A Chance to Shape the Future of the Village

First OCP event in the books: will you take part?

Lions Bay residents attend OCP event at Village Hall on August 22. Photo by kc dyer.

Residents recently gathered to share their thoughts about a new, fully-funded reassessment of the Official Community Plan (OCP) along with an update to the current zoning bylaw.

The OCP is a long-range planning document mandated by the province that outlines the community's vision and provides direction for future decisions. These can be as wide-ranging as land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, the natural environment, hazards, and community amenities.

The last time the OCP was comprehensively addressed was in 2009, with an addition to outline greenhouse gas emissions targets in 2010 and a second to clarify the Village's regional context statement in 2016.

The update of the plan is being steered by MODUS Planning, Design & Engagement Inc. a firm specializing in assisting municipalities with the planning process, in conjunction with Village staff. Members of the MODUS team were present at the event to gather information and listen to resident priorities.

At the public meeting on August 22, a poster greeting attendees at the door of the Village Hall identified the update to the community plan as a three-part process:

1. Explore (spring-summer): Complete background research and engage the community.

2. Refine (summer-fall): Draft content for the OCP and Zoning Bylaw and engage the community once again

3. Adopt (winter): Finalize and adopt the updated OCP and Zoning Bylaws.

Information stations collecting resident feedback were scattered throughout the hall, addressing topics including the needs and wants of community members by age, the importance of community identity as well as about land use, transportation needs, and the importance of preserving natural areas. Input was also requested regarding the balance between environment and climate trade-offs balanced against future development and managed landscapes.

On a poster outlining options for a resilient community, Villagers offered clear support for hazard mitigation and conservation over development and personal convenience. Photo by kc dyer.

Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell, who was also present for the event, said he was pleased with the attendance. "It was great to see so many people coming out especially some young families – it is always the case that the more the better."

While Blackwell said he has not yet reviewed the responses given by local residents, he said he considers all feedback to be valuable.

"I am very grateful to those who managed to fit this event into their busy Saturday schedule," Blackwell said. "Their participation and feedback are most helpful, central to the process, and very much appreciated."

The response from residents who attended the event seemed to be generally positive.

"I saw this as the first step in a long process," said long-time resident Christine Little. "A vibe check about where the Village is at on key issues and where they need to focus. Initial stakeholder engagement to help them plan next steps."

However, The Watershed has also heard from local residents who had been under the impression the event was a four-hour information session, and therefore didn't attend because they couldn't clear the full amount of time.

"Rather than making assumptions, it is always best to reach out and inquire," responded Blackwell.  "Knowledge is key."

One resident said "I hope there are additional opportunities for engagement, given this took place on a summer weekend when people were away."

Blackwell said similar events are planned as a part of the process in the fall, but no dates have been made public as yet.

MODUS Senior Engagement Planner Michael Meyer said the next step in the process will involve a questionnaire that will be sent out to community members that will cover topics similar to those broached at the drop-in event.

"There will also be other engagement opportunities as the OCP update progresses," said Meyer, adding that MODUS plans to share a summary of what they have learned later in the process.

Some of the information stations seeking resident feedback at the first OCP event. Photos by kc dyer.

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