News Release
SCRD and Unifor Local 466 Reach Tentative Collective Agreement
November 7, 2023
The Sunshine Coast Regional District and Unifor Local 466 are pleased to jointly announce that the parties arrived at a new tentative Collective Agreement on Friday, November 3, 2023, and will be recommending ratification in the coming days.
The parties exchanged draft proposals on October 19, 2023, and arrived at the table on October 30 to begin negotiating in earnest.
“The new Agreement paves the way for years of stability, addresses concerns about inflation, and serves to reflect the culture of the SCRD, promoting its objective of attracting and retaining top talent in a challenging market,” says SCRD Board Chair, Leonard Lee.
A detailed review of the revised terms and conditions will be occurring with members of Unifor Local 466 and with the SCRD Board as they consider the joint recommendation from both negotiating committees to ratify the new agreement.
“We had a productive bargain and made good gains for our members, including some real positive changes for our Transit operators,” says Unifor Local 466 President Gary Grohs.
Bryce Viitanen, spokesperson for the union, adds, “I want to thank the SCRD bargaining team for coming to the table ready to make a deal that recognizes the difficult economy and challenges facing workers on the Sunshine Coast.”
“I personally want to thank Bryce Viitanen, Chief Spokesperson for Unifor Local 466, and to all that were involved. I’m also very appreciative of the efforts from the management team and for the support from the SCRD Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors,” says Gerry Parker, Senior Manager, Human Resources, and the Chief Spokesperson for the SCRD. “There were many complex issues to address, and it truly took the whole team on both sides to work towards an outcome that we think is beneficial for all involved.”
The collective agreement will be addressed by the SCRD Board on November 23, 2023.
Media contacts:
Bryce Viitanen,
Chief Spokesperson, Unifor Local 466
brycev@unifor466.ca
604-740-2448
Gerry Parker,
Senior Manager, Human Resources, and the Chief Spokesperson for the SCRD
gerry.parker@scrd.ca
Have your say on handyDART
November 7, 2023
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and BC Transit have launched a review of the handyDART service.
handyDART, is an accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person.
The focus of the review is to gather insights and experiences from residents. This feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of handyDART transit services in our community.
The handyDART review includes two surveys and focus groups which will take place in the coming weeks. One survey is focused on handyDART users and BC Transit is reaching out directly to users of the service to hear from them. Users of handyDART can also get copies of this survey from handyDART drivers.
The second survey is open for submissions until December 15 and is available online by clicking here. This survey is looking for responses from those in the community who are not users of the handyDART service but may be involved in the care of a handyDART client or be a representative of a community group that cares for, or advocates for, handyDART clients. This survey is also open to community members who would like to provide their input on the handyDART service.
Participation will directly contribute to a forthcoming handyDART Services Report, which will outline potential improvements and enhancements to benefit handyDART riders and caregivers in the region.
Paper copies of surveys are available at the following locations.
- Gibsons and District Public Library, 470 South Fletcher Road, Gibsons
- Gibsons and Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road, Gibsons
- Gibsons and District Aquatic Facility, 953 Gibsons Way
- Gibsons Seniors Society, 686 Harmony Lane, Gibsons
- Sechelt Public Library, 5797 Cowrie Street, Sechelt
- Sechelt Aquatic Centre, 5500 Shorncliffe Avenue, Sechelt
- SCRD Field Road Administration Offices, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt
- Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Avenue, Sechelt
Focus groups will take place in late November and we need members of the community to take part. If you are interested in contributing to this review, you can register your interest at letstalk.scrd.ca/handydart or by clicking here.
Your input is key to unlocking a more accessible, efficient, and reliable transit future for the Sunshine Coast.
SCRD Board imposes sanctions following workplace incident
October 27, 2023
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board met on October 26, 2023, to address the Board’s response to a workplace incident that occurred during a public Board meeting in the spring of 2023. The incident involved Alternate Director John Henderson and SCRD staff and was witnessed by members of the public.
Following the incident, the SCRD retained an independent investigator to conduct a workplace investigation. The investigator concluded that Alternate Director John Henderson breached the SCRD Respectful Workplace Policy and the SCRD Board Code of Conduct.
The SCRD has a duty to ensure the health and safety of its workers, and to take all reasonable steps to prevent or minimize workplace bullying and harassment. Further to this duty, at the Board meeting on October 26 the Board passed a motion to censure Alternate Director John Henderson, and to request that District of Sechelt Council remove Alternate Director Henderson from his role on the SCRD Board for the remainder of his term as Mayor of the District of Sechelt.
The portion of yesterday’s meeting where the workplace incident was discussed was closed to the public (also known as ‘in camera’) to ensure the privacy of SCRD staff involved.
The SCRD considers the release of information about its response to this incident to be in the public interest. However, to protect the privacy of the SCRD staff involved in the incident, the SCRD will not be releasing further details of the workplace investigation.
Water Supply Update – October
October 25, 2023
As water conservation regulations end for all water systems in the Region, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is providing an update on water projects as we enter the winter months.
Summer Drought Response Plan
In May, the SCRD began its annual Drought Response Plan (DRP). This plan outlines actions to be taken on all SCRD water systems through the summer months to secure water supply for residents. The following is a snapshot of this summer’s DRP.
Chapman Water System
The focus for the Chapman Water System was to ensure that as much water as possible remained in both Chapman and Edwards Lakes to be available for use in late summer. The SCRD achieved this primarily by utilizing the new Church Road Well and supply from Gray Creek. After weeks of drought conditions in the Region, the Chapman Water System entered Stage 4 water conservation regulations in September for 21 days.
Service from the Church Road Well Field assisted through the summer and helped to prevent a prolonged period of Stage 4 water conservation regulations. This well field, in addition to a water supply agreement with the Town of Gibsons and the installation of the water meters in the Sechelt area will further help secure future water supply.
North Pender Water System
As has been the case in previous years, the North Pender Water system remained at Stage 1 water conservation regulations through the summer.
South Pender Water System
This summer, the South Pender Water System entered an extended period of Stage 3 water conservation regulations. This was likely due to two main factors.
- McNeil and Harris lakes were still suffering the effects of drought from summer 2022. They did not recharge as quickly as they have done in the past after rainfall. The SCRD will monitor these lakes, and the changes being experienced as plans are put in place for next summer.
- Water use was very for high for some properties through the summer. The SCRD made direct contact with property owners who were using high volumes of water and saw some reduction after residents were made aware of just how much water they were using.
Due to the uncertainty on how climate change will affect water supply, as well as the unknowns of how the system will recharge, residents on the South Pender Water System should be prepared for similar water conservation regulations next summer.
Eastbourne Water System
Just this week, the Eastbourne Water System came off of Stage 4 water conservation regulations. Again, the SCRD has seen changes in how the aquifer that feeds this system has recharged through the summer months.
Ongoing Projects
Several projects are underway to secure water supply for the Sunshine Coast.
Water Meter Installation Project
The installation of water meters in the Sechelt area has begun. The project is focused on the retrofit and replacement of existing meters for the rest of this year with the wider residential and business installation project set to begin in March (weather depending). Further information about this project can be found here.
Lower Crown Raw Water Reservoir
The SCRD and shíshálh Nation have jointly applied for funding for two water reservoirs and upgrades to the Chapman Water Treatment Plant through the Government of Canada Disaster Mitigation Adjustment Fund. It is anticipated that decisions on funding will take several months. In the meantime, shíshálh Nation has requested immediate funding for the Lower Crown Reservoir from the Province of BC which could expedite work on this project.
SCRD and shíshálh Nation have begun working together on the many tasks associated with this project to ensure we are well positioned to proceed once Board approval and funding confirmation are in place. A recent report to the SCRD Board outlined steps taken to date on this project. The report can be found here. SCRD staff are evaluating this project along side the ongoing raw water reservoir project that had been undertaken above the Sechelt Airport.
Langdale Well Field
The two test wells have been completed at the Langdale Well Field. A draft plan for construction of these well fields has been completed and will be presented to the Board at the November 9, Committee of the Whole meeting. During testing, the water supply from these wells was quite considerable and adding them to the Chapman Water System would further diversify our water supply.
Eastbourne Groundwater Development
Pump tests on three test wells on the Eastbourne Water System were completed in February. This project aims to provide a year-round sustainable water service for residents on this water system located on a portion of Keats Island. A report, outlining next steps and recommendations to the Board will be discussed this Thursday, October 26, at the SCRD’s Committee of the Whole. You can read the report here.
Garden Bay Water Treatment Upgrade
The feasibility study for this upgrade has been completed. Upgrades are necessary at Garden Bay due to water quality issues and to ensure that the highest standards of quality drinking water are met. The cost of an upgrade could be up to $9 million. SCRD staff are considering next steps.
“What is outlined in this release is just a snapshot of the work being done to secure water supply on the Sunshine Coast,” says SCRD Board Chair Leonard Lee. “This summer, we have seen other jurisdictions in our province grapple with water supply issues for the first time, on many occasions they reached out to SCRD staff for advice. What we know is that decisions made by our previous and current Boards to diversify our water supply are coming to fruition as we see the impact of climate change on our water systems.”
Stay up to date with water projects and ask questions at any time at www.scrd.ca/letstalk
Emergency Supplies Stolen
October 25, 2023
Thieves have struck a locker containing thousands of dollars worth of emergency supplies and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and the Sunshine Coast RCMP are asking for your help to return the items.
The theft is believed to have occurred over the past few weeks at Sunshine Coast Emergency Program storage lockers in the Gibsons area. The lockers contain supplies to be used by the community in the event of an emergency on the Sunshine Coast. Since the theft took place, the SCRD has taken steps to further secure the lockers.
Included in the stolen items are first aid kits, blankets, hockey bags, waterproof wheeled storage cases, blow up mattresses and other unique items such as bright orange emergency support services vests which have a blue logo on the back of them. Some images of the stolen items are below.
“It takes a considerable amount of work to put together these kits so that we are ready in times of crisis,” says Sunshine Coast Emergency Management Coordinator Nancy Hughes. “It’s beyond disappointing that anyone would break into these lockers and steal items that are there to help and support our community should an emergency occur.”
“We want the public to take a good look at some of the pictures, the vests in particular are quite unique,” says Constable Karen Whitby with the Sunshine Coast RCMP. “Perhaps you have seen these items offered for sale online, or you may have seen them in the community. If you have then please contact police.”
If you have information, contact Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266 and quote file number 2023-7705.
Media Contacts:
Constable Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
604-885-2266
Aidan Buckley, Manager, Communications and Engagement
Sunshine Coast Regional District
604-885-8052
aidan.buckley@scrd.ca
End of All Water Conservation Regulations
October 24, 2023
Effective immediately, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared an end to water conservation regulations in the South Pender and Eastbourne Water Systems.
Residents are asked to please inform neighbours and friends who do not access information online about the changes.
Due to the recent heavy rain events, McNeill lake in South Pender Harbour has recovered, and the Eastbourne Water System aquifer that supplies water for residents on the east side of Keats Island has completely recharged.
Learn more about water conservation regulations at www.scrd.ca/water-regulations
Nearly 5,000 kilograms of waste collected at the Trash Bash
October 13, 2023
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is celebrating the success of its 10th Annual Backroad Trash Bash, which took place on Saturday, September 16.
Thirty-nine volunteers gathered to clean up trash illegally dumped at 23 sites from Middle Point in Pender Harbour to Egmont.
Volunteers included community residents, members of Sunshine Coast Off-Road Club, and representatives from AJM Disposal, BC Natural Resources Office, BC Conservation Service, Salish Soils and the SCRD.
Special thanks to the Pender Harbour Hikers and Pender Harbour Lions Park for helping to set up the event, Don White for donating time and heavy machinery, and to sponsors RONA Madeira Park Store, IGA Madeira Park, and Kleindale Supply LTD for donating volunteer supplies.
This year, 4,830 kilograms of illegally dumped waste was collected by community volunteers. Materials found at the dump sites included wood waste, tires, electronic waste, furniture, appliances, metal, and household garbage.
“We are thrilled with the excellent turn out and community spirit at this year’s event and are grateful for everyone’s hard work cleaning up the illegal dump sites,” says Andrea Patrao, SCRD Solid Waste Programs Coordinator. “It is events like this that help create cleaner, safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities for our residents and businesses.”
If an illegal dump site is found, please report it to the Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277 or online https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/.
To learn more about the Backroad Trash Bash, visit letstalk.scrd.ca/trash-bash.
For information on how to clean up an illegal dump site year-round in our region, visit www.scrd.ca/illegal-dumping.
South Pender Harbour Water System Moving to Stage 1
October 11, 2023
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is cautiously moving to Stage 1 Water Conservation Regulations in the South Pender Water System.
While water sources in the area are recharging slowly, the SCRD is confident that with more rain expected in the areas of Harris and McNeil Lakes, water conservation regulations can be scaled back to Stage 1 at this time. Staff will monitor water supply and community demand with a view to changing water conservation regulations if required.
The Eastbourne Water System will remain on Stage 4 Water Conservation Regulations. The aquifer that supplies water for residents on Keats Island has not recharged. The SCRD will provide updates on Eastbourne through the community and online channels including the SCRD website and social media.
A water supply update will be provided to the SCRD’s Committee of the Whole on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and can be viewed on the SCRD’s YouTube Channel. The update will also be posted to www.scrd.ca/water-updates on Thursday afternoon.
Learn more about water conservation regulations at www.scrd.ca/water-regulations
Update on Water Conservation Regulations
October 4, 2023
Recent rain has allowed for further changes to water conservation regulations on the Sunshine Coast.
Effective immediately, there are no water conservation regulations in effect for the following water systems:
- Chapman Water System
- Egmont
- Cove Cay
- North Pender Harbour
- Langdale
- Soames Point
- Granthams Landing
The South Pender Water System will remain on Stage 3 water conservation regulations at this time. The area has still not received enough rain to change water conservation regulations. Staff are continuously assessing supply and demand on this system and further updates will be provided early next week.
The Eastbourne Water System must remain at Stage 4 at this time. This area has also not received a significant amount of rainfall and the systems have not recharged sufficiently to drop any water conservation regulations.
“As with many other communities in the Province, this year we saw a significant period of drought on the Sunshine Coast, which is unfortunately becoming our new normal,” says SCRD Chair Leonard Lee. “While the Church Road Well Field and installation of water meters will help to secure our water supply, we need to focus on water conservation through the summer. Whether it’s looking at efficiencies within your home or making your garden tolerant to drought, small changes can make a big difference to our water supply.”
There is lots of great information and advice on water conservation, both inside and outside of the home at www.scrd.ca/water
Learn more about water conservation regulations at www.scrd.ca/water-regulations
Contact Us
Aidan Buckley
Manager, Communications and Engagement
Phone: 604-885-6800 Ext. 6123
Cellular: 604-885-8052
Email: aidan.buckley@scrd.ca