The District of North Saanich is actively seeking public input as it nears the final stages of its official community plan (OCP) update, a crucial document that will guide the community's future development and rezoning decisions.
Over the next two weeks, the district has scheduled a series of public engagement opportunities to gather feedback on the draft OCP.
The engagement sessions kick off with an online webinar on April 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., led by the district's planning team.
For residents preferring in-person interaction, presentations will be held at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church on April 15 (4-6 p.m.) and at the McTavish Academy of Art on April 17 (6-8 p.m).
These sessions offer a direct line of communication with the planning director, who will present the draft OCP, address key elements, and answer questions from the public.
This OCP update process follows a restart after the 2022 municipal elections and the subsequent departure of an outside consultant in March 2023.
Since then, the district has appointed a new director of planning, Felice Mazzoni, who has hired a dedicated planner to focus on the OCP.
The OCP update was initially intended to be completed in June 2023, but the timeline was pushed back to February 2024 and eventually extended to June 2025.
According to staff, the extended release of the draft OCP into 2025 is attributed to staffing challenges, new provincial regulations and a commitment to thorough community engagement.
New provincial legislation, aimed at increasing housing density and streamlining housing needs reporting, has significantly impacted the OCP review process.
The latest draft of the OCP, dated March 26, includes an amended vision statement approved by council and minor edits. Maps have also been added to the district's project page on connectnorthsaanich.ca.
The district aims to gather public review and feedback on the first draft of the OCP by April 22.
"This timeframe allows residents and business owners ample opportunity to share their thoughts, ensuring the OCP reflects the needs and priorities of the community," according to district staff.
A summary of engagement results will be presented to council in May, followed by a second draft and a presentation of the OCP bylaw.
A major theme emerging from the community's feedback is the desire for responsible, controlled growth that respects North Saanich's rural character and natural resources. Environmentally harmonious development and the preservation of the Agricultural Land Reserve are major concerns.
Public input will continue throughout the OCP bylaw and public hearing process, culminating in its adoption in June.
The cost of the OCP review in 2023 and 2024 was $55,723, which was covered by provincial funding. The same amount is budgeted for 2025.
"When costs/expenses are funded by a grant, as is the case with OCP costs of $55,723, it means there is no cost to the taxpayer in terms of an increase in tax rates," staff said.
The current OCP, adopted in 2007, specifies future land uses and defines them as multi-family affordable housing to meet future housing needs.
