As we get set for warmer temperatures in the region this weekend, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is reminding the community to please keep water conservation top of mind.

This week’s rain has made a difference to the water supply situation. Chapman Lake rose five centimetres and the entire watershed got a good soaking too. The water use on the Chapman Water System has been lower compared to previous weeks.

Water use has also remained lower than last year on the South Pender Harbour Water system which has ensured the SCRD has stayed within the licensed limit for McNeil Lake.

These are all really positive actions and the SCRD is grateful to the entire community for conserving water through this summer.

However, our water systems are mostly rain dependent and with no rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future, every action taken by the community can make a difference. Whether it’s small actions such as taking a shorter shower or bigger actions like only using the water you really need in your garden, all actions add up.

For our part, the SCRD has been focused this summer on having large leaks on private properties fixed, including those that have been detected as part of the ongoing water meter installation project in Sechelt. In the past two weeks, four large leaks have been resolved, saving 86,000 litres of water per day. If you have been watching the Olympics, the amount of water saved just by fixing those four leaks is the equivalent of a full Olympic sized swimming pool per month!

There are lots of places to stay up to date not only on the summer water supply situation, but also on projects underway in the region to increase water supply.

Stay up to date

• Stay informed on conservation and water supply at scrd.ca/water-updates.
• See where projects are underway in the region to increase water supply by clicking on this map.

Current water conservation regulations

• North Pender Harbour and South Pender Harbour remain at Stage 1
• The Chapman Water System is at Stage 2
• As of today, users on the Eastbourne system on Keats Island are at Stage 3.

Unsure of what water system you are in? Search your address on this map.

If you live in the Town of Gibsons, please visit www.gibsons.ca for water conservation regulations in that water service area.

Due to operational reasons at the Sechelt Landfill, the SCRD is temporarily suspending drywall disposal at the site.

Drywall will not be accepted from Friday August 16 to Tuesday August 27.

The SCRD understands that this causes an inconvenience to both business and residential customers of the site and appreciates their understanding at this time.

Drywall is still being accepted at the Pender Harbour Transfer Station. Directions and further information on this site are available at www.scrd.ca/transfer-station/.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), along with other local governments on the Sunshine Coast are working on several projects to increase water supply.

This is the August update on projects and initiatives underway in the Region.  Last month’s update can be found here.

Many of these initiatives are being moved forward through a Water Supply Technical Working Group. This group meets regularly and includes representatives from the SCRD, the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons, shíshálh Nation and the Provincial Government.

Projects

Water Meter Program

The residential portion of the water meter installation program has been underway for almost five months in the District of Sechelt. This project will see over 4,000 meters installed by next year. Once in place, these meters will greatly assist with leak detection in the system and will also provide the community with valuable information about their own water use.

To date, over 2000 meters have been installed. Just last week, a major leak of just under 60,000 litres per day, identified as part of the water meter program was fixed, saving millions of litres of community drinking water each month.

Lower Crown Raw Water Reservoir

There is no substantial update on this project at this time. The following is what has been provided in prior updates.

The feasibility of this project is still being confirmed in collaboration with the shíshálh Nation.  With over one million dollars in grant funding from the Provincial Government, shíshálh Nation and the SCRD are confirming the technical feasibility of this project and the costs for the SCRD service participants associated with the operation of the reservoir.

A decision is pending on grant applications for funding of the construction costs for this project. If funding confirmation is received, the SCRD Board and the service participants will be engaged to determine if this project will proceed.

Environmental Flow Needs (EFN)

The SCRD releases 200 litres of water per second from Chapman Lake, into Chapman Creek to maintain the health of the ecosystem. This is provided in addition to the water for community use.

Earlier in the summer, the SCRD sought approval from the shíshálh Nation on a proposal to amend the current EFN. The SCRD was informed that the shíshálh Nation is not supportive of the proposal, so EFN will stay at 200 litres of water per second during the summer of 2024.

shíshálh Nation has committed to working with the SCRD and the Provincial Government to confirm if the EFN can be reduced without impacting the salmon populations in 2025 and 2026.

Siphons

The SCRD has received approval from the shíshálh Nation to use the siphons at Chapman and Edwards Lakes until late summer 2025. The associated applications are being submitted to the Provincial Government for continued use of the siphons.

These siphons are vital to maintaining the Environmental Flow Needs of Chapman Creek as well as summer water supply. They are used to access water from Chapman Lake and Edwards Lake during Stage 4 water conservation regulations.

Groundwater wells – Sechelt

The SCRD has initiated another phase of groundwater investigations to explore the feasibility of supplementing the Chapman Water System with a new groundwater source. This investigation focuses on the Sechelt area, with five identified sites where test wells will be drilled and two additional sites where established wells are located.

Pump tests started in early August on two of the established wells at Cliff Gilker Park and at the Sunshine Coast Arena. These tests will establish whether there is enough yield from these wells for community consumption.

Another five wells will be drilled in the coming months. If results of test wells are favourable, and if the required funding is secured, the next phase would be applications for license(s), design & engineering and permitting of production wells in the chosen location(s).

North and South Pender Harbour Areas

There are several projects underway in North and South Pender areas.

Vital safety upgrades have begun at McNeil lake dam and the project is anticipated to be completed by October 2024.

Construction underway at McNeil Lake dam

In addition to the above, the SCRD has issued a request for proposal for the design and construction of an upgraded treatment process for the water treatment plant for the Cove Cay water system.

There are also two projects approved by the Board to support water supply for the South Pender Water System. A study to confirm the necessity and feasibility of several options to improve water supply for the system and a study to confirm the potential to connect the North Pender and South Pender Water Systems. This project will begin later in the year.

Water Map Resource

The SCRD has developed a map to show where water projects are taking place on the Sunshine Coast. The map can be found here. Users can click on any of the locations / icons on the map and learn about each project. This information will be updated as more information becomes available on these projects and as they progress further.

You can learn more and ask questions at any time about water projects under way in the region at letstalk.scrd.ca/water.

Late last year, Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and BC Transit staff checked in with the community as part of a review of the handyDART service. Focus groups took place in the community and feedback on the handyDART service was received through a survey.

A recap on all of this engagement can be in the summary linked here.  The intent of the engagement was to help guide recommendations for handyDART service improvements as well as future service expansion priorities.

Great news! All of the feedback received by the SCRD and BC Transit has helped to shape an expansion of the service here on the Sunshine Coast!

Starting September 3, 2024, weekday service will be extended by half an hour, with the service running from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Saturday service will now be increased and available from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday handyDART service is being introduced, also from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The SCRD is very grateful to everyone who took part and had their say on handyDART.

Further information, including a link to an updated riders guide for BC Transit users on the Sunshine Coast can be found here.

Due to an emergency scale replacement project, the Sechelt Landfill will be closed next week on Tuesday September 3 and Wednesday September 4.

Last week, Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) staff had to make changes to operations at the landfill and close the existing scale for safety purposes.

The project taking place next week will involve the installation of a temporary portable scale while the SCRD works to replace the permanent scale in the coming months. As such, with heavy machinery on site, the landfill will not be accessible for the duration of the work.

The SCRD is confident the project will be completed within the planned dates. However, if a late start is required on Thursday September 5 or if it is possible to open the site earlier than planned, information will be shared via the SCRD’s website and Facebook channel.

The most up-to-date information will always be available at www.scrd.ca/landfill.

The Pender Harbour Transfer Station will be open on Monday and Wednesday but will not accept loads larger than 20 yards. Directions and further information about the transfer station is available at www.scrd.ca/transfer-station/.

The SCRD understands that this causes an inconvenience to both business and residential customers of the site and appreciates their understanding. Once the site reopens we will be able to accept all loads, including drywall, again.

Starting next week, a new fall schedule is in place for BC Transit and changes are coming to fare products on October 1.

New Fall Schedule

Starting September 3, 2024, a new fall schedule is in place for users of BC Transit. Updated timetables can be found in the Riders Guide which is linked here. You can also always plan your trip ahead of time at www.bctransit.com/sunshine-coast/.

Changes to Fare Products

As of October 1, 2024, BC Transit will no longer sell 10 Ride Fare Ticket products. Instead, customers are encouraged to use Umo, BC Transit’s contactless fare system which has been in use on Sunshine Coast Transit since January.

Transit users can access Umo either via the Umo App or via several vendors on the Sunshine Coast. A list of vendors can be found here.

Cash and the Province of British Columbia’s BC Bus Pass will continue to be accepted on transit. Tickets will be accepted until used up.  A new Umo compatible token will be available to support the needs of organizations that offer free or discounted fare products.

Further information can be found here on the BC Transit website.

The Provincial Coastal Fire Centre has advised that as of noon on Wednesday, August 28, the campfire ban is being lifted for the Sunshine Coast.

Even though the ban is being lifted, Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Fire Chiefs are asking for continued diligence, particularly with dry weather in the forecast should you be considering having a campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.

Reminders about campfires:

1. A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
2. Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
3. Maintain a fireguard around your campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, leaves, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the mineral soil.
4. Never leave a fire unattended.
5. Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
6. It is the responsibility of everyone to check local regulations and conditions prior to lighting any fire.

While campfires will be allowed on the Sunshine Coast, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages. Open burning is restricted at all times within the Town of Gibsons.

Please contact your local fire department for more information at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is inviting community members and businesses to volunteer their time and services at the 11^th Annual Trash Bash event which takes place on Saturday, September 21.

This year, the event will focus on cleaning up illegal dump sites off roadsides and forests from Halfmoon Bay to Roberts Creek.

Since the event launched in 2012, over 54 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 two events focused on Egmont to Pender Harbour, and Elphinstone to West Howe Sound.

“This event helps keep our community free of harmful waste and brings attention to the fact that dumping waste such as garbage, hazardous waste and even green waste is illegal,” says Andrea Patrao, SCRD Solid Waste Programs Coordinator. “The materials collected each year range from garbage and scrap metal, tires and free to recycle electronics and appliances.”

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 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Hackett Park in Sechelt. Volunteers will be treated to a free lunch, prepared by Sechelt Lions Club volunteers, 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.

Dean McKinley, Chief Administrative Officer of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) will be resigning from his position effective Friday, August 30, 2024.

Dean McKinley joined the SCRD as the CAO on January 6, 2020.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere thanks to him for the service he has provided over the past 4.5 years, and we wish him well in the future,” says Leonard Lee, Chair of the SCRD Board. “We also want to take this opportunity to thank all SCRD staff for their support and ongoing efforts to provide excellent services to our community.  It is truly appreciated.”

Tina Perreault, GM, Corporate Services, and CFO, will continue acting in the capacity of CAO until such time as the Board can meet and formally address this matter on September 12, 2024.

It is anticipated that the Board will look to appoint an interim CAO and then commence the process to fill the upcoming CAO vacancy on a regular basis.

Quote from Dean McKinley:

“I would like to announce that as of Friday, August 30^th, I will be stepping away from my role as CAO at the Sunshine Coast Regional District. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving the Board and residents of the Sunshine Coast and serving alongside so many amazing people for the past several years. I have enjoyed working closely with the shíshálh Nation, the Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt and I value tremendously the strength of the relationships we have forged. I look forward to embracing new opportunities and I would like to thank all of you for this incredible opportunity.”

Armed with fresh snow and groomed trails, the Dakota Ridge winter recreational area is scheduled to open for another busy season on Thursday, January 11.

Dakota Ridge is a pristine winter recreational area on a 1,532-acre plateau that features 20 kilometres of world class cross-country ski trails (classic and skate), 4 kilometres of groomed snowshoe trails, 3 kilometres of wilderness snowshoe trails, and a sledding area.

All terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and snow bikes are not permitted in Dakota Ridge. There is, however, an access trail that can be used by these types of recreational vehicles to get to terrain beyond the Dakota Ridge winter recreational area.

In past years, trails which are impeccably maintained by dedicated volunteers have been destroyed by off-road vehicles which in turn creates hazardous conditions for skiers. It is extremely important for motorized recreational vehicle users to be responsible and respectful of the non-motorized winter recreation area.

In addition to the above, SCRD staff would like to remind visitors to Dakota Ridge that the road servicing the area is a logging road and that, although it is plowed on a regular basis, winter conditions should be expected. Please use caution, adjust your driving to the conditions, and be prepared to stop or pull over if you meet a truck on the road.  Access is restricted to four-wheel drive vehicles with winter tires and chains

Regular updates on road conditions are available on the Dakota Ridge webpage at www.scrd.ca/dakota-ridge

BC Transit’s Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) electronic fare system is now live in the Sunshine Coast Transit System. Umo introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits.

New payment methods include the Umo Mobility app and a reloadable Umo card. The Umo Mobility app is free in the Apple App and Google Play stores. Once downloaded, riders create an account to purchase and manage their fare products. When ready to travel, riders open their app to display a dynamic QR code that serves as their fare product. As riders board the bus, they present their app’s QR code to a new onboard validator. The Umo app also provides riders with additional tools to help them plan their trip including real-time information and maps.

Riders alternatively have the choice of using a reloadable Umo card. A Umo card can be picked up for free from a BC Transit Umo vendor. The card is designed for continued use and can be continually topped up with fare products through a vendor, online at ca.umopass.com, or through Umo’s customer service call centre at 877-380-8181. When boarding, riders tap their card at the new onboard validator. Riders are recommended to register their card by creating a Umo account online or through the Umo customer service call centre using the unique number on the back of their card. Registering a Umo card will safeguard fare products in the event a card is misplaced. BC Transit Umo fare vendors on the Sunshine Coast include the Regional District Administration Office, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, Gibson Public Library, and the Gibson and Area Community Centre.

Umo’s arrival introduces changes and improvements to some of the fare products riders use with the introduction of the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance fare products. The 30-Day Pass, replacing the existing Monthly Pass as of February 1, can be activated at any time and provides riders with unlimited trips during a continuous 30-day period. Cash Balance, an alternative to cash and tickets, is a pre-paid dollar amount loaded to the Umo app or reloadable card, which riders draw from as trips are taken. While it is expected most riders will find one of Umo’s new payment methods a more convenient option, cash will continue to be accepted for those who prefer to use it. Riders interested in continuing to use tickets can continue to purchase them via the vendor network at the new price of $20.00.

The Sunshine Coast’s onboard DayPASS fare product is improved with Umo’s arrival by increasing the number of ways riders can access it and by lowering a rider’s commitment to purchasing it. Riders paying with a Cash Balance fare product will have their fare capped and automatically converted to a DayPASS after payment on their second trip of the day. This means regardless of a rider’s chosen Umo payment method, a rider will never pay more than two times the value of a cash fare for unlimited daily travel in the Sunshine Coast transit system. A rider will know a DayPASS has been applied to their payment method by referencing a confirmation message on the onboard validator’s digital screen.

BC Transit’s Umo customer service call centre is live for support. Riders can call 877-380-8181 toll-free from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to have their questions answered or receive support. For more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions visit bctransit.com/umo.

At a future date, BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.

A special weather statement for the Sunshine Coast is calling for snow, potentially up 20 cm in the region tomorrow, Wednesday January 17.

As a result of this information, there will be delayed openings for all SCRD recreation facilities, the Sechelt Landfill and the Pender Harbour Transfer Station. An update on potential opening times for these facilities will be provided before 10 a.m.

There may also be delays to curbside collection through the day so please stay tuned to the SCRD website and Facebook for updates.

Snowfall in the region has caused disruption to several SCRD services today. These service alerts have been shared on the SCRD’s Facebook Page and website through the morning. A list of affected services can be found below.

Closed
Field Road Main Administration Building
Sechelt Landfill
Pender Harbour Transfer Station

Closed for now
All SCRD recreation facilities. An update on whether these facilities may open later today will be provided by 3 p.m.

Cancelled
There is no Cursbide Collection service today for the Halfmoon Bay (green and pink) service area. All bins not collected this week will be collected next week along with what is already scheduled for next week. Stay up to date with curbside service alerts. Sign up today at www.scrd.ca/curbside-schedule.

Rescheduled 
Tomorrow’s Regional Hospital District Meeting has been rescheduled to January 25th, 2024 at 9 a.m. The Electoral Area Services committee meeting will proceed as scheduled.

Disrupted
Due to snow accumulation, there are disruptions to Transit service. The best way to stay up to date on these disruptions is by signing up for Transit alerts or checking the Transit alerts page that can be found linked here.

Roads
For questions about snow removal, please contact Capilano Highways at 604-983-2411 or email info@capilanohighways.ca

Parks
There are several updates on parks, sports fields and Dakota Ridge. These are being updated at www.scrd.ca/service-alerts.

Stay tuned to the SCRD on Facebook and the SCRD website for further updates through the day.

Snowfall in the region is continuing to cause disruption to SCRD services. An updated list of affected services can be found below.

Closed
Field Road Main Administration Building
Sechelt Landfill
Pender Harbour Transfer Station
All SCRD recreation facilities (Gibsons and Area Community Centre, Gibsons Pool, Sechelt Pool, Sunshine Coast Arena, Pender Harbour Pool)

Cancelled
There is no Cursbide Collection service today for the Halfmoon Bay (green and pink) service area. All bins not collected this week will be collected next week along with what is already scheduled for next week. Stay up to date with curbside service alerts. Sign up today at www.scrd.ca/curbside-schedule.

Disrupted
Due to snow accumulation, there are disruptions to Transit service. BC Transit’s Alert platform has been experiencing technical issues through the day. The SCRD is working to update the SCRD Facebook Page with the latest Transit information.

Roads
For questions about snow removal, please contact Capilano Highways at 604-983-2411 or email info@capilanohighways.ca

Parks
There are several updates on parks, sports fields and Dakota Ridge. These will be updated at www.scrd.ca/service-alerts.

Stay tuned to the SCRD on Facebook and the SCRD website for further updates for the rest of today and tomorrow morning.