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Volume 19, Issue 04
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, January 28, 2021 Unsung Champions Page 9
COVID Update Page 3
Landfill In Halfmoon Bay?
Phare Lake Friends
Page 3
Funding Fury Page 5
Mailbox Theft Page 8
Sunnycrest Mall Incident Page 9
Sechelt Dog Park Delayed Page 9
MOTI Concerns Page 10
Skating Is Back Page 10
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Five Trumpeter swans have taken up residence at Phare Lake near Sechelt and seem to be planning on staying the winter. Trumpeter Swans are the heaviest flying bird in North America, weighing in at 11 kg with over 1.8 m wingspans. Almost hunted to extinction by 1900, they are a success story for conservation efforts to the point that they are no longer considered a species at risk. They generally mate for life, with breeding populations reaching from the Great Lakes, north across the Canadian Prairies, into the Yukon and Alaska. Most winter along the coastline of BC and the Fraser River lowlands. A visit to Iona Island or Boundary Bay will almost always provide opportunities to view many flocks of this majestic species of waterfowl. RAND RUDLAND PHOTO All sales subject to $599 admin fee, $99 fuel surcharge, and $500 finance fee where applicable. *OAC. Please see dealer for complete details.
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Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force community update #46 Dear Fellow Sunshine Coast Residents: As we flew out another patient with rapidly progressing COVID-19 symptoms last week, we were reminded once again how quickly people can deteriorate with COVID-19. Although age and risk factors come into play, it is difficult to predict who will be severely affected. We are acutely aware that the increased case numbers on the Coast over the past three weeks increase the likelihood that more people will require hospitalization and put even more stress on our healthcare system. It really comes down to very basic math: out of every 100 people who contract
COVID-19 in BC, approximately six will require hospitalization and between one and two will die. An additional five to 10 people will develop more severe symptoms, increasing their risk for long-term complications. This is consistent with the numbers we have seen here on the Coast, where we have now had over 100 cases. If we keep our case numbers low, we can minimize the number of people who experience more severe symptoms and worse. Keeping our numbers low allows our local healthcare team to safely care for those who do develop more severe symptoms and keep up with test-
ing and contact tracing. It also allows us to provide care for people with non-COVID health issues, which is still the majority of our work. If we are not careful, we run the risk of overwhelming our testing capacity, contact tracing capacity, and hospital capacity. This puts additional strain on our healthcare workers, who have already been running at a very highstress level for over nine months. We would very much like to avoid a worstcase scenario, but it will continue taking our whole community working together to keep all of us safe. We still see an average of one positive case per day on the Coast. While it is good
Three Area B (Halfmoon Bay) sites, each over 10 hectares, are to be explored as potential locations to replace the Sechelt landfill. The SCRD board will be asked to vote on taking that action on Jan. 28, based on a Jan. 20 infrastructure services committee recommendation. The recommendations followed committee review of the initial phases of a Future Solid Waste Disposal Options Analysis prepared by consulting firm Tetra Tech. That document identified exporting waste as another option for future disposal of the area’s garbage. The committee recommended the board look at building a waste transfer location in conjunction with planning for a new landfill. A site to assemble and package waste for shipment off-Coast is needed if the board opts for waste export rather than building a new landfill. Such a site may also be needed as a temporary measure if the board decides to build a new landfill and is unable to open it before the one in Sechelt needs to close. The analysis examined four routes the region could take to dispose of garbage once its landfill reaches capacity, which the SCRD currently forecasts will happen by 2026. The highest-ranked option was a new landfill, followed by exporting waste off-Coast, expanding the existing landfill or building a
waste-to-energy facility. Opening a new landfill is estimated to cost from $9.5 million to $13.5 million. Developing the facilities needed to package garbage for export is estimated to cost between $2 million and $5.5 million. The more costly landfill development alternative was ranked higher when operational costs were added in. Those costs are forecast at $2.5 million to $3.5 million per year for a landfill, opposed to $3.7 million to $6 million annually for the waste export option. Along with locations in Area B, the consultant’s explored siting a replacement landfill at a retired mine in Egmont and near the Hillside Industrial Park in the Langdale area. Both were deemed less desirable due to their locations and topography. Tetra Tech noted that the Hillside site had good potential for use as a transfer and load-out location, should the region opt to export its solid waste. Committee members questioned why a waste-to-energy facility was ranked as the least viable option. Wilbert Yang, Senior Waste Management Engineer with Tetra Tech, advised that although that option ranked the best in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, costs to build one would start in the $29 million range. According to Yang, in-
creasing capacity at the Sechelt landfill may be possible through a boundary expansion or building a retaining wall to allow waste to be stacked higher than is currently permitted. Such expansions, which are forecast to cost in the range of $1.8 million to $3.9 million, could provide the area with another five years of disposal space. Yang noted that retaining the Sechelt site as a transfer station was worth considering, as transfer stations will be needed if the export of waste is the selected disposal option or if that approach is used temporarily while a new landfill is being built. Yang also advised that if the board opts to build a new landfill, there is little time to waste in making decisions to get a new site open before the existing one closes. He explained that planning and provincial government approvals would likely take over two years. Design and construction phases would take another two years. Yang stated those time estimates were based on “everything running perfectly.” The committee also recommended that if the board supports development of a new solid waste disposal site at its Jan. 28 meeting, that it authorize public consultation on that initiative to begin this fall. Connie Jordison
Landfill possible in Halfmoon Bay
Bylaws endorsed for Trellis facility Sechelt council adopted the official community plan and rezoning amendments for the Silverstone Care Centre. The proposal for this privately run senior’s long-term care home, operated by Trellis Seniors Services on behalf of Vancouver Coastal Health, was introduced to the community in 2016. From the onset, local group Protect Public Health Care lobbied against the project that would replace publicly administered care currently being delivered at Shorncliffe and Totem Lodge with a new “operated
for profit” facility. Over the next four years, Trellis adjusted its plans several times. It began with a focus on locating in Sechelt. It then considered sites in Gibsons and on shíshálh Nation lands before returning to site its proposed facility on Derby Road and Cowrie Street in West Sechelt in 2020. When the required amending bylaws proceeded to public hearing in July of that year, Trellis announced that the hospice facility it had planned to include would not be proceeding, as the Sun-
shine Coast Hospice Society had decided to move in a “different direction.” The zoning amendment endorsed by Sechelt council on Jan. 20 authorizes 136 care rooms on the property. Hospice operations remain a permitted use under the new zoning of the site. Upon adoption of the bylaws, Mayor Darnelda Siegers stated, “I am looking forward to seeing this development moving forward.” Trellis’ website indicates it hopes to open the facility in 2022. Connie Jordison
that our numbers haven’t climbed higher, it suggests that we have yet to contain our holiday “bump” and that we have to keep working at it. We all know what to do, so it’s just a matter of doing it: only have members of your immediate household in your home; don’t gather with anyone outside of your immediate household under any circumstances; don’t go out for dinner with anyone outside your immediate household; limit off-Coast travel to essential reasons only (e.g. medical appointments or work); maintain physical distancing whenever possible; wear a mask in public indoor spaces; wash your hands fre-
quently. Please remember, stay home, and self isolate if you have any COVID-19 symptoms! Even if you don’t feel really sick, this is one of the keys to containing COVID19. Please arrange for testing right away if you have even one of the key COVID-19 symptoms: fever, chills, new cough (or worsening of a chronic cough), difficulty breathing, or loss of sense of taste or smell. You should also get tested if you have two or more of the following symptoms for more than 24 hours: a sore throat, headache, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and
The BC Centre for Disease Control local COVID-19 numbers for Jan. 10-16 show 21 confirmed cases on the Lower Sunshine Coast. BCCDC MAP
muscle aches. If you meet criteria for testing, please contact the Respiratory Assessment Clinic by phone or text at 604-740-1252 or by email at coastrespclinic@gmail.com. The clinic remains open seven days a week from 8:30am to 4:30pm. While you are awaiting assessment or test results, you must self-isolate at home, ideally in a separate space where you can limit contact with other members of your household. You must continue to self-isolate until you have tested negative and your symptoms have resolved. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will have to continue self-isolating until Public Health clears you. If you have more severe symptoms and believe you may need to be admitted to hospital, please go to the Sechelt Hospital Emergency Department. If you need an ambulance, please call 911. Please remember that the Emergency Department remains open and safe for anyone with a medical emergency. Keep well, and please keep doing everything you can to keep our community safe! Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force Dr. Jennifer Baxter Dr. Ted Krickan Dr. Herman Mentz Dr. Brian Nelson Dr. Daren Spithoff
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The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021
Letters to the Editor – Opinions Disinformation (Re: “Climate change and green energy,” letters, the Local, Jan.21) It is easy to factually dispute every sentence in Mr. Rhodes’s misinformation letter to the editor last week, but I’ll just stick to one area. He seems to have a puerile hate-on for one of Canada’s most respected and reputable scientists – David Suzuki, and arguably the best-known teenager in the world, Greta Thunberg, because they continuously remind us of the need to combat climate change – something Mr. Rhodes seems to think is a conspiracy. Perhaps he prefers the ‘alternate facts’ spewed by the now-impeached US president. He lumps the IPCC in with Suzuki and Thunberg, which is the one thing he gets correct. What he fails to mention and perhaps does not know is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) is a respected international body of top scientists and governmental bodies that comes together to assess the science and threat of climate change. I urge everyone and especially Mr. Rhodes, to go to their website (https:// www.ipcc.ch/) and read the peer-reviewed scientific studies done by this vast international group of scientists and specialists in their field, before spreading any further disinformation. I first learned about anthropomorphic climate change in the early 1970s studying for my first degree (Geography-Carleton University) and have followed
the IPCC since its inception, grateful that there is such an august body helping humanity to understand this critical threat. Because of my early and on-going knowledge/ research, I have made it my mission to dispute the many false statements, influenced largely by the fossil fuel lobby, that still come up far too frequently. We simply need to get on with solutions. Gayle Neilson, Elphinstone
Pleased
(Re: “Climate change and green energy,” letters, the Local, Jan.21) Very pleased to see your lead-off letter by Paul Rhodes with his critique. The community badly needs this kind of fair journalistic play in the public forum. PJ Reece, Lower Gibsons
David Suzuki
(Re: “Climate change and green energy,” letters, the Local, Jan.21) Thank you, Mr. Rhodes, for drawing attention to the David Suzuki pieces carried regularly by the Local. I appreciate such easy access to Suzuki’s views of humanity, society and the environment. Defenders of Alberta’s fossil fuel industries, like current Premier Kenney, will emphasize that Canada only contributes two percent to the world output of carbon emissions, but as you know Mr. Rhodes, on a per capita basis, our contribution places us near the top of the per person rankings (# 3 carbon emitter at 15.4 percent). China and India lag far behind Canada as per capita contrib-
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utors at 7.5 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Instead of excusing away our reliance on fossil fuels both in use and production, I’d prefer to see our country commit to becoming a responsible leader, a global “star” in reducing emissions, thereby giving our grandchildren a better chance of living out their lives on a healthier planet. This is the type of leadership that David Suzuki has spent his adult life pushing for. I’m sure that Greta and young Canadian leaders would welcome such leadership too. Dave Diether, Gibsons
Climate alarmists
(Re: “Climate change and green energy,” letters, the Local, Jan.21) I congratulate your newspaper for defying “political correctness” and publishing the contribution from Mr. Paul Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes is correct in his assertion that most of the media, the press included, advocate for climate change alarmists. Linking extreme weather events or natural disasters to global warming is widespread. However, those with more inquisitive minds can quickly discover that there has been no statistically significant increase over the last 50-80 years, in say the number of tropical cyclones and their strength, number of forest fires/area burned in Canada or Amazonia, etc. Checking real facts in such a manner, one can systematically dispel most of the supposed climate change-related calamities. As a scientist, I’ve never accepted the notion of “settled science” on anything, particularly if it comes from politicians or so-called celebrities. If we do, there will be no further scientific progress. Finally, the climate activists like Dr. Suzuki, Ms. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others would definitely have a much greater impact advocating their views in, say, China Daily and/or demonstrat-
ing on the Tiananmen Square against the hundreds of new coal-fired power plants being built/commissioned/ planned…, as we speak. Zbigniew Twardowski, Sechelt
We can do this (Re: “Climate change and green energy,” letters, the Local, Jan.21) Why would listening to learned scientists and people who learn from science be misleading? What is the other side, fantasy or whistful thinking? Comparing our country to others is childish, like refusing to put on a life jacket because our older brother doesn’t have one on. Yes, this is a complicated problem, turning around unfortunate habits and technology, but we have been given the warning from the majority of climate scientists and WHO that we are running out of time. Anyone who has been involved in any start-up or new technology knows that there are many starts and stops and bumps and improvements on the way. We are all getting better at finding new ways to produce energy
from waves, tide, geothermal, dams, new wind turbines, more efficient solar panels and mini nuclear. We also need to reduce, reuse and recycle and eat less meat. Yes, these are complex subjects, but we ARE listening to the experts, and David Suzuki is one of them. I know people are fearful of change, and that is why it is so important for us as a society to support a healthy financial support system for people going through the transition. Oil wells can become heat pumps. Welders and mechanics, and truck drivers will still be needed in all technologies. Four day work weeks will spread jobs, and some will just retire and do volunteer work. We can do this. Joan Payne, Sechelt
New operations building
Conversations are springing up in the community about the new operations building the District of Sechelt wants to build. The proposed facility is not extravagant but rather a very modest building with room to grow
as the community grows. It is a 1,000 square metre (roughly 10,000 square feet) operational building. For scale, this is less than a third the size of Sechelt’s largest grocery store. The new operation building would be built to BC Step Code Standards and incorporate energy-efficiencies in alignment with District’s commitment to address climate change. Although the total cost will be $3.8 million, the District has $800,000 in reserves to allocate and require a $3 million low-interest loan for the balance. We have current long-term loans for the Justice Service Building, which will be paid off next year, and for the Water Resource Centre, which will be paid off in 2025. I support this proposal because we have ‘temporarily’ had 18 staff working in cold, wet tents since 2012. They have a small portable building that is heated where they can change clothes and eat lunch, but the tents are where they perform heavy-duty maintenance on vehicles and equipment and build or repair furnishings or items for our buildings. The tents do not
Continued page 5...
Weekly Cartoon
Editorial Opinion Net zero offers affordable path to climate stability
Another year, another record. Even with a global seven percent drop in fossil fuel burning during the pandemic, 2020 tied 2016 for the hottest year recorded, making the past decade the warmest. The previous record in 2016 was set during an El Niño event, which contributed somewhat to rising temperatures, meaning last year was likely the hottest in terms of global heating. Average global surface temperature was 1.25 C higher than the pre-industrial average, nearing the 1.5 C aspirational target the world’s nations set under the Paris Agreement five years ago. In the Arctic and northern regions, average temperature was 3 to 6 C higher. As the world heats up, we’re experiencing ever-increasing impacts, from
deadly heat waves to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Last year, the Western US, Siberia, Australia, and parts of South America were hit with some of the biggest, most expensive wildfires on record, and studies showed climate disruption played a major role. These fires release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and destroy important carbon sinks, driving warming even faster. Last year also set records for Atlantic hurricanes and tied 2018 for the most tropical cyclones. New research shows global average temperatures could stabilize within a couple of decades if we quickly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero. Reducing emissions to “net zero” means not releasing any more than are being removed from the atmosphere. Although dra-
matically bringing emissions down is the critical factor, methods to remove CO2 and other greenhouse gases – such as forest and wetland protection and restoration – can balance out some released emissions. As the UN points out, affordable methods to get to net zero exist. At the end of 2020, 126 countries representing 51 percent of emissions had either adopted, announced or were considering net-zero goals, according to the World Economic Forum. The European Union, Japan, South Korea and the UK have pledged to do so by 2050, as has the incoming US Biden administration. Canada has introduced legislation but must do even more. Previous research indicated rapid heating would continue long after we reduce emissions because gases
such as CO2 and methane remain in the atmosphere for many years. New findings offer a hint of optimism. This is in part because as we bring emissions under control, natural systems such as oceans, wetlands and forests – and possibly technology – will remove some greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Of course, that means we must also take better care of those natural systems. It’s all interconnected. As climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe told the Washington Post, “It’s no longer a question of when the impacts of climate change will manifest themselves: They are already here and now. The only question remaining is how much worse it will get. And the answer to that question is up to us.” David Suzuki
Letters to the Editor – Opinions ...letters continued have hoists or other equipment, so some of our maintenance must be contracted out and costs us more. We also store our equipment in these tents, and having them in the cold and damp shortens their useful life. During the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, society is recognizing the pivotal role essential workers play in our lives. These were the unsung heroes that are now being celebrated. Be they our healthcare professionals,
your local check-out clerks at the grocery, or the District’s parks staff that maintain our trails so we can all enjoy a nice socially-distanced walk. All essential workers deserve a decent work environment. One suggestion that was recently made is to sell Lot 7, our civic square, to a developer to build housing and use the money from the land’s sale to build the operations building at Dusty Road with a municipal hall on top. Aside from the loss of our much-used public gathering
spaces, if such a hypothetical sale were to occur, there is no guarantee that a future buyer’s vision would align with the vision of our community. Housing is important, but we cannot force developers to build just because we want them to. I firmly believe that the Municipal Hall needs to be accessible to our citizens. Moving it three and a half kilometres from downtown across from an industrial quarry site and nowhere near a bus stop is not a plan I would support.
Municipalities vie for federal grants Both Gibsons and Sechelt are applying for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s BC COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream grants. At a special council meeting on Jan. 25, Gibsons council endorsed making an application for $316,234 to renovate its building at 494 South Fletcher. A verbal report from Director of Infrastructure Dave Newman about the proposed application was presented at the Jan. 19 regular council meeting. Council members asked for written details. With an application deadline of Jan. 27 looming, the special council meeting was required to make the decision to ask for funding for the renovation to create additional office space for Town personnel. The renovation will see two single occupancy offices, a shared workspace, a meeting room, file storage space and a reception area created. Newman advised council that the Town had no other capital projects at the “shovel ready” stage that would be eligible for this grant program. He noted that if applying for the grant was not approved
by council or if the application was not successful, staff would be raising this project for consideration in the Town’s 2021 capital budget. The space to be modified was formerly leased from the Town by Vancouver Coastal Health. Approximately half of the lower floor of the building was renovated in 2019. Those areas are now occupied by the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization and by the Town’s new Tourist Information Centre. On Jan. 20, Sechelt council endorsed making an application for $3,239,000 to that same grant program to fund improvements to its active transportation network. Work covered under the application would create safer walking and cycling routes in West Sechelt and West Porpoise Bay, in addition to improving trail connections between those two neighbourhoods. Proposed projects include constructing a multi-use pathway along Mason Road, from Highway 101 to Reeves Road, gravel trail upgrading in the area of Reeves, and improvements made along the Crowston Trail. Ripple Way would
Dodge SC
also be widened to provide 1.5-meter wide bike lanes on both sides of that route linking Kinnikinnick Elementary School and Kinnikinnick Park. In the East Porpoise Bay neighbourhood, Sechelt plans to build a 3.5 meter wide paved multi-use path along
The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021 5
A few people have said we should be focused on water and transit. Water and transit are the responsibility of the SCRD, and although Sechelt has a strong interest as a stakeholder, the District lacks the jurisdiction to allocate funding to those services. Some of the issues I’m hearing have absolutely nothing to do with the District of Sechelt needing a building for our staff. We want a basic facility at a decent price that respects the dignity of our staff as important essential work-
ers that will serve our community into the future. We have done our due diligence with a needs assessment, we reviewed several proposals, and we chose the one that meets our needs at the best price. This building will cost taxpayers on average $37.29 per year for 20 years. I think that is a reasonable price to pay to keep our assets secure and to provide reasonable working conditions for the District’s essential workers on the front line who maintain our
roads, plow the snow, clean up storm debris, plant our flowers, maintain our sports fields, and make our community a better place. Darnelda Siegers, Sechelt Mayor
Burnett Road, from its waterfront area on Sechelt Inlet to Sechelt Inlet Road. A similar pathway is being planned for along Sechelt Inlet Road, from Burnett Road to the Porpoise Bay Provincial Park boundary. Applicants are eligible to have the full cost of their projects covered by these grants. The federal government is
providing over $3 billion to provinces and territories to fund quick-start, short-term projects not eligible under the existing funding programs. Anticipated dates for announcements of grant awards were not provided. Program criteria states that municipalities successful in receiving grant funding must commit to starting the work by this Sep-
tember and complete their projects by the end of the year. Sechelt’s staff was successful in securing remote community status from the program administrators for its application. If awarded a grant, Sechelt will have up to the end of 2022 to complete any approved works. Connie Jordison
Regions unhappy with restart funding Several rural SCRD directors believe regional districts were shortchanged in the distribution of federal/ provincial COVID-19 restart funding. The province doled out those funds to local governments in late 2020. On the Coast, Sechelt received about $3.2 million and Gibsons about $1.5 million. The SCRD received roughly $850,000. That discrepancy, paired with the ongoing costly impacts of the pandemic on recreation facilities and programs, which are an SCRD responsibility, is frustrating its board. Discussion of this issue led to colourful exchanges at the SCRD planning and community development committee meeting on Jan. 21. Sechelt
Area Director Darnelda Siegers pointed out that the SCRD was also going to be receiving $800,000 in restart funding through grants given for BC Transit services. Board Chair Lori Pratt noted that those funds were from a separate federal program. She went on to say that the local government restart funding levels were “a hot button issue with rural directors across the province.” As for her personal view on restart funding equity, Pratt said, “I am still at the wailing and indignation stage.” The committee endorsed that the board consider adjustments to the 2021 recreation services budget to see reduced user fee revenue off-
set by taxation. Consideration of lower contributions to the recreation facilities capital pot, as a response to anticipated lower facility revenues given COVID-19 related operating restrictions, was also recommended. In discussions about how to maintain the Coast’s recreation services and facilities, Pratt said that she “preferred to use COVID restart dollars before looking to taxpayer funding at this time.” Area E Director Donna McMahon said she recognized that tax increases are an option to offset high recreation costs. She expressed concerns with collecting those revenues through a parcel tax, as was proposed by staff. In her view,
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a flat per property fee has a higher impact on residents with fewer economic resources. This is because properties valued in the millions of dollars would be assessed the same tax amount as ones with lower assessed values. She was also troubled by the fact that a parcel tax would be charged to all property owners, whether they use the recreation facilities or not. The committee agreed to refer final decisions on 2021 recreation service funding to its budget debate process slated to begin Feb. 1. In addition, they requested a staff report on the implications of changing regional funding for recreation facilities capital through parcel rather than property taxation. Connie Jordison
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should be sent by e-mail to editor@thelocalweekly.ca. The deadline is Monday at 10am for that week’s paper. Generally, letters should not exceed 300 words. And all letters must be signed, include the writer’s community of residence and (not for publication) telephone number. Letters may be edited for a variety of reasons.
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The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021
BUDGET 2021
Resid Sunsh websi furthe comm other apartm
Rebuilding our foundation
It has been a challenging twelve months. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resolve of communities and governments across our country and no one has been immune to changes and guidelines that were put in place for all of our safety. As was noted by our Chief Financial Officer in our most recent Annual Report, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and will be working through the economic implications of the pandemic for years to come. As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, I, along with our board want to make sure that all Sunshine Coast residents are aware of tough financial decisions that we have had to make in order to sustain service delivery across the SCRD. These decisions have not been made lightly and more are still to come as we continue budget discussions in the coming weeks. This year will see a rebuild of our foundation. What does this mean? Quite simply, we have challenges that need to be addressed in order for us to maintain the current services provided by the SCRD. We also have to look ahead to ensure our infrastructure can support our growing communities into the coming years. This means that through 2021, many of our major projects are going to be upgrades and improvements on existing services. To dig deeper and provide some examples: in the coming year, $2.5 million will be spent on safely closing off areas of the Sechelt landfill that have reached capacity. This work is very technical and must be done to a high environmental standard. We also need to prepare for the closure of the landfill and expand our work exploring alternatives for waste disposal in the SCRD.
function as part of our vital water supply system. These dams have not been updated in decades and must be brought into compliance with Provincial standards for safety and to prevent potential dam breaches in the future. This work will result in an expense of nearly two million dollars. Unfortunately, these are issues that have not been planned for appropriately in the past and it is incumbent on the current Board to ensure that these projects are completed. There is information included on the next page about upcoming utility bill increases associated with services that are provided by the SCRD. These increases are necessary if we are to maintain the quality of services such as water and refuse collection that we all enjoy, no matter where you live within the SCRD. These rate increases will be reflected on your April utility bill. In February and March you will have an opportunity to provide your input and have questions answered with regard to our upcoming budget. These sessions are outlined below. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be speaking with you in the way that we prefer, face to face, so I ask that you get involved, ask questions and understand more about our proposed projects for 2021 and why these rate increases are being implemented. This will help to inform you about why these utility rates have been approved by the Board and why some increases are on the horizon for other services in the SCRD. With a strong foundation, we can build for our future – that is our focus for 2021. Lori Pratt SCRD Board Chair Director, Halfmoon Bay
This year, we must also do significant work at our four SCRD operated dams to ensure they can continue to safely operate and
Upcoming Budget Meetings #SCRDBudget2021
Please note that for the purpose of the tables family dwelling, single suite in a dwelling, a sin customarily used as a self-contained living un
WA
Regional (Excluding North and South P
North Pender Harbour
South Pender Harbour
Please note that the rates listed above do not a portion of your property tax and are billed b Government separately to utilities.
GARB FOOD
Budget meetings are open to the public and are scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m. on: February 1, 2 and 5 for Round 1. March 4 and 5 for Round 2 Agenda packages and information on how to participate electronically are available at www.scrd.ca/agendas.
The rates above apply to residents in Areas B E (Elphinstone), and F (West Howe Sound).
The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021 7
2021 Service Rates
dents are encouraged to visit the hine Coast Regional District (SCRD) ite at www.scrd.ca/utility-rates for er information on rates for metered mercial properties, businesses and buildings such as motels and ments
WASTEWATER
s below, a residential dwelling refers to a single ngle strata lot or any building or structure nit.
ATER
The wastewater frontage fee and the separate wastewater user fee are annual charges for residents and businesses in rural areas of the SCRD who are participants within any of the 15 local wastewater services in the regional district.
Frontage Fees
Pender Harbour, and Town of Gibsons)
User Fees
t include Land Charges which make up by the District of Sechelt or Provincial
BAGE AND D WASTE
B (Halfmoon Bay), D (Roberts Creek),
For more information on your utility bill, visit: www.scrd.ca/utility-billing
8
The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021
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Due to current BC health orders, please contact local event coordinators to confirm events.
Thursday, January 28 • Virtual Storytime – the whole family can share in songs, rhymes, and stories (all-day), details at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/calendar/ • Family Literacy Week – Words in the Woods (to Jan. 30) – an outdoor reading adventure, Gibsons & District Public Library, 10am-5pm, details at https://gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/event/ • Sarah Ronald Art Exhibition “Territory” (to Feb. 7), mixed media – an exploration of boundaries represented by wildlife camera captures, 11am-4pm, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 431 Marine Drive, Gibsons, 604-886-0531 · info@gpag.ca · https://gpag.ca/ • Karen’s Paint Day/Night – Macramé wall hanging, $45, 1-3pm, CREATE, 6538 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, 604-989-3345 · Createsechelt@telus.net · http://facebook.com/createbykaren • Thursday Night Live with Joe Stanton: A virtual house concert on Facebook, 6pm @joestantonmusic
Friday, January 29
• Karen’s Paint Day/Night – Monet’s Water Lilies, $75, 1-4pm, CREATE, 6538 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, 604-989-3345 · Createsechelt@telus.net · http://facebook.com/createbykaren • Dine Out Sechelt (to Feb. 12), enjoy special offers at your favourite downtown participating restaurants, 10am-10pm, info at secheltdowntown.com/event/ dine-out-sechelt • Friday night mixology meetup: Rotary FUNdraiser – $50 per Zoom hookup which includes access to all seven mixology sessions, 6pm, details at www.rotarysunshinecoast.org
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Saturday, January 30
• New Painting Patagonia live online workshop with Lucas Kratochwil – learn Lucas’s personal landscape painting techniques alongside him from the comforts of your home, 9:30am-12:30pm, details at www.lucaskratochwil.com/workshops • SCSS Roberts Creek Invasive Plant Removal at the Lower Road bridge over Roberts Creek west of the Roberts Creek Legion, 3064 Lower Rd, 11am-1pm, bring gloves, eye protection, proper footwear, small or large clippers and a mask, info at 604-614-9814 · scstreamkeepers@gmail.com · https://sunshinecoaststreamkeepers.com/events/ • Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens, 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt, winter hours 11am-4pm
Sunday, January 31
• Pender Harbour Town Hall via Zoom for the communities of Pender Harbour and Egmont with a discussion and question period, 2pm, email questions in advance to board@phara.ca, visit phara.ca for Zoom details
Monday, February 1
• Have a tech question or want to learn how to use your device? Call Sechelt Library (604-885-3260) to book a one-on-one session with Talia – the technology expert, Mondays 10-12pm and Wednesday 10-12pm • Interested in starting your family tree or need help with genealogy research? Book a one-on-one free session with Teresa – the Sechelt Library genealogy tutor, Mondays 12:30-1:30pm and Fridays 1:30-2:30pm, call 604-885-3260
Includes listings compiled by the Coast Cultural Alliance. More details & more listings – including virtual events – at suncoastarts.com
Sunshine Coast Lifeline, Delivering a World of Care Peace of Mind for You & Your Family
Mailbox theft & mischief Between Jan. 21-24, a suspect gained entry to community mailboxes located at Redrooffs Road and Frances Road in Halfmoon Bay. Anyone with any information about this, or any recent community mailbox breakins, is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021548. The matter has been referred to Canada Post. ••• Overnight on Jan.19, a suspect shot a pellet at a vehicle parked, smashing a window, in the 800 block of Marine Drive, Gibsons. This is the second such occurrence in
the past few months. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-428. ••• Overnight on Jan. 21, a suspect vandalized a business in the 5500 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, by spray painting offensive slurs on the building’s front. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and are asking anyone with any information about this incident to contact RCMP, referencing police file 2021-466. Submitted by RCMP
While we are all happy to turn the calendar from 2020 to 2021, the past year has provided an opportunity for leaders of our community to step forth more than ever before. The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of these leaders, people who make incredible contributions to enrich their community. We recently had the opportunity to meet some of these individuals at our virtual Constituency Office Open House. Our inaugural Unsung Champions Awards was held to recognize and celebrate outstanding volunteers who make our communities kinder, stronger and a better place for all of us. Meet our first recipient Penny Lyle, a member of the Sechelt Garden Club. Penny works tirelessly with her team to help local businesses beautify their courtyards, storefront and public patios
with planters and flowers, including the ongoing maintenance of these flowers and flowerbeds throughout the year. Take a walk down the streets in Sechelt, and you are bound to see Penny’s passion in bloom. Graham Walker brings a welcome optimism, joy and energy to his community. He has volunteered countless hours over the past year as the music coordinator, sound technician and emcee for Slow Sundays in the Creek. This multi-generational event brings joy and energy to the community through music and games – you may even see Graham strike up a tune. Irene Davy and the late Clint Davy have spent countless hours treating and helping many thousands of sick or injured birds and animals through the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre while returning a large percentage of them back to the wild. Irene and her team of volunteers work seven days a week, in all weather, to make a huge difference to the wildlife of the Sunshine Coast. Irene and
her team have given many of our beloved wildlife a second chance. The Sunshine Coast Farmers Institute is a community of members who support small-scale, ethical and sustainable farming on the Sunshine Coast. Through their significant and ongoing efforts, they provide bulk buying and educational opportunities that help local farmers become more successful and resilient. The passion and skills of this group has been a tremendous support to smallscale farmers all along the Coast. These Unsung Champions step up to serve our communities, doing work that often goes unnoticed and without any expectation of being recognized. That is why we are so thrilled to highlight their contributions. It is heartwarming to know what a difference you make to your community. Your comments and feedback are welcome: 6367 Bruce Street, West Vancouver, V7W2T5, 604-913-2660, Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca
Last January, I wrote about ethics in education – how do we teach students to critically think about their own ethics? Providing them with approaches to confronting issues of values and ethics that transcend specific rights and wrongs in today’s changing political, social and economic environment. One way we can do this is by modelling an ethical culture in our organizations. Given the current political and societal challenges we are facing, overtly demonstrating the importance of
ethics could be the most important thing we do in 2021. And what are the core characteristics of an ethical organization? Here are my top four: 1. Strong values statements. Deeply ingrained principles that serve as guideposts for the organization’s decisions and actions. Integration of these values into each sector and employee group of the district clearly demonstrating how they impact our decisions. 2. District leadership modelling ethical ways of being. Openly talking about ethical dilemmas and how decisions are made through a values and ethics lens. 3. Effective Governance. School boards play a key role in establishing and maintaining a district’s ethical com-
pass. The development of policies based on values is an effective way to keep ethics at the heart of the organization. 4. Periodic review of the district’s policies. Reviews ensure policies continue to meet the organization’s ethical standards and give us the opportunity to reflect on new issues that are emerging. This kind of regular review is important to the current board of SD46. We recently created a new anti-racism policy and have convened an ad hoc committee to consider how a policy might reflect an ethical approach to the inequities created by poverty in our community. Having in-depth conversations about these issues around the board table is what keeps our work juicy and alive.
Plans were in place for the Sechelt dog park to open in the spring of 2020. However, Trail Avenue road construction caused that to be delayed until spring of 2021. The Trail Avenue road construction required excavation of soil and gravel from the site that was placed on Ebbtide Street temporarily. This storage of road material blocked access to the park during road works. As the road is near completion and
all excavated material has been removed, BC Hydro has recently expressed concern about the location of the hydro junction box. It will need to be relocated to ensure its accessibility for their technicians and away from any sloped landscaping. At present, the District is working with the District consultant to redesign the sidewalk, relocate the hydro box, and install new park drainage infrastructure. It is
anticipated the design and reconstruction will be completed by April and the dog park fence, gates and site furnishings installed soon thereafter. Parks Manager Jayme Anderson stated, “While this unexpected delay has been disappointing for dog owners, I am pleased that the grass has had time to establish so it can better withstand dogs running around and having fun in the new park.” Submitted
On Jan. 23, at approximately 5pm, police were called to assist a security guard at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons. The security guard at the mall had attempted to intervene in a loud domestic argument between a man and a woman after the woman asked the guard to call 911 on her behalf. The altercation between the guard
and the man in his late 40’s continued throughout the mall and into the parking lot outside London Drugs. The man damaged property, tried to light a sign on fire and tried to engage the guard in a physical fight. The man threatened to stab the security guard, and upon police arriving, they saw the man pull a knife from a sheath. After some time, the police were
able to de-escalate the situation verbally, and the man dropped the knife and was taken into custody without incident. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident and may have video footage to contact the RCMP at 604-885-2266 or email Cst. Whitby at karen. whitby@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Submitted by RCMP
Sechelt dog park opening delayed
Police incident at Sunnycrest Mall
The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021 9
The Sechelt Garden Club’s Director of Community Projects Penny Lyle and her team have been supporting the Sechelt Downtown Business Association for the past five years, helping to beautify our downtown. This year, Sechelt Garden Club members donated $500 to kick off the fundraising efforts for the Periwinkle Lane Project, helping to lift the spirits of our residents and make our town more walkable and welcoming with a donation, flowers, and greenery. Penny Lyle (left) and Gerri Randall (right). SUBMITTED PHOTO
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) Your sights remain fixed on the future. A steadily growing ambition to direct your focus and energy to align with the steady and powerful waves of change coming in is likely and ideal. As if suddenly, you want to know what is your best strategy and what information and tools you need. Just be aware that Mercury will be retrograde for the next three weeks before you sign important documents. Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) The world is changing quickly now and you are probably experiencing the full weight of it more than others. Sober Saturn in your solar career house, where it will remain for years does offer the potential for advancement and new positions of authority. Yet, with this comes major responsibility too. Jupiter Also in Aquarius invites expansion guided by calculated risk. Gemini (May 21-June 21) You have entered a philosophical phase in your life. It comes after a rather deep process change over the past few years. You may also feel inspired by new knowledge and/or initiatives shared with other like-minded souls. Key factors point to taking new leads and strides this year. In the short term, Mercury retrograde suggests the need to proceed slowly for now. Cancer (June 22-July 22) You have entered a cycle of deep change that will prove metamorphic somehow over the coming years. Positively, its first wave which began in late December is suggestive of returns for past efforts. Meanwhile, you feel called to exercise your ability to think critically even more than usual.
Over the coming few weeks this could lead to distinct changes in some of your interpretations. Leo (July 23-Aug. 23) The emphasis on health that began a couple of weeks ago comes to a peak this week. Awareness is the key in this regard. Of course, there are even many theme fronts and another is linked to taking bold leads linked to investments. This focus will continue this week and will require you to pay closer attention to the details. Important relationship activations are also featured. Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) Thoughts, plans and actions linked to increasing your sense of security regarding the future are getting a lot of your attention now and this focus will continue. While you probably have reason to feel confident, you may also be contending with low lying feelings of insecurity. To overcome this, get organized and get clear regarding your options regarding productive uses of your time. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You have entered a creative cycle. Your biggest challenge includes deciphering how to best direct your focus. A patient approach will also help as the projects and initiatives begun now will likely take some time to complete. Creating beauty will likely be a guiding force and could include themes of transformation, like stripping furniture or remodeling. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A mix of fear and elation are gestating within you. This emotional complex will percolate throughout the year. Letting go of old beliefs, perceptions and self-concepts is part of the plot. Mars and Uranus in your solar relationship house are suggestive of important changes on relationship fronts which include some measure of
opposition. Other factors indicate that you could come down hard on opposition. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Taking stock of your financial future is leading you to consider new perspectives and approaches. This trend will continue strongly over the coming weeks and will linger on much longer as well. A learning curve is implied and the urge to engage it will be fully activated by the coming New Moon in Aquarius. Although Mercury is retrograde, it will actually support your focus. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The time has come to build upon new foundations. Venus conjunct Pluto in your sign will serve to ignite your resolve. Making key investments whether of time, energy, money or others resources is featured. This could include new alliances and joining clubs and other such interest groups. People-power may prove to be your greatest asset so be open to the gifts and talents of others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) All this Aquarius activity is bound to be activating you to take new leads and strides. If it seems that this has not occurred yet, it will be activated by the New Moon in your sign on February 11. Yet, all the conjunctions currently occurring are planting their own seeds of change. While these apply to us all, for you they will synchronize with measurable shifts in your overall scope of priorities. Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Aquarius time tends to be one during which you seek refuge behind the scenes more than at other times of the year. This may feel especially true since Sun Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn and Venus on February 1st join the pack. Positively, it will lead you to be constructive and productive behind the scenes. The activating impulse of the Leo Full Moon, however, will call you out to play. michael@sunstarastrology.com
10
The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021
Communications with MOTI a Coast concern SCRD committee calls for improved communication with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) were “received loud and clear” by MOTIs Lower Mainland District Manager, Elena Farmer. Farmer was one of several ministry representatives that attended the Jan. 21 transportation advisory committee meeting to discuss the Highway 101 Corridor Study. The study presentation received a rocky reception from the committee. Sechelt Mayor and committee representative Darnelda Siegers said she was displeased with the study timelines, which will allow the ministry up to five years to address “short term”
projects. Siegers wants to see failing highway infrastructure addressed sooner. She also asked that the ministry adjust its plans so that projects like highway intersection improvements at Wharf and Inlet can be done in conjunction with municipal infrastructure work at the same location. With design work 90 percent complete, Sechelt is planning to start construction on its project this year. Siegers’ final comments to the ministry focused on communication issues. The MOTI group participated with voice but no video during the online Zoom platform committee meeting. Siegers asked that they have that video capacity in place in advance of making
a similar Zoom-style presentation before Sechelt council. She also asked the local ministry representative to ensure that the dates of upcoming committee meetings were entered into calendars and that a representative attends all future meetings of that group. Farmer acknowledged those requests. Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC) committee representative Alun Woolliams also noted that better communication was needed on the ministry’s planning for active transportation projects that it sponsors. He said that such projects often “come as a surprise” to Coast residents. Woolliams would like efforts
Public skating is back at the Sunshine Coast Arena. SCRD staff have been working diligently over the last several weeks to ensure that the arena can be reopened safely under the latest public health orders. So how do you book a skate? Well, first of all, you need to pre-register at www. scrd.ca/recreation or by phone at 604-885-6802. Due to public health orders, there have been some changes. Here is what you can expect when you arrive for your skate. • A new way to get around – please follow the directions in the arena, which will allow everyone to get to where
they need to go with minimal contact. • Masks – we recommend you wear one while on the ice, as they must be worn everywhere else in the facility. • No change room access, plan to shower and change at home. • No water fountains – bring your own filled water bottle from home. • Skate and helmet rentals are still available – staff are ensuring that equipment is thoroughly sanitized between rentals. • No spectators – unfortunately, under the current public health order, we cannot allow spectators in the bleachers.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Sunshine Coast residents back on the ice and ask that you make sure you know about the changes outlined above before you go,” says Ian Hall, GM of planning and community development. “I want to recognize the integral role played by our recreation staff in the reopening process, they have overcome every challenge presented to them to ensure that the arena could reopen safely.” More information on changes at the arena, and physical distancing while on the ice, can be found on the SCRD website. Submitted by SCRD
Dakota Ridge is an incredible and beautiful resource for residents right across the Sunshine Coast. Great areas to snowshoe, sled and cross-country ski, but the SCRD asks those with an offroad vehicle such as an ATV or snowmobile to please stay off the trails. In recent weeks, trails that are impeccably maintained by dedicated volunteers have been torn up and destroyed by people driving off-road vehicles. This year, as more
people head up to Dakota Ridge than ever before, it is important to make sure that they can get around safely and easily locate trails, particularly if this is their first time in the area. “It is unfortunate to see a few people destroying the hard work of our amazing Dakota Ridge volunteers,” says Ian Hall, GM of planning and development. “We want Dakota Ridge to continue to be an incredible area for recreation for Sunshine Coast
residents, so please, if you are driving an off-road vehicle, keep it off the trails.” SCRD staff would also like to remind visitors to Dakota Ridge that the road servicing the area is also a logging road, so use caution while driving on it, stick to the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop or pull over if you meet a truck on the road. More information about Dakota Ridge can be found at scrd.ca/dakota-ridge. Submitted by SCRD
made to improve ministry/ SCRD feedback loops on this and other matters. Committee members also expressed disappointment with the study’s focus on highway capacity and safety for motor vehicles, with less attention paid to the concerns of cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Diana Mumford, the local ferry advisory committee’s representative at the meeting, asked why issues like a lack of safety lighting along the highway were not
addressed. Farmer responded that the ministry normally only lights key intersections on its highways. She agreed that discussion of lighting for transit stops along the highway could be discussed as improvement project planning proceeds. The ministry contracted with Parsons Corporation to undertake the study to explore options to improve the safety and operations of the corridor. The results, including recommendations for implementation of short, medium and long term improvement projects, were released
in September 2020. The study is available online at gov.bc.ca. The report ranks consideration of construction of major highway bypass areas or a new highway as a long-term project. The timing for longterm projects is 35 years into the future. Following review of the study, the committee considered a request from the Sunshine Coast Highway Society. The committee recommended that the SCRD board write to the province to “confirm its support of the need for a new highway in the very near future.” Connie Jordison
Skating is back at Sunshine Coast Arena
Help keep Dakota Ridge trails pristine
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The Local - Thursday, January 28, 2021
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1100 SUNSHINE COAST HWY #110
604-886-0102
Locally Owned & Operated for over 20 Years!
1-800-584-0102
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm