tourism, Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue, Gibsons Library and the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives.  

Outside of this year’s financial planning process, numerous projects that were budgeted in previous years will progress in 2026. These include several wastewater projects across the region, dock renovations, planning for enhancements at Coopers Green Park and bridge replacements at Cliff Gilker Park. The SCRD will also conduct engagement on a recreation needs assessment and a parks services review.  

Roundtable Discussion 

On Thursday January 29, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., local governments on the Sunshine Coast will take part in a financial planning roundtable. Each local government will give an overview of their respective financial plans for 2026, with time for discussion in between each presentation. The public is invited to attend. 

• In person: SCRD Boardroom, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt.  

• Online: Watch via the SCRD’s YouTube channel.  

Stay informed as the SCRD’s financial planning process continues at letstalk.scrd.ca/budget.  

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is inviting residents to apply for volunteer positions on its Advisory Planning Commissions (APCs).

APCs play an important role in local governance by providing recommendations to the SCRD Board and staff on land use applications, official community plans, policy development, and other community planning initiatives. Members bring local knowledge and community perspectives to help guide planning decisions across the region.

Individuals with an interest in community development, land use, or local planning are encouraged to apply. Previous planning experience is not required, just a willingness to learn and contribute.

Applications must be submitted using the fillable application form available on the SCRD website at www.scrd.ca/APC

The application deadline is January 9, 2026.

About Advisory Planning Commissions
Each APC represents a specific electoral area and serves in an advisory capacity only. Members review applications and provide non-binding recommendations to the SCRD Board. APCs help ensure that community perspectives are considered as part of the planning process.

For More Information, please contact Kristi Evans, Deputy Corporate Officer at 604-885-6813 or by email at legislative@scrd.ca.

Work on the Keats Landing Dock project will pause for the holiday period beginning this weekend and will resume on Tuesday, January 6. 

The construction barge is expected to be relocated by the morning of Saturday, December 20. As a result, regular ferry service aboard the Stormaway passenger vessel will be available at Keats Landing Dock from December 20 through January 5. 

When construction resumes on January 6, the 8:55 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. sailings will operate for that week. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, dock work is anticipated to be completed by January 9. 

The SCRD appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while this important work at Keats Landing Dock is completed. 

Thanks to recent recruitment efforts, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is pleased to announce an increase of pool hours at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre, effective January 4, 2026.

These changes increase access during early mornings and evenings while maintaining existing service levels throughout the rest of the week.

Restoring historical operating hours at SCRD aquatic facilities continues to be a top priority. Lifeguard postings are active, and recruitment efforts will carry into the new year, with the goal of steadily and sustainably increasing hours through 2026.

The following schedule adjustments will take effect January 4, 2026:

Tuesdays:
Current: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
New: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Wednesdays:
Current: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
New: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays:
Current: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
New: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to stay connected to receive updates on facility hours by visiting www.scrd.ca/recreation, following Facebook at SCRD.Parks.Recreation, and subscribing to RecCONNECT, the SCRD’s recreation newsletter.