Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

SCRD

Sechelt water meter contract awarded

Sechelt water meter contract awarded

“After two years of severe drought, it is more critical than ever that we utilize our water resources as wisely as possible,” said board chair Leonard Lee in a press release. “The installation of water meters will help our community better understand their own consumption and will allow the SCRD to make efficiencies to further secure water supply for the region.” The leak detection and user water consumption benefits were highlighted in the release. "It is common for communities to realize a reduction in water consumption by 20% to 30%."

B.C.'s Sunshine Coast lifts state of emergency caused by drought

B.C.'s Sunshine Coast lifts state of emergency caused by drought

A state of local emergency in response to drought along British Columbia's Sunshine Coast has been lifted with water flow returning to a key water source. A statement from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), the District of Sechelt and shíshálh Nation says levels in the watershed have risen slightly because of snowmelt with warmer-than-expected temperatures. Leonard Lee, the regional district board chair, says staff have worked hard to ensure residents have had access to water through a 100-day summer drought and an unprecedented transition to freezing.

State of emergency declared on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast because of drought

State of emergency declared on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast because of drought

A state of local emergency declared on the Sunshine Coast because of drought includes an order for breweries, water bottlers and non-medical cannabis growers to shut down water use starting at 11:59 p.m. PT on Tuesday. According to the order, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has secured the water supply through early November but is using the emergency order "to further secure and expand water supply should there be no significant rainfall on the Sunshine Coast in the coming weeks." A state of local emergency has also been declared by the District of Sechelt and the shíshálh Nation.

Edwards Lake siphons in place to feed Chapman water system

Edwards Lake siphons in place to feed Chapman water system

With the Edwards Lake siphon in place, that means the community has guaranteed water supply until early November, the SCRD's manager of infrastructure services Remko Rosenboom says. But, that comes with disquieting caveat: 'After Edwards, there are no defined, guaranteed supplies left.' As of mid-day on Oct. 5, siphons on Edwards Lake are set to start adding water to the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) Chapman water system. Testing was successfully completed and with regulatory approvals in place, the SCRD’s manager of infrastructure services Remko Rosenboom says that means the community has guaranteed water supply until early November.

SCRD steps up water use patrols

SCRD steps up water use patrols

The current and forecasted continued warm and dry weather in our area has led the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to ramp up patrols to enforce current watering rules and educate residents on conservation measures. The SCRD introduced Stage 2 measures in late July for both the Chapman and South Pender systems, while Eastbourne is at Stage 3 and North Pender remains at Stage 1.

SCRD declares Stage 4 water restrictions

SCRD declares Stage 4 water restrictions

Following weeks of hot and dry weather and ongoing high water use, Stage 4 water restrictions are in effect for the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) until further notice. The severe water conservation regulations, banning all outdoor use of drinking water, came into effect at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 10. The restrictions apply to those on the Chapman water system, which includes the District of Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and parts of Elphinstone. A $500 fine applies to anyone found not complying. As of Aug. 9, the SCRD had issued 57 warnings and four fines since Stage 1 began in May. “Under these drought conditions, water use priorities focus on water for human health, firefighting and environmental flow requirements,” an Aug. 10 SCRD press release said.

Follow us