Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) staff counted 55 members of the public in the Field Road office boardroom and 71 online participants for a July 16 public hearing for proposed riparian area and ocean shoreline protection changes.
In closing the almost three-hour session at 9:41 p.m., hearing chair, Area F director Kate Louise Stamford, thanked all involved for the “respectful dialogue” that took place.
Regional staff provided a summary of the four proposed amendments as the event convened. Two of thos include making changes to setbacks from fresh water riparian areas and increase oceanfront setbacks in Area A (Pender Harbour/Egmont) from 7.5 to 15 metres, bringing those into alignment with other areas of the SCRD.
Twenty-four individuals chose to speak at the hearing, several indicating that they were speaking on behalf of a larger group of residents or an organization. Of those, 14 expressed opposition or some concerns about the proposed changes, and the remainder indicated support for the board to endorse the changes as drafted.
Several who spoke against the amendments stated that the SCRD had not provided them adequate and clear information in a timely manner. There was also criticism of the regional district’s characterization of the proposals as “housekeeping amendments” given the impacts the changes could have for the use of private properties.
Statements made in support of the amendments included the view that the board’s role is to protect the interests of the general public and the environment, rather than those of private property owners.
A suggestion that gained traction with a number of other presenters was raised by former SCRD director Donna Shugar. She offered suggestions on changing the wording of amendments and also remarked on how the setting up of a citizens committee to look at regulation changes when ocean setbacks were increased to 15 metres in Roberts Creek helped locals shift their views because “they felt involved and informed." Her recommendation was the SCRD do the same before making that change in Area A.
Staff noted that more than 300 pieces of written correspondence had been received up to the hearing and input from those sources would be tallied in the days following the event. All input received will form part of the advice provided from staff to the board regarding further readings of the bylaw changes. No date for further board consideration of the matter was provided.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that some of the bylaw changes will affect all electoral areas.
