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Official Community Plan Review (OCP) – Electoral Area D

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is pleased to announce the adoption of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 276 for Electoral Area D, Oyster Bay – Buttle Lake.

At the December 13th, 2023, regular meeting, the SRD Board formally voted to adopt Bylaw No. 276, Official Community Plan for Electoral Area D, Oyster Bay – Buttle Lake. This plan is the result of significant efforts and involvement from the Area D community. In accordance with the Local Government Act, the SRD Board gave First and Second Reading to the draft OCP Bylaw at the November 22nd, 2023 Regular Board Meeting before proceeding to Public Hearing on December 6th, 2023.

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a principal planning document that provides guidance on the future growth and development of the community. It sets the long-term vision, providing goals and policies to guide decision making related to land use and development. The community vision, objectives and policies, and Development Permit Areas are the core elements of the OCP. The OCP states that:

Electoral Area D consists of quiet and friendly low-density neighbourhoods in a rural setting, offering an alternative to city life. The residents wish to live in quiet, spacious and friendly, low-density neighbourhoods with limited commercial development. Areas of open green space or beach access should be close by, protected and open to all to enjoy. Natural areas, parks and trails are within walking distance from most neighbourhoods and are welcoming places that offer a variety of recreational opportunities for different age groups and abilities to enjoy. Agriculture is an integral part of the rural lifestyle of the community. Commercial development is limited to areas along the old island highway.

New additions to the OCP include:

  1. Policy support for secondary suites and carriage houses in established residential neighbourhoods, providing gentle density and infill without requiring the need for subdivision. The implementation of this policy will result in a future updated Zoning Bylaw which regulates buildings in Area D.
  2. A new section with policies and objectives regarding First Nations.
  3. New sections increasing the SRD’s commitment to sustainability by developing policy on Climate Change, Coastal Planning and Sea Level Rise, Coastal Lands and Development, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
  4. A new section on Economic Development.
  5. A new Parks land use designation and updated Parks Inventory Map.

Thank you!

The SRD would like to thank all Electoral Area D residents for their involvement.  There were over 100 people who attended the OCP Open House held on October 5th, 2023, and over 160 Electoral Area D residents who completed the online Survey. It was great to see such participation and input from the community – a key component to the applicability and success of the plan.


View 2023 Area D OCP:

What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a principal planning document that provides guidance on the future growth and development of the community. It sets the long-term vision, providing goals and policies to guide decision making related to land use and development. The current OCP was adopted in 1996 and is being updated to reflect the needs and vision of the current community and address modern challenges.

Background

In 2017, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) initiated a process to review and update the Official Community Plan (OCP) for Electoral Area D, which includes lands and waters between Oyster Bay and Buttle Lake, including the Shelter Point and Stories Beach neighbourhoods south of Campbell River.

The project team completed a comprehensive engagement process that included; public information meetings, community visioning round table meetings, community focus group meetings, a public hearing, and a referrals process to engage public agencies and First Nations.

Community involvement was key to ensure the OCP reflects the ideas and input of the people who live and work in Area ‘D’ and speaks to the unique context of local concerns.  The SRD would like to thank all Electoral Area D residents for their involvement.  There were over 100 people who attended the OCP Open House held on October 5th, 2023, and over 160 Electoral Area D residents who completed the online Survey. It was great to see such participation and input from the community – a key component to the applicability and success of the plan.

Questions

Please contact SRD Planning Services at 250-830-6718  |  planning@srd.ca