(Editor’s note: This story was written before the Parksville city council meeting Wednesday night. Council did pass the OCP bylaw Wednesday night)
After three years and over $200,000 in direct costs, Parksville council was expected to pass their new official community plan during their regular meeting last night after the press deadline.
The new one will replace the current 2001 version which some, including mayor Chris Burger, have been pushing to update for many years.
“This will give people a better idea of what might occur in their neighbourhoods and it dials back growth as a whole a little, in terms of the city’s expectations,” Burger said.
“It more accurately reflects the realities of the day, projecting 15,000 people in 2030,” he said of the considerably lowered projection from the 12 year old version which was written in a much busier time for development.
There was a lot of grumbling at the last public hearing on May 22 from people dissatisfied with the process, claiming it was moving too fast or not taking their views into account.
“We got a rough ride from a group of people, but there’s never been an OCP written that pleases everyone,” he said. “I think this does reflect the themes from literally thousands of different input we have received.”
There were suggestions at council’s June 17 meeting of possible amendments but council appeared to agree it was best to pass this version after the long process and amend the new document.
