Official Community Plan
Thank you, Port Alberni, for providing your feedback and ideas on the Growth Scenarios and Climate Action in February and March. We compiled and analyzed every comment.
DID YOU KNOW we had close to 350 participants in all our OCP engagement activities?
The majority of those engaged supported the concepts highlighted in the Alternative Growth Scenario and strong Climate Action.
The What We Heard Report was presented to Council in mid April and we’re pleased to announce that they have officially accepted and supported the Report, including the Alternative Growth Scenario and GHG Reduction Targets.
What does this mean for the OCP?
- The Alternative Growth Scenario will inform land use policy development
- GHG emission targets will be included in the OCP to guide a future climate strategy.
- The OCP project team will begin drafting policy in May and meet with various organizations on sector specific topics through the spring and summer.
- The first draft of the OCP will be ready for public engagement in the fall.
For more detailed information, read the Council Report and What We Heard Report.
We look forward to engaging with the public on the draft policies in early fall!
For all the latest updates, resources, and ways to get involved, subscribe to OCP updates in the top right menu.
March Update
THANK YOU PORT ALBERNI!
February Growth Scenarios and Climate Action Engagement
To start, Please watch the Introductory Engagement Presentation
The presentation (16 minutes) introduces the project, information on the projected population and housing growth, and project climate impacts on Port Alberni.
After watching the presentation, proceed to the four engagement STATIONS below, starting at STATION 1
Background Information
VIDEO: What is the Official Community Plan (OCP)?
The Port Alberni OCP maps how our community will develop over the next two decades. This plan shapes the everyday things you experience – like housing, economic development, transportation, land use, how we tackle climate change, and much more.
Snapshot documents
These were developed to highlight the Touchstones created through collaboration with the community in 2022, serving as guiding principles for upcoming policy development.
• Active Lifestyle • Climate Change • Diverse, Balanced Economy • Ecosystem Protection & Leadership • Healthy, Vibrant, Inclusive Community • Livability | • Population • Reconciliation • Resilient Urban Growth & Development • Responsible Infrastructure Management (A Reconciliation Snapshot document will be created in collaboration with Hupača̓sath First Nation & Tseshaht First Nation.) |
Please take some time to review the documents and bring your questions and ideas to the engagement events.
Thank you, Port Alberni, for providing your feedback and ideas on the Growth Scenarios and Climate Action in February and March. We compiled and analyzed every comment.
DID YOU KNOW we had close to 350 participants in all our OCP engagement activities?
The majority of those engaged supported the concepts highlighted in the Alternative Growth Scenario and strong Climate Action.
The What We Heard Report was presented to Council in mid April and we’re pleased to announce that they have officially accepted and supported the Report, including the Alternative Growth Scenario and GHG Reduction Targets.
What does this mean for the OCP?
- The Alternative Growth Scenario will inform land use policy development
- GHG emission targets will be included in the OCP to guide a future climate strategy.
- The OCP project team will begin drafting policy in May and meet with various organizations on sector specific topics through the spring and summer.
- The first draft of the OCP will be ready for public engagement in the fall.
For more detailed information, read the Council Report and What We Heard Report.
We look forward to engaging with the public on the draft policies in early fall!
For all the latest updates, resources, and ways to get involved, subscribe to OCP updates in the top right menu.
March Update
THANK YOU PORT ALBERNI!
February Growth Scenarios and Climate Action Engagement
To start, Please watch the Introductory Engagement Presentation
The presentation (16 minutes) introduces the project, information on the projected population and housing growth, and project climate impacts on Port Alberni.
After watching the presentation, proceed to the four engagement STATIONS below, starting at STATION 1
Background Information
VIDEO: What is the Official Community Plan (OCP)?
The Port Alberni OCP maps how our community will develop over the next two decades. This plan shapes the everyday things you experience – like housing, economic development, transportation, land use, how we tackle climate change, and much more.
Snapshot documents
These were developed to highlight the Touchstones created through collaboration with the community in 2022, serving as guiding principles for upcoming policy development.
• Active Lifestyle • Climate Change • Diverse, Balanced Economy • Ecosystem Protection & Leadership • Healthy, Vibrant, Inclusive Community • Livability | • Population • Reconciliation • Resilient Urban Growth & Development • Responsible Infrastructure Management (A Reconciliation Snapshot document will be created in collaboration with Hupača̓sath First Nation & Tseshaht First Nation.) |
Please take some time to review the documents and bring your questions and ideas to the engagement events.
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Share STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas on Facebook Share STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas on Twitter Share STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas on Linkedin Email STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas link
STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas
2 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Step 1: Please watch the presentation first.
It provides an introduction to the project, information on the current situation, some initial population and housing projections, and projected climate impacts on Port Alberni.
Two scenarios are provided to get conversations started on growth:
- Business As Usual Growth - how Port Alberni has traditionally developed over time
- Alternative Growth Scenario - ideas on how growth could reflect the OCP Community Touchstones (guiding principles for the OCP).
STEP 2: Participate in Stations 1 - 4 after watching the presentation!
NOTE: other participants will see your User Name. The email address you used to sign up with is not public but visible only to the project team.
Please share your ideas on the Alternative Growth Scenario opportunities. You can also vote for or comment on others' ideas! Once you have done that, proceed to STATION 2: Concerns.
towhee3 months agoI like the idea of having several core areas, but I think the primary area(3rd & Argyle) is not the best choice to focus on.
1. It is not centrally located so more energy (time, fuel) is needed for the majority of people to go there. 2. The ground is not level, which makes it harder for many people to walk around its full extent. 3. At present, there is no grocery store, no recreation facilities, and no schools to attract more people there.
3 comments1CB3 months agoTurn ridiculously wide streets into more useable space for humans and animals
There is way too much pavement! Plant more trees in boulevards for tree lined streets (shade, wildlife corridors, reduces runoff etc), build bike lanes, have wheelchair accessible sidewalks, outdoor seating areas and community gathering areas
1 comment17PA_A3 months agoGrow up, not out
Focus housing demand and increased density by supporting and encouraging development on existing City lots, not on greenfield, greenspace or parks, etc. Support new provincial housing legislation to permit additional units/increased density on existing residential lots.
3 comments9AVJ2 months agoCurrently Port Alberni is one of the only communities of its size on the island that does not have its own Artificial Grass (Turf) field.
Better Sports Facilities
5 comments16Rainbird3 months agoInfill the unused parking at the Pac Rim Mall with mid-rise apartments.
Stores will get more customers
1 comment6 -
Share STATION 2: What concerns do you have about the Alternative Growth Scenario? on Facebook Share STATION 2: What concerns do you have about the Alternative Growth Scenario? on Twitter Share STATION 2: What concerns do you have about the Alternative Growth Scenario? on Linkedin Email STATION 2: What concerns do you have about the Alternative Growth Scenario? linkCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.
The Alternative Growth Scenario supports the community Touchstones (created through collaboration with the community in 2022, serving as guiding principles for upcoming policy development.)
Share your concerns about the Alternative Growth Scenario, and vote or comment on others' concerns.
Then go to STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth.
AVJ2 months agoCurrently our Sports fields are poorly maintained. How can the City handle more growth, when it cannot maintain the facilities that it has.
Visiting Teams have expressed concern about the quality of our Facilities.
0 comment0AnnEm2 months agoIts assumed humans cause climate change . Extreme climate occurred before fossil fuel use. Censorship of voices. https://clintel.org/
Canada is implementing Agenda2030 , United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
0 comment0Port Alberni Pal3 months agoNeed stronger demonstrations of climate and environment commitment
It is possible that with the Burde street development, the city has simply gotten too excited and ahead of themselves over a project that people in the community very much disapprove of. It seems the community wants to be going in just about the exact *opposite* approach to this development, which makes this one seem utterly out of touch. Others have noticed that there is no scenario whose map shows the beaver pond area left alone. Even though feedback on this point has been consistent, there are signs the development keeps getting pushed along quietly, like there’s room for compromise or that that is an appropriate thing to expect in these particular circumstances. This is simply too audacious and nonsensical of a development to pursue, and the city needs to acknowledge that if the public wishes, the development will not be pursued further. Instead it is usually paternalistically framed as though citizens need to come to a compromise on a bad idea, that we are under some obligation to consent to at least some lower density development in the very same area we’ve recognized is grossly inappropriate for development. It seems we’re in this odd position where the people here in port have to keep repeating that, yes, indeed, we are serious about climate change, environmental and human wellbeing and we understand how these things are connected. Now we just need a city that will appreciate this and get to work creating truly exciting opportunities that align with our more authentic, healthy, and green community aspirations. Think climate corps community opportunities, supporting grassroots initiatives, green infrastructure programs at NIC, rewilding and restoring ecosystems to maximize our chance at climate resiliency. We should be a leading example for other communities wishing to break from the same old unsustainable, uninspiring, disconnecting, top-down approach to development.
0 comment5SL3 months agoNo Further Developments on Burde St
Look to capitalize on development within the city footprint before destroying more greenspace to build homes. Derelict buildings, empty homes and vacant parking lots exist side by side and we're actually considering destroying our local forests to increase our city's footprint? How can we even consider that path in the face of climate change? We need better use of our existing footprint including the greening of our drab and depressing cityscape.
0 comment4val3 months agoWhy does the City want to build on Burde Street ponds area?
Building housing so very close to the ponds will jeopardize the existing wildlife in this area. Yet, it seems that it is a done deal.
4 comments10 -
Share STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth on Facebook Share STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth on Twitter Share STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth on Linkedin Email STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth link
STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth
2 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Share additional ideas or questions on growth in Port Alberni below. Once completed, proceed to STATION 4: Climate Action.Community Touchstones:Business As Usual (Traditional Growth Model):
Alternative Scenario (Based on Community Touchstones):
stinbc3 months agoCreate policy around no new pavement.
Port Alberni has a high density of pavement and road space per resident which creates a tremendous tax and maintenance burden. What about creating bike lanes and additional sidewalk space out of the existing pavement space rather than adding new?
1 comment7SP_R2 months agoAccessible greenspace is necessary for healthy communities
The social, recreational, and health benefits of the green spaces located within City boundaries at the periphery of existing neighborhoods should not be overlooked. These easily accessible areas are important and utilized by all demographics of the community at all times of the year. Development of these areas should not occur until all other urban growth options within the City's already developed areas are exhausted.
0 comment1Rainbird3 months agoThe city seriously needs a bandshell.
Could the city not partner with community groups to raise money for one in Gyro Park, Roger Creek Park or some other similar area?
0 comment5collin.middleton2 months agoExisting Skatepark -> Multi-Use Park
Remodel the existing skateboard park and surrounding area into an all-wheel adventure facility. Renovate or rebuild the skatepark to be more accessible and promote skill development and advancement for all types of 'action' sports (skateboarding, bmx, scooters, etc.). Provide shade and cover for all-season use. Utilize the surrounding area to build a mountain bike skills/pump track. Numerous BC communities have recently invested in these new kinds of facilities (Cumberland, Nanaimo, Gabriola, Colwood, Victoria, Revelstoke, Fernie, Castlegar, Powell River, etc.) and they have been huge successes promoting active lifestyles, safe & inclusive spaces for all, and creating additional tourism opportunities.
0 comment1AVJ2 months agoHow is our City going to support our youth?
Active Living and Sports/Recreation are an important part of Children's Development, How is the City going to support this? Currently our sports fields are neglected and poorly maintained.
1 comment5 -
Share STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas on Facebook Share STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas on Twitter Share STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas on Linkedin Email STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas link
STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas
2 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.STEP 1:
Please ensure you watched the Introductory Engagement Presentation provided HERE
STEP 2:
Indicate your level of support for climate mitigation (reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions) and adapting to climate change in Port Alberni between now and 2042 in the survey HERE.
STEP 3:
Share additional ideas for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions or adapting to climate change by posting an idea below! Remember, you can vote for others' ideas as well.
GrowthForPublicGood3 months agoPrioritize climate justice
The City needs to respond to climate change - they will either do it proactively or reactively, but either way, they will respond. Frankly, I'm surprised that they are giving the general public the opportunity to choose a "let's panic after the disaster" option in their survey. I hope the City responds proactively and utilizes the opportunity to use an intersectional/climate justice lens. For example, we should all recognize that the poor, sick, and isolated are the most vulnerable to any crisis. Analysis of the 2021 metro Vancouver heat dome deaths have shown that material and social deprivation was the largest risk factor for mortality. If we understand that climate change impacts are the most severe for vulnerable people, we can understand that climate change work is also social work - building affordable housing, responding to the drug crisis, creating meaningful jobs and material affordability - all of that is climate work and the City needs to be proactive on all these fronts and explicit about their holistic response to the climate crisis. The City should use a climate justice lens when making decisions about climate action. For example, let us say we want to reduce emissions due to transportation. There are multiple ways to do this. One way is to create an EV charging network that prioritizes allowing (often wealth, well-to-do) car owners to charge their electric vehicles conveniently around the city. That may reduce emissions. But using a climate justice lens, the City can ask "can we achieve the same net reduction in emissions in a way that provides greater transportation options for less materially-wealthy residents?". One way to do that is to electrify and expand public transportation. Same emissions reductions, better social outcomes. Combining emissions reductions and increased climate resilience with improved social outcomes is a better use of monetary resources and will build a more equal and resilient community!
3 comments11Some Guy3 months agoBan wood burning for heat
It's a terrible option for heating as it releases massive amounts of carbon compared to the energy gained and microparticles have a major impact on the health of the whole community. Most municipalities have already banned or limited wood heat. We need to catch up on this.
0 comment3Jim3 months agoWe are in a climate emergency. The whole OCP should be oriented to dealing with that.
0 comment12Smartcity3 months agoGrowth management strategies need to take into account wildfire risk. Extending the community further into forest lands is shortsighted.
1 comment11val3 months agoLet's not build housing on the Somas Lands
How can the City be considering building housing on the Somas lands when the predictions say there will be rising sea levels? Building there will further harm the salmon there too. Let's leave that land for public spaces and for rewilding it. Let's look to the future!
1 comment8
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Videos
- Port Alberni is growing and changing. The province has issued new legislation for housing. The community of Port Alberni has told us what is important to them. The OCP document will guide decisions about what is important to Port Alberni (Visions and Touchstones), address the legislative changes, and be thoughtful about the growth and change projected for Port Alberni. Return to the OCP home page and start at STATION 1 Growth Concept Ideas!
- The City of Port Alberni is ready to launch the next phase of the engagement process for the Official Community Plan (OCP), a blueprint that sets out the long-term vision and goals to guide our community’s growth and success over the long term.
OCP Project: Policy Phase Timeline
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February 8 - 19: Public Engagement, Growth and Climate Action
Official Community Plan has finished this stageFebruary 8 - 19: Online, or,
February 14th or 15th: Echo Centre (drop in event), 4:30 - 8:30
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March 8: Social Sector Workshop
Official Community Plan has finished this stage -
March 9: Community Representative Team (CRT) Workshop
Official Community Plan has finished this stage -
April 3: Tsheshaht First Nation Engagement
Official Community Plan has finished this stage -
April: Report to Council and Public
Official Community Plan has finished this stageWhat We Heard Report: Public Engagement - Growth and Climate Action
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May (TBC): Hupacasath First Nation Engagement
Official Community Plan is currently at this stage -
May - August: Draft OCP policies
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community Plan -
May - August: Test policy with community organizations
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community Plan -
September: Public Feedback
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanDraft OCP document
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October: Draft OCP Bylaw Document
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanBased on public feedback in September, a draft OCP Bylaw Document will be prepared for the Council process in November
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November: OCP Considered by Council
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanCouncil considers First Reading of the OCP Bylaw
Public Hearing scheduled for OCP Bylaw
Documents
- OCP Snapshots
- OCP Growth, Climate, Policy Engagement 2024
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PHASE 1: Vision & Touchstones Development
- 2022 10 WWHR_FINAL Vision and Touchstones PA OCP (1.81 MB) (pdf)
- 2022 08 Draft Vision & Touchstones v.1.pdf (240 KB) (pdf)
- 2022 04 WWH REPORT: VISION COMMUNITY SURVEY 1.pdf (3.39 MB) (pdf)
- 2022 06 02 VISION ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY_WORKSHOP Final.pdf (3.74 MB) (pdf)
- 2022_07_14_OCP Update_Committee Report_FULL PKG.pdf (2.76 MB) (pdf)
- Phase 2: Ideas & Feedback
FAQs
- What is an Official Community Plan (OCP) review?
- Why is the Official Community Plan important?
- How does an Official Community Plan (OCP) help us reach our community goals?
- Who does an OCP affect and how is it used?
- Why is there such a focus on land use and development policy?
- Why is public input needed?
- What is the difference between the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Zoning Bylaw?
- Where can I get more information about the Official Community Plan Review?
Who's Listening
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Email ocp@portalberni.ca -
Email ocp@portalberni.ca