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As our city grows we all want to ensure that growth strategies reflect the values and ideals that we all share, so our community continues to be a vibrant one. We do not want to see unmanaged growth or strategies that work contrary to our vision for our community. This is one of the reasons that we develop an Official Community Plan (OCP). Municipalities, through the Local Government Act can adopt an OCP through a bylaw. An OCP is a statement of objectives and polices that guide decisions on planning and land-use management within a municipality. These plans are detailed documents that outline the vision, values, and goals for not only the city but also individual neighbourhoods. For instance, the City of Victoria’s most recent plan was adopted in 2012 and gives policy direction in 13 different areas including land management and development, transportation and mobility, and housing and homelessness to name a few. In developing an OCP, municipalities provide opportunites for consultation with residents, organizations, and other stakeholders that are considered affected by such policies. The broader community is involved in developing this plan. With a community-approved OCP, which we use to ensure our city grows in to the urban community we envision it, what could be the problem? Well, it’s not actually with the plan itself. It comes down to the logistical problems of gaining and granting development permits. Why is it that when businesses want to build and invest in our community and develop projects that fit within the OCP guidelines do we put up roadblocks? There are instances where groups have come out against such community building projects in their neighbourhoods, driving petitions, and pressuring local politicians to deny permits. Should any petition railroad such projects and re-open discussion on an approved vision for a city or region? Further, is it fair or reasonable for our business community to attract investors based on the OCP, only to have them rejected? This works directly against fostering the business friendly atmosphere we want in Greater Victoria. Is there a better way? The OCP, while a vision for a community, also serves a direction to businesses and investors when they look to buy and build their perspective projects. The process of rejecting developments that are aligned with our official community plan is not only counter intuitive but also inefficient, time consuming, costly, and vulnerable to the politics of the day creating patchwork decisions instead of a cohesive vision. If proposed developments fit within the OCP, should we not only be looking for variances for individual properties? Residents and businesses alike should expect community building projects that fit within our official vision for our city to be approved without delay. Something to ponder and ask any potential municipal candidate as we lead up to the November election. Bruce Carter CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Examiner - October 2014