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.
Doid2 months agoChain up areas on both ends of the hump .
The highway needs improvements we know . Why not include chain up areas on ether end of the hump for heavy trucks to chain up during the snowy days of winter.
0 comment0towhee3 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 comments1AnnEm2 months agoWe need a referendum on this OCP.
0 comment3AnnEm2 months agoI did not vote for the WEF
Canada is implementing Agenda2030 , United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The circle logo on the right is World Economic Forum who are the drivers of this global Agenda. We did not elect any of them. On gov. Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030.html Everything about the OCP is based on a human caused Climate emergency. But where is the evidence? Climate is and always has been changing. There have been extreme weather events throughout history long before the Industrial age. For example in Feb. 1898, the United States, Australia and New Zealand were all experiencing massive forest fires. Three million acres of the Carolinas burned in just a few hours – in the middle of winter. Later that year the northwest quadrant of Colorado was on fire. The Great Porcupine Fire of 1911 in Northern Ontario was devastating. There are so many examples. https://realclimate.science/#gsc.tab=0 This year many fires across Canada were human caused and a lot were arsons, yet the media called it all climate change. The push for electric vehicles is concerning as there is nothing clean about the manufacturing of these cars and the lithium batteries. In fact, none of the so-called renewable green energy is clean or efficient or recyclable, much worse than fossil fuels, which are still needed to build and run the renewables. Not to mention the cost, we are paying for all of this. The BC ferries are going electric, who asked us? The OCP is not mentioning any of these things will happen, but the language is the same as everywhere around the world where all this stuff is in progress. What China has is a social credit system. It really looks like that is where we are headed. We need to stop and think. Around the world smart cities are being implemented. Sometimes they’re called complete communities.
0 comment1PA_A2 months agoFocus on park and field facilities
Great to see the alternative growth scenario focused on convenient access to parks and recreation, but the updated OCP must do more in terms of planning for, providing and maintaining adequate park and field facilities. There are endless physical, social, and emotional benefits to citizens (from young to old) being involved in sporting activities (both active and passive). We have an amazing variety of sporting activities and opportunities in the City of Port Alberni, however, if we are expecting the population to continue to grow we must consider how to accommodate all of the users. An example is the one turf field in all of the Alberni Valley (and West Coast), which is owned by the School District. Numerous different organizations utilize this field and it's in high demand year-round. We need at least one additional turf field that’s City owned, and this needs to be made a Council priority and included in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan update. There are many other items to consider for the OCP (and PRC Master Plan update) in terms of access to parks and recreation (lack of playgrounds/equipment, poor condition of softball and soccer grass fields, etc.), and I hope additional input is welcomed and considered.
3 comments16 -
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.
SL2 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 comment4Jim3 months agoInfilling and densification makes our city more interesting and liveable, especially when we keep access to our magnificent natural areas.
1 comment13Sgilmour522 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 comment5Sgilmour522 months agoIs the OCP just in the Port Alberni footprint or are edges of the Regional District included?
0 comment1Jim3 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 comments2 -
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):
GrowthForPublicGood3 months 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 comment14stinbc2 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 comment7PA_A2 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 comment7Rainbird2 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 comment5MH2 months 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 comment0 -
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.
Melissabartley3 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 comment11Ben Boudreau2 months agoSupport Local (Agriculture)
This can be done in many ways - indigenous owned & led native plant nursery, more community gardens, community food cooperatives, hands on agriculture education in schools, urban farming-friendly bylaws…
0 comment8Ben Boudreau2 months 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 comment6stinbc2 months agoAdd policy limiting waste from businesses
Granville island has some very strong policies around businesses needing to prevent food waste which increases donations to worthy causes. it seems to have a strong impact.
0 comment4CB2 months agoTree lined streets
The streets are so wide, trees should be planted in boulevards to provide shade, wildlife corridors, runoff absorption etc
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