OCP Review

In early February I sent an e-mail to subscribers of my e-Newsletter.  It provided background to the City’s recommended approach to the update of Victoria’s Official Community Plan with “Bold” and “Bolder” approaches.  (E-links to several relevant documents are provided below.)

On February 8, the majority of Council approved the staff approach – after making significant changes.  These changes suggested even “BOLDER” densification objectives. 

Several changes as captured in amendments are now items 6 and 7 of the Motion approved (final motion below). A Coles Notes summary of the amendments and votes follows:

Staff recommendation moved/seconded (M/S) by Councillors Thompson/Caradonna.

  • Amendment to consult with the “FSR target up to 3.0” M/S Thompson/Caradonna.  CARRIED 7 to 2 (Gardiner/Hammond opposed)
  • Amendment to create another concept (now item 6) prezoning built forms in certain areas including 4-storey in all residential if rental and 6-storey if within walking of villages and near services: M/S Caradonna/Thompson. CARRIED 7 to 2 (Alto/Gardiner opposed) 
  • Amendment to later explore viability of 7-15 storey buildings: M/S Caradonna/Thompson CARRIED 5 to 4 (Alto/Coleman/Gardiner/Hammond opposed) 
  • Final motion as amended CARRIED 7 to 2 (Coleman/Gardiner opposed)

The Official Community Plan Update itself must go to the public for review.  The engagement process has begun.  Upcoming engagement events will include: 

  • Three in-person open houses on Saturday:  April 6th from 10am-3pm at City Hall (Antechamber), May 11th (time to be confirmed) at The Atrium and third date and location to be confirmed. Open house attendees will be able to view proposed OCP updates on boards and speak with City staff. There will also be in-person activities related to each of the engagement themes (Housing, Community and Climate) at each event.
  • At least two on-line “Let’s Talk” events.  Tuesday April 16th noon (12-1:30pm) and Thursday April 18th evening (5:30-7pm).
  • Several pop-ups at community festivals across Victoria this spring and summer.
  • An on-line survey which launched earlier this month and will be open throughout the summer.  The survey is accessible through the “Have Your Say” portal.

Council has received several comments from residents who have completed the survey, expressing their displeasure with the survey structure and approach.  The Rockland Neighbourhood Association has submitted a strong letter to Mayor and Council, outlining their concerns and requesting that the current survey be rescinded.  The link to their March 2024 newsletter is below, with permission from the Association.

The Official Community Plan as it currently exists and the review underway are important to us as residents and business owners.  It will guide built-out form of the City of Victoria for decades.  

I urge each of you to review this information closely, preferably before attending Open House events or completing the survey.  Please participate in the City update process in some way.  

Marg

City of Victoria OCP “Have your say”: Register here

OCP Update (background and access to survey)

Rockland Neighbourhood Association Newsletter with letter to Mayor and Council 

City Video starts at 40 minutes and ends at 5 hours and 39 minutes 

Staff original Feb 8 report (24 pages) provides context to the staff recommendation.

Marg’s The Official Community Plan Update September 2023 Newsletter

OCP 10-Year Update Draft Directions resolution: February 8, 2024 Daytime Council 

That Council: 

1.    Endorse in principle the Key Directions for the OCP 10-year Update (Attachment A) and the Emerging Policy Framework for the OCP 10-year Update (Attachment B).

2.    Endorse in principle the Zoning Bylaw Modernization Approach as described in this report.

3.    Endorse in principle the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw Renewal Approach as described in this report.  

4.    Instruct the Director of Sustainable Planning and Community Development to advance public consultation, as previously approved by Council, on the directions endorsed in principle above and the two rental zoning application approaches described in this report. 

5.    Instruct staff to engage in consultation on FSR up to 3.0 in the General Urban Fabric. 

6.    Create a second OCP growth concept for the community to respond to with a General Urban Fabric that: 

  • enables a low-rise built form in all residential areas.  
  • enables a mid-rise built form in proximity to Community and Local Villages and near services and amenities.  
  • enables taller building forms adjacent to Town Centres.  

And, create a third zoning approach that: 

  • includes current ground-oriented zoning provisions in all residential areas 
  • prezones for 4 storeys in all residential areas if secured rental. 
  • prezones for 6 storeys within walking distance of Community and Local Villages and near services and amenities and explore through engagement and additional analysis whether these zones should prioritize rental.  

Upon completion of the OCP update, explore additional opportunities to accelerate the viability of 7-15 storey mid-rise buildings, including those built with mass timber.  

7.    Advance today’s motions to the daytime Council of February 8, 2024. 

I respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, known today as Songhees and Esquimalt Nations

Think Local and Act Local

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