In July of 2023, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) received a Development Variance Permit application requesting reduced setback from the natural boundary of the ocean for a number of existing structures located on the subject property near Cawley Point at Storm Bay.
Telus has more extensive use plans for this property. In September of 2020 Telus submitted an application to the Sunshine Coast Regional District to change the zoning from Rural 2 to a comprehensive development.
In response to inquiries from the community, the SHCA has prepared the following information summary for concerned residents.
Proposed design and location of the Tot Park Skookum Hut
Project Description: The open-air picnic shelter (52s.m.) will be in Tot Park. It provides for rain protection for its users. It is sited so that its height is minimal (dug into the bank) and is relatively unobtrusive. It will create a central focus for our unique community. There is no electrical or plumbing infrastructure proposed. The concept design includes heavy timber construction celebrating our west coast heritage and locally available materials and labour skills. It provides natural light and fresh air to the users.
Many users will be easily accommodated by the welcoming shelter. The current concept design allows for easy supervision and observation by passers-by, thusly avoiding negative behaviors or unwelcome activities, thereby satisfying CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) concerns.
This construction also presents the possibility to investigate and remediate the swampy area at the base of the hill just north of the playground. We are planning to include this investigation into the geotechnical investigation of the site that is required for the foundation. The DoS is enthusiastic about this project and has already initiated a archeological study to ensure that no First Nations important sites are located at this location.
The building conforms to current zoning, and the 2018 Parks Master Plan.
Project Uses: We envision the open air shelter to be used:
for shelter for parents minding children playing in the park,
pedestrians taking a break from their strolls or dog walking
allow small gatherings of neighbours
a sheltered place for families and friends to have picnics
a location to have neighbourhood meetings year round, like the Sandy Hook Community Association, and other community meetings
Special events, public discussions, and possibly an emergency gathering place.
Background:
2019-2021 – A sheltered structure in Sandy Hook has been discussed for several years.
October 2021 – The Tot Park picnic structure was approved at the 2021 SHCA AGM
June 2022 – District of Sechelt Council supports the Sandy Hook Community Association’s open‐air picnic shelter project at Tot Park.
Summer 2022 – the SHCA applied to the Sunshine Coast Community Forest Legacy Fund (SCCFLF) for financing to construct the Skookum Hut. Because the project was not “shovel ready” the funding was not granted. Project nicknamed the Skookum Hut.
November 2023 – Budget request submitted to DoS by SHCA for costs to get project shovel ready.
2023 – Capital project funding for $30,000 granted to develop the plan so it is “shovel ready”. Evidence of community support needed to move the project forward.
2023 – August – SHCA develops a survey and posters for community to demonstrate support and interest.
Please complete the following survey by September 15th, 2023.
DO YOU NEED SOME HELP DISCARDING THE BROOM YOU HAVE CUT? Due to the tenacious nature of Scotch Broom, it cannot be discarded with other green waste, as the seeds will continue to spread the problem. A small group of Sandy Hook residents are collecting plants that have been cut before seeding starts, and will be taking them to the Halfmoon Bay Broombusters group who have offered to burn the pile in fall. Please contact sandyhookcommunityassociation@gmail.com to request some help!
SCOTCH BROOM Scotch broom is an alien invasive plant brought to the Pacific Northwest in the mid-1800’s. A single plant can produce 18,000 seeds that survive in the soil for up to 50 years. Remove Scotch Broom before it becomes established.
WHY REMOVE? Spreads rapidly and densely – crowds out native plants Forms dense thickets – slows and prevents forest regrowth Highly flammable – a fire hazard Toxic to the land and grazing animals Noxious – pollen makes people sick
REMOVAL Cut broom in bloom at ground level – as low as you can go Pull very small plants Go after new infestations Stop cutting when the seedpods form (beginning of June) Be careful not to spread the seeds
There has been a notable up-tick in COVID cases over the last few days. This has ‘tipped the scales’. The Board will no longer go door-to-door to deliver the survey. None-the-less the survey is crucial in getting direction for the coming year so a number of alternatives will be used.
First off – we hope the honour system will work – no multiple submissions by the same person!
Method 1
So here are the links to the survey documents. You can print and submit at the AGM or email to the current secretary – pharvey@peterharvey.org.
Membership Form (this can be provided via email and a Board member will follow up for the fee).
Structure (indicate if a committee should be created to explore idea – or not)
Method 2
Survey packages will be available at bulletin boards around the community in the coming days. These can be completed and submitted at the AGM or in a box that will be placed at the Tot Park bulletin board.
Happy New Year! We are writing to you to inform you of several recent events that have taken place. Firstly, our president, Peter Harvey, has stepped down and is unable to host the yearly meet and greet that was scheduled for Feb 3rd. Therefore, Our board is arranging a special AGM to elect new board members and provide an opportunity for everyone to come together. Board positions available are as follows:
The Sandy Hook Rd bulletin board has been looking very sad of late. At some point the roof came off of it leaving the board to be freely soaked by the rain.
The Sandy Hook Community Association organized and carried out its repair. It now has a new roof. There is more work to be done on this, and other community boards, but this seems to be a nice fix to get the ‘ball rolling’.
