What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?
An OCP implements the community’s vision.
It provides a long-term strategy for land use management, outlining broad objectives and policies to guide future growth and development of the community.
The Gabriola Island community is invited to participate in the OCP Review
The first phase of the Gabriola Island Official Community Plan Review (OCP) was the Gabriola Visioning 2050 project. During this engagement process, the Gabriola community was asked about what they value, what their hopes and dreams for the Island are, and what they hope to see change. The Gabriola Visioning 2050 What We Heard report can be found here.
There are opportunities to engage at each step in the OCP review process.
Environmental Protection
Climate Change
Cultural Heritage Protection
Waste & Water
Freshwater Footprint
Water is essential for life and a healthy environment on Gabriola Island, yet we often struggle to integrate water-related issues into long-term planning. Do we have enough water for current and future needs? How does land use affect water quality? Where are critical groundwater recharge zones, and how can we protect them?
To help answer these questions, Islands Trust is developing a Freshwater Footprint to measure and support freshwater sustainability. The Footprint considers water availability, distribution, and quality, along with island-specific water use, human impacts, Indigenous knowledge, and climate adaptation.
The Freshwater Footprint will inform land use planning, the Gabriola Island Community Plan review, and practical steps to protect local water resources.
FAQs: Freshwater Footprint – Gabriola Island Pilot Project
Freshwater Footprint Workshop Series
The Freshwater Footprint Workshop Series explores local initiatives, and innovative approaches to preserving and protecting Gabriola Island’s vital freshwater resources.
Session #1: Community-based Freshwater Monitoring & Mapping
This session explores freshwater sustainability and the role of monitoring in understanding local water concerns.
May 1, 2025 | 4:00 – 6:00 P.M.
Online via Zoom
Register here.
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introduction
William Shulba, Freshwater Specialist, Islands Trust - Community Monitoring Networks in the Regional District of Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island
Erica Forssman, Regional District of Nanaimo, Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program - Community Flow Monitoring Network
Ally Badger, B.C. Conservation Foundation, Aquatic Research and Restoration Centre
Sarah Hardy, Ministry of Environment and Parks, Hydrometrics and Hydrology Program - Gabriola Island Freshwater Resources – Inventory and Hazards
Sylvia Barroso, GW Solutions - Gabriola Monitoring Networks Strategies and Opportunities
Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
Session #2: Defining the Freshwater Footprint
This session introduces key concepts of freshwater footprints and water security, and identifies indicators of water sustainability tailored to island communities.
May 29, 2025 | 3:30 – 6:30 P.M.
In-person in the Heron Room, The Haven, Gabriola Island
Register: Email northinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca to reserve your seat.
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introduction
William Shulba, Freshwater Specialist, Islands Trust - Freshwater Footprint: Concepts and applications for water protection and management in the Islands Trust Area
Sylvia Barroso, GW Solutions - Freshwater Footprint in the Islands Trust Area
Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
If you’d like to part of a water focus group, please email northinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca.
How Does Legislation and Policy Influence Land Use?
Gabriola Island OCP Review Timeline
Contact Trustees:
Tobi Elliott
Gabriola Island Trustee
E: Trustee Elliott
T: 1-250-268-7434
Susan Yates
Gabriola Island Trustee
E: Trustee Yates
T: 1-250-247-8086
Contact staff:
E: Northern Office Information
T: 1-250-247-2063
The public is also welcome to visit Islands Trust offices in person Tuesday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 P.M. at 700 North Road, Gabriola Island.
Updates
Subscribe for updates to receive the latest information on the OCP process and get information on discussions on key topics.
Islands Trust staff at an information table at the Silva Bay Market, Gabriola Island, on July 21, 2024
Islands Trust staff at an information table at the Silva Bay Market, Gabriola Island, on July 21, 2024