May 08, 2023

Council adopts new Official Community Plan – ‘Unparalleled 2049’

Ladysmith Council has adopted the new Official Community Plan (OCP), the principal long-range policy document to help guide land-use management and the physical growth of the town.

The OCP influences transportation and housing choices, greenhouse gas emissions, community character, health and equity, housing affordability, protection of ecological areas, resource management, and how much it costs to pay for Town infrastructure such as pipes and streets.

During the adoption of the OCP at the Regular Meeting of Council on May 2, 2023, Mayor and Council expressed appreciation for the work of staff and the consultants during the months of engagement, policy development, revisions, and the final plan.

“The Plan is a vision for a strong and vibrant Ladysmith in the 21st century that builds on our reputation as a social, environmental, and economic leader – thank you to the hundreds of community members who participated in the process and helped shaped the plan,” said Mayor Aaron Stone.   “The policies contained within the OCP accommodate the growth we can expect while strengthening our values around reconciliation, environmental protection, economic development.”

The OCP directions and policies apply to a wide range of municipal decisions such as budgeting, servicing, capital projects, and in the review of land use and development proposals.  As a result, members of the public will often see it reference during Council meeting proceedings as well as on agendas and in minutes.

The OCP will form a core direction of Council’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

A special thank you to the OCP Steering Committee members who helped guide the process, including a review and discussion of the OCP policy topics and engagement plan.

More about Ladysmith’s OCP:

The OCP review was coined ‘Unparallel 2049’ in reference to the community’s location on the 49th Parallel and Council’s commitment to climate action and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions ahead of the 2050 net zero emissions deadline.

The plan is organized into four sections: 

Part A – An outline of the vision and goals, emission reduction targets and broader community context, as well as how the plan was created.

Part B – Direction for growth management and land use.

Part C – Direction for planning elements such as nature and ecological services, housing, streets, transportation, parks and recreation, social infrastructure, food systems, municipal infrastructure, green buildings, economy, and arts, culture, and heritage.

Part D – Direction for implementation of this Plan, identifying the ways in which the actions and policies in Parts B and C will be effectively realized.

Since many actions will require further investigation, engagement, and resourcing, implementation is an ongoing and incremental decision-making process that upholds this OCP’s vision, goals, objectives, and policies.

For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also receive up-to-date information in your email inbox by subscribing to the Town’s newsletter.

 

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For Information:
Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca | 250.210.1740