New Legislation Reshaping Sooke's Land Use Planning

At the close of 2023, the Provincial Government passed a series of legislative measures with far-reaching implications for land use planning across the province, including Sooke. These measures, designed to address the pressing housing crisis, will reshape some aspects of the District's OCP review undertaken thus far.

The provincial updates aim to provide comprehensive solutions to the housing shortage. One significant change introduced by this legislation is the requirement for Official Community Plans (OCPs) to be updated every five years, with provisions for housing based on 20-year projections.

As of March 21, 2024, the District of Sooke is eagerly awaiting guidance from the province on the House Needs Report, which is foundational for the necessary OCP revisions.

The timelines outlined by the province for implementation are as follows:

• Early 2024: Local governments will receive guidance on the Housing Needs Report.
• June/July 2024: Municipalities will be provided with instructions to update their Official Community Plans and zoning bylaws.
• January 1, 2025: Local governments must have completed their interim Housing Needs Report.
• December 31, 2025: Municipalities must finalize their first review and update of Official Community Plans and zoning bylaws, based on the interim Housing Needs Report.

As of March 21, 2024, the Housing Needs Report guidelines have not been released.

Stay tuned for further updates.