Phase two of the City of Powell River official community plan (OCP) has now been completed.
Work started on the plan in the fall of 2012, under contract with The Arlington Group Planning + Architecture Inc. According to the timeline the project will be completed with a new sustainable OCP at the end of this year.
Throughout the first two phases of community outreach, residents were asked for their input on their vision for Powell River’s future. Based on resident feedback and participation, the consultants have refined the vision statement to guide the project. It reads:
“Powell River is a coastal city with a proud heritage, diverse local economy and a sustainable future—environmentally, social and economically. With a superb natural setting, vast recreational opportunities and vibrant arts and cultural services, we are a community for all ages. The Pearl on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River continues to work cooperatively with our Tla’amin Nation neighbours and to foster a respectful community, inclusive for all.”
During the second phase of the process, five public engagement events were planned, 70 people participated in neighbourhood forums, 143 online surveys were collected and 80 Brooks Secondary School students attended a youth forum.
The consultants have compiled a report which includes all comments and feedback gathered throughout phase two. According to information from the city, “strong support for the Sustainable OCP objectives was expressed along with many excellent ideas for refinement.” The consultation report can be read online at the project website.
The third phase of work will include: developing policies, refining draft maps of refined land use and bicycle and road networks, and preparing development permit area guidelines.
An open house is being planned in the fall to present the materials developed in the third phase.
