The RDEK Board of Directors has initiated a review and update of the Elk Valley Official Community Plan (OCP). OCPs are long-range planning policy documents that set community direction to guide future development. The Elk Valley OCP will guide growth and change over the next 15 to 20 years to approximately 2045.
The process is focused on developing policies that are reflective of current community ambitions. The planning process is anticipated to take 18-24 months to complete, including community engagement, policy development and refinement, and the approval process.
Initial Survey
The first step was an initial survey and we are still in the very early stages of the planning process, which is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
The OCP Initial Survey results have been compiled and are now available for public review.
The responses focused on a few key priorities, including housing, outdoor recreation access, and environmental considerations. Employee and rental housing, recreation trail development and protection, and wildlife corridor protection were the topics that received the most attention from respondents.
The survey results will help to guild the engagement process during the remainder of the Official Community Plan Review. There will be multiple opportunities for residents, stakeholders, and first nations to provide input into the process through follow-up surveys, in-person engagement events, and issue-specific discussions.
Seeking Advisory Committee Members
Volunteers are also being sought to participate in an Elk Valley Official Community Plan Review Advisory Group. In addition to consulting directly with the public and other government agencies, the Advisory Group will assist in the review and policy development of the OCP and zoning bylaw. The group will play a key role in the development of the OCP and zoning bylaw by providing feedback on the policies and regulations at various stages as well as soliciting additional information from the public and providing an additional means of bringing information to the community. A series of Advisory Group meetings will be held independent of the participatory workshops and open houses.
Advisory Group application forms must be submitted by January 11, 2025.
