Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is a tool for Council and citizens to manage change in our community. The OCP sets out land use categories and approximate locations and densities of land uses. The OCP becomes adopted as a Bylaw by Town Council and directs all other community plans including servicing plans, development design standards and the Zoning Bylaw.

New developments must be in line with the land use designations and other policies outlined within the OCP.  The OCP applies to the entire municipality and is the principal policy document that Council uses to make decisions on matters such as:

  • Land use
  • Growth management
  • Design of the built environment
  • Protection of the environment
  • Transportation and mobility
  • Economic development
  • Infrastructure
  • Housing needs
  • Climate Change

At its heart, an OCP is about managing land use and physical growth of the town. The OCP determines the type and location of homes, businesses and offices, industry, institutions, recreation, agriculture, parks, public utilities and facilities. 

Provincial legislation in the Local Government Act requires that OCPs also include: greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and policies to achieve them; policies for affordable, rental, and special needs housing; land use restrictions on hazardous and environmentally sensitive lands; approximate location and phasing of major infrastructure; and local and area of suitable sand and gravel deposits.

OCPs have the option of also including: policies relating to social needs, social well-being, and social development; agricultural policies; protection and restoration of the natural environment; and Development Permit Area Designations and Guidelines, which can influence the form of character of buildings, and support energy and water conservation, and more.

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Why is the OCP being updated now?

The last OCP update was in 2011. After 10 years, the Official Community Plan (OCP) update is required to ensure it meets current population projections and community values, while continuing to meet statutory requirements. View Royal has been experiencing steady population growth and is projected to continue to be a desirable place to settle.

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How does the OCP impact me and my neighbours?

OCPs influence how people live, gather, learn, recreate, shop, and move around the community. OCPs shape transportation and housing choices, community character, housing affordability, protection of ecological areas, resources management, and how much it costs to pay for Town infrastructure such as water, sewer pipes and streets.

OCPs play a major role in determining how communities can meet their goals related to reconciliation, climate action, equity and more.

Residents input is integral to the OCP process because people deserve to be part of planning processes that affect their lives. Citizens have lived experience and insights to support a grounded future planning. Provincial legislation also requires that local governments provide opportunities for engagement of the community and authorities who are affected.

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What role can I and neighbours have in updating the OCP?

The Town is seeking resident and community input as collaborators in the OCP update and will incorporate input in decisions, as much as possible.  Please sign up to the e-updates to  opportunities to participate and keep connected.

Engagement will be a key component of the OCP update process and will include various OCP events and engagement activities. These will range from in-person events such as neighbourhood walk-shops and open houses, to online surveys and topic focused discussions.

Throughout the OCP update, the community consultation page will list events and opportunities for input. The reports, publications page will summarize “What we heard” from consultation inputs, as well as post materials and presentations made.

Consultation activities will aim to engage community members of all ages, local groups and businesses, Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation, neighbouring municipalities, senior governments, the School District, View Royal advisory committees, and the Town of View Royal Council.

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