‘What We Heard’ – SCRD’s OCP Renewal Process

Tags:  2025 | News Release
Date Released: October 17, 2025

Over the past year, Sunshine Coast residents have contributed their voices to shaping the future of their communities.  The SCRD project team engaged with residents right across the Coast; on beaches and trails, at community festivals and markets on a range of key issues that will inform the development of the Official Community Plan (OCP).  

This was the first of three engagement processes on the OCP Renewal Project. The project is set to be completed in 2027.  

The feedback received by the SCRD to date was presented to the SCRD’s Electoral Area Services committee yesterday and can be found by clicking here for the ‘What We Heard Report.’ 

So, what is an OCP? An OCP is like a roadmap for the future. It guides how our communities grow, evolve, and respond to change. Whether it’s planning neighbourhoods, determining housing options, protecting the environment, developing parks, or preparing for the impacts of climate change, the OCP sets the course for decision-making that affects everyone, now and for generations to come.   

The engagement conducted from October 2024 to October 2025 included; 

  • A series of 11 high school workshops which involved 190 students 
  • 14 in-person events  
  • A workshop for Advisory Planning Commissions 
  • 1,290 responses through an interactive survey and crowdsource map  
  • 765 participants at public events

What did we ask?

The community was asked to weigh in on six topics: 

  • Valued Aspects of Living on the Sunshine Coast 
  • Housing 
  • Climate & Environment  
  • Balancing Growth and Nature 
  • Getting Around Without a Car 
  • Community Features 

Feedback

The feedback received by the SCRD revealed 33 general themes that will help guide the planning process. Among the standout findings: 

  • The Sunshine Coast’s small-community atmosphere and strong sense of belonging were cherished by many respondents. 
  • Housing supply and affordability emerged as significant concerns, with expanding housing types seen as a key solution. 
  • Respondents expressed deep appreciation for the Sunshine Coast’s parks, forests, and trail networks, while also voicing concerns about the impacts of climate change on local watersheds and marine habitats. 
  • Participants emphasized the importance of concentrating growth in areas with existing infrastructure to mitigate sprawl and protect sensitive ecosystems. 
  • Safe and accessible transit options, along with multi-use pathways, were seen as essential to reducing reliance on cars and enhancing mobility. 
  • Youth engagement highlighted the need for community spaces that support recreation and offer safe, inclusive gathering places. 

Next Steps
The next opportunity to participate is in early 2026 when residents will be invited to review and provide input on the draft growth areas, ensuring continued community involvement in shaping the future of the Sunshine Coast.  

The feedback gathered to date will play a crucial role in informing the development of draft growth areas and trade-offs.  This feedback, combined with technical studies, policy analysis, and direction from the SCRD Board, will shape the region’s planning priorities. 

Stay tuned to letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-renewal. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates and thank you for taking part in the first phase of this vital project for our region.