SCRD Regional Growth

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The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) initiated a project to identify growth trends in the region and approach for how to guide growth in the future. The outcome of this project will help inform the SCRD Board’s decision on the necessity of further development of policies to manage growth. Information compiled for this project will also inform current work directed by the Board to renew the SCRD's Official Community Plans (OCP). Learn more about OCP Renewal at letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-review.


The Project

This project is a first step toward a potential new way of planning for the lower Sunshine Coast.

The SCRD is exploring what growth management policy approaches are right for our growing region. The Sunshine Coast population grew by 7.3% between 2016 and 2021 (1.46% per year) and is projected to continue growing steadily in years to come.

Growth management policies can be used to establish sustainable growth patterns by directing most new development within the region to suitable areas, facilitating environment protection, increased servicing efficiency, and enhancing mobility within the region.

Staff worked with MODUS, a consulting firm that specializes in community planning and engagement, and staff from the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons, and the shíshálh Nation Government District to develop a baseline framework on the current and forecasted regional growth information. The baseline information will be used to inform dialogue about regional planning opportunities and define a regional vision for sustainable growth. This information is outlined in three reports and is supported by a set of maps and a set of recommendations for future planning efforts.

Click the squares below to view the project reports:


Engagement Opportunities

Staff hosted a workshop with the elected officials of participating jurisdictions in May 2023 to gather feedback on the project and next steps. Staff will develop a public engagement plan to seek community feedback, based on direction from the Board. Engagement opportunities will be published on this webpage, social media, and in the Coast Reporter.

Join the project email list to receive updates on this project and be part of ensuring future growth leads to quality of life, environmental protection, and economic growth for all.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) initiated a project to identify growth trends in the region and approach for how to guide growth in the future. The outcome of this project will help inform the SCRD Board’s decision on the necessity of further development of policies to manage growth. Information compiled for this project will also inform current work directed by the Board to renew the SCRD's Official Community Plans (OCP). Learn more about OCP Renewal at letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-review.


The Project

This project is a first step toward a potential new way of planning for the lower Sunshine Coast.

The SCRD is exploring what growth management policy approaches are right for our growing region. The Sunshine Coast population grew by 7.3% between 2016 and 2021 (1.46% per year) and is projected to continue growing steadily in years to come.

Growth management policies can be used to establish sustainable growth patterns by directing most new development within the region to suitable areas, facilitating environment protection, increased servicing efficiency, and enhancing mobility within the region.

Staff worked with MODUS, a consulting firm that specializes in community planning and engagement, and staff from the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons, and the shíshálh Nation Government District to develop a baseline framework on the current and forecasted regional growth information. The baseline information will be used to inform dialogue about regional planning opportunities and define a regional vision for sustainable growth. This information is outlined in three reports and is supported by a set of maps and a set of recommendations for future planning efforts.

Click the squares below to view the project reports:


Engagement Opportunities

Staff hosted a workshop with the elected officials of participating jurisdictions in May 2023 to gather feedback on the project and next steps. Staff will develop a public engagement plan to seek community feedback, based on direction from the Board. Engagement opportunities will be published on this webpage, social media, and in the Coast Reporter.

Join the project email list to receive updates on this project and be part of ensuring future growth leads to quality of life, environmental protection, and economic growth for all.

Project Q&A

Do you have a question about the project? Share your project related questions below.  

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    Under Report 3, what is rationale for area just west of north end of Ruby Lake having a higher rating for population growth than surrounding area [Map p.33]? Is this a mapping error, where the Earl's Cove area was meant to have such rating?

    Rubylaker asked 9 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The “Opportunities for Growth” map on page 29 rates the area northwest of Ruby Lake as -2 to 0, whereas the surrounding area is rated less than -2. Both ratings can be interpreted as having little to no opportunity for growth based on the evaluation criteria. Earls Cove is rated slightly higher because of existing settlement and transportation link there.

    --  SCRD Planning & Development Team

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    How Sunshine Coast Labour Council can get involved to voice labour union workers prospectives? Please invite us for the future forum.

    Miyuki Shinkai asked 9 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Joining the project email list is the best way to receive updates on this project, including when a public engagement / comment period on the project is announced. Click the “subscribe” button on the top right hand side of the Let’s Talk Growth page to join the mailing list and stay informed.

    -- SCRD Planning& Development Team

Page last updated: 09 Apr 2024, 01:23 PM