An Official Community Plan (OCP) is more than a document. It's the community's vision for the future, helping guide planning and land-use decisions in Oak Bay.
The District of Oak Bay is undertaking an update of the Official Community Plan and we want to hear from you. Alongside the OCP will be a Zoning Bylaw update, which sets regulations to help achieve the OCP's vision, establishing how land can be used, what types of buildings and structures are allowed, siting regulations, and the associated densities in different zones.
The District of Oak Bay is a great place to live, work and play. By bringing voices together from across our community, we can ensure this vision for Oak Bay is reflected moving forward.
Why are we updating the OCP?
New Provincial legislation requires local governments to update their Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws to address anticipated housing needs over the next 20 years. This update is an opportunity to ensure the OCP and Zoning Bylaw enable Oak Bay to adapt to changing conditions.
Over the next year, the District will conduct technical reviews and studies and invite community members, interest groups, local First Nations and other levels of government to learn about and help shape the updates to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw.
What will this update focus on?
- Meeting new Provincial legislative requirements (Bill 44) to accommodate the number of housing units needed over the next 20 years;
- Aligning with Council Priorities and recent District plans and strategies such as the Housing Action Program;
- Incorporating updated demographic data;
- Applying a climate lens to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change related risks and hazards; and
- Updating the OCP implementation framework.
We want to hear from you
An OCP is a vision for the future, and that future includes your voice! We will keep this space updated with events and opportunities for you to share your input. To receive email updates on the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Update, click the follow button under the page header!
Moving forward
The Province requires the Official Community Plan update to be completed by the end of 2025. Going forward, the OCP will be reviewed on a five-year cycle. The next review in 2030 will be another opportunity to ensure the OCP adequately reflects our communities’ priorities and trends.
