Get Involved – Join an Advisory Planning Commission (APC) and Board of Variance (BOV)
To support the update to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB), we are seeking community members to serve on the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) and Board of Variance (BOV). These volunteer roles provide an opportunity to help shape land use policies and regulations that will guide the future of Salt Spring Island.
The Special Project Advisory Planning Commission (APC) is an essential part of the community engagement and land use planning process for Salt Spring Island. Under Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee (SS LTC) Bylaw No. 467, this advisory body is responsible for providing feedback and advice to the LTC on a range of matters related to land use, community planning, and proposed bylaws and permits. Specifically, the OCP-LUB (Official Community Plan-Land Use Bylaw) Update Advisory Planning Commission (APC) plays a key role in advising the LTC on the OCP-LUB Update Project.
The current intake is now open for membership on the Special Project APC, specifically the OCP-LUB Update Advisory Planning Commission. This is an opportunity for individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of Salt Spring Island through a participatory planning process.
How to Apply
Find the application form and more information about APC’s and BOV’s here. Submit your application by March 28, 2025.
This is your opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of Salt Spring Island. We encourage you to apply and be part of shaping the community’s vision!
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.
What is a Land Use Bylaw (LUB)?
A LUB creates regulation based on OCP policy
A LUB is developed in alignment with and OCP policy, turning high level vision into local regulation. A Land Use Bylaw implements the community vision included in the OCP on the ground by regulating the use and development of land, and the construction of buildings on the land.
The Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw update project aims to refresh 1999/2008 policy and regulation through a community driven process to identify and implement current and flexible options to address current housing gaps. Through this exercise, LTC will remain committed to implementing solutions in line with:
- The interests of First Nations with treaty and territorial interests in the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area
- Ecosystem integrity and connectivity
- Climate change resiliency
How Does Legislation and Policy Influence Land Use?
Salt Spring Island OCP/LUB Review Timeline
What is a Complete Communities Assessment?
Part of Phase 1 of the OCP/LUB update was the Complete Communities Assessment, and it took place in the Fall and Winter of 2024. The assessment included a grant-funded Complete Communities Assessment, in accordance with the UBCM Guide. This assessment aims to identify gaps in the communities completeness, through various lenses including Transportation, Housing, Amenities, and the Environment. Learn more about the Complete Communities Assessment here.
Updates
Subscribe for updates to receive the latest information on the OCP process and get information on discussions on key topics.
Questions?
Contact Chris Buchan, Island Planner:
cbuchan@islandstrust.bc.ca|250-405-5177