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
24 days 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.
GW25 days agoBetter fields for athletics are pretty desperately needed. Grass fields are in bad shape and PA has no artificial surface (ADSS is SD70).
0 comment10towheeabout 1 month 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 comments1PAFanabout 1 month 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 comments14GrowthForPublicGoodabout 1 month agoHighway commercial area is a problem
When the City allowed big box development along Johnston, they committed a stereotypical urban planning faux pas and gutted small businesses and the uptown area. You can see this pattern repeated in so many small towns all over the world - stick in a Walmart and kill your urban core. Williams Lake is a great example - the Walmart is stuck up on a hill, it's the main shopping area for the town, the downtown is gutted, and now a sad beige strip mall is the focal point of business development on the outskirts of town. Exactly what we have here. Although we are stuck with those businesses now, I think the city should not support them by allowing any more growth in that area. They kill small town vibrancy - it's a pipe dream but it would be amazing to see them go.
2 comments14Port Alberni Pal28 days 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.
valabout 1 month 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 comments10Jimabout 1 month 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 comments2AVJ25 days 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 Pal28 days 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 comment5Jimabout 1 month agoInfilling and densification makes our city more interesting and liveable, especially when we keep access to our magnificent natural areas.
1 comment13 -
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: 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):
Jimabout 1 month agoI think growth projections are too optimistic, though they have to be considered. We shouldn't be destroying our existing natural treasures
0 comment6Melissabartley26 days agoHospital expansion
If the city hasn’t already talked to Island Health, then this should definitely happen. What demographics are we expecting with our growth? Childbearing? Then we need an expanded midwifery, obstetrics and labour a delivery department. What about the walk in clinic that is overbooked before the doors open? What about our surgical department? Also medical/surgical and psychiatric services are already overflowing. Please do not expand without a health plan because nothing, not even a community, can live if it’s not healthy
1 comment1GrowthForPublicGoodabout 1 month agoHowever we grow, let's grow for the good of all
However Port Alberni grows, I hope that it considers the needs of our most vulnerable residents first. For example, 3rd and Argyle is a prime location for commercial and retail redevelopment, and it would revitalize the town and provide jobs and income for small business owners. However, at the moment, it is also the location of Sage Haven, the Bread of Life, low-income and frankly inadequate housing for marginalized people (yes, you, Harborview Apartments and Port Pub). Argyle Pharmacy provides medication and treatment to people with addictions and associated medical issues. How will development handle the complex needs of this vulnerable population? Can development be done in a way that gives all of these people greater access to the services and housing that they need? Or will they be pushed out and further marginalized as has happened in so many 'revitalized' neighbourhoods around the world. I personally believe that Port Alberni owes as much to its currently marginalized and inadequately housed residents as it does to our incoming residents, and I hope that the needs of the former are not forgotten as we plan for the needs of the latter. I hope that we embrace truly progressive, often non-market driven development. It is a difficult task, and I believe the City will need to look outside of traditional developers to achieve it. Luckily, we have many such leaders in our community, such as the great work that the Alberni Valley Low Energy Housing Association, and the development arms of our local First Nations. We have an exciting opportunity to grow differently and compassionately! I hope we take advantage of it!
1 comment14MH24 days 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 comment0AVJ25 days 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.
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STATION 4: Climate Action Feedback, Ideas
24 days 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.
SL27 days 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 comment8valabout 1 month 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 comment8Some Guy26 days 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 comment3CB28 days agoTree lined streets
The streets are so wide, trees should be planted in boulevards to provide shade, wildlife corridors, runoff absorption etc
1 comment8GrowthForPublicGoodabout 1 month 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!
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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