The State of Local Emergency (SOLE), in place due to a wildfire at Clowhom Lake has been cancelled.

The evacuation order for seven properties in the Clowhom Lake area has been changed to an evacuation alert. Further information on properties affected by this evacuation alert, including steps that those under evacuation alert should take can be found by clicking here.

The SOLE has been cancelled due to more favorable weather conditions and operational progress made by the BC Wildfire Service. The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is very grateful for the tireless work of the BC Wildfire Service in helping keep our communities safe.

The BC Wildfire Service has advised those returning to properties in the area to be prepared. Roads and land may be impacted by debris and fire-damaged forest. Anyone re-entering the area should be prepared to deal with hazards including but not limited to danger trees, erosion and the impacts of rainfall as well as continuing fire operations including crew, aviation and heavy equipment work. It is also expected that low-vigor fire activity will be observed within the fire perimeter and smoke will be visible well into the Fall.

The SCRD’s Emergency Operations Centre remains active to ensure prompt coordination of resources if required.

Further information on the fire can be found via the BC Wildfire Service.

Effective immediately, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared an end to Stage 4 water conservation regulations on the Chapman Water System.

Residents are asked to please inform neighbours and friends who do not access information online about the changes.

The South Pender Water System will remain on Stage 3 water conservation regulations. Staff are constantly reassessing these regulations and updates will be provided when available. Unfortunately, the area has not received the amount of rain required to scale back water conservation regulations at this time.

The Eastbourne Water System remains at Stage 4 and there is no change to Egmont, Cove Cay, North Pender Harbour and groundwater sources in Langdale, Soames Point, and Granthams Landing which all remain at Stage 1.

“Thankfully, this has been a shorter period at Stage 4 water conservation regulations than past years on the Chapman Water System,” says SCRD Chief Administrative Officer Dean McKinley. “I want to commend our staff for their forward thinking and innovation in the early Summer months which played a significant role in maintaining water supply in Chapman Lake.”

A water supply update will be provided to the SCRD Board tomorrow (Thursday, September 28) 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. The update will also be posted on www.scrd.ca tomorrow morning.

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

After significant rainfall on the Sunshine Coast, local fire chiefs, in consultation with the Provincial Coastal Fire Centre have lifted the campfire ban for the Region.

While campfires are once again allowed, backyard burning is still prohibited until mid-October.

“We have seen the destruction that wildfires have brought to other parts of our Province this summer. On behalf of the fire chiefs and the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program, we appreciate the diligence shown by residents these past few months,” says Gibsons Fire Chief Rob Michael. “That being said, the threats associated with fire never go away so please check in with your local fire department if you have any questions about current regulations.”

Further information can be found via each fire department at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments

The evacuation alert in place for seven properties in the Clowhom Lake area has been cancelled and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is stepping down an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for this event.

B.C. Wildfire has advised that recent weather has allowed for progress to be made in fighting the Clowhom Lake Fire . The list of properties that were previously under evacuation alert can be found here.

As was stated in a news release this weekend, the BC Wildfire Service has advised those returning to properties in the area to be prepared. Roads and land may be impacted by debris and fire-damaged forest. Anyone re-entering the area should be prepared to deal with hazards including but not limited to danger trees, erosion and the impacts of rainfall as well as continuing fire operations including crew, aviation and heavy equipment work. It is also expected that low-vigor fire activity will be observed within the fire perimeter and smoke will be visible well into the Fall.

The SCRD has also stepped down the EOC for this fire event.

“We are so appreciative of the work done by the hardworking crews of the B.C. Wildfire Service in helping keep our communities safe,” says SCRD Board Chair Leonard Lee. “I would also like to commend our own staff, working in the EOC for the excellent coordination which allowed for those who could have been in harms way to safely evacuate the area.”

The SCRD utilized the Region’s emergency alert system during this event. A reminder to those living in rural areas  and municipalities to please take time to sign up to Voyent Alert. It takes a few minutes and will ensure that evacuation alerts and orders are sent directly to your chosen method of communication. Learn more at www.scrd.ca/alert-system

Finally, with significant rain events taking place, and more on the way, the SCRD is reminding residents to please take some time to clear culverts in and around your home. The graphic below shows which culverts are your responsibility.

The culverts marked “Road maintenance contractors’ responsibility” are the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Capilano Highways on the Sunshine Coast. If you have concerns about a culvert that is not on a property as shown above then contact 604-740-0667 or 604-740-8985. You can also contact your local municipality should you have concerns about blocked culverts near your residence.

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

Chapman Lake, September 30, 2023

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

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

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is celebrating the success of its 10^th 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.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) will begin accepting applications for the 2024 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 28, 2024.

Projects must be completed, including a final report, by June 30, 2025. 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:

• Davis Bay Community Hall that reduced the need for single use items like plastic cutlery, cups and plates thanks to the Davis Bay Wilson Creek Selma Park Community Association.
• Roberts Creek Community Hall expanded the recycling collection system and improved on the overall sustainability and waste reduction for events at the hall.
• Opening events and monthly exhibits are closer to being zero waste at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery. The implementation of reusable serving ware and improved waste sorting has reduced the resistance to reducing waste my making it easier to serve food at events.
• Davis Bay Elementary is serving up hot lunches with reusable dishware and cutlery, so single use items are no longer needed with this easy switch.
• The Sunshine Coast Resource Centre is reducing e-waste with their kindness corner by redistributing electronics like phones and computers that would have otherwise been recycled to new homes.

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

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 September 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 2500 meters have been installed.

Lower Crown Raw Water Reservoir

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

The feasibility of this projects 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 water from Chapman Lake into Chapman Creek to ensure that there is 200 litres of water in the lower reaches of the creek to maintain the health of the ecosystem. This is provided in addition to the water for community use.

The SCRD sought approval from the shíshálh Nation on a proposal to amend the current EFN for early Summer. The SCRD has been 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 were completed in 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.

The drilling of another five wells will be completed in the coming months. If the test results of these 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 water service areas.

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

In addition to the above, the SCRD is retaining a contractor to complete 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 recently 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.

Get ready to hop on board, fare free transit for youth is coming to the Sunshine Coast on November 1, 2024.

Youth between the ages of 13 to 17 or still in Grade 12 will need to get a transit pass, known as the S-Pass, that allows them to ride the bus at no charge. Young people 12 and under can already travel for free.

The S-Pass will be available as a smart phone app or by obtaining a physical card.  Because it is a special fare, Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) staff will need to help youth activate their S-Pass.  Whether using the app or requesting a card, youth will be required to present picture I.D. (i.e. SD#46 picture I.D. card or Drivers License) to activate the pass.

More information on how and where to get the S-Pass will be available in the coming weeks.

So whether it’s a trip to the pool, dropping by a friend’s house or heading off to a practice, get ready to go for free starting November 1.

Background:

Recognizing the importance of encouraging regular transit use, building life-long ridership, reducing barriers to transit, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the SCRD Board of Directors approved the removal of fares for youth in their 2024 Financial Plan.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is celebrating the success of its 11^th annual Backroad Trash Bash, which took place on Saturday, September 21.

Thirty-one volunteers gathered to clean up trash illegally dumped at 30 sites from Halfmoon Bay to Roberts Creek.

Volunteers included community residents, members of the Sunshine Coast Four Wheel Drive Association Club and Sunshine Coast Dirt Bike Association, and representatives from Salish Soils and the SCRD.

Special thanks to the Sechelt Lions Club for helping to set up the event and cook the volunteers’ lunch.

This year, 3,880 kilograms of illegally dumped waste was collected by community volunteers. Materials found at the dump sites included tires, electronic waste, furniture, appliances, metal, and household garbage. Of the materials collected refrigerators, TVs and microwaves are recyclable for free at a local depot. Some of the tires, like off rim passenger tires are also accepted for free at local tire shops four at a time.

“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 Marc Sole, SCRD Manager of Solid Waste Services. “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.

Effective immediately, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared an end to water conservation regulations for water users on the Chapman, Egmont, Cove Cay, North and South Pender Harbour, Langdale, Soames Point, Granthams Landing and Eastbourne water systems.

“We are thankful that we made it through this summer without the need to implement Stages 3 or 4 in the Chapman Water System, first time in nine years,” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager, Infrastructure Services. “Repairing leaks combined with the Church Road Well Field water source have played a significant role in maintaining water supply in the Chapman Water system this year.”

“I want to commend our staff for their dedication in identifying and communicating with property owners about large leaks on private properties,” says SCRD Board Chair, Leonard Lee. “I also want to thank property owners for conserving water and for promptly addressing their leaks, including those that have been identified as part of the ongoing water meter installation project in Sechelt.”

Information on water conservation regulations can be found at www.scrd.ca/water-regulations

Get ready to hop on board, fare-free transit for youth is coming to the Sunshine Coast on November 1.

The Youth Travel Pass, known as the “S-Pass,” will provide fare-free transit on Sunshine Coast bus routes for young people aged between 13 and 18 who are attending secondary school. Kids 12 and under can already travel for free.

In the lead-up to the start date of November 1, students, parents and school staff will see lots of information about the S-Pass at schools and recreation facilities around the region.

Who is eligible?
To get your hands on an S-Pass you need to have a valid SD46 student ID card or a current government issued photo ID (such as a passport or drivers license).

How to get the pass?
SCRD staff will be at the locations listed below to help young people get their hands on the S-Pass. Before attending these locations, decide if you would like a physical card or if you’d rather have it available via an app on your smartphone.

If you want it on your smartphone, then please download the UMO Mobility App from your app store. Ensure you bring your smartphone, along with your ID and SCRD staff can activate the S-Pass on your phone.

Where to get your pass.
Sechelt Aquatic Centre – 5500 Shorncliffe Avenue, Sechelt
Gibsons and Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road, Gibsons

• October 29, 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• November 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• November 4 to 8 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre

• October 23 from 12:15 p.m, to 1 p.m.

After November 8, drop into the Sechelt Aquatic Centre, the Gibsons and Area Community Centre or the main SCRD Administration Building at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, during regular operating hours to have your pass activated.

Don’t forget your ID and if you want to have the pass on your smartphone, download the Umo app and bring your smartphone too. If you have an existing Umo card you can bring it and the S-Pass will be activated on that card.

The 2024-2025 S-Pass is valid on SCRD conventional Transit buses between November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.

Visit https://www.scrd.ca/s-pass for more information.