Growth Rate
In looking back through the second draft of the OCP just before the open house, I was struck again by the text inside the little box at the bottom of page 27:
In looking through the stakeholder's meeting minutes and the parts of the OCP that cover public input, council just doesn't appear to be representing the interests of the citizens on this one. It makes you wonder if we really should be worrying about how much ALR land needs to be developed or which hillsides are best for subdivisions -- with a slower growth rate and smart infilling, neither should be necessary.
"Following the presentation of the first draft Plan to District Council, Council determined that the UGA, as proposed in the first draft Plan, did not meet their objectives of providing additional lands for economic development. Council requested municipal staff and the OCP consultant to provide a revised UGA."So apparently council got the first draft from the consultants that apparently recommended a more aggressive growth rate than the 2% annual growth the stakeholders committee had decided on...and council felt that the rate of growth should be at least 4%, which would be two or three times higher than our current growth rate?
In looking through the stakeholder's meeting minutes and the parts of the OCP that cover public input, council just doesn't appear to be representing the interests of the citizens on this one. It makes you wonder if we really should be worrying about how much ALR land needs to be developed or which hillsides are best for subdivisions -- with a slower growth rate and smart infilling, neither should be necessary.
posted by Jeremy |
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2 Comments:
I thought the readers might be interested in a comparison between the OCP of another town and Summerland.
The “BC Sprawl Report” of 2004 by Smart Growth BC selected the city of Nelson as #3 of 27 urban areas studied. Let me quote from the study to see the similarity between that community and Summerland. “…surrounded by mountains and set on the shores of Kootenay Lake…Nelson’s charm and natural scenery create a pleasant small town setting. Outdoor sports and recreation opportunities in neighbouring wilderness areas…attract residents and tourists alike.”
Some other points made are:
a) “The downtown is a particularly compact area.”
b) “OCP policies encourage infill residential development. In the past, residential growth was directed towards newly annexed areas. {Sound familiar?} Now, development activity is being directed to already existing neighbourhoods and multi-family units are being encouraged.”
c) “The OCP recognizes the need to protect the natural environment and strike a balance between providing for growth and preserving/enhancing the spectacular natural features which define Nelson. The OCP states that “The West Arm of Kootenay Lake, the valley or basin formed by the Lake, the backdrop of mountains, and the creeks and ravines which occur within the city all contribute to the unique character of Nelson. To jeopardize these natural elements would endanger the very reason why people have chosen Nelson for their home.”
Oh, that the Council of Summerland would take heed.
By
Anonymous, at 8:48 p.m.
82% of BC residents support the principles of the ALR. According to the most recent survey done by the DOS, a majority of Summerland residents also support the rationale for the ALR. Most Summerland residents do not want viable agricultural land removed for the ALR. My question is how does the current Summerland Council think that the current version of the OCP represents the views of a majority of their citizens? The only support for removing land from the ALR comes from those that indirectly or directly benefit from such removal. Most citizens that have nothing to gain or lose would chose to leave viable farmland in the ALR.
By
Anonymous, at 9:00 p.m.
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