Saanich council recently approved a new Official Community Plan (OCP), a document guiding local development. This plan now supersedes Local Area Plans (LAPs), which were previously part of the OCP but are now separate. The decision came after a lengthy public hearing where concerns were raised about the removal of LAPs and other changes aimed at promoting housing development.

While provincial legislation influenced some adjustments, such as transit-oriented areas, it didn’t drastically alter the OCP’s structure. However, the new rules regarding public hearings for residential development sparked controversy. Lindsay Chase, Saanich’s planning director, clarified that while residential developments won’t require public hearings, changes to the OCP and commercial/industrial developments still will.

In an unprecedented move, the council gave final approval to the OCP in the same meeting, except for two councillors who dissented. This decision solidifies the OCP’s role in shaping Saanich’s future development, emphasizing its importance over LAPs in decision-making processes.