Comments from the public are high on the agenda of the regional sustainability plan (RSP), a plan that breaks down how Sunshine Coastresidents and businesses envision the long-term well being of the area.
The RSP, in its draft form, was presented at the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) corporate and administrative services committee meeting April 28.
Sustainable services manager Dion Whyte and education and outreach co-ordinator Julie Clark outlined the plan's intention, which is a call to action at every level of the community. In order to lay the groundwork, strategic collaboration is required. The plan's development team is made up of self-employed individuals as well as those from various local organizations.
Thirteen strategic directions form the focus of the plan, including employment, transportation, housing and zero waste.
Whyte and Clark also presented the committee with a discussion paper on the plan detailing further motives and strategies.
Halfmoon Bay director Garry Nohr said the plan was a well-written, open document and that it will be good to see what the younger generation is thinking.
The RSP also ties in to the SCRD's solid waste management plan and the community energy and emissions strategy, items SCRD staff have been working to promote public engagement on.
The committee passed a recommendation for a joint meeting to be held for further discussion of the plan prior to broader public engagement.
Beach patrols
With the warmer months just around the corner, the Sunshine Coast policing committee, at its May 2 meeting, discussed how this year's summer police patrols, in place to deal with various issues such as beach parties and vandalism, would be implemented.
Committee members shared their concerns with RCMP Staff Sgt. Herb Berdahl over incidents already taking place.
Roberts Creek director Donna Shugar said one of her constituents had cleaned up over 100 empty alcohol bottles found on the beach and discovered a broken fence.
Pender Harbour director Eric Graham expressed concern after receiving complaints of people "doing doughnuts" on roads and in parking lots as well as causing vandalism.
Berdahl explained that funding has been secured for summer patrols and the detachment is in the process of mapping out their summer strategy. He also asked the area directors to encourage constituents who witness any type of vandalism or disregard to road safety to contact RCMP.
Communications
May 15 to 21 will mark Local Government Awareness Week (LGAW) and the SCRD discussed how to promote public participation and how the SCRD can improve their overall communications.
For LGAW, the SCRD is sponsoring an essay-writing contest for community members to share their ideas on government and betterment of the community. A youth category will also be included. The full details on the contest are still being finalized.
The committee then reviewed the SCRD's communications plan, keying in on the elements that are being used and how effective they are. Objectives of the plan include increasing awareness about programs and services, the SCRD's strategic direction and to provide more opportunities for public input.
The committee approved of the plan, but Shugar told communications staff she felt there was a gap in addressing the 25- to 45-year-old demographic.
"This is a big problem that's been identified Coast-wide and what I'd like to see is something a little more pointed in here that would make sure we are reaching out to that," Shugar said.
Angie Legault, manager of legislative services, explained that staff is working on mini-campaigns that incorporate social media. Legault added social media is being worked on in increments due to having to work around privacy policies.
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