A steady stream of residents came out to help guide the future of their community as Coldstream kicked off its first public planning session Monday.
Close to 100 people turned out to the Coldstream Women’s Institute to learn about some of the suggestions on the table for the Official Community Plan.
Those who missed Monday’s open house have another opportunity tonight at the Lavington Fire Department from 3 to 5 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with presentations at 4:30 and 7:30.
Among the topics of discussion are housing density, land use (agricultural, rural, residential, commercial and industrial), infrastructure and inter-jurisdictional planning, parks and trails, hazardous lands identification and transportation.
“Council wants to know what people have to say about all of this,” said Michael Stamhuis, Coldstream chief administrative officer. “It’s everybody’s community plan.”
While his dad chatted with planners, four-year-old Tarran Tepper got a lesson on land designation maps and where all the great fishing spots are.
He may not know it yet, but this plan will help shape his future in Coldstream. But he does have a few ideas already.
“He wants chickens in his backyard,” said dad Roger.
Other topics of discussion include densifying secondary suites, duplexes, cottages and parcel sizes.
“More and more communities are densifying,” said Alan Pattison, community planner. “It’s very efficient for infrastructure.”
Agriculture is another area of discussion, including what minimum lot sizes should be, whether additional hillside development should occur and other land use subjects.
“This OCP is going to help form a new policy direction for agricultural land,” said Pattison.
The public is urged to share their view on these and other topics at the open houses or on the OCP blog through www.districtofcoldstream.ca/ocp or in writing to the municipal office.
“In the fall we will be back with a draft plan to share with the community,” said Pattison.
