Now that the final public meeting for Qualicum’s — oops, sorry Mr. Mayor, Qualicum Beach’s — OCP has been held it is just a couple of weeks to third reading and then adoption.
We await the conclusion of the process with relief as much time has been spent on suggestions, proposals, requests etc. on matters outside the concern of the document.
The OCP is a guideline of the broad objectives of the town’s future progress. It describes such items as waterfront development and protection, control of urban sprawl, provision of parks, open space and ecological preservation. It does not detail how these things are to be achieved.
Propositions for activities not conforming to the OCP, usually based on the personal agendas of the proposers, can be discussed with the incumbent council but require a wider approval from the town at large if they are to be implemented and the OCP amended.
The key to success, of course, is communication. The OCP is not worth the paper it is printed on if town officials completely close their minds to all other alternatives.
F.H. Horner, Qualicum Beach
