The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has begun accepting applications for the 2026 Waste Reduction Initiatives Program (WRIP).

Launched in 2015, WRIP was introduced to support waste reduction and recycling priorities identified in the SCRD’s Solid Waste Management Plan.

The program has a total of $7,500 available for financial assistance to Sunshine Coast based community groups and associations, non-profit societies, registered charitable organizations, school groups from school districts 46 and 93. for projects that will reduce waste in the region. Project applications must include a plan for measuring and reporting the amount of waste diverted from the landfill.

Project categories considered for the program include:

• Community reuse and repair
• Composting
• Construction and demolition waste reduction, reuse and recycling
• Food waste reduction
• Green waste reduction
• Recycling initiatives

Applications are now open and must be received by midnight on October 26, 2026.

Projects must be completed, including a final report, by June 30, 2027. Interim reporting, project guidelines and restrictions can be found at https://letstalk.scrd.ca/wrip. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the SCRD in advance of submitting their application to ensure that their project is eligible for funding.

Successful past projects include:

• The xwesám–Roberts Creek Community Association utilized their funding to enhance recycling sorting efforts within the community—improvements that may have already been noticed. The team successfully diverted at least 25 kg of recyclable materials from landfill. With the addition of new recycling bins, the Association continues to make meaningful progress toward its zero-waste goals.
• Chatelech Community School allocated their funding to support barrier-free breakfast, lunch, and snack programs for students at Chatelech Secondary School. Through their efforts to reduce waste, they successfully prevented the use of at least 2,500 paper plates—demonstrating a strong commitment to both student well-being and environmental sustainability.
• Cedar Grove Elementary School has enhanced classroom access to composting, resulting in reduced waste across the school. Both students and staff are actively engaging in learning what materials are recyclable and compostable. New bins and clear signage have been introduced to support ongoing waste-sorting education and environmental responsibility.

If you have questions about the Waste Reduction Initiatives Program, or are interested in applying, please visit https://letstalk.scrd.ca/wrip email infrastructure@scrd.ca or call 604-885-6806.

What would you do if an earthquake, wildfire, or other emergency happened tomorrow?

 The shíshálh Nation Government District and Sunshine Coast Regional District are inviting residents of all ages to “get prepared” at Community Emergency Preparedness Day on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the shíshálh Nation Administration Building, 5555 Sunshine Coast Highway, Sechelt.

This free, interactive event will give residents an opportunity to learn practical emergency preparedness skills, connect with local emergency organizations and experience hands-on activities.

Highlights include:

• Quake Cottage — experience what an earthquake can feel like.
• Personal Preparedness — learn about household preparedness planning and what goes in your emergency kit.
• FireSmart Demonstration — learn how to reduce wildfire risk around your home.
• DIY Air Purifier Workshop — build an air purifier with the BC Lung Foundation.
• Emergency preparedness exhibitors and first responders from across the Sunshine Coast.
• Food will be served from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Raffle draw at 2:30 p.m., featuring prizes including a generator, portable power station, grab-and-go kits and more. Winners must be present.

Workshop spaces are limited to approximately 15 to 20 participants, so early registration is encouraged. Confirmation emails will be sent by September 15. Registration is not required to attend the event itself.

For more information on the event and to register for a workshop, visit www.scrd.ca/emergency-preparedness-day

Community feedback gathered through the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) Parks Service Review shows strong support for parks, trails and the proposed management framework delivering park services.

Engagement took place from June 10 to July 6, 2026, and included seven community check-in events, a workshop with organizations that have formal operating agreements with the SCRD, and online surveys.

In total, 413 public survey responses and 117 youth survey responses were received.

The engagement process identified several key themes

• Parks and trails are highly valued and widely used throughout the region.
• Environmental protection was identified as the strongest community value.
• Approximately 80–90 per cent of respondents supported each element of the proposed service delivery framework.
• Additional investment in core park amenities could improve visitor experiences.
• Access to parks, trails, and beach accesses for all ages and abilities requires targeted improvement.
• Volunteer capacity may impact service delivery in the long term.
• Long-term funding sustainability may affect the SCRD’s ability to maintain park infrastructure or enhance service levels.

The feedback will inform the final Parks Service Review report, which will include recommendations on park classifications, management zones, service levels, resource requirements and performance measures.

The final Parks Service Review report is currently under development and is expected to be completed later this year.

The full What We Heard Report is available through the SCRD’s Let’s Talk Parks project page and will be presented to the SCRD’s Committee of the Whole tomorrow (Thursday, September 10).

Effective immediately, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared an end to Stage 2 water conservation regulations on the Chapman Water System and a return to Stage 1 water conservation regulations.

Due to a drop in demand on the Eastbourne Water System, the Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate water supply for that community has ended. Currently, Eastbourne remains on Stage 4 water conservation regulations.

The South and North Pender Water Systems will remain on Stage 1 water conservation regulations as well as Langdale, Cove Cay and Egmont.

“We are pleased to be in a position to move to Stage 1 Water Conservation Regulations for the Chapman System” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager, Infrastructure Services. “This progress is the result of several factors, including the resolution of water leaks, favourable weather conditions, the continued efforts of our community to conserve water, and the additional capacity provided by water supply sources such as the Church Road Well Field.”

A seasonal water supply update will be provided on Thursday, September 10 during the Committee of the Whole meeting which begins at 9: 30 a.m. You can watch this update via the SCRD’s YouTube channel.

Learn more about water conservation regulations at www.scrd.ca/water-regulations

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is launching a multi-year invasive knotweed treatment project in John Daly Park to protect sensitive wetlands, Anderson Creek and the park’s native ecosystems.

Knotweed is one of British Columbia’s most invasive plants. It spreads rapidly, forms dense stands that crowd out native vegetation and is extremely difficult to eradicate once established. The infestation in John Daly Park is located near wetlands and Anderson Creek, an important salmon-bearing stream, making careful environmental management essential.

The project will begin with a detailed assessment and mapping of the infestation, followed by approximately five years of treatment and monitoring. Qualified environmental professionals will oversee all aspects of the project to ensure treatment is carried out safely and in accordance with provincial regulations and environmental best practices.

During treatment, which will take place from September 13 to 15, 2026, visitors can expect temporary signage in work areas and occasional short-term closures of small sections of the park. Annual monitoring will measure the effectiveness of treatment and guide future work.

The treatment plan will include the use of provincially approved herbicides where appropriate, except immediately adjacent to or within Anderson Creek. All herbicide applications will comply with provincial regulations and permit requirements, with measures in place to protect wetlands, fish habitat and surrounding ecosystems.

Mechanical removal is not a suitable option for this infestation because knotweed’s extensive underground root system can regenerate from even tiny plant fragments, potentially spreading the infestation further.

The SCRD has also identified knotweed on approximately seven neighbouring properties. Adjacent property owners will receive direct notification because managing knotweed beyond park boundaries will improve the long-term success of the project. Under the BC Weed Control Act, landowners are responsible for controlling noxious weeds, including knotweed, on their property.

Project updates will be shared through the SCRD website, social media channels, park signage and direct notifications to neighbouring property owners.

Residents with questions about the project can contact SCRD Parks Services at parks@scrd.ca or 604-885-6802.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is inviting community volunteers to join the 13^th Annual Trash Bash event which takes place on Saturday, September 12.

This year, the event will focus on cleaning up illegal dump sites in the forests from Halfmoon Bay to Pender Harbour.

Since the event launched in 2012, over 58 tonnes of illegally dumped material has been hauled out of forests and backroads and disposed of responsibly at the landfill. Each year, an average of 30 to 40 volunteers help clean up a different area of the Sunshine Coast. The last event focused on Roberts Creek to West Howe Sound and the Town of Gibsons.

“This event helps keep our community free of harmful waste while raising awareness that illegally dumping garbage, hazardous materials and even green waste has a lasting impact on our environment,” says Andrea Patrao, SCRD Solid Waste Programs Coordinator. “Each year, volunteers collect a wide variety of discarded materials, including garbage, scrap metal, tires, and electronics and appliances that can be recycled free of charge.”

Pre-registration for the event is required at https://letstalk.scrd.ca/trash-bash. Complete the registration form and find out more about this event. Questions can be directed to infrastructure@scrd.ca or phone 604-885-6806.

Once registered, volunteers are asked to sign-in on September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Pender Lions Park

13776 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Madeira Park. Volunteers will be treated to a BBQ lunch prepared by the Pender Lions and will have a chance to win great prizes.

To learn more about the issue of illegal dumping and how to report dump sites in the region, the SCRD invites the public to view the “Stop Illegal Dumping” video made in partnership with the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities at www.scrd.ca/illegal-dumping.

Residents are advised to report an illegal dump site to the BC Conservation Service RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277 or www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/rapp.