Central Saanich has adopted its new Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP was developed over three years and with considerable community input.
“On behalf of Central Saanich Council, we’d like to extend our deep appreciation to all of Central Saanich’s community members who shared their ideas and feedback throughout the OCP update process, including members and staff at the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and First Nations community members, as well as the members of the OCP Advisory Committee,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “The OCP provides a strong foundation for District decision-making, we look forward to working with the wider community on implementation priorities as they evolve.”
The OCP is one of Central Saanich’s most important documents. It presents the long-term vision for the community, setting out objectives and policies that guide decisions on planning, land use, and the provision of municipal services. In doing so, it helps us determine how and where we live, work, play and move.
Protecting and enhancing the rural and small town character of the community is a key principle of the newly adopted OCP. Policies remain strong on protecting agricultural lands and supporting farming, and the District’s urban containment boundary is unchanged. Throughout the OCP there are a number of policies to improve relations with First Nations and advance Truth and Reconciliation, and climate action is a clear priority supported by policies in each section. A vision for the Keating Business District has been added, and two small areas of the District are identified to transition to multi-unit development over time to improve housing options and support work-force housing—the central core area of Saanichton Village, which is consistent with the Saanichton Village Design Plan, and Dignan Road in Brentwood Bay.
Read Central Saanich’s OCP and learn more about the OCP community engagement process at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/OCP.