Urgent: Add Your Feedback to OCP Updates This Fall

The BC government is requiring that all local governments submit new Official Community Plans (OCPs) by December 2025. This fall is our last chance to provide input!

These OCPs are more important than ever before, because with new housing legislation, public input is limited in new housing developments. The OCPs will often be the only chance for community groups to ensure that environmental and climate requirements are included in new developments.

For example, Tree Protection Bylaws under the Community Charter can be overridden by Zoning Bylaws or private property laws.  However, under the Local Government Act, OCP Form & Character Development Permit Areas for housing – common in cities – cannot be overridden by zoning and thus add valuable protections for climate resilience.

We can leverage ideas from progressive municipalities! We need to ensure that OCPs incorporate:

1) Both climate mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (reducing climate change impacts):
Mitigation covers building electrification, EV charging infrastructure, active transportation, and trees and vegetation
Adaptation includes natural infrastructure and permeable surfaces to provide heat, flood, and drought protection, pollution filters for clean air and water, as well as natural stormwater management to reduce burdens on engineered infrastructure and protect watersheds and the water cycle.

2) Section 488(1) of the Local Government Act: Form & Character Development Permit Areas (DPAs) for all new housing: Include requirements for permeable surfaces; bird-friendly design guidelines; energy and water conservation; protection of the environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity; and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  (Note that most bird window collisions happen at 4 stories or below – at canopy level).

3) Permeability requirements for Form & Character DPAs: Limit impermeable surfaces per lot or per block to 60%, which includes building footprint + parking + walkways/patios. This allows for 40% natural and green space for new developments necessary for climate resilience.

4) Urban Forest standard targets for Pacific Northwest cities, which is 40% tree canopy to alleviate extreme heat and help with stormwater management: Require front/back setbacks of 5 to 6 metres for increased soil and vegetation – for the survivability of trees and vegetation necessary for climate adaptation. Urban forests reduce city temperatures by 5 °C to 10 °C, benefiting both high-rise and low-rise residents.

5) Landscaping requirements for both climate resilience and biodiversity support: Specify  “low-water, low-maintenance spaces,” which means 70% native plants, including 3 layers (trees, shrubs, and groundcovers) to support complete wildlife lifecycles for the survivability of insects, birds, salmon, pollinators, and mammals.

Many Thanks! 

~ Patricia, Dedicated WE-CAN Volunteer, Local Government Team