News Release
Brand New Community Hall Opening
June 24, 2026
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
Official Community Plan Engagement Recognized for Innovative Youth Project
June 22, 2026
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
Solid Waste Management Plan Adopted
June 11, 2026
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.
SCRD Launches Updated Property Viewer
June 9, 2026
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is launching a new version of its main public web map, the Property Viewer.
The current Property Viewer has served the public for approximately 10 years and remains one of the most visited pages on the SCRD website, averaging over 200 visits each day.
The updated version will continue to provide the same trusted property information and mapping tools that users rely on, while offering a refreshed look, and responsive design for viewing on tablets and mobile.
New features include a more flexible search tool, the ability to share direct links to map views and property reports, and a new elevation profile tool enabling users to explore terrain and slope across the landscape. Through ongoing collaboration with municipalities, the redesigned property report now also includes expanded information from the Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt and Islands Trust.
“Our goal for the new Property Viewer is to make public information more accessible and easier to use,” said Emilia Walton, SCRD Geographical Information Systems Coordinator. “Residents, businesses, and visitors will have access to valuable mapping tools and region-wide property information through a more modern and responsive platform.”
To support a smooth transition, both the current and new versions of the Property Viewer will remain available for several weeks following the launch. This overlap period will allow users time to become familiar with the new system while continuing to access the existing platform.
The Property Viewer is a public service provided by the SCRD’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Division.
GIS mapping tools support a wide range of public uses, including property research, route planning, conservation, and community planning. They also help residents better understand how land and infrastructure are connected across the region.
As part of the launch process, the SCRD is inviting users to provide feedback through a short online questionnaire. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts.
The SCRD’s mapping services can be accessed at: www.scrd.ca/mapping/
Have Your Say on the Future of SCRD Parks
June 8, 2026
Love your local parks, trails, and beach access points? The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) wants to hear from you.
The SCRD is reviewing how our parks and trails are managed and maintained. Community feedback will inform this review and help shape future park services, amenities, and improvements across the Sunshine Coast.
Whether you walk the trails, visit the beach, use community halls, picnic with family, or enjoy local green spaces, we want to hear from you.
Tell Us:
- How you use SCRD parks and trails
- What you value most about these spaces
- What improvements you would like to see
Ways to Participate
Complete the Online Questionnaire
Visit the project page and share your feedback online. You can also add your name and email to be in with a chance of winning a gift card for a local business.
Youth Questionnaire
If there are young people in your residence or in an organization you are a part of, please share these questions with them. The youth voice is key as we look to how our parks, trails and beach accesses will look in the years to come.
Meet Us in the Community
SCRD staff will be attending events and hosting community check ins across the Sunshine Coast this June and July:
- June 10, 2026 – Roberts Creek Farmers Market, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- June 17, 2026 – Welcome Woods Store, Halfmoon Bay, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- June 20, 2026 – Sechelt Farmers Market, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- June 23, 2026 – Madeira Park Market, Pender Harbour, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- June 24, 2026 – Sunnycrest Mall (by London Drugs), 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- June 26, 2026 – Gibsons Night Market, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- July 1, 2026 – Canada Day in Sechelt, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Keep an eye out for posters at SCRD parks throughout the region. Each poster includes a QR code that links directly to the online questionnaire, making it easy to participate wherever you are.
Learn more at letstalk.scrd.ca/parks
Help shape the future of parks and trails on the Sunshine Coast by sharing your feedback today.
Stage 2 Water Conservation Regulations in Effect Friday, June 5
June 2, 2026
Effective Friday, June 5, 2026, and until further notice, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared Stage 2 water conservation regulations for water users on the Chapman water system.
All other systems will remain at Stage 1 water conservation regulations until further notice.
Water is about to stop flowing over the Chapman Lake dam, and with continued warm, dry weather, the SCRD needs to move to Stage 2 water conservation regulations.
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, pressure washer 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
“The SCRD understands that our community is no doubt noticing the ground they are digging is drier than in past years and that we have had a significant spell of warm weather,” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager of Infrastructure Services. “We want our community to know that the SCRD is ready. Since the major drought of 2022, there are new water sources online and the SCRD has implemented several water efficiency measures that have reduced our reliance on Chapman and Edwards Lakes for our water supply.”
Water Projects and Efficiency Measures
Over the past year, the SCRD has completed several projects to increase water supply for our community. These include;
- Adoption of the 2025 – 2035 Water Strategy which provides direction on reducing impacts on our water supply from climate change.
- The Church Road Well Field is fully online and can provide up to 4.5 million litres of water per day.
- Recent upgrades to Chaster Well has almost doubled the available supply from that source to 1.4 million litres of water per day.
- The water meter project in the Sechelt area has resulted in large leaks being resolved by property owners. Just recently one single leak repair saved 90,000 litres of water per day.
Visit www.scrd.ca/water-regulations for further details about the Water Conservation Regulations
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


Contact Us
Aidan Buckley
Manager, Communications and Engagement
Phone: 604-885-6800 Ext.
Cellular: 604-885-8052
Email: aidan.buckley@scrd.ca