Project Summary N-025: Official community plan
Project to update the OCP to align with new provincial housing legislation and interim housing needs assessments.
Project Summary
Priority: Strategic Public Engagement: Consult Project Name: Official community plan Project Number: 1-2-05100-615 CC510-02 Submitted by: Leanne Taylor Director: Leanne Taylor, Development Services
Executive Summary
With the recent adoption of new Provincial housing legislation in November 2023 (Bill 44-2023 and Bill 47-2023), the Town is required to update its Official Community Plan (OCP) to align the OCP with its interim Housing Needs Assessment and identify areas for residential development to meet anticipated housing needs for at least the next 20 years. The OCP must also include policies for affordable housing, rental housing, and special needs housing. In addition, the Town is required to review and update the OCP every five years with public engagement and include in the OCP policies that address a wider range of housing types (e.g., affordable housing, rental housing (i.e., garden suites), housing for families, etc.).
This project will also include a review and update of other policies and design guidelines in the existing 2011 OCP to better address emerging issues related to housing, climate change, environment, transportation, economy, parks and recreation, arts and culture, and First Nations reconciliation, with substantial public engagement. At the Regular Council meeting on October 15, 2024, Council endorsed the ten key focus areas of the OCP review and update project to be carried out in 2025 and 2026; and approved the three-phase project timeline and associated project scope.
Business problem and opportunity
An OCP is not a static document—it reflects the ongoing evolution of a community. Regular review of an OCP ensures that its policies and objectives continue to reflect community values, goals, and aspirations and will meet the new Provincial housing legislation requirements.
Proposed project objectives
To implement the new Provincial housing legislation in accordance with Bill 44-2023 and Bill 47-2023; establish a communications and engagement strategy that meets the needs and desires of the public, Council, and staff; establish a renewed vision and guiding principles for the Town, and plan for and manage all aspects of land use and sustainable growth over the coming decades; and review and update policies and design guidelines contained in the existing 2011 OCP.
Business risks
Risks include development and policy that no longer meet community aspirations, land use policy becomes outdated, and emerging community issues are not addressed in a comprehensive way. The province will intervene if the Town does not meet the prescribed implementation timeline to carry out updates to the OCP to reflect the new housing legislation.
Proposed sources of funding
- Provincial grant reserve account – LGCAP 1-1-00500-185: $42,000
- Casino revenue 1-1-00557-866: $98,000
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | |||||
| Operational | 140,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 140,000 |
| Total | 140,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 140,000 |
Benefits
- Tangible: Clear objectives and land use policies, increased housing supply, and engagement procedures and tools to inform an OCP review process.
- Intangible: A strong vision for engagement and community development with broad community support.
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include the Official community plan in 2026 to be funded by provincial grant reserve account and Casino revenue.
Additional Information
A link to the Committee of the Whole Report dated September 23, 2024: Town of View Royal Council Report
A link to the Council Report dated October 8, 2024: Town of View Royal Council Report
A copy of Bill 44 – 2023 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 is available here: Bill 44 - Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, 4th Session, 42nd Parliament (2023) (leg.bc.ca)
A copy of Bill 47 – 2023 Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023 is available here: Bill 47 - Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023, 4th Session, 42nd Parliament (2023) (leg.bc.ca)
More information on local government housing initiatives is available here: Local government housing initiatives - Province of British Columbia