Victorians have one final chance this week to share their thoughts on the city’s updated Official Community Plan (OCP).
A public hearing is set for Wednesday, September 11th, starting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
The OCP is a 30-year plan that directs how Victoria develops and evolves. The Council approved the current version in 2012 after two and a half years of consulting with over 6,000 people. The last major update before that was in 1995.
The plan focuses on lively, walkable villages, a strong downtown area, sustainable transportation, and maintaining the character of neighborhoods.
The agenda includes several other topics before the council. However, discussion on the OCP is expected to happen later in the evening after earlier speakers have shared their views.
This hearing marks the end of nearly two years of work. The city states that the latest update, which started in fall 2023, has involved public engagement, draft proposals, and revisions.
The OCP is the city’s long-term planning document that aims to support housing solutions, transportation, parks, climate action, and complete communities through 2050.
The city updates it periodically to reflect changing priorities and future needs.
“The proposed changes are part of a citywide process that may affect all properties and neighbourhoods in Victoria,” the city notes on its information page.
Among the priorities in the updated plan are addressing housing supply and affordability, promoting more sustainable neighborhoods, and planning infrastructure to manage growth.
Once approved, the revised OCP will guide the city through 2050. It will influence everything from the location of new homes to the design of public spaces.
Full details about the plan, including background documents and FAQs, are available on the city’s website here.
