The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) wants you to help guide the future of the region, if you’re from Area A that is.
The SLRD is completing work on developing a new Official Community Plan (OCP) for the area, and it’s looking for final public input before it can move forward.
OCPs provide long-term direction for land-use and development in a municipality.
“The draft update to the Electoral Area A OCP incorporates current best practices and reflects the changing demographics and needs of the region,” reads the SLRD’s press release on the OCP, released Jan. 8.
“The Electoral Area A OCP addresses key issues such as housing, heritage and park land and trail designation, and will shape planning in the area through 2040.”
The previous Area A OCP was last reviewed in 2006 and adopted in 2008 as the Upper Bridge River Valley Official Community Plan, encompassing Bralorne and Gold Bridge and the neighbourhoods of Gun Lake, Tyaughton Lake, Gun Creek Road and Marshall Valley.
Not counting minor changes, the current update is the first major review since then.
“Our communities are growing and changing, and this is important work as we plan for the future of the Bridge River Valley,” said Electoral Area A Director, Sal DeMare.
“We are grateful to everyone who has participated in the OCP review and update process so far, and encourage everyone who has an interest to make sure they provide their input.”
According to the SLRD, this update to the OCP is the same launched in 2022, but delayed last year due to the fierce wildfire season.
“The project is back on track, with final opportunities for public input in 2024,” reads the release. The new opportunities for public input come after previous “community visioning exercises,” pop-up events, surveys and community workbooks, as well as input from a Community Advisory Committee formed at the project’s outset made up of representatives from each of Area A’s representatives.
Everything gathered so far is being fed into the draft Area A OCP, which you can read on the SLRD website.
Looking ahead, this phase of the project will include an online survey and virtual open house on Tuesday, Feb. 6 between 6 and 7 p.m. The survey will be available to be filled out and submitted between Feb. 6 and 20. All details on feedback methods are available on the SLRD website.
Public feedback from these last engagement opportunities will inform any final updates to the Electoral Area A OCP, and there will be a public hearing following the second reading of the bylaw for one final opportunity to provide input.
Residents of Area A with questions about the OCP review are asked to email [email protected], or contact the SLRD’s planner, Alix MacKay by phone at 604 894-6371 ext. 224, or email at [email protected].
