Official Community Plan
OCP Engagement Events & Activities: February 2024
![](https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/696aa49f40099039a825746f7e01a1cbe9c4df9a/original/1714146868/c5a6665d9ff4806d73174633f28931c5_newestNewengagement.png?1714146868)
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.
OCP Engagement Events & Activities: February 2024
![](https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-canada/696aa49f40099039a825746f7e01a1cbe9c4df9a/original/1714146868/c5a6665d9ff4806d73174633f28931c5_newestNewengagement.png?1714146868)
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
5 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.
PAFan6 months agoA city for people, not cars
I like the alternative growth scenario as it puts at least some emphasis on creating human-focused neighborhoods, not car-centric suburbia. Don't spread this town out even more with greenfield development - not only is it bad planning, it will also cost taxpayers much more in the long run given the necessary expansion of service infrastructure.
2 comments14JBartley5 months agoMountain biking support
0 comment7G Wheatley5 months agoBetter fields for athletics are pretty desperately needed. Grass fields are in bad shape and PA has no artificial surface (ADSS is SD70).
0 comment10DC5 months agoIncrease waterfront access and greenspace
The Alberni Inlet and Somass river are the most valuable (and popular) natural resources in city limits, but much of the waterfront is inaccessible to the public. Derelict industrial sites block public access and make for poor wildlife habitat. Increasing greenspace on the waterfront can provide more opportunities for recreation, habitat for fish and wildlife, and be designed to provide flood mitigation in the face of rising sea levels.
0 comment6Rainbird5 months agoNorway Bicycle Lift
Here is a link to a novel idea for cyclists who have to navigate hills with out an ebike. It's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zipZ5kwhFfs
0 comment2 -
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.
towhee6 months agoThe mall at Cherry Creek and Johnston provides services that people in Port Alberni need and can't get elsewhere.
It also is the most convenient shopping place for people living in Cherry Creek. It won't wither away if the city stops providing bus transport--most people drive there anyway. To reduce our carbon footprint, the city should allow densification in this area, and build a high-level pedestrian/bicycle bridge across Rogers Creek Rogers
4 comments1Jim6 months agoWhy two growth scenarios?
Over twenty years (and why aren't we thinking of 100 or 500?) there are thousands of alternative scenarios that will play out. Isn't it more important to identify the principles for our future, and let those principles guide our development. The planners seem to want us to define a particular growth scenario (that incidentally allows for development of one important natural area, and the development of the Somass Lands in contradiction of the best use of that land for restoration of natural habitat, recreation, and cultural values.)
2 comments2Sgilmour525 months agoThe Alternative Growth scenario is good with the exception it still puts development in the Beavor Pond area.
There does not seem to be a choice that prevents further forest removal. There is a lot of space within the community that could be repurposed without more urban sprawl. Houses into could be updated or redeveloped. Old buildings could be replaced with condos or townhouses in the downtown core. There are a lot of empty parking lots that would be great for multi residence.
0 comment5AVJ5 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 comment0Port Alberni Pal5 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 comment5 -
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
5 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):
Rainbird5 months agoCity digging and maintaining sewage line connections to the City Wastewater Treatment Plans
What are the chances of the City digging and maintaining sewage line connections to the City Wastewater Treatment Plans in the next 20 years? The estuary has been beaten up enough.
0 comment2PA_A5 months agoBusiness as usual model is not working
The City cannot continue to develop the way is it currently/traditionally being developed, and without more consideration of the environment (i.e. environmental - and other - development permit areas must be included in the OCP update). There's plenty of room to grow up and not out, and focusing on core area and neighbourhood nodes just makes sense for many reasons. For example, there are many environmental impacts when developing wetland/drainage greenfields. At this point in time for the new OCP, do not consider high density growth in new greenfield neighbourhoods at the city's edge.
0 comment7Jim6 months agoI think growth projections are too optimistic, though they have to be considered. We shouldn't be destroying our existing natural treasures
0 comment6SP_R5 months agoAvoid Green Space Development
Business as usual, with development of green space does not make sense when considering the emphasis on climate change adaptability throughout these documents. Preservation of greenspace and the environmental features within is critical to support existing neighborhoods both socially and environmentally. Developing greenspace further contributes to effects of climate change, whereas retention of urban forests, waterways and wetlands will help buffer effects of climate change. The OCP process should emphasize infill and redevelopment of the existing urban space.
0 comment0Melissabartley6 months agoPedestrian access only areas
Would port Alberni consider a pedestrian only area at harbour quay instead of allowing cars to drive and park right at the water? Businesses could open patios, there could be a theatre space for summer concerts and community events and maybe seating where community members can gather without worrying about vehicle traffic.
3 comments16 -
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
5 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.
collin.middleton5 months agoAdopt the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Regulations (RAPR)
The city should adopt RAPR to ensure adequate measures are in place to protect sensitive aquatic habitats when considering development applications. RAPR has been adopted by many other municipalities in BC that are facing increasing development and population growth pressures (e.g. RDN, Langford, Sooke). As it seems the city is casually trying to move ahead with the Pacific Mayfair Estates development (seemingly contrary to public support for the project), they should do so in a way that lessens their blatant conflict of interest with taking action on the climate crisis and at least meets the provincial standard for protecting riparian and aquatic ecosystems in the face of impending development.
0 comment3Jim6 months agoWe are in a climate emergency. The whole OCP should be oriented to dealing with that.
0 comment12collin.middleton5 months agoPromote local food security
Update bylaws and zoning to to allow for more small-scale urban/backyard agriculture. Create community garden spaces and support organizations that promote cooperative models of food production and distribution.
0 comment1SL5 months agoGreen It Up
-Better transit -Better bike lanes -Incentives for E-Bike purchase -Plant more native species on our boulevards and parks -Better side walks for walking -Do not build more on Burde St -Support small/local business in our downtown core -More recycling/garbage containers downtown -Better support services for vulnerable population will lead to less folks living rough, will lead to less trash, less arson and more reason to feel good about living in Port Alberni and will overall make a better case for folks to care about their environment both close to home and far away.
0 comment8Melissabartley6 months agoIncrease recycling in the hospital.
I’m a nurse and the amount of garbage the hospital produces in clean soft plastic alone is horrendous because there is no plaint plastic pick up in port Alberni. Island health could work with the community garbage and recycling plan to step up its contribution to preventing soft plastic from going to our landfill
1 comment11
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Videos
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Click here to play video OCP Growth & Climate Change Engagement: February 2024 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!
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Click here to play video About the OCP Project 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 14: Hupacasath First Nation Engagement
Official Community Plan has finished this stage -
May - August: Draft OCP policies
Official Community Plan is currently at this stage -
July - 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
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OCP Snapshots
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OCP Growth, Climate, Policy Engagement 2024
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PHASE 1: Vision & Touchstones Development
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2022 10 WWHR_FINAL Vision and Touchstones PA OCP (1.81 MB) (pdf)
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2022 08 Draft Vision & Touchstones v.1.pdf (240 KB) (pdf)
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2022 04 WWH REPORT: VISION COMMUNITY SURVEY 1.pdf (3.39 MB) (pdf)
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2022 06 02 VISION ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY_WORKSHOP Final.pdf (3.74 MB) (pdf)
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2022_07_14_OCP Update_Committee Report_FULL PKG.pdf (2.76 MB) (pdf)
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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