Visioning Gabriola Part 1: The Official Community Plan review gets underway
Channel: Life on Gabriola TV
Date: 26/11/2023

Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Islands Trust Trustees Tobi Elliott and Susan Yates about the review of Gabriola's Official Community Plan just getting underway. Life on Gabriola TV project supervisor Frank Moher sits down with Tobi and Susan to discuss the different stages in the review, and some of the issues that are likely to be raised, including one that Gabriolans asked us to ask about: Affordable housing on the island. 

It's been 27 years since the last OCP review, so there's lots to talk about! Watch for part 2 coming later this week.

Key moments:
00:56: Stages in the review, and how long will it take?
02:30: Visioning, budgeting, and identifying priority areas.
03:36: Encouraging community engagement in shaping the OCP.
Changes since the last review, 27-years ago: First Nations relationships, climate change, housing.
05:18: Discussion on budget constraints for the OCP review.
Advocacy for $77,000 in the budget for essential mapping and planning processes.
09:30 Addressing the role of First Nations in the OCP review.
11:00: Affordable housing. Finding the balance between preserving rural character and the need for more housing. Building on recent research and incorporating Housing Advisory Planning Commission findings.
14:50: Discussing challenges in development planning, including large lots and lack of protective bylaws.
Emphasizing the need for policies supporting alternative dwellings and eco-friendly solutions.

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The Gabriola Arts Council https://artsgabriola.ca/
The Haven, Gabriola Island https://haven.ca/

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