Official Community Plan
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)?
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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STATION 1: Growth Concept Ideas
about 1 month 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.
GrowthForPublicGoodabout 2 months agoNo commercial/retail development of Somass Lands
In the 'challenges' to the alternative growth scenario, the city lists 'pattern of development is less predictable'. I think one great challenge to their current idea would be development of commercial/retail space on the Somass Lands. If they do that, they doom the decaying and derelict Argyle/3rd Ave uptown to abandonment, and they would focus development/traffic along Burde St, especially if they (seemingly against public opinion) develop Pacific Mayfair Estates. If they want to better constrain and predict growth, then turn the Somass Lands into public park, natural area, and recreation space, funnel commercial/retail into Uptown, and do not develop Pacific Mayfair. That is how you can deal with one of the listed "challenges".
3 comments14Ben Boudreauabout 1 month agoClimate Preparedness & Protecting Our Watershed
How does the city plan to grow if our climate can’t support it? Extremes have become the new normal and the city is not prepared. A thorough, competently executed impact assessment needs to be completed for the Alberni Valley so its inhabitants can have a clearer understanding of what our future holds. With extreme droughts being our new normal, protecting our watershed should be top of mind. Some ideas: municiple and residential Water catchment, native plant boulevards, street width reduction to reduce toxic runoff…
2 comments15PA_Aabout 1 month 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 comments9Doidabout 1 month agoMore trails everywhere .
More trails like the quay to quay connecting various areas in town . Parking lots for the Hole in the wall trail and have it connected to the log train trail/ rogers Creek trail to keep the vehicles off the highway . Same for the Grove on highway 4 .
0 comment2Port Alberni Palabout 1 month agoGood start, now be serious and consistent about environment to authentically reflect community priorities
Though references to green infrastructure and growth in core areas makes sense, the alternative growth scenario should be more progressive and serious in its overall approach by reflecting common environmental concerns that have long been raised. It was not encouraging to see that even the alternative growth scenario assumes the Burde beaver pond street development, despite this proposed development sharing the same challenges described within the opposing business as usual plan. Being consistent is important, especially because public feedback has been consistent. Let’s grow with environmental stewardship at the heart of the community culture. To do this the city must become the public’s authentic representatives in that they are comfortable with making decisions that do not always satiate (or even please!) developers, for the sake of core community priorities. Environmental issues may be trivialized in isolated industry circles, but in the real world, the majority of people live and witness the consequences of inappropriate development and accompanying environmental degradation, and they can see that there are better ways. Making our community and island environment stronger and healthier comes down to cumulative local decisions, so let’s recognize the ways Port Alberni could be a pro-social community and green leader rather than embarrassingly cater to unambitious, BAU-esque or BAU-lite scenarios. There are enough urban spaces available currently for development/revitalization that to cause environmental harm elsewhere is needless, wasteful, and essentially runs rogue from decisive public feedback received thus far.
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Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this 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.
Melissabartleyabout 2 months agoLosing the landscape
Will policies be put into effect that will preserve the view when developing for density is being considered? Will there be height restrictions on buildings? Will there be policies governing how buildings must look to keep the areas attractive and not concrete blocks?
3 comments6Jimabout 2 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 comments2AVJabout 1 month 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 comment0Sgilmour52about 1 month agoIs the OCP just in the Port Alberni footprint or are edges of the Regional District included?
0 comment1towheeabout 2 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
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STATION 3: Additional Ideas or Questions on Growth
about 1 month 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):
collin.middletonabout 1 month 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 comment1stinbcabout 1 month 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 comment7Rainbirdabout 1 month 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 comment5MHabout 1 month agoProtect the beaver ponds
The beaver ponds are an amazing example of biodiversity in an urban environment. Any development near the ponds needs to be far enough away to preserve this area.
0 comment0Jimabout 2 months agoI think growth projections are too optimistic, though they have to be considered. We shouldn't be destroying our existing natural treasures
0 comment6 -
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STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas
about 1 month 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.
GrowthForPublicGoodabout 2 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 comments11Smartcityabout 2 months agoGrowth management strategies need to take into account wildfire risk. Extending the community further into forest lands is shortsighted.
1 comment11collin.middletonabout 1 month 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 comment1Ben Boudreauabout 1 month agoRestrict Invasive Plant Sales
No more invasive plant sales. These plants weaken our ecosystem - they choke out native plants and habitat for the flora and fauna. An example of this in town - take a look in any of our gullies, most of the trees are covered in English ivy, slowly suffocating the trees they’re growing on. Why is English ivy, and other invasives like it, still sold by all the stores in town?
0 comment6valabout 2 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!
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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 Timeline
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February 8 - 19: Public Engagement, Growth and Climate Action
Official Community Plan is currently at this stageFebruary 8 - 19: Online, or,
February 14th or 15th: Echo Centre (drop in event), 4:30 - 8:30
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March 9: Community Representative Team (CRT) Workshop
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanReview February Public Engagement outcomes (Growth and Climate)
Identify OCP Sections, Objectives and Targets for consideration
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March: Public Feedback
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanOCP Sections, Objectives and Targets
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April: Report to Council and Public
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanWhat We Heard Report: Public Engagement - Growth and Climate Action
Present Draft OCP Sections, Objectives and Targets
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May 4: Community Representative Team (CRT) Workshop
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanOCP policy scan and priorities
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May: Public Feedback
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanSurvey to check in on identified policy priority areas
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May: Update to Council and the Public
this is an upcoming stage for Official Community PlanDraft OCP policy priorities
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June - August: Draft OCP document developed
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)
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