City hosting virtual information sessions for updates to Official Community Plan

The City of Courtenay is launching an update of the Official Community Plan (OCP) that will guide long-term decisions on land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure and more. The B.C. government requires that all local governments across the province include 20 years of housing needs in official community plans by the end of the year.

The City is inviting the community to learn more about the OCP update by attending one of two kick-off virtual information sessions on Monday, June 16, 2025, from noon-1 p.m. or 5-6 p.m.

Both sessions will have the same content and format, starting with a short presentation followed by questions and answers with project staff and consultants. Pre-registration is encouraged to get the virtual link in advance.

Public engagement opportunities will be shared throughout the spring and summer on the project page engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-ocp

In late 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced a suite of housing legislation aimed at accelerating housing supply and take a more proactive planning approach, including updating OCPs by December 31, 2025 to accommodate housing needs.

For Courtenay, these needs are identified in the Housing Needs Report completed in August 2024.

The updated OCP will build upon the existing policies of Courtenay’s current OCP adopted in 2022, and guide smart, inclusive and well-supported growth. The OCP’s vision and values include reconciliation, climate action, equity and community well-being.

“The previous OCP had a planning horizon of 2030 and was based on 2016 census data population projections available at the time,” said Marianne Wade, Director of Development Services. “Since then, we’ve learned we’re growing faster than expected. The Province has added requirements to plan for a longer time frame and align zoning bylaws to meet housing demands. It’s an important time to check-in with the community on how Courtenay can grow in the years ahead – in a way that reflects the existing spirit of the OCP.”

The OCP update will expand housing choices by updating land use designations and associated policies, aligned with recent strategic plans and policy updates for consistency and coordination across plans. It will also outline how growth needs to be supported by infrastructure, parks, open spaces and amenities. To learn more, visit engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-ocp