The Official Community Plan, or “OCP” is the overarching plan for the Town’s future land-use goals, objectives, and policies. The OCP is reviewed and updated during an open, inclusive public engagement process every six years (approximately).
With a projected demand of 2,435 new housing units in Qualicum Beach over the next 20 years, the Town’s 2025 Official Community Plan (OCP) Review process is set to focus on housing to comply with new Provincial housing regulations.
Residents, workers, businesses and organizations in Qualicum Beach are invited to participate in a series of community engagement events and activities to express their thoughts and ideas, and to help plan the future of housing in Qualicum Beach.
The 2025 OCP review is focused on housing and will explore five key areas to ensure the Town’s policies meet the diverse housing needs of the community.
Guided Discussion: Who Needs Housing? Households & Demographics
This facilitated discussion will dive into which groups should be prioritized in housing policies in the OCP. Different types of housing are required at different points in life – considering the needs of a young family to accessibility requirements for seniors. This discussion will explore how the Town can directly or indirectly support different types of households in our community.
Presentation: Who Needs Housing
Discussion Paper: Who Needs Housing
April 7, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lion’s Room, Civic Centre
Drop-ins are welcome, however, registration is encouraged by emailing [email protected]
Pop-Up Booths
Stop by and chat about who is in need of housing in our community or complete a survey to share your thoughts and opinions.
Guided Discussion: Where Should New Housing and Density be Located?
This facilitated discussion will explore where new housing and density should be located in the community.
Traditionally, residential growth in Qualicum Beach has been primarily in the Village Neighbourhood. This approach increases quality of life by improving walkability, reducing reliance on cars and avoiding sprawl into natural areas. It is also more cost-effective to service developments that are closer together, reducing the length of roads, pipes, and stormwater systems.
Presentation: Where Should Housing Be Located
Discussion Guide: Where Should Housing Be Located
April 14, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lion’s Room, Civic Centre
Drop-ins are welcome, however, registration is encouraged by emailing [email protected]
Pop-Up Booth
Stop by and chat about who is in need of housing in our community or complete a survey to share your thoughts and opinions.
Guided Discussion: What Should New Housing Look Like?
This facilitated discussion will lead conversation about what housing should look like, including building aesthetics.
New 2024 design guidelines were created by the Town to provide direction for development in what has traditionally been low density residential neighbourhoods. These guidelines are applicable Town-wide for duplexes, houseplexes and other housing that are now permitted as a result of the Provinceʼs legislated changes in 2023 (Bill 44). The intention of these guidelines is to encourage creative design freedom while retaining the Townʼs character and quality of life for residents.
Presentation: What Should New Housing Look Like?
Discussion Guide: What Should New Housing Look Like?
April 30, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lion’s Room, Civic Centre
Drop-ins are welcome, however, registration is encouraged by emailing [email protected]
Pop-Up Booths
Stop by and chat about who is in need of housing in our community or complete a survey to share your thoughts and opinions.
Guided Discussion: How Should the Town be Involved in Housing?
This facilitated discussion will explore how the Town should be involved with housing. The Town can directly or indirectly support different types of households, depending on the type of Town involvement. Generally, higher levels of direct support mean a higher degree of resources from the Town and from municipal taxpayers.
Presentation: How Should the Town be Involved in Housing?
Discussion Guide: How Should the Town be Involved in Housing?
May 12, 2025
2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Lion’s Room, Civic Centre
Drop-ins are welcome, however, registration is encouraged by emailing [email protected]
Pop-Up Booths
Stop by and chat about who is in need of housing in our community or complete a survey to share your thoughts and opinions.
This event concludes the 2025 OCP engagement, highlighting the results of the engagement and the Quality of Life Survey.
Information will also be shared as to the next steps of the OCP process and how community members can continue to be involved.
June 5, 2025
Time TBC
East & West Hall (Pioneer Hall), Civic Centre
Presentations will be made at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, with questions from the public to be answered following each presentation.
In late 2023, the Province of BC enacted legislation to increase housing density and availability in all communities in BC. The Town has met these requirements to date, including implementing zoning bylaw changes and completing its Interim Housing Needs Report in 2024. The Report revealed that Qualicum Beach must increase its housing units to meet the projected demand of 2,435 new housing units over the next 20 years.
The 2025 engagement process was launched with The Quality of Life Survey (extended to March 17, 2025) and will follow with a series of in-person engagements, including open house events, guided discussions, meetings, and pop-up events.
The results from the community engagement will then be presented at an open house with information on the next steps in the 2025 OCP Review.
Completed Public Engagement
The Town’s OCP was first adopted in 1978, with the last review in 2018. View the 2018 documents below:
FAQ
Project Documents
Media Releases
Meetings & Council Memos
Tendering
To contact the Town with questions or inquiries related to this project please use the Public Inquiry Form
