The public hearing for North Cowichan’s updated Official Community Plan is scheduled for July 18-19.
The hearing is being conducted in two parts to offer alternative ways to participate.
The first part on July 18 will be a virtual, online meeting.
The second part will be an in-person meeting on July 19 at Cowichan Exhibition Park, located at 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy.
Both parts of the hearing will begin at 2 p.m. and will run until at least 6 p.m.
The hearing is the final opportunity for public input on the OCP and will conclude an extensive public and stakeholder engagement process launched in 2020.
The public can provide comments verbally at the meetings or submit written comments in advance.
Written comments can be emailed to publicmeetings@northcowichan.ca, mailed or dropped off at the municipal hall, and will be accepted until 9 a.m. on July 15.
The draft OCP can be reviewed at www.northcowichan.ca/OCP.
Copies of the document are also available at the municipal hall, 7030 Trans-Canada Hwy., and at the Vancouver Island Regional Library branches in Chemainus and Duncan.
Once the public hearing has concluded, council will consider all input received and will decide whether to proceed with the OCP as drafted, or may require changes before further readings of the bylaw are given and adoption is considered.
The OCP establishes policy for land use planning, growth management, environmental stewardship, economic development, infrastructure planning, and other topics relevant to the health and well-being of North Cowichan’s communities.
It guides council and staff in budgeting, servicing, planning capital projects, and development approvals.
It is used by residents and businesses as a reference for investment decisions, and by school districts and community organizations to guide facility planning and service delivery.