The District of Sechelt (DOS) has released its first-quarter (Q1) report for 2025, detailing the work accomplished by all departments between Jan. 1 to March 31.
The report identifies which projects and operational activities support council’s strategic priorities for the entire organization.
Downtown
One of the highlights in downtown Sechelt, includes seeing the results of the 11,700 flower bulbs planted in the fall of 2024, which have already bloomed or are still blooming, in garden beds throughout the community.
Also downtown, the Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market was granted permission to remain at its current location on Cowrie Street for 2025, while a new permanent location is sought.
Environmental
Staff set up and supervised a directed work study with a UBC forestry student to update Sechelt’s tree canopy and vegetation geographic information systems layer in conjunction with Parks and Asset Management. A new irrigation controller was installed at Kinnikinnick Park fields to optimize water usage. Fleet-tracking software was installed on 15 vehicles, and staff have been trained on how to use the application to collect data to improve safety and efficiency.
Communications
Among numerous communication initiatives, multiple engagement events kicked off Q1, including two for the Transportation Master Plan and one for the Official Community Plan and draft Community Land Development Analysis project.
As well, an extensive section of the DOS website has been dedicated to community safety. An online form was created for residents to “Report a Safety Concern,” which complements the community safety email, which was re-branded to communicate more efficiently with residents.
Concerned residents are encouraged to write in with community safety concerns and the bylaw department will respond with immediate support or direction to resources to ensure the complaint is heard and responded to.
Council received 133 emails during Q1, the majority regarding unhoused residents, community safety, housing, short-term rentals, zoning amendments and the Official Community Plan.
Arts, culture and heritage
Highlights include a call for a producer for a three-year contract for the Sechelt Summer Music Series (2025-2027), the completion of two more vinyl-wrapped BC Hydro utility boxes with designs from local artists, as part of the BC Hydro Beautification Program, and the installation at municipal hall of three framed photography prints by local artist, Colin Horbin.
As well, the “Summer Time” sundial sculpture by artist George Pratt was temporarily moved from municipal hall to the operations centre for restoration and cleaning, while 15 local artists were chosen as part of the artist roster for future displays at municipal hall for two-year terms. DOS representatives also attended monthly syíyaya Reconciliation Movement committee planning meetings.
Parks
Staff responded to 70 service requests, of which 25 were tree-related and/or urban forest concerns.
The wood chip surfacing in Jane Bowers Dog Park was topped up, while maintenance to ball diamonds was completed. The tennis and pickleball courts at Hackett Park were power washed and the damage to the landscaped boulevard along Dolphin Street, damage by beetle infestation and birds, was repaired.
Corporate services
Corporate Services is implementing a new program for the screening and adjudication of disputed bylaw notices (tickets) to ensure a fair, consistent and transparent resolution process. Individuals who receive a bylaw ticket now have the option to dispute it through a DOS screening officer before proceeding to provincial adjudication.
Projects and sustainability
In progress: municipal hall/library building envelope remediation project, childcare and housing project, Kirkland deck remediation project, district-wide 2025 paving program tender, request for quote for the manhole replacement on Mermaid Street, request for proposal (RFP) for the Cook Creek Culvert replacement design, RFP for the seawall remediation at Davis Bay, and Wakefield Lift Station is in the final stages of completion.
As well, the district commenced Active Transportation Network Segment II on Reeves Road with assistance from Public Works, completed the second phase of the Transportation Master Plan public engagement, updated the sanitary sewer model and master plan to include provision for small-scale, multi-unit housing changes and completed 594 BC One calls.
You can find a more detailed list of DOS accomplishments in the Q1 report.
