Strategic OCP Update

About the OCP

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is the main document that guides growth and change in Saanich. It provides a long-term vision for a livable community based on shared values and sustainability. The OCP works together with other plans and policies.

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Project Update

The Proposed OCP was given second reading at the Council meeting on February 26, 2024. An updated version of the Proposed OCP will be brought forward to Council for consideration at a Special Council meeting on April 30 in advance of the Public Hearing scheduled for the same evening.  The most recent minor updates fall into three categories:

  • Response to feedback received from the Agricultural Land Commission;
  • A boundary adjustment to the Uptown Exchange Provincially- designated Transit Oriented Area to align with provincial coordinates; and,
  • Administrative updates (e.g., policy consistency, typos).

The proposed amendments are outlined in the Supplementary Council Report (April 12, 2024) and Report Attachment B.

Public Hearing – April 30

A Public Hearing on the OCP Bylaw, 2023, No. 10000 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to allow the public to make verbal or written representation to Council with respect to the OCP Bylaw. 

Staff are seeking Council direction to advance the Proposed Plan (Schedule A to the OCP Bylaw), as amended (April 2024), to Public Hearing.

The proposed bylaw may be inspected, and further information may be obtained from the Legislative Services Division, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue or from the Saanich website at saanich.ca/agendas (as of April 18).

You can participate by speaking in person or via weblink via MS Teams or by emailing comments in advance to council@saanich.ca. Review the Public Hearing Notice (to be posted April 18) for more details on how to participate. Additional information on the Public Hearing process is available on the Council Meeting Information webpage.

Next Steps & Adoption Process

The required legislative referrals are now completed (Capital Regional Board and the Agricultural Land Commission). Following the Public Hearing, Council can choose to give the Proposed Plan third and/or final reading. Alternatively, Council can direct staff to make additional changes prior to third reading.

Learn More – Project Documents & Information Sessions

More information on the project process, past Council reports, and draft plans are available on the Project Background and Documents page.

Two webinars were held to allow people to learn more about the details of the Plan and ask questions. Please see links to presentations below.

OCP Webinar 1
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 | 12:00-1:30pm
January 23 OCP Webinar Presentation [PDF - 5 MB]

OCP Webinar 2
Thursday, January 25, 2024 | 6:30-8:00pm
January 25 OCP Webinar Presentation.pdf [PDF - 5 MB]

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who provided input on the Proposed Plan! For more information on project engagement opportunities and findings review the Phase 1 and Phase 2 engagement reports (Project Background & Documents).

Comments/Questions? 

Have questions not yet answered or additional feedback to share? Reach out to the project team at ocp@saanich.ca or 250-475-5471.

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