The future and evolution of Harrison Hot Springs are never far from the minds of villagers and municipal officials.
The Official Community Plan (OCP) turned 15 this year. Village officials are looking for input for the latest round of revisions for this living document, set to close their GetIntoItHarrison.ca survey by the end of the month.
The term “OCP” is frequently spoken in village government circles, but what is it?
What is the OCP?
The Official Community Plan is a living document that serves as a set of guidelines for future growth based on resident feedback. The object of the document is to track issues important to residents such as housing, land use and development, parks and recreation and environmental preservation.
Every municipality in the province has an OCP; Elected officials adopt OCPs the same way they would a bylaw.
RELATED: Harrison Hot Springs spurs on OCP feedback efforts
What is required to be in the OCP?
The Local Government Act has a number of requirements for each municipality’s OCP. These include but are not limited to:
– The location, type and density of residential development to meet anticipated needs over the course of five years.
– The approximate location and phasing of infrastructure
– Location and type of a variety of community mainstays, including schools, public facilities and parks
In addition to these requirements, other goals are frequently taken into consideration such as social needs and environmental concerns.
What are the 10 goals in Harrison’s Vision Statement?
The Vision Statement outlines goals for the community and is “the driving force behind the creation of an OCP,” village officials said. The 10 goals of Harrison’s Vision Statement are:
Goal 1: Provide efficient, equitable and affordable public services.
Goal 2: Establish a distinct, pedestrian‐oriented village centre with a range of commercial services.
Goal 3: Develop tourism and recreation features and activities for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Goal 4: Protect views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Goal 5: Protect and maintain air and water quality and biodiversity.
Goal 6: Promote compatible residential and tourism development and community relationships.
Goal 7: Manage traffic and parking and promote transportation alternatives.
Goal 8: Provide for a mix of housing types for all ages and incomes.
Goal 9: Restore and protect Miami River and related aquatic systems.
Goal 10: Reduce community greenhouse gas emissions.
RELATED: Kent approves zoning, OCP changes for Tim Horton’s application on Lougheed Highway
Why is the OCP reviewed?
The OCP is periodically reviewed to stay current on the priorities and values of the community. It’s common for OCPs across the province to be amended to update growth and future goals; in the case of Harrison Hot Springs, the current document has been amended 12 times in its 15-year existence.
How can I make my voice heard?
Currently, a 10-minute survey is available online at GetIntoItHarrison.ca. In addition to this survey, residents can participate in a number of community engagement events throughout the OCP revision process, including open houses.
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