Official Community Plan Review

The Central Saanich OCP review project is nearing its final stages, where the draft OCP will be presented to the community for review and feedback. Building on the input we received from the community in the early phases of the project, our team has been busy drafting new OCP policy and mapping, while continuing to engage with our stakeholders and our OCP Advisory Committee.

Our new OCP is shaping up well, and will provide clear direction for our community over the next 20 plus years, helping us to preserve the community character that we all enjoy, but also providing leadership and direction on the challenges that lie ahead, including issues such as climate change and truth and reconciliation, as well as housing, food security and the economy of our community.

Our draft OCP policies will be ready for public viewing and feedback at the end of January. Please join us to view our draft OCP policies at one of our Open Houses scheduled as follows:

Register for Thurs, Feb 3:

• 3:00-4:00 p.m. here: https://csaanich-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrd-2rqzorHtx3PuEip3qg2YT0kGSzI8is
• 6:00-7:00 p.m. here: https://csaanich-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdu2trz4sG9UAyUrN0jB3UQVVI8w7PVNq

Register for Sat, Feb 5:

• 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. here: https://csaanich-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsce-qqj8jE9JfOT5jqyzUKnFfS0OaSHEe
• noon-1:00 p.m. here: https://csaanich-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudeysrzIjGddzGrMae0Z9tpPxs5kk83TQ

Following on initial public engagement (What We Heard Engagement Summary) and research, a draft Community Vision Statement and Fundamental Principles are now published for review and feedback.

How to provide feedback

After reviewing the below, please email any comments to OCP@CSaanich.ca.

Staff are also holding in-person sessions outdoors in the community this week if you'd like to talk about the project in person.

Join us

Wednesday, October 6, Brentwood Crossing, 10 am - 1 pm

Friday, October 8, outside Municipal Hall (1903 Mt Newton Cross Road), 10 am - 1 pm

DRAFT COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT

Central Saanich is a community where residents value our great natural beauty and rolling rural landscapes, and where active agriculture co-exists in harmony with vibrant, compact villages. Located within a growing metropolitan region, Central Saanich maintains rural, small-town character and a strong sense of community pride by neighbourly residents whom welcome diversity.

The District is a leader in climate action, and the natural environment benefits from peninsula-wide collaboration to minimize negative impacts on the environment, our waterways, and marine shorelines.

The built environment supports inclusiveness, vibrancy and active lifestyles, and the road and trail network prioritizes active transportation. A diverse housing stock provides for a range of ages, incomes, and abilities, located within walking distance to services or public transit.

The economy is thriving with a variety of local businesses supported by the community that contribute to Central Saanich's character.

DRAFT FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The following principles will provide the foundation for the objectives and policies of the OCP:

• Maintain Rural, Small-Town Character
• Manage Growth Carefully
• Demonstrate Climate Leadership
• Protect and Enhance the Environment, Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems Advance First Nations Truth and Reconciliation
• Support Agriculture and Food Security
• Provide a Range of Housing Opportunities and Protect Housing Affordability Support Local Business and Community Economic Development
• Ensure Mobility and Transportation Systems for All
• Foster a Sense of Community
• Respond to Community Needs

Join Planning staff at an in-person pop-up event to learn about the Official Community Plan Review underway, and how you can get involved.

The pop-ups are an.opportunity to:

• learn about the draft community vision statement
• learn about the themes emerging to date
• provide some initial feedback and have in-person conversations

Wednesday, October 6, 10am - 1pm Brentwood Crossing, 7103 West Saanich Rd

Friday, October 8, 10am - 1pm Municipal Hall parking lot, 1903 Mt Newton Cross Rd

As the second phase of the OCP Review concludes, we would like to summarize what took place.

In phase two, we conducted meetings with stakeholder groups and local First Nations. We hosted public engagement opportunities including, an Emerging Themes Town Hall, a Priorities and Community Character Survey, Community Conversation Workbooks, and a Big Ideas Contest. In addition, we continued to engage with the OCP Advisory Committee through monthly committee meetings, and with committee members and Central Saanich’s Mayor and Council through a Land Use Workshop.

Throughout spring 2021, we met with stakeholder groups, as well as with W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Chief and Council and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council. We hosted an Emerging Themes Town Hall open to all community members; a recording of the Town Hall is available on this project site. The Priorities and Community Character Survey was available as were Community Workbooks for small groups to use. The OCP Advisory Committee and Central Saanich’s Mayor and Council participated in a workshop on emerging key topics related to land use.

Through these conversations and survey, we heard about community members’ top priorities for Central Saanich today and in the future.

As shown in Figure 1, growth management, agriculture and food security, environmental protection, and parks, trails and recreation access are high priority topics.

When community members think about priorities for today, they lean more towards local business and economic development, and accessing nature and recreation.

When they think about priorities for the future, they lean more towards agriculture and food security, supporting an aging population, and climate and disaster resilience.

Community members hoped for Central Saanich to maintain its rural and small-town character, and especially to retain the quiet and safe nature of the community. They hoped to maintain a balance between agricultural surroundings, compact village life, and the community’s distinction from nearby urban areas. Many hoped Central Saanich would stay lower density, experience a reasonable or lower level of population growth, and maintain its semi-rural infrastructure. Similarly, community members are concerned about balancing new development with Central Saanich’s rural, agricultural community roots. Many are concerned increasing densification will change the sense of community, architectural design, and overall rural and small-town community character. On the other hand, there is concern the high cultural value placed on agriculture and farming has dominated the culture of the peninsula, with a lack of focus and respect for Indigenous heritage and culture. There were suggestions to increase the awareness of Indigenous history and presence in the community, especially through design elements, cultural artifacts like totem poles, educational signage, and naming.

The input from the community was extensive and invaluable. You can read a detailed summary in the OCP Review What We Heard report.

The summary represents a variety of interests and perspectives from across Central Saanich. At the end of each phase of the project, we will continue to update this document with a summary of what we have heard to date.

That's a wrap on Phase 2! This spring, the first round of public engagement ended, and since that time the project team has been analyzing the extensive input received. Many themes emerged and a What We Heard report is being finalized; it will be shared with Council and the public in August.

Phase 3 of the project is now getting started, and public engagement is critical. This phase includes using what we've heard and what various projections and needs (demographics, climate, housing, transportation, etc) are demonstrating, and sharing draft policies with the public for feedback.

Engagement opportunities will soon be published.

The OCP Advisory Committee continues monthly meetings, which are broadcast on the District's YouTube channel.

• July 28, 4 pm, Topic : Parks and Recreation
• August 25, 4 pm, Topic: Economic Development

To plan for the future of Central Saanich together, we need to discuss some complex issues, involve people from across the District, and consider many different viewpoints.

This Community Conversation Workbook will help you participate in these important conversations in a more comfortable setting that suits your schedule.

We invite you to host a discussion with your bubble (or a wider group online) Meet outside or hop on a video call with your family, friends, co-workers, classmates, and neighbours (in accordance with public health orders). Or, complete the Workbook on your own.

The thoughts and ideas that you and your group share with us through the Community Conversation Workbooks will help us learn more about the community’s needs and aspirations. They will help us to ensure the OCP:

• reflects current values and priorities;
• addresses current and trending issues; and
• prepares the community for challenges and opportunities that lie ahead

This Workbook will help you and those gathered with you discuss the topics that are most important to you:

• Agriculture and food security
• Growth management, housing and affordability
• Jobs and economic development
• Parks, recreation and open space
• Environmental protection and climate action
• Transportation and mobility

Feel like providing higher-level input at this stage?

Complete the Our Community Map and Our Future activities on pages 5 and 6.

Feel like diving into one or two key topics?

Complete the topic-based activities starting on page 7.

If you’d like to do it all, please do!

What would make Central Saanich better now and in the future? No idea is too big or silly.

Do you find yourself always passing the same place in Central Saanich and thinking, “It would be so great if that spot was…”? Maybe you want to see more local activities?

Our OCP review is just beginning and we need to hear from you! Help define what we care about as a community and how we want to grow and evolve.

This is the time to share your big ideas.

Try thinking about the opportunities you see for Central Saanich in the following areas:

1. Maintaining and nurturing Central Saanich's unique community character
2. Agriculture
3. Economic development
4. Environment and climate action
5. Transportation
6. Parks and trails
7. Infrastructure
8. Arts, culture, and heritage
9. Growth, housing, and development
10. Community Services

Why? These ideas will help us identify themes, values and priorities, which will ensure the OCP conversations to come are meaningful and focused on key topics.

In March we will fully launch the next phase of the OCP review. You will have the opportunity to weigh in on the strengths and weaknesses of the current OCP through a variety of fun and engaging activities.

Jump over to the BIG IDEAS tab and post your ideas!

The OCP Advisory Committee meets monthly to explore different themes. Their feedback will provide the best outcome possible for the community and help bring diverse perspectives to the table.

The group is made up of a diverse range of community members representing various stakeholders, interest groups and the community at large.

This January theme is: VISION, RURAL CHARACTER & UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT. Interested community members are welcome to view a live stream of the meeting January 27 at 4:00pm.

For future dates, please see "Key Dates".

1. Call for Volunteers: OCP Advisory Committee – Apply by October 5, 2020

The District is seeking between 5 to 11 volunteers for the OCP Advisory Committee for a maximum term of two years.

Central Saanich is filled with people and organizations who care deeply about this place and the people who live here. If you or your organization would like to share your ideas, help others participate, and ensure we are moving forward together, we want to hear from you.

We are seeking members that would be actively engaged in the process and represent various stakeholders, interest groups and the community at large with an interest or knowledge in any of the following areas: Environmental (sustainability, climate action, ecosystems) / Economic (commercial, industrial, other)/ Social & Cultural Interest (heritage, arts & culture, youth & families) / Community Services (volunteer associations, church groups, service providers) / Land Use & Development (real estate, planning and design, parks) / Agriculture and Rural Charter (farming, food security, rural values) / Transportation (public transit, trails, road network)/ Regional Interest (Emergency preparedness, major infrastructure, regional services) / First Nations / Housing (affordable, accessibility, special needs).

If you’re interested, please review the Terms of Reference for the OCP Advisory Committee and the project charter.

To apply

Applications can be submitted to the Corporate Officer prior to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2020. Please drop off your application in the DropBox outside Municipal Hall, at 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, or scan and email to municipalhall@csaanich.ca.

Download Application Form

View Terms of Reference