By David Wiwchar

City sets sights on OCP

City sets sights on OCP

Jan 9, 2024 | 10:15 AM

City Council wants to complete an Official Community Plan by the end of this year.

The last OCP was written two decades ago and according to Mayor Sharie Minions, is hugely outdated.

“Our past OCP speaks largely to industrial waterfront,” she said. “And while I recognize that we will always have some level of an industrial waterfront in Port Alberni I think we are as a community seeing the value of community waterfront and people on the waterfront; a mix of businesses and residential on the waterfront that’s still includes several industrial properties, but as opportunities come available, and as we undertake the work on and planning on the Somass lands, the OCP will really critically lead that process in determining what we want the future of our waterfront to be.”

Minions said the only time the past OCP is looked at recently, is when the council need to amend it to meet development changes.

She said an OCP sets out a guiding community plan, growth plan, climate adaptation plan and policies for the future.

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

1h ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

2h ago

stepping in

Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strike

4h ago

The city will be arranging community engagement sessions over the next few months as staff work towards completing the project.