Alternative Approval Processes (AAP)

Under legislation, a local government has two methods by which they may seek approval of the electors: Assent of the Electors (a referendum), which is approval by voting, or Alternative Approval Process which allows the SCRD Board to proceed with an action unless 10% or more of the electors state their opposition within a prescribed period.

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is a cost-effective method to engage with the community to determine whether there is support for certain initiatives, such as long-term borrowing, or other service-related projects. If 10% or more of the eligible electors oppose the initiative, the SCRD cannot proceed with it and must consider other options including going to an assent vote (referendum).

A unified AAP combines various initiatives and runs them concurrently at the same time every year with a goal of saving taxpayer dollars as well as supporting increased engagement efforts to ensure the community is aware of ways to have their say or get involved.

Current AAP - Langdale Wellfield Construction Project

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is proceeding with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Langdale Wellfield Construction Project Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 777, 2025.

The bylaw proposes to borrow up to $13,181,144 to be repaid over a 20-year term to fund the Langdale Wellfield Construction Project. Approval of the electors is required since the borrowing proposed is for a period longer than five years.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Langdale Wellfield Construction Project AAP

The project involves constructing a new wellfield near the BC Ferries Langdale terminal to increase the Sunshine Coast’s regional water supply and improve long-term water security. 

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is committed to securing reliable and diverse water sources. This project supports that goal and addresses growing demand and climate-related challenges. 

The total approved budget is $18.1 million. Of that, $13.18 million is proposed to be funded through long-term borrowing. The remainder will be covered by grant funding.  

The borrowing bylaw has received three readings and has been reviewed and approved by the Inspector of Municipalities.  

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is a cost-effective method to engage with the community to determine whether there is support for certain initiatives, such as long-term borrowing, or other service-related projects. If 10% or more of the eligible electors oppose the initiative, the SCRD cannot proceed with it and must consider other options including going to an assent vote (referendum). 

If the borrowing is approved, affected property owners will see an estimated annual increase of $97.28 on their Regional Water Service parcel tax. 

Contact Sherry Reid, Corporate Officer by telephone at 604-885-6825, or Kristi Evans, Deputy Corporate Officer, at 604-885-6813.  

Past Alternative Approval Processes

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek approval of the electors to borrow up to $1,499,500 over a 10-year term to fund the replacement of a fire engine (pumper apparatus) for the Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector approval to borrow up to $3,456,200 over a 10-year term to fund replacement the modified bitumen roofs at both the Gibsons and Area Community Centre and the Sechelt Aquatic Centre.  This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

 

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector approval to borrow up to $623,200  over a 10-year term to replace the Halfmoon Bay Fire Protection Service Rescue 1 Fire Apparatus. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below.

The SCRD conducted an Alternative Approval Process to borrow up to $7,250,000 over a 15-year term to fund Phase Three of the Water Meter Installations Project. This project received elector approval. Further information is available at the links below