Vision Plan in Action
The Vision Plan for Sechelt was adopted in principle on September 19, 2007. Furthermore, as of January 2008, Council requires development proposals to reference and incorporate the general guidelines and concepts of the Vision Plan. A number of projects have been started, and some completed, to incorporate the Vision Plan into policies and bylaws for the District of Sechelt.
Implementation projects in progress
The following projects for Vision Implementation are in progress:
The Sechelt Accessibility Challenge is a project by the District’s Accessibility Advisory Committee funded the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and 2010 Legacies Now. The goal is to improve accessibility and inclusion within our community for older people and people with one or more disabilities.
The Faces of Sechelt Story Contest followed up on the Accessibility Challenge as well as the Community Accord. A working group from the Accessibility Advisory Committee assisted by Alof!i Consultancy held a story contest. They collected stories about people's various experiences regarding the welcoming and inclusive character of the community. Five winning stories were presented at a dialogue event on February 6, 2010. Alof!i Consultancy received a grant for this project from the provincial Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Dialogue Initiative.
An Active Transportation Plan will be drafted to prioritize improvements to the walking and bicycling routes in Sechelt. A $ 21,000 grant from the Built Environment and Active Transportation program (funded by the BC Healthy Living Alliance through ActNow BC) will be used for a study by a transportation planner.
The Mission Point Park planning project will provide a framework for the recently purchased lands in Davis Bay, near the mouth of Chapman Creek. A $25,000 grant from Trees for Tomorrow (Province of British Columbia) will support rejuvenation of this park by adding new trees. In relation to parks planning, the District is also working to update the Parks Development Cost Charge (DCC) to incorporate the cost of park development into the DCC investment program.
The establishment of a regional Housing Corporation is under investigation by a working group of the District of Sechelt, Town of Gibsons, Sunshine Coast Regional District and the volunteer Social Planning Council. Such an organization can possibly help create more affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast.
Completed implementation projects
The Spirit Square project resulted in improvements to the public space in the Block 7 area (Library, Aquatic Centre, Courthouse, Seaside Centre). Funded 50% / 50% by the Province of British Columbia and the District of Sechelt, the $105,000 project resulted in additional green space and a meeting space next to the Seaside Centre. The design was provided by Judith Reeve and partners.
The zoning bylaw was changed to incorporate secondary suites in single family zoned areas. Secondary suites are an important part of Sechelt’s rental housing supply. With the change in the zoning bylaw new suites can now be constructed legally. Owners of existing suites are encouraged to upgrade their suite and make sure the dwelling is safe and healthy following BC Building Code requirements.
New heritage markers along the waterfronts of Sechelt celebrate historic events. The signs have been drafted with the help of Ann Watson, Community Archivist at the Sechelt Community Archives and Gary Little. It is hoped the signs will entertain residents and visitors alike for years to come.
For the old RCMP site on Dolphin Street, the District has worked with the Government of Canada, BC Housing, Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, Arrowhead Society and Vancouver Coastal Health to develop a clubhouse and 8 supportive housing units on site. The new Arrowhead Centre officially opened in December 2010.
Related Links
Vision Plan 2007
Official Community Plan