PURPOSE OF REPORT

1. To introduce the draft Official Community Plan to Committee
2. To review the structure of the draft document and highlight change areas
3. To schedule a workshop with Council to do an in-depth review of the draft

Background

1. Scoping the project

• The Existing structure of the plan is sound. More attention needed on:
  • Climate Change
  • Transportation
  • Transitions between land uses
  • Integrating information from background reports like Land Economics, Housing Gaps and Needs report, and the Draft Community Climate Action Strategy

2. The process

• Multiple opportunities for engagement
  • Walkshops
  • Surveys
  • Online workshops
  • Reporting back on What We Heard

What Changed?

1. An emphasis on climate action is woven throughout the draft plan
2. The Vision has been refreshed—it integrates climate action and placemaking as strategic objectives
3. Greater attention to urban design and transitions between land uses
4. Recognition that the Town Center site, while a strategic objective, will not likely be available over the life of this OCP. The focus is on neighbourhood nodes and corridors. Suggested maximum densities have increased slightly.
5. Garden suites/carriage houses are recognized in policy, and would be achieved through rezoning
6. A focus on corridors better integrates land use and transportation
7. New Development Permit Areas—Hazard Lands and Intensive Residential
8. Mapping now done in house, with greater emphasis on accessibility for those with certain visual issues like colour blindness

Community Development Framework

OCP Land Use Designation Map

Urban Design Concept

• Existing residential neighbourhoods, infill
• Townhomes, low density developments
• Townhomes, part of larger developments
• Multi-family and mixed use developments
• Public realm, transit, bike networks, streetscape

What next?

Today’s presentation is intended as a birds eye view of the draft plan

Next step is a Council workshop to review the draft in detail—prior to referring the plan to any advisory committees or outside agencies. May 31 5-9pm is suggested.

Once Council has provided feedback and that is integrated into the draft we will post a draft online for community input.

Council with then be able to make decisions about the timing of bringing a bylaw forward for consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Committee of the Whole receive the report titled ‘Draft Official Community Plan’ from the Director of Development Services.

AND THAT Council schedule a dedicated special Council meeting for the purpose of Council review of the Draft OCP prior to referral to Council’s Advisory Committee’s.