Picture Sooke: Official Community Plan Review

The District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan (OCP) is approaching the final stages of development and we want to hear from you!

More than 2,000 persons have participated in updating Sooke’s OCP over the last two(+) years and as Council works towards adoption of this critical long-range planning document that guides decision-making, they are seeking to refine and clarify some aspects so that the plan most effectively supports the community’s vision:

Sooke is a small town with a big heart. It is a vibrant net-zero emissions community, cradled in the stunning beauty and vitality of the ocean and forest.

This conversation, where specific feedback is received as we work together to finalize the OCP, is the one we’re looking to have on June 19^th.

On June 19, 2023 at 1 pm a Committee of the Whole meeting will be held for:

• Interested partners to provide specific input on OCP Bylaw No. 800 (2022);
• District of Sooke Council to hear from partners about what works and where there are concerns with OCP Bylaw No. 800 (2022) to help realize the community’s vision; and
• District staff to respond to questions and seek further clarification from partners as the plan is revised before a new public hearing is held.

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Presentations Welcome

• Those attending the June 19, 2023 meeting will have the opportunity to make a 5-minute presentation (one 5-minute presentation per speaker).
• Those wishing to make a presentation must provide their presentation slides to Corporate Services by email at corp@sooke.ca no later than noon on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
• Please reserve your presentation by contacting Corporate Services directly.

Provide Written Correspondence

• Email Corporate Services at corp@sooke.ca or deliver written correspondence to: District of Sooke Municipal Hall, Attn: Corporate Services, 2205 Otter Point Road, Sooke BC V9Z 1J2
• Written correspondence received by noon on Friday, June 16, 2023 will be included in a supplemental agenda package posted at sooke.ca/meetings by 4:30pm (on June 16^th).
• Correspondence received after this deadline and before June 19, 2023 will be provided to staff.

Additional Information

• The June 19, 2023 meeting will be live-streamed on the District’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person and those wishing to view the recording at a later date.
• Information received through this period (now until June 19, 2023) will be used to inform updates to the OCP before a new public hearing is held later this year.

At the March 20, 2023 Council meeting,the Director of Planning and Development presented a report about the status of the Official Community Plan (OCP) review, and next-step options available to Council.

Council's discussion included:

• The process required to reignite the OCP review.
• Additional information about the OCP has been received by the District and Council since the OCP's public hearing.
• The OCP document could be reorganized to enhance clarity.
• There are no resources currently allocated to making substantial changes to the document. However, the goal is to produce a document that will not need amendments in the future.

Decision - carried unanimously:

• THAT the Committee of the Whole recommend Council direct staff to bring a report back to the April 11, 2023, Regular Council meeting regarding a proposed schedule for adoption of the OCP, including legal advice on next steps that includes scheduling a Committee of the Whole meeting with an invite extended to local and regional builders, developers and stakeholders.

Staff have sought a legal opinion regarding the next steps for Council consideration of the Official Community Plan, and will present this information including a decision-tree on the next steps at the April 11, 2023 Council meeting.

Staff are seeking direction from Council regarding the next steps for the Official Community Plan (OCP) review which was paused on September 27, 2022 until after the October 15, 2022 general local election. This discussion will take place on Monday, March 20, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting, scheduled for 1pm at Sooke Municipal Hall, Council Chambers.

Resources:

• Meeting agenda
• Meeting live stream link
• Meeting information page
• Subscribe to receive meeting notifications/agendas

At the September 8, 2022, Special Council meeting, the District of Sooke Council gave Second Reading to the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 800. A Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

To participate in the public hearing, you can:

1. Provide a written submission before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27th.
   1. Email – send your submission to Corporate Services at corp@sooke.ca.
   2. Mail – address your submission to Corporate Services, Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road, Sooke BC V9Z 1J2.
   3. In-person – place your submission, addressed to Corporate Services, in the drop-box located at the main entrance of Municipal Hall at any time before the submission deadline or delivered to reception during office hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. Address Council during the hearing, in person.
   1. The Hearing will take place in Council Chambers at District of Sooke Municipal Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Overflow space is available, if needed, in the adjacent Fire Services Lounge.
   2. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for those wishing to attend the Public Hearing. Persons wishing to speak, may sign up on arrival and throughout the Hearing.
   3. While speakers are not restricted to speaking duration, (speaker) limitations to assist with equity and fairness of all who wish to speak and avoid redundancy may be made at the call of the Chair.

Note: Written submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21^st to be included in the Agenda Package. Items received after this time and before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27^th will be included in the Supplemental Agenda Package.

Documents:

• Understanding an Official Community Plan
• OCP Bylaw, No. 800, 2022 (given Second Reading)

On September 8, 2022 Council may consider Second Reading of OCP Bylaw. No. 800, 2022.

See the agenda, including the updated Bylaw being considered here >>

Please note that following Council Procedure Bylaw No. 728, 2019, public input is not permitted at this meeting as this bylaw will have its own opportunity for public input at the public hearing (date to be determined).

The September 8th, 2022 meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Attend in person to listen at Municipal Hall, Council Chamber or watch/listen online.

The Public Hearing can be scheduled if OCP Bylaw, No. 800, 2022 is given Second Reading.

Previous Council Action

On April 11, 2022 Council gave 1st Reading of the draft OCP Bylaw No. 800. The following actions have taken place since 1st Reading was granted:

• April 12, 2022 - Referral letters were sent to relevant jurisdictions and outside agencies for review and comments;
• April 12, 2022 - The Regional Context Statement was forwarded to the CRD Board for consideration;
• April 12-May 13, 2022 - submission period for the public to make comment on Bylaw no. 800;
• May 7, 2022 - OCP Open House held at the Sooke Community Hall;
• May 16, 2022 - Committee of the Whole workshop for chapter review of Bylaw No. 800
• May 18, 2022 - The CRD Planning and Protective Services Committee considered Sooke's Regional Context Statement favourably and forwarded it to the CRD Board for consideration on June 8, 2022;
• June 8, 2022 - The CRD Board accepted Sooke's Regional Context Statement;
• June 15, 2022 - Committee of the Whole workshop for chapter review of Bylaw No. 800;
• July 19, 2022 - Committee of the Whole workshop for chapter review of Bylaw No. 800;
• July 20, 2022-August 31, 2022 - Revisions compiled for consideration at 2nd Reading.

A meeting for consideration of second reading of OCP Bylaw No.800 has been scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The agenda package, including the amended OCP will be available, by Friday, September 2, 2022.

Public may attend to listen to this meeting in person or online. Following the Council Procedure Bylaw, public comment will not be permitted at this meeting; public comment is reserved for the Public Hearing.

The Public Hearing can be scheduled after OCP Bylaw No. 800 is given second reading.

Recent Background

The Chapter Review of the OCP by Council continued beyond the May 16, 2022 meeting and included additional meetings on:

• June 15, 2022
• June 21, 2022 (cancelled due to staff illness)
• July 19, 2022

At the July 19, 2022 Special Meeting of Council, Council resolved:

THAT Council direct staff to prepare amendments to the Official Community Plan to reflect Council feedback.

AND THAT Council direct staff to bring forward all public comments, referral comments, and the bylaw for consideration of second reading, as amended, at a Council meeting in early September.

Thank you to the nearly 400 residents who joined us for the Official Community Plan Open House on Saturday (May 7, 2022) and to the residents who are also providing written correspondence by email to info[at]sooke.ca. We appreciate your involvement as Sooke’s OCP is reviewed and updated.

What’s next:

• May 16, 2022 at 6pm: Council will undertake a Chapter Review of the OCP at the Committee of the Whole meeting. This will allow comments shared with members of Council at the Open House to be discussed Council at a public meeting. *Please note that public input will occur at a scheduled Public Hearing, public input will not be permitted at this meeting.
• June 7, 2022 at 7pm:
  1. A staff report will be presented to Council, including:
     • Co­­mments received through the referral agency process;
     • written comments received at the May 7^th Open House;
     • written correspondence received from the public April 12, 2022 (after the bylaw was given first reading) to May 13, 2022; and
     • considerations arising from the May 16, 2022 Chapter Review into an amended Bylaw.
  2. Council may consider giving Second Reading as amended to OCP Bylaw No. 800.
• After the bylaw is given Second Reading (initial discussion): a Public Hearing will be scheduled.
• Public Hearing
• Council to consider Third Reading (final Council discussion)
• Council to consider adoption

Note:

• First Reading of a Bylaw is the introduction of a Bylaw to begin the legislative process towards adoption.
• As per the District of Sooke Council Procedure Bylaw, Public Hearings are scheduled after Second Reading is given.
• *As per the District of Sooke Council Procedure Bylaw, “Neither public input nor delegations are permitted on subject matters which will be provided their own opportunity for public input” such as a Public Hearing as is the case for the OCP Bylaw No. 800.
  • This means, when sitting as Council, the public will be invited to speak to Council on the bylaw at the public hearing only. This is to ensure all residents who may be affected by outcomes on the subject of a public hearing have an equal opportunity to hear the discussion in its entirety.
• After the public hearing closes, the public comment period closes and Council cannot receive any new information.

Looking to review public feedback received throughout the process? Please find engagement summaries and input received throughout the last 18 months in our posted engagement reports:

• Background Research Report
• Interim Engagement Report
• Phase 2 Engagement Summary
• Phase 3 Engagement Summary and Phase 3 Summary Appendices

At the April 11, 2022 Regular Council meeting, the District of Sooke Council gave First Reading to the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 800.

The public is invited to learn more about the Bylaw at an OCP Open House on Saturday, May 7^th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall, located at 2037 Shields Road (in the dining room on the lower level).

At the Open House, the public will be able to speak with Council and staff, and provide written comments for the public record.

Input on OCP Bylaw No. 800 can be provided by:

• email to info@sooke.ca;
• written comment at the May 7, 2022 Open House, or;
• written comment in person or by mail delivered to the Sooke Municipal Hall.

Input on the Bylaw will continue to be received until noon on the day of the public hearing. However, early submissions are encouraged to provide Council with sufficient time to review your comments. A date for the public hearing has not been set.

Input received between April 12^th, 2022 and May 13^th, 2022 will be presented to Council in a staff report at a Special Council Meeting on June 7^th, 2022 where Second reading will be considered.

Input received after May 13^th, 2022 will be included in the Public Hearing Agenda Package.

At the public hearing, the public will have the opportunity to address Council on the bylaw in person. After the public hearing closes, Council cannot receive new information including further public comment on the bylaw.

Document:

• OCP Bylaw No. 800

At the March 28, 2022 Regular Council Meeting, Council discussed the next steps for the OCP currently under review and directed staff to bring forward an OCP with the following revised for consideration of first reading at the April 11, 2022 Regular Council meeting:

• in section Section 3.14 Comprehensive Development, change the second bulletin from "consent" to "consult"
• Whiffin Spit land use designation of Community Residential be replaced with Rural Residential and include a Neighbourhood Area Plan boundary (similar to section 3.15 Billings Spit/Kaltasin Neighbourhood Are Plan).
• Development Permit Are guidelines for the foreshore area, replace "30 m" with "15 m."
• Replace Lot 6, Plan VIP26066 (West Ridge Trails) land use designation of Rural Residential with Community Residential

As described in the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022 Staff Report in the April 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council Agenda Package, staff will present:

THAT Council give first reading to the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022;

THAT Council consider the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022 in conjunction with the Budget and Five-Year Financial plan;

THAT consider the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022 in conjunction with the Waste Management Plans;

THAT Council refer the bylaw to all external agencies and partners for comment;

AND THAT Council direct staff to report back at a future Council meeting on the input and recommend any adjustments to the draft prior to council considering the second reading of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022.

The public can attend the meeting in person at Sooke Municipal Hall (7:00 p.m. start) or watch it on the District's YouTube channel. The meeting will be recorded and available on the District's website and YouTube channel for those unable to join in real-time.

The public is invited to attend an (in person) Open House to discuss the Official Community Plan (OCP) on Saturday, May 7^th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall, located at 2037 Shields Road.

Council’s discussion with the community on the draft OCP is the next phase in the plan development after the OCP Advisory Committee completed their work over the last 18 months. "I would like to extend my appreciation to the committee for their efforts in bringing the draft plan to its current state and acknowledge the work of this team: Helen Ritts (chair), Norman Amirault, Councillor Al Beddows, Terry Cristall, Steve Grundy, Ellen Lewers, Linda MacMillan and Siomonn Pulla," said Mayor Tait. “Council recognizes that engagement with our community on the OCP has been impacted by the pandemic - with much of our conversations held virtually. We are very pleased to host this 'in person' community event to continue our consultation with you.”

The evolution of the draft OCP in its current state is the result of significant community input, with hundreds of residents providing feedback through participation boards at local businesses, online forums, virtual stakeholder meetings, letters, phone calls, community pop-ups at local markets and the Celebrate Sooke! event in September, and an in-person (by registration due to the pandemic) Open House with the Advisory Committee in October.

All municipal policies, plans and regulations must be in alignment with the OCP. The OCP review is an opportunity for the District to ensure that the goals and objectives remain relevant and to update as needed, guiding the direction of land use in Sooke for the next ten years.

Light refreshments will be provided at the May 7^th event, and all attendees can enter to WIN one of two $100 grocery store gift cards.

Related documents:

• Background Research Report
• Interim Engagement Report
• Phase 2 Engagement Report
• Phase 3 Engagement Summary and Engagement Summary Appendices
• Revised DRAFT OCP, April 2022*

* At the March 28, 2022 Regular Council Meeting, Council discussed the next steps for the OCP currently under review and directed staff to bring forward an OCP with the following revised for consideration of first reading at the April 11, 2022 Regular Council meeting:

• in section Section 3.14 Comprehensive Development, change the second bulletin from "consent" to "consult"
• Whiffin Spit land use designation of Community Residential be replaced with Rural Residential and include a Neighbourhood Area Plan boundary (similar to section 3.15 Billings Spit/Kaltasin Neighbourhood Are Plan).
• Development Permit Are guidelines for the foreshore area, replace "30 m" with "15 m."
• Replace Lot 6, Plan VIP26066 (West Ridge Trails) land use designation of Rural Residential with Community Residential

The DRAFT OCP is being revised based on this feedback. An updated draft will be published shortly.