Effective Friday, July 11, 2025, and until further notice, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared Stage 2 water conservation regulations for water users on the Chapman (including Soames and Granthams), South Pender Harbour and Eastbourne water systems.

All other systems (Langdale, North Pender Harbour, Cove Cay, Egmont water systems) will remain at Stage 1 water conservation regulations until further notice.

If you are unsure of what water system you receive service from, enter your address into the map linked here to find out.

If you live in the Town of Gibsons, please visit www.gibsons.ca for water conservation regulations in that water service area.

Water conservation regulations help ensure that demand does not exceed the capacity of our water supply and distribution system and that there is always enough water for fire protection.

Stage 2 Watering Schedule:

 Watering Lawns

• Not permitted.

Watering trees, shrubs or flowers

• Sprinkler or soaker hose, or micro-spray can be used two days per week:
  • Even numbered addresses, Thursday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.
  • Odd numbered addresses, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.
• Hand held hose with nozzle, hand held container or drip-irrigation can be used 4 hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Watering food producing plants and trees

• Sprinkler or soaker hose, or micro-spray can be used two days per week:
  • Even numbered addresses, Thursday and Sunday for from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Odd numbered addresses, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Hand held hose with nozzle, hand held container or drip-irrigation can be used any time.

Washing Vehicles or boats

• Permitted with container, hand-held hose with nozzle, or commercial car washes.

Washing sidewalks and driveways, windows, fences or exterior building surfaces

• Permitted only for preparing surfaces for painting or paving and for health and safety regulations.

Filling swimming pools, spas, garden ponds, or fountains

• Permitted.

“Water is about to stop flowing over the Chapman Lake dam,” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager of Infrastructure Services. “With no snow remaining and ongoing warm, dry weather, we need to move to Stage 2 water conservation regulations without delay.”

With little rain in the forecast and hot weather expected to continue through summer, the SCRD is asking everyone to do their part at home to improve water efficiency—just as this community has done successfully in recent years.

Visit www.scrd.ca/water-regulations for further details.

A reminder that staff do not take bylaw complaints by phone. Please submit bylaw complaints using the online form at www.scrd.ca/bylaw-complaint-form

Construction kicked off in April for the Halfmoon Bay Community Hall Located in Connor Park / ch’emalaḵ. Since then, significant progress has been made with on-site preparation and initial construction.

Key milestones over the past two months include:

• The septic disposal field has been upgraded. This follows earlier utility work that included septic upgrades for the hall.
• A new water service has been installed.
• A new fire hydrant has been installed.
• A new power pole has been installed. This is part of the electrical connection utility work for the hall.
• The footings have been poured, and foundation walls have been formed.

Additionally, an older shed structure on the southwest side of the site, previously used as a washroom, has been dismantled, and the pit toilet has been fully decommissioned. This was done in a manner to ensure trees bordering the existing pit were not disrupted.

This project, which is largely funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, is moving forward on-time with the hall due to be available for the community by Summer 2026.

As work continues, visitors to Connor Park may see temporary changes to parking availability.

Stay connected and follow the hall’s progress on our online information hub at letstalk.scrd.ca/community-hall.

Ask questions anytime and watch as the hall takes shape!

The Food Waste Drop-off Pilot Program at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station, is back effective immediately.

Food waste is recyclable and throwing it in the garbage not only increases the release of greenhouse gases but also reduces the usable space in the Sechelt Landfill.  There are regulations in place that require food waste and other recyclables to be separated from garbage.

Visit www.scrd.ca/transfer-station and check out “what to know before you go” section for tips about what is accepted as food waste.

Open Burning Prohibition in Effect

As of May 30, the BC Wildfire Service has prohibited most open burning activities across the Sunshine Coast to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Prohibited until October 31, 2025 (or until rescinded) Category 2 open fires, including:

• One pile of burning material (max 2m high x 3m wide)
• Two piles burning at once (each max 2m high x 3m wide)
• Burning stubble or grass over areas ≤ 0.2 hectares

Also prohibited under the Wildfire Act (Section 12):

• Fireworks
• Binary exploding targets
• Burn barrels or burn cages
• Controlled air incinerators
• Air curtain burners
• Carbonizers

Still allowed:

• Category 1 Campfires (max 0.5m high x 0.5m wide)
• Gas, propane, or briquette stoves

If you light a campfire:

• Clear flammable debris around it
• Have at least 8L of water or a hand tool nearby to extinguish it
• See the map below for the affected area.

More information can be found here.

Let’s do our part to prevent wildfires this season!

The District of Sechelt, Sunshine Coast Regional District, Town of Gibsons, shíshálh Nation, and School District 46 (the “Working Group”) are working together to develop a collaborative Sports Field Strategy for the Sunshine Coast.

As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for modern, accessible, and sustainable outdoor recreation spaces. This joint initiative will assess current and future needs to help guide long-term planning, investment, and management of sports fields throughout the region.

The strategy will define a shared vision and provide recommendations to guide sports field management, allocation, and capital and operational investments over the next 10 years. It will also support sustainability, inclusion, and equitable access to sports and recreation for all Sunshine Coast residents.

The project is currently in its early stages, gathering information, conducting research, and engaging with the community and stakeholders to better understand how local sports fields are used, what’s working well, and where improvements are needed.

Community feedback is a key part of this process. Help ensure sports field planning reflects the needs of everyone on the Sunshine Coast by taking part in one or more engagement opportunities.

How to Get Involved

• Complete the online survey by July 11, 2025: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCSportsFields
• Find us at a community event: Information will be posted on the website soon.
• Learn more about the project: yoursaysechelt.ca/sportsfields

The project will roll out in three phases, with final recommendations expected in early 2026.

Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Bylaw Officer Stephen Lanegraff has been honoured with a major award for leadership in the profession from the Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association recognizing his outstanding service to the community.   

The award recognizes Stephen’s compassion and dedication in helping an elderly man in need find a safer and more stable living situation. 

In late 2024, the SCRD received a report of someone living in a shed in the West Howe Sound area. Upon responding, Stephen found an elderly man residing in unsafe conditions. Rather than simply enforcing bylaws, Stephen took the time to engage with the individual, connect with local support agencies, and help initiate the process of securing better housing. 

On a follow-up visit, this time with the Gibsons & District Fire Department, Stephen found the man in medical distress. Emergency care was provided, and with the help of partner agencies, the man was ultimately moved into supportive housing. 

“At the award ceremony, the Association President said Stephen ‘saved or protected a human life.’ That line has stuck with me,” said Stephen. “It perfectly captures the gravity of the situation. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m honoured to receive this recognition.” 

SCRD Chief Administrative Officer Tina Perreault praised Stephen’s actions: “What stands out most is the compassion Stephen brought to this situation. We are incredibly proud of him. Our bylaw enforcement officers are not only stewards of community safety, they are often called upon to make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

Stephen is pictured below with his award.