The Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) infrastructure services committee is recommending that SCRD staff be given the “authority to install and operate the Chapman Lake Water Supply Siphon when deemed necessary” this summer.
The recommendation went through committee May 18 with little discussion.
Elphinstone director Lorne Lewis wanted to know how much the siphon could draw down the lake level.
Staff estimated it could be an extra three or four metres, but CAO Janette Loveys said it would be BC Parks that determines how much extra water the SCRD could remove. “Should we need the siphon, we still need to work with BC Parks in issuing the permit … and in the permit they would outline the conditions and we would be responsible for meeting those conditions.”
A year ago SCRD directors debated at length the conditions under which they wanted to see the siphon used. This year’s recommendation leaves the determination up to staff.
The report presented to the committee said, “Staff are continuously monitoring flow conditions in Chapman Creek, Chapman Lake, Edwards Lake, as well as climate conditions and projections, and water demands to determine the optimal time to install the siphon.”
It’s estimated the siphon would cost $165,000 to install, and the operating cost would be $17,500 per week. Staff would bring forward a detailed report on costs if a drought situation actually leads to use of the siphon.
The infrastructure services committee also recommended changes to the water regulations bylaw, that include increasing fines for violations of outdoor water use restrictions to $100 at Stage 1, $200 at Stage 2, $300 at Stage 3, and $400 at Stage 4.
The cost of a special permit for watering beyond allowed hours to get a newly seeded lawn, or fresh sod, established will go from $35 to $50. The permits are only available if restrictions are at Stage 1.
Halfmoon Bay director, and SCRD chair, Garry Nohr said he felt the rules are too restrictive, referring to them at one point as “draconian.”
“I find myself working for the lawn people again,” said Nohr. “That [regulation] is restricting people putting in lawns at certain times of the year… It means if you’re going to build a house you have to count on having your lawn put in, or building, in the spring.”
West Howe Sound director Ian Winn said he shared those concerns and supported the idea of allowing permits during Stage 2 as well, but was also worried that increasing the permit fee to $50 was too harsh.
But committee chair Mark Lebbell of Roberts Creek said limiting the permits to Stage 1 is the right way to go. “I think we’re on the right track here in terms of encouraging best practices around when to start your lawn,” he said. “By encouraging people to be thoughtful about how and when they start their lawn, it encourages them, in the long run, to pay attention and be thoughtful about the water use involved in lawns.”
In response to questions from directors, SCRD staff said they didn’t have information on the number of permits issued in a typical year, but said it was “minimal.”
The committee recommendations were due to go to the full SCRD board for endorsement on May 25.
