The updated draft Official Community Plan (OCP) for Area “D-2”, East Skaha, Vaseux is now ready for community consultation. The Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is seeking feedback from all Electoral Area “D-2” residents on changes to the draft OCP. The residents of Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, Heritage Hills, Upper Carmi, Vaseux and other areas in Area “D-2”, are strongly encouraged to provide their feedback by attending the upcoming public open house, upcoming community events, or by filling out the online survey.
“The draft OCP faces a challenging task to balance the views of the whole community while aiming to create a more sustainable future” says Director Tom Siddon. “We would like to hear from residents on how well this has been captured”.
The draft OCP reflects input that was gathered from Area “D-2” residents during community open houses, pizza workbook nights, and an online survey carried out during the fall of 2011. Approximately 100 residents took part in these activities. Based on this community input and in collaboration with the appointed Citizens Committee, the goals, objectives, and policies that will guide future growth and land use decisions in the community have been reviewed. A detailed background report which documents all of the earlier consultation outcomes; as well as other background information relevant to the OCP review, is available on the RDOS website (click on D2 OCP Review under Direct Links).
The draft OCP is consistent with the direction of the recently adopted RDOS Regional Growth Strategy.
Some of the key highlights of the draft OCP include: the establishment of growth containment boundaries; retention of industrial land; and increased environmental and foreshore protection. The draft OCP is aimed at: enhancing long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability; mitigating risk from hazards and wildfire; and, protecting the individual character of established communities in Area “D-2.”
The upcoming opportunities to provide feedback on the draft OCP include:
• A public open house will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on July 31, at the Kenyon House in Kenyon Park (along 8th Avenue in Okanagan Falls).
• An online community survey will be accessible from the Regional District home page
(http://rdos.bc.cal) by clicking D2 OCP Review under Direct Links. The survey will be available to complete from July 6 to August 31.
• Several community information sessions that will be set up around Okanagan Falls throughout July and August.
Additional information or comments can be emailed to eriechert@rdos.bc.ca with the subject header ‘Area D2 OCP Review’. Urban Systems Limited will be facilitating the upcoming public engagement opportunities on behalf of the Regional District.