Ending private security services, building a secure RCMP parking compound and hiring an affordable housing coordinator, are just some of the requests being considered by District of Sechelt (DOS) council, which began discussions around Budget 2025 at a special Committee of the Whole meeting, Dec. 18.
At the meeting, David Douglas, director of financial services and information technology, and Beverley Smith, manager of financial services, presented a report to council to provide summary budget information to be considered, including operations costs, community association requests, additional operating costs and capital costs.
The report noted the 2025 budget process has been “challenging,” with many projects, additional operating requests, community requests and 2025 capital projects vying for a limited amount of financial resources. The report provides financial information on the general operating fund and sewer and septage operations.
Following discussions around community association requests, staff presented a report on possible additional operating costs. Staff divided the requests into three categories — critical, important and strategic.
The following are some highlights of the 135-page staff budget report. (No council decisions were made at the meeting –– those are to come as budget discussions continue this month.)
Operating budget requests
Private security for public bathrooms and rental facilities
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: Continue the service for one more year in a more limited capacity by focusing the security patrols on district-owned assets and not privately owned businesses.
Since October 2023, DOS has paid the cost of private security patrols to take place between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. throughout the community. According to the report, this service is helping to deter criminal behaviour in parks, protect DOS assets, and create a safer environment for early-morning park-goers and groups who rent community buildings. Sechelt's public bathrooms and community rental facilities are vulnerable to vandalism, illegal activities, and safety hazards after hours.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $60,000 for 2025 only. Grand total: $60,000.
Graffiti coating for murals
Priority 1: Critical
Proposed: This project aims to protect the community mural located on the exterior of the Davis Bay public bathroom.
This mural has been the target of vandalism and graffiti in the past and is at risk of further damage due to the lack of any protective coating. The project will see the mural professionally cleaned, touched up and then covered with a clear two-part archival protective coating, which should only need to be re-applied every 10 years.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $5,000 for 2025 only. Grand total: $5,000.
Cityworks Service Request Portal and BC 1 Call automation
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: Creation of a new request portal and BC 1 Call automation.
Currently, in order to submit a service request, members of the public fill out a form on the DOS website and staff then turn it into a service request. This portal would remove the second step and create a more streamlined process. This would be a one-time cost to set up the service request portal. The BC 1 Call process is similar — the automation will remove the need to enter in the email received into Cityworks.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $20,000 for 2025 only. Grand total: $20,000.
Pier Assessments
Priority 2
Proposed: Pier Assessments for Davis Bay Wharf, Trail Bay Wharf and Porpoise Bay Wharf.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $84,252, transfer from Porpoise Bay Government Wharf: $11,748, transfer from Trail Bay Wharf Reserve: $24,000. Grand total: $125,000.
RCMP Members
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: Hiring two municipally funded RCMP members.
Funding for these positions would be 70 per cent funded by DOS and 30 per cent from the province. Due to the increase in call volume, population and concern for enhanced community safety, two new RCMP members would help improve caseload times and increase police presence, such as improved response times and enhanced community safety.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $347,228 for 2025 only. Grand total: $347,228.
Affordable Housing Coordinator
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: Create an affordable housing coordinator position.
The district would provide a grant in an amount to be determined as a share of the position.
Funding summary: Funding from taxation: $60,000 for 2025 only. Grand total $60,000.
Capital Budget requests
RCMP Parking Lot — Creation of a secure compound
Priority 3: Strategic
Proposed: Use the large grass area to the north of the detachment for the creation of a secure compound.
The Sunshine Coast RCMP parking lot, which currently shares access to the aquatic centre and justice building, was identified as a major security concern in the 2020 Security Review conducted by BC RCMP Department of Security Services.
The parking lot needs to be designed in order to physically separate a secure police vehicle parking compound from the other designated parking. The RCMP operational parking lot should be fenced, have secondary egress and controlled access as identified in the review.
The main vehicle gate to the RCMP parking lot should be automated with access controlled by a swipe card. To achieve this, it’s recommended that the large grass area to the north of the detachment (outside of the staff entry door) be utilized for the creation of a secure compound. This way, the existing public parking/thoroughfare will not be interrupted by the creation of the fenced and access-controlled lot. The access to the secure police vehicle parking compound should be one-way in off Teredo St., and on-way out onto Shorncliffe Avenue, with no access by the public. Clear signs and painted lines will also be needed.
Funding summary: Transfer from capital reserve: $200,000; loan proceeds: $600,000. Grand total $800,000.
RCMP Parkade Structure
Priority 1: Critical
Proposed: Repair the concrete in the RCMP parkade.
Repairing the failing concrete structure in the existing parkade involves several steps to ensure the integrity and longevity of the repair, including assessment and inspection, preparation, repair, waterproofing and maintenance.
Funding summary: Transfer from public funding reserve: $250,000 for 2025 only. Grand total: $250.000.
Dusty Road Septage Asset Renewal
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: This funding is for equipment and parts renewal and replacement as required for the Dusty Road septage receiving facility to function.
Funding summary: Transfer from septic reserve: $15,000 each for 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. Grand total: $75,000.
District-wide Transportation Safety Improvements
Priority 2: Important
Proposed: Modern road inventory system
In 2024, the district allocated its first budget specifically for transportation safety improvements, successfully completing several projects designed to enhance pedestrian safety in the downtown area. This initiative has received widespread positive feedback from the public, reflecting the community's appreciation for improved pedestrian safety.
Looking ahead, the district plans to incorporate a modern road inventory system to enhance assessments and planning processes, ensuring ongoing improvements in transportation safety.
Funding summary: Transfer from capital reserves: $20,000 each for 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. Grand total: $1 million.
Davis Bay Washroom Renewal
Priority 2:
Proposed: Repair and renovate existing washroom at Davis Bay
The current state of the Davis Bay bathroom is a consistent pattern of vandalism, increased operational costs and negative user experiences. The washroom facility has also not been renovated for more than 25 years and is in desperate need of renewal due to age and condition.
Funding summary: Transfer from capital reserve: $250,000 for 2025 only. Grand total: $250,000.
Davis Bay Seawall Remediation
Priority 1: Critical
Proposed: Davis Bay seawall repair
The Davis Bay seawall, constructed in late 1999, was designed to provide vital coastal protection and a walkway. The structure is being undermined by water and wave action and requires significant maintenance to maintain ongoing stability, safety and shore protection.
Funding summary: Transfer from capital reserve: $180,000 for 2025. Grand total: $180,000.
