Official Community Plan Updates

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (OCP) BACKGROUND

The ACRD has six Electoral Areas (EAs) consisting of 'A' Bamfield, 'B' Beaufort, 'C' Long Beach, 'D' Sproat Lake, 'E' Beaver Creek, and 'F' Cherry Creek. Each EA has its own OCP that will be undergoing comprehensive updates to establish a plan which better reflects the community’s needs and interests, while also aligning with updated provincial legislation, and other ACRD plans and initiatives.

The six OCPs will be reviewed and updated in the following order, with two OCPs being updated at once: South Long Beach (currently underway, more information available Area C (South Long Beach) Official Community Plan Update), Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek, Beaufort, Bamfield, and Cherry Creek.

WHAT IS AN OCP?

An OCP is a high-level policy document that guides decisions on planning and land use management. It sets the community vision and direction for the next five to 10 years and must address topics such as housing, land use, infrastructure, climate action, and transportation.

The ACRD OCPs will be developed collaboratively with the local Advisory Planning Commissions (APCs), ACRD Board of Directors, and through engagement with community members and First Nations. In addition, agencies, organizations, and authorities that may be affected will also be part of the update process. Once the OCP is drafted, a public hearing will occur to allow community members an additional opportunity to provide their views to the ACRD Board of Directors before adopting the OCP bylaw.

More information on what’s included in an OCP, and other Provincial resources, is available HERE.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN OCP IS ADOPTED?

When an OCP is adopted, newly proposed development projects need to comply with land use designations in an OCP. Any proposed development that does not comply must be changed to a land use that’s consistent with the type of development. This is done through an OCP Amendment Application to the ACRD, which is approved by the Board of Directors. It is important that community members are engaged in the development of updating OCPs, since this establishes policies, objectives, and values for the future of their community.

Other ACRD bylaws, policies, plans, and strategies may need updating once the OCP has been adopted. Examples of bylaws that may require updating are development procedures, noise bylaws, and ticketing for regulations in the Zoning Bylaw.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Information on the current ACRD OCPs can be found HERE.
• Additional background information on the ACRD is available in the ACRD Strategic Plan 2024-2027 .
• A Summary of Development Permit requirements for each OCP area is available on the Application Process & Guides webpage.
• Let's Connect ACRD includes engagement opportunities and information for the OCP updates.

Contact

ACRD Planning and Development
250-720-2700
planning@acrd.bc.ca

ACRD Official Community Plan Updates
250-720-2700
ocp@acrd.bc.ca