Unified Alternative Approval Process

The Sunshine Coast Regional District is proceeding with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to determine whether there is community support to utilize long-term borrowing over a 10-year term to fund two recently approved capital projects.

The first project seeks approval from eligible electors in the Community Recreation Facilities Service (District of Sechelt, shíshálh Nation Government District, the Town of Gibsons, Electoral Areas of B – Halfmoon Bay, D – Roberts Creek, E - Elphinstone, and F – West Howe Sound, excluding those parts within the Trust Area under the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust). The roof membranes at both the Gibsons and Area Community Centre (GACC) and the Sechelt Aquatic Centre (SAC) are in poor condition and reaching the end of their expected service life. Replacement of the entire GACC roof membrane and the first of two sections of the SAC roof membrane is now required. The SCRD is proposing to borrow up to $3,456,200 over a 10-year term to finance the costs of the roof renewal project.

The second project seeks approval from eligible electors in the Halfmoon Bay Fire Protection Service (Electoral Area B, excluding those parts within the Trust Area under the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust). The existing Halfmoon Bay Fire Department Rescue Apparatus is 37 years old and is insufficient to meet the fire department’s current needs. The Halfmoon Bay community has grown significantly since this truck was originally acquired, resulting in more than a 400% increase to the fire department's call volume. A new Rescue Apparatus will provide Halfmoon Bay with a designated rescue vehicle, offering operational and safety improvements while carrying more rescue equipment and firefighters to emergency scenes more quickly. The SCRD is proposing to borrow up to $623,200 to be repaid over a 10-year term to replace the fire department's rescue apparatus.

If you are in support of the SCRD utilizing long-term borrowing to fund these projects, then there is no need to submit an elector response form. If however, you oppose long-term borrowing to fund either of these capital projects, and you are an eligible elector within the project's service area, you may submit a response form to indicate your opposition to borrowing without first holding an assent vote (referendum).

The Notice of AAP, Information Package and the Elector Response Form can be found at: www.scrd.ca/aap and for pick up at the Sunshine Coast Regional District office on Field Road during regular office hours.

Three Ways to Submit an Elector Response Form to Oppose the Proposed Loan Authorization Bylaw(s):

• Email legislative@scrd.ca (Emailed copies of elector response forms must be a legible hand-signed scanned copy).
• Drop off at the SCRD in person at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays, or drop off after hours in the mail drop slot located on the east side of the building.
• Mail to Sunshine Coast Regional District, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC V7Z 0A8.

Completed forms must be submitted before July 17, 4:30 p.m.

More information on this AAP may be obtained by contacting Sherry Reid, Corporate Officer by telephone at 604-885-6825, or Jennifer Hill, Deputy Corporate Officer, at 604-885-6813.

This is your space to ask questions and gain an understanding of the timeline of the process.