Support Riparian Area & Shoreline Protections in the SCRD

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has more kilometres of shoreline and more steep flashy creeks than many local government regions in BC.

Managing and mitigating impacts caused by land clearing, development and climate change in the SCRD, is a huge and expensive job. 

Growing impacts of drought, flooding, land slides, washouts, rising sea level and erosion on private and public, natural and engineered infrastructure are mounting. Downstream communities, habitats, species, local governments and taxpayers carry the heavy burden of dealing with these impacts. 

The cheapest, most effective and fairest way to mitigate impacts and costs is to take every possible step to protect and restore natural assets. Especially for lands that surround, store and protect water!

That is why, the SCRD has initiated the process to amend its Zoning Bylaws to strengthen protection of riparian areas. 

On July 4th the SCRD will host a Public Information Meeting about why these bylaw updates are crucially needed. On July 16th, there will be a Public Hearing on the Bylaw update. Between now and the end of the Public Hearing, the SCRD needs our feedback to support these important updates. 

We encourage all of our members and supporters to engage in this public hearing process and support the bylaw amendments.

Bylaw Updates

This Riparian Areas bylaw update includes three key changes: 

Setbacks: Property setback requirements will be amended to meet Provincial Best Practices.

Buffer Zones: Buffer zones will be added to the riparian areas to prevent building too close to sensitive areas. (Gardens would still be allowed within the buffer zone.)

Lot Area: New lots created through subdivision will be required to meet minimum lot size requirements that exclude riparian and buffer areas. This will ensure all new lots are developable, protect private property and public assets from flooding and erosion, and help maintain healthy watercourses.