After a year-and-a-half of public consultation, the District of Lake Country has adopted an integrated community sustainability plan.
The plan encourages a vision for a healthy, sustainable community that attracts and retains residents, businesses and visitors because of its employment opportunities, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, agricultural character, natural beauty and easy access to urban amenities.
The plan will also influence infrastructure investment, zoning, economic development and environmental protection.
“As with most strategic plans, the process to get to the point of plan adoption and community alignment is simply the first step in a long journey,” said Mayor James Baker.
“We now have a road map to guide future decisions, plans, and policies, and more importantly a community-driven strategy to begin executing the long list of tangible action items that were prioritized on an implementation timeline.”
The $250,000 project was funded entirely through the federal gas tax fund.
“What sets this plan apart is the extensive engagement that was conducted, with the plan being developed in partnership with a core group of community stakeholders including arts and cultural groups, educational institutions, other government agencies, environmental organizations, the chamber of commerce, and individual volunteers,” said Mark Koch, director of community services.
“What really made this plan process fun was the broad youth engagement. Youth representatives were included throughout the project and even as community ambassadors on a Street Team attending neighbourhood events to discuss sustainability with the community.”
