A growing number of Gambier Island residents are calling for a pause on the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) review process, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and concerns over the long-term impact of proposed changes.
During the June 24 Local Trust Committee (LTC) meeting, residents presented a petition and a letter requesting a delay in the process. The request is “to ensure Gambier residents have the time and opportunity to properly review what is being proposed,” one speaker stated.
The letter, which was submitted to the LTC, criticized the current process for lacking “sufficient public outreach and meaningful engagement.”
It noted that consultation with residents has been limited, leaving many “without clear opportunity to participate, ask questions or understand the implications of these proposed changes.”
The timing of public meetings was also a major concern. “We are further concerned that the upcoming community information [meeting] is being held during working hours on a weekday, making it difficult and impossible for many residents to attend, especially with no participatory, virtual meeting being offered,” the letter read.
Residents asked for a clear extension of the review timeline and more accessible materials that show what is being proposed and why,’ the letter continued, noting that a community-created website had already been developed to help make the information more digestible.
The LTC responded, acknowledging the concerns and committed to improving the engagement strategy.
Trustee Kate-Louise Stamford emphasized the importance of flexibility and transparency, noting that the committee is working to ensure the process is inclusive and responsive to community needs.
As the OCP process continues, residents hope their input will shape the future of land use planning on the island. “This is especially troubling as these decisions will directly impact our homes, access and long-term character of our community,” the letter concluded.
The current phase of public engagement is scheduled to run from August through March 2026, to wrap up engagement by the end of the fiscal year.
Ongoing engagement plans include two formal community information meetings, up to 10 informal “community discussion groups” hosted by volunteers or APC members between August and October, ongoing updates via email, the Islands Trust website, and local social media as well as a six-month engagement window following first reading of the draft bylaws.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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