Area H – OCP Review

An Official Community Plan (OCP) describes a long-term vision for the future and a course of action to achieve it. Objectives and policies in the OCP guide land use, servicing, and physical, social and economic changes in the community over the long term.

The current Electoral Area 'H' Official Community Plan (OCP) was adopted in 2004, and in 2010 the Bowser Village Plan was adopted as part of the OCP. These two plans were created through extensive public engagement, with many community members volunteering their time to provide input and to help achieve a unified community vision.

In the 11 years since the OCP was adopted the pace of development has been slower than anticipated and notable changes have occurred in the area including: establishment of the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station in Deep Bay, expansion of Deep Bay Harbour, changes to provincial legislation such as the Riparian Areas Regulation, allowance for secondary suites, and introduction of building inspection.

It is time to review the OCP again and see what changes should be made to help achieve the community vision.