Recent public input into Esquimalt's Official Community Plan (OCP) included an Open House in June and an Affordable Housing Workshop in May.
On June 7th more than 85 people attended the OCP Open House to review the draft policies being proposed to move Esquimalt forward over the next 10-plus years. For those who were not able to attend, the proposed maps and policies were posted online from June 8th to 20th. In all, the Township received 97 written submissions from residents and other stakeholders.
As part of this process, the Township received feedback on a proposed land use designation map which highlighted areas for increased density in the future as well as new Neighbourhood Commercial Designation Areas. Issues that received significant public comment included revitalization of commercial areas, affordable housing, garden suites, and improvements to transportation networks and parks facilities. To view the public input received from the OCP Open House click here.
Prior to the OCP Open House, an Affordable Housing Workshop facilitated by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability was held on May 5th at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. This informative and interactive one-day workshop involved bringing together a diverse group of participants to discuss the affordable housing tools and strategies available to local governments. Participants included local government, builders, developers, architects, non-profit organizations, and residents. The examination of affordable housing policies forms part of the comprehensive review of the Official Community Plan.
Workshop participants supported affordable housing strategies such as the municipality providing incentives and pre-approvals for affordable housing, establishing a housing fund, and working with non-profit organizations and the development community. The Affordable Housing Workshop Summary Report is available for download.
The next opportunity for OCP public input will be in the fall of 2017. An updated draft plan is expected to be completed by late 2017.
The OCP is a statement of the municipality’s goals and policies and is intended to provide direction for future growth and development. For more information on the OCP Review, or to register to receive e-mail notifications, please visit: www.esquimalt.ca/communityplan.
For more information, please contact:
Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
Tel: 250-414-7146