Official Community Plan Review - 2011

The Town of View Royal's Official Community Plan (OCP) was under review from 2009 until 2011. The new bylaw, Official Community Plan Bylaw No.811, 2011, was adopted by Council on October 4, 2011.

The OCP review project went through a number of milestones including:

  • January 2009 - Council approved the project Terms of Reference.
  • April 2009 - Background discussion papers prepared.
  • May 2009 - Community Committee members appointed.
  • June 2009 - Community Vision Workshop.
  • September 2009 - Community conversation and walkabout groups launch.
  • November 2009 - Student presentations to Council.
  • January 2010 - Council approves option for development of Draft Plan.
  • June 2010 - Open House to Introduce the Draft Plan.
  • November 2010 - Draft Plan presented to Committee of the Whole.
  • December 2010 - Council workshop to review Draft Plan.
  • January 2011 to April 2011 - Plan Editing.
  • April 2011 - Draft OCP to the Committee of the Whole.
  • July 2011 - Final Draft OCP to Council
  • September 20, 2011 - Public Hearing for the OCP
  • October 4, 2011 - Official Community Plan adopted

What is an Official Community Plan?

An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a Council-adopted bylaw that sets out a community vision. It will guide future land use, growth and change.

Provincial legislation provides direction and guidance about the OCP. This includes setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Many OCPs are leading their communities toward a more sustainable future: conserving resources, providing good jobs close to home, making neighbourhoods safe and friendly for young and old, honouring local heritage.

Why is an OCP important?

Two main reasons: Town Council cannot make decisions that are inconsistent with the plan without formally changing it. This means residents have assurance that what is adopted will be adhered to. And, landowners, developers and investors will know where change is welcomed or acceptable, and under what conditions.

Why was the OCP updated?

The OCP did not reflect current thinking. Its origins were in the mid-1990s. Since then, the Capital Regional District has extended trunk sewer services to all of View Royal, and the population has boomed from 6,441 in 1996 to about 9,000 in 2011. There is additional potential for growth and redevelopment.

The updated OCP embraces sustainablility principles. Our planning horizon has stretched — it is not only about the next 10 years, but the next 100 years.

Sustainable Planning

Every day, families, businesses and governments make decisions that affect our common future. More often, decisions are made through the lens of "sustainability". The updated OCP took into account the economy, the environment, and our social and cultural connections; things like good jobs close to home, land for local food production, housing choices, safe streets, natural places, and energy conservation.

View Royal's Sustainability Task Force was initiated in 2008 to engage the community in activities and discussions about sustainability and liveable communities. The Sustainability Task Force planned and hosted a Sustainability Ideas Fair in January 2009 and created a “Steps to Sustainability” Residents' Ideas List. The Sustainability Task Force's work is woven into the updated OCP.

Smart Growth BC sets out several principles to help guide sustainable planning and decision-making. BC Climate Action Charter commits signing municipalities — including View Royal — to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.

OCP Review 2011: Background Materials

For more information:

  • Development Services Department
    planning@viewroyal.ca
    250-708-2254
    45 View Royal Avenue, Victoria BC V9B 1A6