What We Heard – Phase Two of Engagement OCP Renewal

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has completed Phase Two of community engagement for the Official Community Plan (OCP) Renewal Project, gathering feedback from residents, organizations, agencies, governments, and First Nations across the region between early February and mid-April.

Building on the vision and values that were heard in Phase One, in Phase Two community members were invited to provide input on areas for growth suitability, regional priorities, and a proposed land use organizing framework that will help shape future OCP policies and zoning approaches.

Community outreach efforts included more than 9,200 postcards mailed to households, print advertising, news releases, social media campaigns, and direct email notices.

Phase Two engagement included a combination of in-person and online opportunities designed to reach residents in the five SCRD Electoral Areas. Staff hosted in-person community check-ins in each area, along with community workshops in Pender Harbour, Sechelt and Gibsons. Interviews were held with housing, climate, and environmental experts, and Advisory Planning Commission members attended an in-depth workshop.

Online, the community had their say via a questionnaire on the project’s engagement site.

Feedback from participants has been compiled and analyzed in the “What We Heard Report,” which identifies regional and electoral area themes that will inform the next stages of OCP development. This report, along with community submissions were presented at the SCRD’s Electoral Area Services Committee on Thursday, May 21.

Key Themes Emerging from Engagement

 Several key themes emerged during Phase Two engagement, including:

• Protecting and enhancing community identity and character
• Preserving intact natural areas as part of climate resilience
• Supporting diverse housing forms in areas within existing service areas
• Balancing housing growth with environmental protection
• Improving development processes while addressing affordability challenges

 Collaboration with First Nations, Governments and Agencies

 The SCRD also received input from shíshálh Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health, School District 46, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. Staff noted that early collaboration with partner agencies and governments is helping improve coordination and will support more effective implementation of future land use policies and bylaws.

 Next Steps

Feedback from both Phase One and Phase Two engagement will help guide:

• Development of OCP objectives in 2026
• Drafting of OCP policies through 2026 and early 2027
• OCP land use designations and a corresponding zoning bylaw

The OCP Renewal Project will continue through 2027, with additional opportunities for public participation planned as draft policies and land use concepts are developed.

Join the subscription for OCP project updates and find project information at letstalk.scrd.ca/ocp-renewal.