After five years of work that began with a vision plan followed by public hearings, workshops and numerous discussions between council and community members, the District of Sechelt adopted its new official community plan (OCP) at their July 20 council meeting.
The new OCP, which replaces its 1995 predecessor, intends to provide an overall framework guide to future development and well-being of the area. It addresses issues and sets goals for a variety of community matters, such as environmental protection, housing and economic development.
Although Coun. Fred Taylor recently expressed concerns over zoning and amendment issues while the OCP was still in development, he strongly advocated for OCP adoption before the District embarked on its August break.
"This is a celebration for this council," said Taylor at the July 20 meeting. "This is a major accomplishment in spite of all the difficulties and feedback we've had from the community and from council. We finally have a final version passed."
Both council and gallery members applauded the adoption. Mayor Darren Inkster said he was glad council was able to pass the OCP in July.
Even though the OCP was adopted, getting there often proved challenging. Through the process, various amendments were made, including recent variances to sewer and commercial areas as well as some mapping and text changes.
One particular issue in text regarding Target Marine Hatcheries and their Sechelt Inlet Road site dominated the June 23 OCP public hearing. The text states the hatchery may provide the rearing of fish and other species, but does not allow processing the fish products. Target hoped to remove the "no processing" text from the OCP in order for them to harvest fish eggs.
Disallowing Target to harvest eggs has become an ongoing and highly contentious issue in the community, even causing hatchery supporters to protest at the last public hearing.
As for the process, Inkster said it might have taken a little longer than expected, but after speaking with mayors in other communities, five years is a fairly typical length.
"You can put in deadlines, but deadlines can be arbitrary and not necessarily represent the interests of the community," Inkster said. "I look at the OCP as a living document that the community can use as guidelines for more settlement and development. It gives those who live here a sense of themselves, but it also gives those who are moving here an idea of the strength of the community and the dreams of the community.
"I would never say it's a perfect document, but it's a document that we worked very hard on and did our best to represent many interests and ideas. It's a blueprint for the community."
