Shaping the future of a community is both intriguing and daunting. The planning process requires each of us to be open to new ideas, challenge our assumptions and welcome different perspectives. We are midway through a multi-year process to review and update the 2007 Official Community Plan and have begun the next phase of public engagement. Together, this is our opportunity to shape a vision and develop policy for North Saanich that balances the many needs and diverse priorities of our community.
At the heart of the current North Saanich OCP review process are six interconnected themes: agriculture and local food systems; marine and land-based natural environments; climate action; housing and affordability; healthy communities; and jobs and the local economy. These themes must be considered holistically. When we talk about population growth and housing, we must ensure protection and enhancement of agricultural lands and natural areas. When we think about healthy communities, we must consider jobs, affordability, natural areas, and climate action.
The CRD’s Regional Growth Strategy lays out the broad vision for sustainable growth in the region. Among many other important aspects, the regional growth strategy emphasizes North Saanich’s significant regional role in fostering resilient food and agricultural systems. We self-identify as a marine community surrounded by ocean on three sides with a strong rural character. To protect these precious lands, we must be thoughtful in our land-use planning. My hope is that an updated OCP will allow us to retain our most valued attributes while adapting to meet the changing needs of our residents and the region.
Municipalities are more frequently being asked to respond to a series of overlapping and serious local, regional and societal issues: climate crisis, housing crisis, family practice and medical system crisis, environmental crisis — the list goes on. How do we, through resident input, identify local priorities and explore policy options that address the often-conflicting solutions? As a smaller municipality, how should we allocate limited resources to respond to the challenges in a meaningful way?
North Saanich has struggled with this question for the 20 years I have lived here, and I am sure much longer. Are residents interested in exploring different housing types and tenure in North Saanich, and where might they be located? How can we enable our current residents to live out their lives in North Saanich and also provide affordable market or non-market options for the younger generation and those with low to moderate household income? Let’s talk about how we might introduce housing where it makes sense while simultaneously ensuring that our prized agricultural land is protected and productive.
Collaboration with our neighbours is essential to establishing an all-encompassing shared vision of the Saanich Peninsula’s future. As the OCP review proceeds, we will continue conversations with the W̱SÁNEĆ communities, our neighbouring municipalities and organizations such as the Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition that view the Peninsula as an ecosystem, rather than a patchwork of separate communities.
Phase 3 Engagement started on May 16 with the launch of the online survey. Responsive to community feedback and relaxed public health orders, public engagement activities will include several in-person events in addition to a series of dialogue sessions with targeted groups. The first public event, a virtual open house on May 31, is offered for those who may experience barriers attending an in-person event. The online survey provides residents with a convenient and important way to provide feedback on policy associated with the six theme areas.
Whatever method you select, and whether you are an individual or a member of one of the resident groups that have recently emerged, I encourage North Saanich residents to participate, share your thoughts and communicate your neighbourhood needs and desires.
Together, through thoughtful, challenging and respectful conversations, we will shape a future that both reflects what our community needs today and what our children will need tomorrow.
Your participation is necessary and critical to answer the questions posed above.
These are certainly conversations worth having.
For more information, visit connectnorthsaanich.ca/ocp.
