Studies, Reports, and Strategies

One Water Strategy

Water Use Planning for Aquifer 560 (2023–2024)

In September 2023, the Town of Gibsons and the SCRD signed the Aquifer 560 Watershed Agreement, committing to greater cooperation in aquifer understanding through monitoring, and infrastructure planning.

As part of the agreement:

• The Town engaged Urban Systems Ltd. (USL) to carry out an Engineering Support Project to improve the interconnection between the Town and SCRD water systems.
• The One Water Strategy emerged from this work, with Waterline Resources Inc. joining the project team to support its development.

The One Water Strategy focuses on recognizing Aquifer 560 as a critical natural asset whose health is directly linked to surrounding ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, surface water bodies, and the geological formations above the aquifer.

This integrated approach supports long-term water sustainability for both communities and future climate resilience.

Aquifer Mapping Study

Leapfrog Model Update (2024)

Following the update to the Aquifer Mapping Study Update in 2021-2022 (below) the Aquifer model was updated in 2024 with new geological data. Data was acquired through the current Development Permit No. 9 process, where development that has the potential to impact the Aquifer confining unit (Aquitard) and Aquifer 560 must assess the hydrogeological conditions of the site .

Another important data source was obtained through the 2023 Aquifer 560 Watershed Agreement with the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), as the SCRD began sharing groundwater monitoring data from wells in the Soames and Elphinstone lobes of Aquifer 560.

Changes to the Leapfrog Model based on the new data included a refinement of the extent of the Aquitard along the south slopes of Mt. Elphinstone and the extent and thickness of Aquifer 560 across the three lobes of the aquifer.

Aquifer Mapping Study Update (2021–2022)

In June 2022, Waterline Resources presented an updated Aquifer Mapping Study to Council. This project built upon earlier research and advanced the Town’s understanding of the aquifer’s structure, capacity, and response to changing environmental conditions.

Key findings:

• Aquifer 560 is composed of three hydraulically disconnected “lobes”, all sharing a common recharge area.
• Predictive modelling shows the aquifer can meet future water demands for the Town.
• Updates to the numerical model and mapping, including new drilling and environmental data.
• Groundwater simulations included scenarios under climate change conditions, such as low precipitation and sea level rise.

Recommendations:

• Assess artesian overflow from Town Wells #1 and #4.
• Install shallow monitoring wells in Lower Gibsons.
• Collaborate closely with SCRD, the Ministry of Forests, and other partners to protect the watershed and improve monitoring.

Work is underway to implement these recommendations and share the updated data with stakeholders.

• Read the Aquifer Mapping Study Update (June 2022)
• Read the Press Release: Town Releases Aquifer Mapping Update – June 7, 2022

Original Aquifer Mapping Study (2009–2013)

The Town’s foundational study of Aquifer 560 began in 2009 with the support of a $400,000 grant and $100,000 in Town funding. Conducted by Waterline Resources Inc., with support from Gordon Groundwater Consultancy and UBC MSc student Jessica Doyle, this work established the baseline understanding of the aquifer.

Key outcomes:

• Identified aquifer boundaries and recharge area.
• Determined the sustainable water supply capacity.
• Evaluated climate change and pumping impacts.
• Completed an initial groundwater sampling program.
• Recommended funding strategies and communications planning.

The final report was presented to Council on May 16, 2013, during a well-attended public meeting that included a Q&A session.

• Watch the 2013 Aquifer Mapping Presentation – 75-minute presentation + 50-minute Q&A
• Read the Full Report and Appendices or view the hard copy at the Gibsons Library.

The Town thanks all partners and local residents who contributed to this important work.