Courtenay Hosting Virtual Information Sessions For Updates To Official Community Plan

The City of Courtenay will soon be hosting virtual information sessions for updates to the Official Community Plan.

The OCP will guide long-term decisions on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure and more.

The B.C. government requires that all local governments across the province include 20 years of housing needs in official community plans by the end of the year.

Residents can learn more by attending one of two kick-off virtual information sessions on Monday, June 16th, from noon-1 p.m. or 5-6 p.m.

Both sessions will have the same content and format, starting with a short presentation followed by questions and answers with project staff and consultants.

Pre-registration is encouraged to get the virtual link in advance.

Also, public engagement opportunities will be shared throughout the coming months on the project page at Engage Comox Valley.

In late 2023, the Province introduced a suite of housing legislation aimed at accelerating housing supply by taking a more proactive planning approach, including updating OCPs by December 31st to accommodate housing needs.

The updated plan will build upon the existing policies of Courtenay’s current OCP adopted in 2022.

The OCP’s vision and values include reconciliation, climate action, equity and community well-being.

Marianne Wade, Director of Development Services for the City, says the previous OCP had a planning horizon of 2030 and was based on 2016 population projections available at the time.

Since then, she says they’ve learned Courtenay is growing faster than expected.

“The Province has added requirements to plan for a longer time frame and align zoning bylaws to meet housing demands. It’s an important time to check-in with the community on how Courtenay can grow in the years ahead – in a way that reflects the existing spirit of the OCP,” Wade said.

The OCP update will expand housing choices by updating land use designations and associated policies, aligned with recent strategic plans and policy updates for consistency and coordination across plans.

It will also outline how growth needs to be supported by infrastructure, parks, open spaces and amenities.