What is an Official Community Plan?
An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a Council-adopted bylaw that sets out a community vision. It will guide future land use, growth and change.
Provincial legislation provides direction and guidance about the OCP. This includes setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Many OCPs are leading their communities toward a more sustainable future: conserving resources, providing good jobs close to home, making neighbourhoods safe and friendly for young and old, honouring local heritage.
Why is an OCP important?
Two main reasons: Town Council cannot make decisions that are inconsistent with the plan, without formally changing it. This means residents have assurance that what is adopted will be adhered to. And, landowners, developers and investors will know where change is welcomed or acceptable, and under what conditions.
Why update the OCP now?
The OCP does not reflect current thinking. Its origins were in the mid-1990s. Since then, the CRD has extended trunk sewer services to all of View Royal, and the population has boomed from 6,441 in 1996 to about 9,000 today. There is additional potential for growth and redevelopment.
The plan also needs to embrace sustainability principles. Our planning horizon has stretched — it is not only about the next 10 years, but the next 100 years.
