The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) recognizes that residents are concerned right now about wildfire, particularly as fires continue to threaten communities elsewhere in British Columbia.  

The SCRD has firefighters and resources deployed in some of these communities and will continue to provide support as needed.  

Campfires 

At this time, there is no campfire ban in effect in the areas served by SCRD fire departments, including Gibsons, parts of West Howe Sound, Elphinstone, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and Egmont. 

Any decision to implement a campfire ban follows guidance and information from the BC Wildfire Service. Several factors are considered when determining whether restrictions are necessary, including current wildfire risk, weather conditions and forecasts, and conditions leading up to the current period. 

While a campfire ban is not in place at this time, wildfire conditions can change quickly, and residents are reminded that everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires. For reference a campfire is defined as any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. 

Residents choosing to have a campfire are reminded to: 

• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

• Do not have a campfire during windy conditions. 

• Maintain a fuel-free area around the fire. 

• Ensure you have water accessible from a hose or bucket to extinguish the fire. 

• Keep the fire small and within the legal campfire size. 

• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving. 

• Check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, as conditions and restrictions can change. 

A campfire that is permitted today may not be permitted tomorrow. Residents are encouraged to check the latest restrictions and wildfire conditions before lighting a fire. You can find this at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments.  

Prepared to respond 

Fire departments across the SCRD are prepared to respond if a wildfire threatens Sunshine Coast communities. 

Local fire departments have highly trained firefighters and equipment ready to respond to emergencies, with crews working around the clock to protect people, property and the environment. Fire departments across the region regularly participate in joint training and wildfire exercises to strengthen their ability to work together during a large-scale emergency.  

Recent investments in structure-protection equipment have further enhanced the region’s wildfire response capabilities. 

The SCRD also works closely with the BC Wildfire Service, local governments and other emergency response partners. If a significant wildfire or other emergency occurs, the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) can activate an Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the regional response, support evacuation measures and provide timely information to the public. 

While the SCRD and its emergency response partners are prepared to respond, personal preparedness is equally important. Residents can take simple steps now to ensure they and their families are ready if an emergency or evacuation occurs. 

Be prepared before an emergency happens. 

Every household is encouraged to have an emergency plan and supplies ready before they are needed. 

Residents should: 

• Have a household emergency plan and discuss it with everyone in the household. 

• Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least seven days. 

• Keep a grab-and-go bag ready in case an evacuation order is issued. 

• Make arrangements for pets and livestock. 

• Keep important documents, medications and essential items readily accessible. 

• Identify wildfire risks around your home and take steps to reduce combustible vegetation and materials. More information at www.scrd.ca/firesmart.  

More information about emergency preparedness is available at www.scrd.ca/emergency-preparedness/ 

Stay informed with Voyent Alert

Residents are asked to register for the SCRD’s Voyent Alert emergency notification system. More information can be found at www.scrd.ca/alert-system. 

Voyent Alert provides residents with timely emergency information, including evacuation alerts and orders. Notifications can be received through the Voyent Alert app, text message, email or phone. 

During a rapidly developing emergency, having reliable and timely information can make a critical difference. Residents are encouraged to register now, before an emergency occurs, and ensure their contact information remains up to date. 

Preparedness starts before an emergency.  

Knowing where to get information, having a plan and being ready to leave if necessary, can help protect residents, families, neighbours and the broader community. 

The SCRD will continue to monitor wildfire conditions closely and work with its emergency response partners to ensure the Sunshine Coast is ready to respond to wildfire or other emergencies. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed (register for Voyent Alert, www.scrd.ca/alert-system), monitor the SCRD website at www.scrd.ca and the SCRD’s Facebook Page, stay prepared (www.scrd.ca/emergency-preparedness/) and continue to do their part to prevent wildfires (www.scrd.ca/firesmart). 

Further information on the Provincial State of Emergency and wildfire situations can be found here.  

Earlier this month, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board approved the 2026–2035 Water Efficiency Plan. The plan sets out how the SCRD will help conserve water and manage water use over the next 10 years. 

The plan supports the SCRD’s 10-Year Water Strategy. Its goal is to help provide a safe, reliable water supply while using available water as efficiently as possible. 

By bringing current and future water-saving programs together in one plan, the SCRD can better manage water demand, improve the reliability of the water system, and make informed decisions about future investments. The plan also includes a phased approach so programs can be reviewed and adjusted over time. 

The first phase, covering 2026–2027, will focus on: 

• Continuing the move to water billing based on the amount of water each property uses. 

• Improving how water use data is collected, managed, and reported. 

• Exploring Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which could provide customers with more timely information about their water use. 

• Setting water efficiency targets to track progress over time. 

You can read the plan here.  

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) officially celebrated the opening of the new xwilkway | Halfmoon Bay Community Hall yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, local elected officials and project contractors.

The new community hall provides a welcoming, accessible gathering space designed to support meetings, celebrations, recreational programs and community events for the entire community on the Sunshine Coast.

Located at 8108 Northwood Road in Connor Park, the hall will begin with a soft launch over the coming weeks, with full public rentals available this fall. Community groups, organizations and residents can book the space for a variety of events by visiting www.scrd.ca/community-hall-rentals.

While the hall is now fully operational, the final phase of site improvements will take place in fall 2026. Landscaping has been scheduled to align with the SCRD’s water conservation regulations and will further enhance the outdoor spaces surrounding the facility.

The SCRD thanks everyone who joined yesterday’s celebration and recognizes the support that made the project possible. Construction of the hall was funded largely through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, helping create a lasting community space that will serve residents for generations to come.

Come celebrate the grand opening of the new xwilkway | Halfmoon Bay Hall on July 8, 2026! 

Designed with accessibility, sustainability and connection in mind, the hall is ready to host everything from meetings and events to celebrations and community gatherings for years to come.  

The hall is opening ahead of the final phase of site improvements, with landscaping planned for fall 2026 to comply with the SCRD’s water conservation regulations. Once complete, this landscaping will further enhance the site and provide inviting outdoor spaces for residents and visitors. 

Join neighbours, friends, and local elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening remarks, and refreshments as we celebrate this exciting new addition to Halfmoon Bay.  

This project was made possible largely through funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. 

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: xwilkway | Halfmoon Bay Hall, Connor Park, 8108 Northwood Road, Halfmoon Bay 

Drop by and help us open the region’s newest gathering place! 

For more information about the project, visit: https://letstalk.scrd.ca/community-hall

The ReMembering Youth project, a collaborative initiative led by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and School District 46 (SD46) and a contracted educator, has been recognized by the Planning Institute of BC with an honourable mention in the 2026 Excellence in Planning Awards.

The honourable mention, presented to the SCRD earlier this month at the Planning Institute of BC’s annual conference, recognizes the project’s success in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to share their experiences, aspirations and vision for the future of the Sunshine Coast while contributing to important community planning processes.

Launched in 2024 through funding provided by a Vancouver Coastal Health grant administered by BC Healthy Communities, ReMembering Youth was developed in response to 2022-2023 data showing that about one third of Sunshine Coast youth feel a low sense of belonging here. In addition, about one third of Sunshine Coast youth self-report a mental health condition.

The initiative explored belonging as a key factor in youth mental health and well-being while engaging students in civic learning and SCRD Official Community Plan renewal discussions. The intent was to facilitate learning opportunities for participating organizations and youth alike, while also gathering youth input on planning for the future.

Over the 2024–2025 school year, approximately 190 students from Elphinstone Secondary School and Chatelech Secondary School participated in a series of workshops, field trips and experiential learning activities designed to strengthen connections between youth, sense of place and community decision-making.

Quotes

“This recognition from the Planning Institute of BC is recognition of the power of partnership and the importance of creating opportunities for youth to help shape the future of our communities,” says SCRD Board Chair Alton Toth. “On behalf of the SCRD Board, I want to thank our partners at Vancouver Coastal Health, School District 46, participating educators and, most importantly, the students whose thoughtful contributions made this project such a success.”

“The ReMembering Youth initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to recognizing young people as essential contributors to building healthier communities, and we are proud to be a partner” says Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, VCH Medical Health Officer for the Sunshine Coast. “This community planning approach has brought forward meaningful insight from local youth, and will strengthen their sense of belonging, resilience and well-being.”

“This project demonstrates what is possible when we create authentic opportunities for students to share their perspectives and help shape the future of their communities,” says Sunshine Coast Board of Education Chair Amanda Amaral. “We are proud to have partnered with the Sunshine Coast Regional District and Vancouver Coastal Health on this innovative initiative. The recognition from the Planning Institute of BC highlights the value of listening to young people and ensuring their voices are reflected in the decisions that affect their lives, well-being and sense of belonging.”

Project findings were included in a report to the SCRD’s Electoral Area Services Committee last year and in the Phase One OCP Engagement What We Heard Report.

Stay up to date with the SCRD’s Official Community Plan Renewal at letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-renewal

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.