The people of Harrison Hot Springs recently reviewed and voiced their opinions on the Official Community Plan (OCP) in an effort to update the planning document for 2022.
Village officials conducted an OCP online survey in February. There are two in-person events on Tuesday (April 5) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday (April 6) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for additional opportunities for residents to share their thoughts on the new version of the OCP. Both events will be held in Spring Park, but in the event of rain, they would be moved to Memorial Hall.
Cossey’s report indicates there may be further in-person pop-up OCP events coming in April, focusing on getting further feedback from villagers; officials are also planning further public sessions in the form of a “World Café.”
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The first survey on this upcoming draft of the OCP was completed prior to COVID-19, and given it yielded only 56 responses, Cossey said it’s value was limited. The second survey ran throughout February and garnered 140 responses, 130 of which resided in Harrison Hot Springs. Just over 16 per cent of respondents are local business owners.
In addition to the OCP guidelines, comments from residents brought up 14 items and issues for future consideration, including a dog park, seniors programs, natural resource protection and noise regulations.
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The 10 general goals in the OCP were outlined in the survey, and residents were asked to rate which goals remained relevant and which were not as relevant to the needs of the village today. The survey there was broad support and perceived relevance for a majority of the OCP’s guidelines with the exception of two – providing a mix of housing types for all ages and incomes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, it should be noted that even the goal with the lowest support – providing mixed housing – received 75 supporting votes, which accounts for just over half the respondents.
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