Sunshine Coast Conservation Association

Film Screening: Deep Rising
2024-06-08 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sechelt Arts Centre, 5714 Medusa St, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A3, Canada
Join us on Saturday June 8th after our World Oceans Day celebration BBQ for a film screening of the documentary “Deep Rising” at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre.
Narrated and executive produced by Jason Momoa, Deep Rising takes viewers on an epic journey from the deepest depths of our ocean – the most uncharted and inaccessible place on our planet – to the future of green energy, and shows us how the two are inextricably linked.
Interwoven with awe-inspiring footage of the deep’s most dazzling creatures, Deep Rising illuminates the vital relationship between our ocean’s fragile and mysterious ecosystems, and sustaining all life on Earth.
Head to our website to read more and watch the trailer!
https://sunshinecoastoceanfestival.ca/deep-rising/
📍 Sunshine Coast Arts Centre
🗓 Saturday June 8, 2024
⏰️ 7pm (doors at 6:30pm)
Please consider making a donation to our “Love our Oceans” campaign at the door
Photo Credit: Deep Rising official photo

Friends of the Ocean - qathet community bbq
2024-06-09 13:30 - 15:30 | Okeover Park, Powell River
Join the Friends of the Ocean – qathet community event at low-tide on June 8th! This event will be held in the Powell River area, at Okeover Park.
For more information please email oceans@thescca.ca

Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-06-20 18:30 - 21:30 | Sechelt Arts Centre, 5714 Medusa St, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A3, Canada
You’re invited to join the SCCA at our Annual General Meeting 2024!
This is an in-person event, there will be snacks, and socializing!
We hope to see you there!

syiyaya Days Parade
2024-07-01 10:30 - 15:00 | Hackett Park, 5765 Dolphin St, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0, Canada
In 2022, the shíshálh Nation and the syíyaya Reconciliation Movement partnered with the District of Sechelt, to build on their ongoing Reconciliation work by hosting an 11-day celebration, known as syiyaya Days.
The celebration ends on Canada Day (July 1st) with a parade, celebrating Canada while also recognizing our colonial history and celebrating the cultures of the First Peoples of this land.
The SCCA will be walking in the parade on July 1st and hosting a booth at the event. We would love our members to join us!
Please email us at volunteer@thescca.ca if you would like to walk in the parade with us.

Public Information Meeting regarding Riparian Area Bylaw Amendments
2024-07-04 18:30 - 20:00 | SCRD Administrative Office, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A1, Canada
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.

Public Hearing to consider the Zoning Amendment Bylaw for Riparian Areas
2024-07-16 19:00 - 20:30 | SCRD Administrative Office, 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A1, Canada

An Evening With Land Defenders in Squamish
2024-09-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Eagle Eye Theatre, 38430 Buckley Avenue, Squamish, BC, V8B 0E4, Canada
This event is an opportunity for community members to learn about the potential social and environmental impacts of the FortisBC Eagle Mountain pipeline and Woodfibre LNG projects in our region.
Speakers for the event:
* Janelle Lapointe, Stellat’en First Nation and David Suzuki Foundation
* Chief Na’Moks, Wetʼsuwetʼen
* Gwii Lok’im Gibuu/Jesse Stoeppler, Gitxsan
* Tioutenaat/Roberta Jackie Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
The speakers are Indigenous land defenders fighting against LNG projects and pipelines. Come hear their stories about impacts of LNG industry on communities.
A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation.

Cancel the Permits Rally
2024-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Junction Park, 37950 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC, V8B 0S8, Canada
Join My Sea to Sky on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2pm in Squamish to send a flaming message to the BC government calling to cancel the permits for Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC’s fracked gas pipeline.

With the blazing theme of fire and flame, we’re rallying together to ignite change and safeguard our communities for future generations.

Wear fiery colours of red, orange, yellow, grey, or black to participate in a fun photo action. RSVP now for a free fire emoji sign!

Image Credit: My Sea to Sky

Stories of the Estuary
2024-09-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Mission Point Park, Davis Bay, 4595 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, British Columbia, V0N 3A1, Canada
The Sechelt Arts Festival invites you to a celebration of the Salish Sea – its other-than-human inhabitants, its waterways and estuaries, its stories of travel and exchange, and its vitalness to Sechelt and its communities. Sechelt, as the land between two waters, has been shaped by the Salish Sea
Dress as your favourite sea creature! We will gather at 6pm on the Davis Bay pier for a procession guided by musicians, drummers, dancers and puppets – all celebrating the creatures of the sea. Weaving shíshálh drumming, song and storytelling, with the power of taiko and the beauty of the shakuhachi flute, the procession unfolds a story of the raven, the estuary, and the equinox.
Performers for Equinox Raven include: Andy Johnson, cultural ambassador shishalh nation; Cora Lee Joe-Louise, dancer; Maggie Guzzi, raven; Connor Dixon, dancer; Gerardo Avila, equinox character mask; Noriko Kobayashi, taiko and shamisen (Japanese banjo); Kage, taiko; Bushido: Alcvin Ryūzen Ramos, shakuhachi, shinobue player, and Nori Akagi, taiko; Flags: Hazel Bell-Koski
Following the procession, we will gather at Mission Point House for music, storytelling and hands on activities. We gather to celebrate the shifting cycles of light, the return of the salmon to Chapman Creek, and the rich connections that the Salish Sea has brought to our communities.

World Rivers Day
2024-09-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Roberts Creek Pier, 999 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC, V0N 2W4, Canada
Celebrate World Rivers Day with the Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers!
There will be lots of fun activities such as planting native plants, children’s crafts, info tables, beach cleaning, and more.
Also, the pink salmon run has started, we hope that we will also be able to view salmon spawning!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2024-09-30 | BC
Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was designated in tribute to Indigenous children stolen from their homes and taken to residential schools by the Government of Canada. To honour the innocent children who never returned home, the Survivors who suffered enduring trauma, their families and communities.

In Canada, 140 federally run residential schools operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors and allies have advocated for decades for recognition and reparations, and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harm caused to Canada’s indigenous peoples by our government, the RCMP and religious institutions.

September 30th has been observed since 2013 as Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement recognizing the colonial legacy of residential schools, committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day recalls the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, who at six was stripped of her shiny new orange shirt on her first day attending the St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, BC. The date of September 30th was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools.

The syiyaya Reconciliation Movement is a local initiative led by shishalh nation, that welcomes all people living on the shishalh swiya (homelands) to come together to work together as one, to heal intergenerational harm done to First People by Canada’s history of cultural genocide and abuse in residential schools. The word ‘syiyaya’ literally means “family and friends” in shashishalhem, the language of the shishalh people.

Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation through the resources linked below:

syiyaya Reconciliation Movement
Reconciliation Canada
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Learn about the history of colonization from an Indigenous lens

Seniors for Climate Action
2024-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Davis Bay Pier, https://maps.app.goo.gl/EomnbTTct27cDwAE6, Davis Bay, Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada
Seniors For Climate Inaugural Event
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
Davis Bay Pier, Sechelt
Seniors For Climate is a new national organization of Canadian seniors who are alarmed at the tepid pace that our respective governments, at all levels, are addressing the climate crisis. Seniors for Climate has chosen October 1st, Canada’s National Seniors’ Day and the International Day of Older Persons to launch its inaugural presence on the national stage.
Here on the Sunshine Coast three organizations, the Alliance 4 Democracy, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association and the Sunshine Coast Sue Big Oil campaign are joining forces with Seniors For Climate to stage our local inaugural event on Tuesday, October 1st at the Davis Bay Pier in Sechelt from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
The event will feature speakers from each of the sponsoring organizations and music. All three provincial candidates have been invited to address the event: Chris Hergesheimer – BC Greens, Chris Moore – BC Conservatives and Randene Neill – BC NDP.
The goal of Seniors for Climate is to mobilize Canada’s seniors, who are now 25% of our population and the most significant voting block across the country, to use our collective power to insist that all of our governments substantially step up the pace to both address the root cause of climate change – the burning of fossil fuels – and mitigate the increasingly devastating and costly impacts of climate change – extreme weather events, melting ice fields and rising sea levels and adverse health outcomes.
Contact
Jef Keighley – Alliance 4 Democracy
778 999-1950
jefkeighley64@gmail.com.

SCCA Candidates Forum
2024-10-06 14:30 - 17:00 | Roberts Creek Community Hall, 1309 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC, V0N 2W2, Canada
On October 19, 2024, British Columbians will head to the polls to vote in BC’s 43rd Provincial Election. We will elect 93 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent us in Victoria. Provincial Elections are pivotal in shaping the future of our communities and deciding the fate of the natural environment because the BC government has authority (jurisdiction) over most land use decisions in the province.
Candidates Forum on Environment and Climate Change
3:00 PM -5:00 PM (doors open at 2:30 pm)
Roberts Creek Community Hall,
1309 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC
There are many candidate meetings taking place on the upper and lower Sunshine Coast on the lead up to the election. This is the only meeting focused specifically on the environment.
Please, join this event to ask questions and learn more about where candidates and their political parties stand on critical environmental issues facing our community, future generations, and all life on earth.
Event Format
Questions will be received in writing in advance and in person at the forum, and posed to the candidates by a moderator. The public is invited to submit questions in one of two ways:
In advance: By email to communications@thescca.ca
At the forum: A table will be set up with pens and paper so you may write down and submit your question.

Advanced Voting for BC Provincial Election
2024-10-10 - 2024-10-13, 2024-10-15 - 2024-10-16 | BC
On October 19, 2024, British Columbians will head to the polls to vote in BC’s 43rd Provincial Election. We will elect 93 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent us in Victoria.
Provincial Elections are pivotal in shaping the future of our communities and deciding the fate of the natural environment because the BC government has authority (jurisdiction) over most land use decisions in the province.
Advanced Voting runs from October 10-16, 2024 (Closed Thanksgiving Day – October 14, 2024) – you can find the full list of advanced voting locations here.
Get Ready to Vote by reading our latest news item on where, when, and how to vote.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast Locations
Powell River Rec Complex
5001 Joyce Ave Powell River, BC
Thu-Sun Oct 10-13, Tue-Wed Oct 15-16
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109
747 Gibsons Way Gibsons, BC
Thu-Fri Oct 10-11
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112
12829 Lillies Lake Rd Madeira Park, BC
Tue-Wed Oct 15-16
Seaside Centre
5790 Teredo St Sechelt, BC
Sat-Sun Oct 12-13, Tue-Wed Oct 15-16

Written Q&A
In September we sent four written questions on key conservation topics to MLA candidates, and asked them to submit written responses. We encourage everyone to read the Q&A and learn where the candidates stand on these topics.

Volunteer for Virtual Phonebanking
2024-10-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-19 12:00 - 14:00 | BC
Join the network of local leaders encouraging people to vote! Sign up to volunteer for a virtual, non-partisan phonebank—no experience or phone line needed.
➡️ Tuesday, October 15, 6-8pm
➡️ Wednesday, October 16, 6-8pm
➡️ Thursday, October 17, 6-8pm
➡️ Friday, October 18, 12-2pm
➡️ Saturday, October 19, 12-2pm
Help empower communities across the province to get to the polls this October!
Register at this link: https://voteenvironmentbc2024.com/volunteer/
Save this event to your calendar so you don’t forget!

2024 Provincial Election
2024-10-19 08:00 - 20:00 | BC
On October 19, 2024, British Columbians will head to the polls to vote in BC’s 43rd Provincial Election. We will elect 93 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to represent us in Victoria.
Provincial Elections are pivotal in shaping the future of our communities and deciding the fate of the natural environment because the BC government has authority (jurisdiction) over most land use decisions in the province.
From forestry, mining and oil and gas development, to roads, transit and hydro infrastructure; from GHG emissions, air and water quality, to species and ecosystems health, the BC Government makes decisions that directly impact every aspect of our daily lives.
Get Ready to Vote by reading our latest news item on where, when, and how to vote.
Read our latest blog post for a full list of Powell River-Sunshine Coast Voting Locations.
Confirmed Candidates
Chris Hergesheimer – BC Greens
Chris Moore – BC Conservative Party
Randene Neill – BC NDP
Greg Reid – Independent

Give Feedback on the Ocean Noise Strategy!
2024-10-22 | BC
The federal government’s proposed Ocean Noise Strategy, aimed at reducing the impact of underwater noise on marine life, is now open for public consultation until October 22.
This is your chance to call for stronger, immediate action to protect marine species like the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, which rely on sound for survival.
Unfortunately, the current strategy lacks concrete measures and focuses more on data collection than taking urgent action. Canada already has the knowledge and legal tools to address underwater noise pollution, so it’s important that we act now.
West Coast Environmental Law have created a draft letter for you to sign on their website. Submit your feedback to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and make your voice heard before time runs out!
Image Credit: West Coast Environmental Law

Provide Feedback on the Gibsons Official Community Plan
2024-10-23 - 2024-11-15 | BC
The Town of Gibsons is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP)!
OCP’s are critically important guiding documents which direct future land use, and growth, as well as conservation.
Local governments generally update their OCPs once every ten years. Gibsons’ OCP was last updated in 2015. Before concurrent droughts, heat domes and atmospheric rivers became the annual norm.
The OCP update process is a vital opportunity for community members to have their say about how their town will grow and change over the next decade, and to ensure sustainability, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience over the long term.
Community input is essential in ensuring OCPs and bylaws contain strong commitments for the preservation of ecological values and natural assets, direct growth away from environmentally sensitive areas and foster sustainable development.
Ways to contribute
1. Attend the community feedback session at the Gibsons and District Community Centre November 8, 3-5 pm
2. Complete the online survey by November 15
3. Provide feedback via the online interactive map by November 15
We strongly encourage community members to participate in their OCP engagement processes.
Let’s come together to shape a sustainable future for Gibsons!
Hit the subscribe to calendar button to add this to your calendar so you don’t miss the deadline!

Salmon Festival
2024-11-02 | BC
Join the Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers for their xwesam/stelkaya (Roberts Creek) Salmon Festival on November 2nd at the Roberts Creek Estuary.
“Protect Roberts Creek Watershed FOR SALMON – NO LOGGING”
Most residents of xwesam/stelkaya (Roberts Creek) and residents of the Sunshine Coast are very aware of the annual spawning salmon run.
Many start to peer over the Roberts Creek bridge at the estuary in September to November looking for the returning salmon special arrival and sightings!
The suggestion to have a salmon festival was in response to an individual hearing about the BCTS proposed 6 cut blocks in Roberts Creek watershed in 2025 and 2026. This is the first ever festival celebrating iconic salmon in Roberts Creek!
In other areas of the province, the evidence is clear that cutting down hectares of primary forests in a creek’s headwaters seriously changed the hydrology causing flooding and destroying ecologically important habitat. We don’t want this to happen here! The cut blocks proposed could dramatically risk the pristine water quality and put at risk the precious pink, chum, coho salmon and cutthroat trout. Also at risk is the very important wildlife corridor these forests provide for an extensive number of other creatures.
The Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers invite you to join them to find out all the details and especially what we can do as a community to protect this extremely important salmon habitat.

Town of Gibsons OCP Community Feedback Session
2024-11-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Gibsons Community Centre, 700 Park Rd, Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V0, Canada
The Town of Gibsons is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP)!
OCP’s are critically important guiding documents which direct future land use, and growth, as well as conservation.
Local governments generally update their OCPs once every ten years. Gibsons’ OCP was last updated in 2015. Before concurrent droughts, heat domes and atmospheric rivers became the annual norm.
The OCP update process is a vital opportunity for community members to have their say about how their town will grow and change over the next decade, and to ensure sustainability, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience over the long term.
Community input is essential in ensuring OCPs and bylaws contain strong commitments for the preservation of ecological values and natural assets, direct growth away from environmentally sensitive areas and foster sustainable development.
We strongly encourage community members to participate in their OCP engagement processes.
Can’t make it to this in person session? You can submit feedback online until Friday, November 15 by completing this online survey or via this online interactive map.
Let’s come together to shape a sustainable future for Gibsons!
Hit the subscribe to calendar button to add this to your calendar – we hope to see you there!

Volunteer for Forage Fish Sampling!
2024-11-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Armours Beach
Join us for the next round of forage fish sampling with Dianne Sanford from Friends of Forage Fish!
Forage fish, such as surf smelt and Pacific sand lance, play a crucial role in the marine food web. Our citizen science project helps monitor these important species to ensure the health of our coastal ecosystems.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, Nov. 10th
Location: Armours Beach
Time: 8:00 AM

Date: Monday, Nov. 11th
Location 1: Trail Bay, Sechelt
Time: 8:00 AM

Location 2: East Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet
Meeting Point: End of Delta Road
Time: 9:30 AM

Bring appropriate clothing for the weather, rubber boots, and a sense of adventure. All necessary equipment and training will be provided on-site. No previous experience is necessary!
Email diannesanford@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. Please indicate which day and location you are available.

Volunteer for Forage Fish Sampling!
2024-11-11 08:00 - 12:30 | Trail Bay Beach

DEADLINE to Sign the Petition to Protect Canada’s Endangered Landscapes!
2024-11-22 | BC
The federal government has committed to protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, with significant areas already safeguarded under the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP). However, funding for the NHCP is set to end in March 2026, leaving vital conservation projects at risk. Our partner, the Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia (LTABC), is campaigning for $250 million in renewed NHCP funding to continue protecting Canada’s most vulnerable landscapes.
This funding is essential for land trusts, including groups like the SCCA, to protect endangered ecosystems across Canada. You can help by signing the petition, showing widespread public support for extending NHCP funding and enabling long-term conservation efforts.
Let’s make our voices heard to protect Canada’s rich biodiversity. Visit the petition page and add your signature by November 22 at 12:46PM to ensure a strong future for Canada’s natural landscapes!
Save this calendar event and set yourself a reminder

Keats Island Invasive Species Event
2024-11-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
What’s the big deal about invasive plants?

Join the Keats Island Conservation Society for a free online talk about invasive species and their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Presented by Richard Beard on November 23 at 10am Pacific Time.
What are invasive species? In British Columbia, an invasive species is defined as any non-native plant, animal, or microbe that has been introduced to the region—whether intentionally or accidentally—and that spreads rapidly, often outcompeting native species for resources. Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and harm native habitats. They can also pose threats to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and recreation by altering landscapes and ecosystems in ways that negatively impact both natural and human environments.

Forestry and Water Presentation
2024-11-23 18:30 - 21:30 | Seaside Centre, 5790 Teredo St, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0, Canada
Hosted by the Pender Harbour Wildlife Society (PHWS), join us for an eye-opening evening as Dr. Younes Alila from the UBC Faculty of Forestry presents his groundbreaking research on forestry, flooding, and the link between watershed logging and increased flood risk.
With over 20 years of research challenging long-standing beliefs, Dr. Alila will explain how excessive forest harvesting may be contributing to severe flooding across British Columbia. Dr. Alila’s findings bring into focus the impact of forestry on hydrology and will inspire us to consider how logging practices are influencing water security and flood risk in our communities.
Providing a local perspective, our Executive Director Suzanne Senger will discuss the ongoing West Howe Sound Watershed Protection Project on Mt. Elphinstone. Through this project, the SCCA is actively working to protect critical forested aquifer recharge areas, a mission essential for safeguarding our water supply and enhancing climate resilience in our community. For nearly 30 years, the SCCA has led watershed protection efforts on the Sunshine Coast, and we’re excited to share progress and insights from this vital work.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, presentations begin at 7:00 pm
Location: Seaside Centre, 5790 Teredo St, Sechelt
Admission: Free, with refreshments and a raffle during the intermission
More Information: Please contact info@penderharbourwildlife.com or visit the PHWS website penderharbourwildlife.com for more information.
We invite you to join this important conversation and discover how the SCCA is addressing watershed threats through science-based initiatives that protect our natural resources for generations to come.
Click the ‘add to calendar’ button so you don’t miss the event!
