CloseSCRD Board Adopts 10-Year Regional Water Strategy
At last week’s Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Board meeting, the board adopted a new 10-year Water Strategy to guide the long-term management of SCRD water services across the region.
The SCRD Water Strategy 2025-2035 outlines a roadmap for building sustainable, resilient water systems that can meet the needs of the community now and in the future. It responds to growing pressures such as climate change, increased water demand, and the importance of environmental stewardship.
The strategy includes a comprehensive set of actions to improve water conservation, safeguard water quality, and ensure a reliable and safe water supply for all residents and businesses.
Four strategic priorities form the foundation of the plan:
Water Supply
The strategy sets a target of increasing water supply to provide at least 750 litres of water per household per day during the summer months. This will be achieved through diversifying water sources and optimizing existing infrastructure to meet peak demand. The SCRD will also improve planning for water supply to the community in case it’s impacted by natural disasters.
Water Infrastructure
Capital and master plans will be updated to support efficient system operations and ensure sustainable investment in infrastructure such as water mains, service lines, and treatment facilities. This will include specific infrastructure upgrades to improve firefighting capabilities in some areas.
Water Efficiency
Reducing outdoor use of drinking water is a major priority. Water meter data will help inform education efforts and improve operational efficiency. The SCRD will also explore opportunities to use non-potable water for making ice at arenas and irrigation of sports fields.
Source Water Protection
The SCRD looks to continue collaborating with regional partners and community members on monitoring programs for local watersheds and aquifers that provide drinking water to the region. Community education and advocacy with all levels of government to protect these vital ecosystems will be prioritized. Source water protection will remain a long-term focus, integrated into planning for the next decade and beyond.
The SCRD Water Strategy is the result of community input, research, technical studies and importantly, direct engagement with shíshálh Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw whose insights and input were instrumental in shaping the plan. The District of Sechelt and the Town of Gibsons also played key roles in developing the strategy.
“This strategy goes beyond planning, and sets out the objectives that will guide the development of our water systems on the Sunshine Coast,” says SCRD Board Chair, Alton Toth. “It’s a roadmap for predictable service delivery for the next ten years.”
You can read the full water strategy by clicking here and a summary sheet is available here.