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New streamlined OCP proposed for Sooke

Transportation, accessibility, environment and housing highlighted as major subjects of interest to residents.
web1_170427-SNM-T-Sooke-District

The District of Sooke is planning to redefine how its official community plan connects to the community.

A revised plan, which was presented at a recent committee of the whole meeting, better highlights concerns and needs of Sooke residents, from most to least important. The idea is to create a “course of action” with a a document that outlines the policies needed to achieve those goals.

The official community plan, also called an OCP, is a city bylaw that defines policies for land use and development.

In the OCP, Sooke’s three major goals were protecting the environment, celebrating the community (such as recognizing its volunteerism spirit) as well as building the local economy. In its 12 Key Directions section, the district added connectivity of infrastructure, such as trails and sidewalks, allocating assets for future community projects and developing a community with green and environment-friendly technology.

Still, presenting a plan and putting into motion are two divided notions, particularly when it comes to the district’s troubled history with approving new development projects.

“It’s obvious that it hasn’t worked,” said Coun. Rick Kasper, adding there’s been a disconnect between the district and some local developers and property owners.

“There were all kind of visions in the town centre, but those who own property and those who want to make investments in our community clearly don’t see it that way. We had to amend the community plan in order to allow the development to happen.”

Coun. Kevin Pearson agreed that council shouldn’t amend the OCP at every application, but follow it as a clear and guiding document. As it stands, Pearson said the OCP is so ambiguous that changes are too easily made by anyone.

“It’s contrary to the OCP, and it should come back to a public hearing, that should be very clear,” he said.

Some members of the Sooke community, such as developer Herb Haldane, told council a major problem with the old OCP was inconsistency, as some applications would be bogged down in bylaws and regulations.

“If we want buy-in from the development community, you have to make the process reasonable, so that it’s not onerous, it doesn’t take too long,” Haldane said, noting that extra steps, such as more reports and research, adds cost and complexity to an application, which can further delay its progress.

Mayor Maja Tait said there are items that were raised by the public, but weren’t raised by council, though district staff noted there are still bits of information from the community that need to be fed into the OCP.

The OCP is expected to be finalized this year.