Appendix D – Consultation Plan for RGS Amendment to Incorporate Updated Population Projections
A plan outlining the objectives and audience for the public consultation regarding the RGS amendment.
APPENDIX D
CONSULTATION PLAN FOR RGS AMENDMENT TO INCORPORATE UPDATED POPULATION PROJECTIONS
PURPOSE
To set out the objectives, process and timing for undertaking consultation on an amendment to incorporate revised population projections into the 2018 RGS.
BACKGROUND
The requested amendment is to fulfill a commitment arising from RGS mediation to update population projections to be based off of the 2016 census as soon as practicable.
GOAL
To undertake consultation on an amendment to the 2018 RGS in accordance with the requirements of section 434 and 450 of the Local Government Act.
OBJECTIVES
- Identify the audience, consultation activities, timing and reporting requirements to undertake consultation on the proposed amendment.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (IAC)
Section 450 of the Local Government Act requires that an IAC be established to facilitate coordination between provincial and local government representatives on matters that relate to the development of the RGS. The IAC includes municipal Directors of Planning and senior representatives from provincial, federal and other agencies.
An IAC was established for the RGS update process. The table below lists the represented local, provincial and federal government departments, ministries and agencies. This IAC will be used to process the requested RGS amendment, upon confirmation by the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
| Local Government | Provincial and Federal Governments and Agencies | Other |
|---|---|---|
| Central Saanich | Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation | Cowichan Valley Regional District |
| Colwood | Ministry of Citizens Services and Open Government | Community Social Planning Council |
| Esquimalt | Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development | |
| Highlands | Ministry of Energy and Mines | |
| Juan de Fuca Electoral Area | Ministry of Environment | |
| Langford | Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources | |
| Metchosin | Ministry of Health | |
| North Saanich | Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training | |
| Oak Bay | Ministry of Natural Gas and Housing | |
| Saanich | Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure | |
| Sidney | Agricultural Land Commission | |
| Sooke | BC Ferries | |
| Victoria | BC Transit | |
| View Royal | BC Hydro | |
| School District 61 | ||
| School District 62 | ||
| School District 63 | ||
| Tourism BC | ||
| Vancouver Island Health Authority | ||
| Islands Trust | ||
| CFB Esquimalt | ||
| Department of Fisheries and Oceans | ||
| Environment Canada | ||
| Parks Canada | ||
| Victoria Airport Authority |
- The RGS does not apply to Salt Spring Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and First Nations lands and as such data for these areas are not included in RGS projections.
AUDIENCE
Section 434 (2) of the Local Government Act identifies who is to be consulted as part of an RGS amendment. The legislation specifies that opportunities for early and ongoing consultation be provided. The table below describes the audience, their level of interest, and proposed consultation activities.
| AUDIENCE | LEVEL OF INTEREST | PROPOSED ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES | TIMING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens Residents of the capital region |
Low | Online Review: The public would be able to review information related to the proposed amendment online and to provide comment through Committee/Board correspondence or delegations. | June 2019 |
| Affected Local Governments 13 municipal councils and the Juan de Fuca electoral area |
High | DPAC Meeting: Planning Directors or their delegates met to review the projections at a meeting on April 12, 2019. | April 2019 |
| First Nations | Low | Email: The proposed amendment will be emailed for review and comment. | June/July |
| Boards Education, improvement districts, CVRD |
Low | Email: The proposed amendment will be emailed to agency representatives for review and comment. | June/July |
| Provincial and Federal Governments Ministries and agencies |
Low | Email: The proposed amendment will be referred to provincial and federal government representatives for review and comment. | June/July |
Input received through consultation will be reported to the Planning and Protective Services Committee and CRD Board.
PUBLIC HEARING
Section 434 (3) of the Local Government Act requires the Board to consider whether to hold a public hearing as part of the public consultation process. It is recommended that the discretionary public hearing for the RGS be waived given that inclusion of the updated population projections was agreed to through RGS mediation following an extensive consultation process and given the anticipated low level of public interest and given other proposed input opportunities. A public hearing would not substantively add to the consultation and could be waived at the Board’s discretion.