Save Howe Sound - AGAIN!

Burnco Rock Products of Calgary propose a large scale gravel mine at McNab Creek, in the middle of Howe Sound. A 30-hectare pit, onsite crusher producing 20 million tonnes of aggregate over 16 years. The project will create 12 direct operational jobs.

Last summer, a public comment period indicated widespread opposition to this heavy industrial development in the natural estuary flourishing with marine life.  You can read Burnco's responses to the 3590 issues raised by the public here. The SCCA was awarded participant funding from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), which enabled our committee to put together a submission compiled from concerns raised by our members and the community at large. It is founded on local and professional knowledge of the McNab watershed and its surrounding environment. You can read our submission here.

The BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) and the CEAA are in the process of “writing their technical assessment report taking into consideration all of the information along with mitigations in the form of legally binding conditions.”   Another 30 day public comment period to review the conclusions will be held prior to the report being sent to the Ministers responsible for decision.  You can find more information on the Burnco EAO process here.

The Future of Howe Sound Society has been championing the efforts to inform the public and challenge the development. Their website has exceptionally comprehensive information about the history of the proposed mine, the ecological and biodiversity values of the area, and the concerns of how this project impacts residents, quality of life, and the recover of Howe Sound.  Check out these pages to get informed on the issue:

BURNCO McNab Proposal Background

BURNCO Gravel Mine Environmental Assessment resumes

Want to help?  Sign the Future of Howe Sound Society's petition to call for protection of the McNab Estuary here.

Last Updated: Monday, 28 August 2017 22:41

This Living Salish Sea World Premiere!

We've all been waiting with bated breath for this moment ... the premiere of local filmmaker and activist, Sarama's full-length film documentary: This Living Salish Sea!

Monday, June 26, 7:30pm, Gibsons Heritage Playhouse
with a second showing now scheduled for the following night: Tuesday June 27th.
Presented by Green Film Series.
 
Exploring the rich biodiversity of our local waters, diver and environmental activist Sarama shows us the ecosystem we are trying to protect from inappropriate industrial development. Glorious underwater footage and talks with environmentalists, scientists, and First Nations, reveal the evolving story of our Salish Sea.
In the words of Sarama: "I hope you will be able to have the opportunity to watch the film, and that it may help in some way to make our local environment and the planet, a healthier place."
 
Admission by donation at the door (suggested $10). Donations go to support Sarama's production costs.
Light refreshments and snacks available before and after the film.

You can reserve your spot today by registering here.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 June 2017 00:13

Sechelt Oceans Day June 10th!


To celebrate World Oceans Day, we're pleased to be joining forces with the District of Sechelt to present the first annual Sechelt Oceans Day!

12 - 4 pm
Saturday, June 10th,
Friendship Park & Trail Bay Waterfront

You're invited to enjoy an afternoon of FREE family fun featuring ocean-themed activities and games at Friendship Park and the downtown Trail Bay waterfront. Pick up your Oceans Day Passport at our info booth, and gain stamps at each activity for your chance to win great prizes, like a free kayak rental from Alpha Adventures!

SCHEDULE:

12 pm:     Welcome from Mayor Bruce Milne & Councillor Noel Muller

12:15:     Talaysay' Oceans Day Spoken Treasures Tour
               Featuring Candace Campo, shishalh Nation Cultural Ambassador, of
               Talaysay Tours. Tickets are $15, and spaces are limited to 20. 
               Register here.

1 pm:      Shoreline Stewards Cleanup.
               Join us for a Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup along the Sechelt
               waterfront - click here to sign up.

2 pm:       Friends of Forage Fish - Want to know what a forage fish is?
               Want to know what the volunteer project is about? Join us for a
               sampling demonstration to see for yourself!

2 - 4 pm:  Make Art Not Waste - community art project!
                Join the visionary eco-artists of deer crossing the art farm society to
                upcycle & transform marine debris collected in shoreline cleanups
                into beautiful Eco-Art!

3 pm:       iNaturalist - become a Citizen Scientist with this free app!
                   Hands-on intro to how you can contribute to world knowledge of
                biodiversity while learning about local species. Take pictures, and
                scientific experts identify it for you!

10 am - 3 pm:   Alpha Adventures Paddle Demo for Oceans Day!
                        Your chance to try out kayaking, and different kayak models,
                        for FREE! Join Alpha Adventure staff at Porpoise Bay Provincial
                        Park. Spaces are limited - click here to register.

3:30 - 4 pm:  KNOTTY DOTTERS Marimba Band!

4 pm:        Prize Draw!  Show us your Oceans Day passport stamps & get
                  tickets for a chance to win.

Also featuring information and games from the: BC Cetacean Sighting Network, Friends of Forage Fish, Eco-Freako, Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Society, SC Salmonid Enhancement Society, Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project, The Jellyfish Project, Tours of Exploration, Pacific Wild, SC Conservation Association, and the District of Sechelt.

Prizes include: Animal Encounter for Two at the Vancouver Aquarium, Alpha Adventures Kayak Rental, Northern Divine Smoked Sturgeon, Painting by Sheila Page, Pastimes Salmon Card Game, Sechelt Fish Market $50 Gift Card, SC Conservation Association & Jellyfish Project T-shirts, Eco-Freako products, ReDécor whales, Marine Life of PNW Book from Tours of Exploration, All For Pets Gift Basket, Great Bear Wild book from Pacific Wild, Basted Baker $25 Gift Card, Family membership at the Gibsons Public Market, Wandering Wonders ice cream treats, reusable bags from Claytons, Salmon boards from the District of Sechelt, and more!

Please visit and share our Facebook page.

Last Updated: Friday, 09 June 2017 04:13

2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Please join us for our 2017 Annual General Meeting:
Thursday, June 1st, from 7 - 9 pm at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre
5714 Medusa Street, Sechelt

Coffee, tea and juice refreshments will be served.
Please bring a POTLUCK snack item to share (sweet or savoury treats).

JOIN OUR TEAM
If you are passionate about nature conservation and would like to contribute your time, energy and particular skills, please consider joining our team as a Director! 
In addition to attending monthly board meetings, there are a host of issues Directors can get involved with, according to their interests.  Please contact our Co-Chairs for more information: chair@thescca.ca, 604.886.3936 (Gayle) or 604.740.7983 (Rick).

MEMBERSHIP & VOTING
If you were a member in 2016 and would like to have voting privileges at the AGM, please ensure your membership is up to date.  Memberships can be renewed at the AGM, or you can renew online.  NEW members must have been in good standing for at least 90 days before the AGM to have voting privileges.  To find out your membership status, contact: membership@thescca.ca.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION
As part of our transition to the new BC Societies Act, we will be updating our Constitution and Bylaws. Because we will be making some minor changes to improve wording, phrasing, and some content, we will be seeking member approval for the new draft.  You can view our current version here. Click this link for our new DRAFT Constitution and Bylaws.

Last Updated: Saturday, 13 May 2017 01:12