For the past two years, we’ve been sharing information about Official Community Plans (OCPs) and why they matter.
OCPs quietly shape almost everything around us — where housing goes, what forests are protected, how drinking water is safeguarded, and how communities prepare for climate change.
Right now, the Sunshine Coast has entered the most important local government planning window in a generation.
All three local governments are either rewriting, finalizing, or beginning new Official Community Plans. These plans will guide development, environmental protection, and infrastructure decisions for the next 20 to 30 years. If we care about forests, freshwater, biodiversity, and climate resilience, this is the moment to have our priorities written into law.
This post offers a snapshot of where each process stands — and how you can get involved.
A quick refresher: what is an OCP?
An Official Community Plan is the highest-level land-use document adopted by a local government.
It is not just a vision statement. It is the legal framework that:
- identifies where growth will happen
- defines what ecosystems must be protected
- sets Development Permit Areas (DPAs)
- directs zoning, bylaws, and approvals
Once adopted, the OCP shapes decisions for decades. That’s why getting it right now matters far more than trying to fix problems later..
Where each Sunshine Coast community is right now
Different local governments are at different stages, which means different opportunities to shape outcomes.
Town of Gibsons
Gibsons is furthest along.
The Town has completed a draft of the Official Community Plan and the companion Zoning Bylaw, funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Both are now moving through Council readings toward adoption.
While early engagement showed public support for protecting natural areas and focusing growth in Upper Gibsons, concerns remain about whether the draft plan goes far enough to:
- limit impermeable surfaces
- protect aquifer recharge areas
- manage population growth within water-system capacity
Some residents also feel the process did not offer meaningful community dialogue or transparency and have raised concerns about spot rezoning and limited opportunities to respond to changes in the draft.
Before the new rules become law, you have a critical window to ensure Council knows you want them to prioritize :
- strengthening Development Permit Areas
- prohibiting spot-rezoning
- requiring permeable design
- safeguarding groundwater
- aligning growth with water-supply limits
- locking in ecological mapping and protections
Town of Gibsons OCP updates:
https://gibsons.ca/business/building_development/official-community-plan-update
District of Sechelt
Sechelt is mid-way through its OCP renewal.
The Town has completed a Community Land Development Analysis and adopted an OCP framework. Drafting has begun, and public engagement will continue through 2026.
Sechelt now has a rare and crucial opportunity to embed:
- biodiversity protection
- watershed safeguards
- climate adaptation
- natural-asset planning
while also planning for housing responsibly.
District of Sechelt OCP:
https://www.sechelt.ca/en/business-and-development/official-community-plan.aspx.
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD)
The SCRD is integrating Official Community Plans for all rural electoral areas (Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound, Egmont / Pender Harbour) into one regional OCP.
Phase 1 engagement is complete, and a “What We Heard” report has been released. The process is now moving into policy drafting and technical analysis, with more public consultation in 2026, and final adoption expected in 2027.
This is the moment when:
- environmental mapping
- Ecosystem, habitat and biodiversity conservation
- water and watershed protection
- climate risk mitigation and resilience planning
must be written into policy so it forms the foundation of planning
SCRD OCP Renewal portal: https://www.scrd.ca/news/planning-tomorrow-together-scrd-begins-ocp-renewal-process
What SCCA is doing
SCCA has been working with community groups, local organizations, and legal experts to ensure environmental values remain central across all three processes.
Through the Sunshine Coast Green Bylaws campaign, we are:
- coordinating with community groups
- sharing legal tools developed with the UVic Environmental Law Centre
- supporting ecosystem mapping (wetlands, forests, streams, CDF)
- advocating for strong Development Permit Areas
- linking housing issues to water supply and climate resilience
Our goal is simple: make sure housing and nature are not falsely pitted against each other — and that long-term community health is built into law.
Where you can plug in (the next few months)
Attend public meetings and open houses
Watch for notices from your local government related to draft plans, hearings, and council agendas.
Write to your Council or Director
Even short emails matter. Ask for:
- aquifer protection
- forest conservation
- limits on impermeable surfaces
- climate-ready planning
- strong Development Permit Areas
Join community organizations
Local groups magnify individual voices and help residents stay informed when timelines change.
Follow SCCA updates
We share engagement alerts, explainers, and timely calls to action.
Stay connected with us:
Join our mailing list: https://thescca.ca/#subscribe
Website: https://thescca.ca
Email: info@thescca.ca
Follow SCCA on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn and YouTube via our website.
Why this matters
OCPs don’t just steer development.
They decide whether:
- forests remain standing
- streams are protected
- wildlife surve
- communities flood or adapt
- water becomes scarce or secure
We have a rare chance to strengthen protection across the Sunshine Coast — while planning for real housing needs.
But only if people show up.
This isn’t just planning.
It’s legacy.