Sunshine Coast Green Bylaws
Local governments play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. By implementing effective strategies to protect our natural values, they empower communities to confront climate and biodiversity-related challenges while providing clarity and assurance to developers.
This proactive approach fosters an environment where nature and residents can thrive, enhancing community well-being.
In 2021, residents of Halfmoon Bay sought support and guidance from the SCCA regarding a proposed development in their area. A primary concern raised was the potential impact of land clearing on sensitive ecosystems and the community. We formed a small working group to assess these challenges and develop solutions. The Halfmoon Bay residents collaborated with their Community Association to establish the ‘Halfmoon Bay Community Development Forum (the Forum).’ The Forum’s primary focus is to address local land use issues and ensure that development aligns with the Halfmoon Bay Official Community Plan.
Understanding that private land development widely impacts ecological values on the Sunshine Coast, the SCCA invited the Forum to collaborate on a coast-wide campaign to help local governments address climate change and biodiversity loss.
In the fall of 2022, the Forum and the SCCA, with support from Organizing for Change, co-hosted a brainstorming workshop focused on revitalizing local environmental protection tools.
The workshop served as a platform for local organizations, government bodies, and experts to exchange ideas on strategies for regional environmental protection.
Subsequently, the SCCA and the Forum collaborated with the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre (ELC) to examine the environmental protection tools available to local governments, highlighting the importance of supporting sustainable development while preserving sensitive ecosystems.
The ELC report "Green Bylaws for the Sunshine Coast," published in July 2024, addresses significant challenges such as population growth, climate impacts, and resource constraints. It underscores the concurrent review of Official Community Plans (OCPs) as a unique opportunity for regional cohesive planning.
The report includes five key recommendations:
- Prioritize ecosystem connectivity.
- Establish comprehensive, long-term ecosystem policies.
- Create binding mechanisms to protect sensitive ecosystems from development.
- Enhance the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment procedures.
- Ensure planning decisions are grounded in robust scientific knowledge.
These recommendations offer straightforward solutions for local governments to achieve a sustainable balance between development and conservation. They emphasize the importance of active participation from all community members and stakeholders, acknowledging that community engagement is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and its residents.
Additional Background Information
Take Action
We encourage everyone to participate in the OCP Renewal Processes across the lower Sunshine Coast. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Here are some ways you can engage:
- Familiarize yourself with the Sunshine Coast Green Bylaws recommendations,
- Advocate for all three local governments to adopt a regional conservation strategy!
- Contribute to your OCP!
- SCRD’s OCP Renewal Process l
- Town Of Gibsons OCP Update scheduled for March 2025
- DoS OCP Renewal Process
- Sign up for SCCA eNews to get updates on the OCP renewal process
Why Green Bylaws are Essential for the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of British Columbia’s most ecologically rich and sensitive landscapes, including riparian zones, coastal Douglas-fir forests, and habitats for at-risk species. However, rapid development and climate change are placing these ecosystems—and the communities that depend on them—at risk. As global biodiversity declines at an alarming rate, protecting intact ecosystems is not just a local priority—it is essential for maintaining nature’s ability to buffer against climate impacts.
As climate change accelerates, the region faces more frequent droughts, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather events. These threats weaken ecosystems that provide natural flood protection, stabilize soil, regulate temperatures, and sustain clean air and water. At the same time, biodiversity loss further undermines nature’s resilience, making communities more vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Without strong protections, the degradation of these ecosystems will have lasting consequences for both people and wildlife.
The Sunshine Coast’s population is also steadily growing, with a 7.3% increase between 2016 and 2021. Rising housing demand and unchecked development put additional pressure on water resources, increase erosion risks, and disrupt critical habitats. Without careful planning, destroying natural landscapes will only accelerate climate impacts—leading to higher costs for disaster recovery, infrastructure repairs, and lost ecological services.
The Solution: Strong, Consistent Green Bylaws
By implementing standardized environmental bylaws across the Sunshine Coast, local governments can:
- Protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience by ensuring ecosystems remain intact and continue to regulate water, carbon, and temperature.
- Reduce disaster risks by preserving natural flood and erosion controls minimizing damage to homes, infrastructure, and water supplies.
- Lower long-term costs by prioritizing proactive environmental protection over expensive recovery efforts.
- Guide responsible development by ensuring growth happens in ways that support both human communities and ecological integrity.
The biodiversity and climate crises are interconnected, and their solutions must also be. Green bylaws are a crucial tool for safeguarding the natural systems that support life on the Sunshine Coast—now and for future generations.
What tools do we have to address the issue?
Official Community Plans (OCPs)
An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term vision for a municipality or regional district, such as the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). It outlines goals for land use, housing, transportation, natural spaces, and infrastructure over 20-30 years, ensuring growth aligns with community values and sustainability.
Although not legally binding, OCPs shape local bylaws and policies, guiding decisions that protect sensitive ecosystems, support climate resilience, and promote responsible development. By setting priorities for the future, OCPs help communities balance growth with environmental stewardship.
Local Bylaws
Bylaws are local laws that help governments put their OCP into action. They regulate land use, environmental protection, construction, and development to ensure sustainable growth.
Zoning bylaws determine where residential, commercial, and industrial buildings can be built. Environmental bylaws protect sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests. Development Permit Areas (DPA) require permits for specific projects to ensure they align with OCP goals. These regulations help balance growth with environmental protection, ensuring development supports community needs and ecological health.
Updates on Sunshine Coast Green Bylaws
Part Two: The Future of Sechelt OCP Process
Back in February, we invited our community to attend the first public workshop for the District of Sechelt’s Official Community Plan (OCP) update—a chance to help shape how Sechelt grows, protects nature, and responds to climate change. If you missed that post, you can read it here: The Future of Sechelt: Your Opportunity to Shape […]
Help Shape Gibsons’ Urban Forest Plan
The Town of Gibsons has released its first-ever Urban Forest Plan to protect and expand the tree canopy within the Town. It is currently collecting public feedback through a community survey until March 18. This is your chance to help ensure that bold, science-based solutions guide the future of Gibsons’ forests. Why Does This Matter? […]
Strengthening Local Authority: How the Sunshine Coast Can Take Charge of Land Use Decisions
For too long, a common misconception has restricted local government’s ability to protect the environment and manage responsible development. Many elected officials on the Sunshine Coast—and throughout British Columbia—believe that regional districts have limited control over significant land use decisions because the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) has authority over subdivision approval. However, this belief […]
Let’s Talk Green Bylaws in Átl’ḵa7tsem West Howe Sound!
Are you a West Howe Sound resident passionate about protecting our region’s natural beauty and biodiversity? Join us for an important West Howe Sound Community Association (WHSCA) Meeting on Thursday, February 13th, from 7:00 to 8:15 PM at Eric Cardinall Hall. The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), the Town of Gibsons, and the District of […]
The Future of Sechelt: Your Opportunity to Shape the OCP
The District of Sechelt is embarking on a much-needed update to its Official Community Plan (OCP), a guiding document that will shape land use and development for years to come. This OCP renewal is an exciting opportunity for residents to share their vision and ensure that Sechelt grows sustainably, resiliently, and in accordance with community […]
Be a Voice for Conservation: Join Sechelt’s Advisory Planning Commission (APC) Today
The Sunshine Coast boasts an abundance of biodiversity, with its lush coastal temperate rainforests and vibrant marine ecosystems. The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) and its members are dedicated to preserving this natural treasure for generations to come. One effective way to contribute to this mission is by becoming a member of the District of […]