OCP Discussion and AGM

Two important events are happening at the Civic Centre on October 21 beginning at 1 PM. First, in cooperation with the Town’s Planning Dept. we hope to learn how the Town has interpreted the Quality of Life Survey results that many of us completed this summer. Understanding how the Town is evaluating the results is critical to our understanding of how our responses will be reflected in the Official Community Plan.

 The Town has determined key issues or topics that have been grouped into seven themes. Those themes are:

• The Town’s Role in Housing                              
  
• Community Wellness
  
• Identifying Future Areas for Development      
  
• Tourism
  
• Transportation in the Municipality                  
  
• Managing our Ecological Assets
  
• The Town and Governance

While these themes contain important topics, the QBRA Board decided it would be most beneficial and productive to focus discussion on three themes: The Town’s Role in Housing, Identifying Future Areas for Development, and the Town and Governance. These themes include some of the most contentious issues that residents have faced over the past six years. This would include building height, densification, rental and affordable housing. Future Development areas are self-explanatory. Another way to look at this is where should future development not happen?
The theme Town and Governance is not so clear. Basically the Town, our elected officials, and we residents have been abusing and misusing the Official Community Plan. When opposed to a given project, Town officials and residents refer to the Official Community Plan as a document containing facts that should not be changed or compromised. On the other hand, those in support of a given project that is not consistent with the OCP refer to the OCP as a long-term planning document that is only updated every six years. There is also the question of what is meant by a “full” OCP review? This was a significant issue between the Town and the RDN about four years ago. Do we have a better answer now?
The second part of the October 21 meeting is for the QBRA to hold the Annual General Meeting. We need to do this to satisfy the Provincial Societies Act. This meeting is also essential for the QBRA to continue, as it has since 1972. We are lacking in members and people willing to participate on the Board. If this sounds like a plea for help, you are correct. I have heard criticisms of the QBRA. Either we do nothing or we support the wrong things. If you are among the critics, why not join the QBRA as a member and volunteer to serve on the Board? You may find that to be a productive way to have your opinions heard.
The QBRA has been responsible for hosting a municipal all-candidates meeting. The QBRA was instrumental in encouraging the Town to video council meetings. It took several years! On behalf of the QBRA Board, I hope you can join us on October 21. You do not need to be a member to attend but we would be very pleased if you became a QBRA member before you leave.
Sincerely,   Lance Nater
​                Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association (QBRA)