Watering restrictions are in effect to ensure sufficient water reserves for firefighting and adequate supply for all residents. Please adhere to the following schedule for outdoor water use:

Even Numbered Addresses
Watering permitted on even numbered dates

Odd Numbered Addresses
Watering permitted on odd numbered dates

Permitted Watering Times
6am to 10am
6pm to 10pm

In the past months there has been significant public concern around the behaviour of a sow grizzly with two cubs and a separate boar that have established a territory in much of the residential area of the Village of Sayward and the SRD Area A. We have compiled a timeline of sightings that can be referenced for communications with media or government agencies. This list will be updated over time. Please email Hello@GoSayward.com or tag @GoSayward on Facebook to catch our attention so we add your future sightings.

 2025

• August 8th – On the boat launch access road
• August 7th – In yards across from the log sort
• July 22nd – In yards along Hemlock Street and Spar Street 10pm to 11pm
• July 7th – At Elk Haven Cabins
• July 6th – Behind the Legion
• June 27th – Seen by the mushroom farm.
• June 27th – Seen in a driveway near Sayward Road and Salmon River Main.
• June 27th – Seen near farm stand on Frenchman Road.
• June 27th – Seen in back yard on Cheryl Lynn Road.
• June 24th – Seen at standing up looking over fenceline of home near Cable House, undisturbed by 4 dogs.
• June 22nd – Seen crossing the White River near the highway bridge.
• June 21st – Seen in a driveway on Smit Road.
• June 20th – Seen in front of a house on Sachts Road.
• June 20th – Encountered on trail by river in the Valley.
• June 19th – Seen walking through front yard of home on Sachts Road.
• June 13th – Juvenile bear charged dogs on a property near Sayward Rd and Salmon River Main intersection.
• June 13th – Seen behind tennis courts by Kelsey Centre.
• June 10th – Seen by Sayward Elementary.
• June 10th – Seen in the Salmon River Estuary.
• May 27th – Seen in the Salmon River Estuary.
• May 21st – Seen in the Salmon River Estuary.
• May 17th – Seen in the Salmon River Estuary.
• May 15th – Seen in the old mall parking lot.
• May 13th – Seen behind the Salmon River Inn.
• May 13th – Seen by the Royal Canadian Legion.
• May 12th – Seen on Kelly’s Trail.
• May 9th – Seen in the Salmon River Estuary.

2024

– October 7 – On the mushroom farm.

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has been awarded $360,000 through the 2025 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) grant program—an important step in enhancing emergency preparedness and response across North Island and coastal communities.

The funding will support the acquisition of high-frequency (HF) commercial radio equipment, advanced training, and the hiring of disaster communications technicians. These upgrades will expand the DisasterNet BC network, integrating six additional communities into a secure, provincewide emergency communications system.

“This grant is a testament to strong regional collaboration,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “It will significantly improve our ability to communicate across jurisdictions when it matters most, ensuring communities are more connected and resilient in the face of emergencies and natural disasters.”

DisasterNet BC operates on licensed, interference-protected HF radio frequencies, enabling dependable communication even when cellular and internet networks are unavailable. By expanding access to this system, the SRD and its partners are investing in reliable, community-based tools that enhance rapid response and coordination during crises.

In addition to strengthening the radio network, the grant will fund several key community initiatives:

• Technology Upgrades: Enhancements to virtual meeting infrastructure for the City of Campbell River and the Village of Sayward, as well as a server upgrade for the Village of Gold River’s municipal hall to support effective emergency coordination.

• Emergency Support Staffing: Additional hours for part-time Emergency Program Liaisons in participating villages and First Nations, ensuring emergency plans are regularly updated, tested, and well-understood.

The successful grant application was a collaborative effort between the SRD and its regional partners, including the City of Campbell River, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation, Nuchatlaht First Nation, the Town of Port McNeill, and the Villages of Sayward, Gold River, Tahsis, and Zeballos.

By investing in communications infrastructure and emergency staffing, this initiative directly supports rural, remote, and Indigenous communities that often face heightened challenges in disaster response. The result: faster response times, stronger inter-agency coordination, and greater resilience across the region.