FAQ: OCP Review 2024

What is an Official Community Plan (OCP) review?

An Official Community Plan review is an opportunity for the Town to ensure that the goals and objectives which were set out in the OCP are still important to the community. Since an official community plan is a long-term guiding document for the future of a community it is important that everything stated in the plan is still relevant to the community and no adjustments need to be made to the plan.

About the 2024-2026 Official Community Plan review

Starting in fall 2023 the Town of Qualicum Beach will begin a review of its Official Community Plan (OCP). Qualicum Beach's current plan was adopted in 2018. It is important that the plan be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it continues to reflect the values and aspirations of the community. The review process is anticipated to take just over one year with the adoption of a revised Official Community Plan in early 2026.

Why is the Official Community Plan important?

The OCP reflects the community's values and priorities as presented through its vision. By setting out a clear community vision today, we can shape our future growth in a way that is sustainable and provides a high quality of life for current and future residents.

Will there be an Official Community Plan Steering Committee, and how it is appointed?

Yes, an OCP Steering Committee will be comprised of a Councillor liason, Director of Planning and Community Development, and up to seven (7) community representatives. The Committee will review and provide comment on the Quality of Life questions and process for Council consideration, help define the scope of the OCP Review, and provide recommendations to Council on decision points. Committee members are be appointed by Council, and Committee meetings commenced in Fall 2023 and conclude after the adoption of the updated OCP. Meetings will be held on the first and third Monday of each month or as required. Read the Committee Terms of Reference.

What is a Quality of Life Survey and what role does it play in the Official Community Plan?

The Quality of Life Survey (QLS) precedes the OCP Review and reports on resident satisfaction with municipal services; reports on shifting trends regarding hobbies, transportation, and lifestyle; and provides feedback on key issues to assist with the OCP Review. Survey development to occur 2025. View the 2018 QLS.

How does an Official Community Plan (OCP) help us reach our community goals?

All municipal policies, plans and regulations must be in alignment with the OCP Bylaw, so it is a powerful guide for Town decision-making. An effective OCP provides clear direction but does not preclude change to the plan based on evolving circumstances or interpretation of policies by Council and staff. In this way, an OCP is often considered a "living document".

Who uses an Official Community Plan (OCP)? Who does it affect?

Council, town staff, developers and professionals (architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, etc.) use the OCP to understand what the community wants as it relates to the delivery of housing and other land uses (types, character), transportation services, infrastructure and amenities. They also use the OCP to understand which areas are suitable for development and which are not (environmentally sensitive areas, steep slopes, hazardous areas, etc.). The public can use the OCP to gain a better understanding of local issues and how they are planned to be addressed or what changes may happen in their neighbourhood.

Why is public input needed?

An Official Community Plan (OCP) Review involves significant public involvement from the beginning to the end so that goals and policies reflect community concerns and hopes for the future. During an OCP update, the review process is open, transparent, and requires broad input from residents, elected officials, staff, and stakeholders. It is the Town's goal to engage residents of all ages and walks of life to participate in a wide number of activities over the life of the review.

What is the different between a zoning Bylaw and the Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The zoning bylaw is a regulatory tool that is very specific about land use, density, building siting (where it's located on a lot) and other issues such as landscaping and lot coverage requirement as it relates to a lot or site. The OCP is more strategic and often less prescriptive about specific sites. For instance, the OCP will say "this area will be a future growth area for high density housing" where the Zoning Bylaw will say that the building on that specific lot will be may not be more than 9m tall or cover more than 35% of the lot.

Where can I get more information about the OCP?

Click Here to view the OCP Documents