Roberts Creek residents came out early last Saturday morning to share comments and give feedback on the 2011 draft Roberts Creek official community plan (OCP).
The well-attended event at Roberts Creek Hall May 14 offered information on the development process of the OCP as well as what has changed since the last OCP was completed in 1994.
Sunshine Coast Regional District director for Roberts Creek Donna Shugar explained that three questions were posed at a 2008 public meeting: what do you love or find special about Roberts Creek; what are the elements of a vibrant, healthy, liveable community; and imagine Roberts Creek 15 to 20 years from now and describe it.
These questions, Shugar said, formed the basis of the work the OCP review committee did to establish the current draft.
Stacia Leech, review committee chair, and David Rafael, SCRD planner, said more than 2,000 hours of work went into the OCP. They also explained that the goals of the plan expanded from seven in 1994 to 16 in 2011.
Many policies and objectives were refined and updated, and new sections were added, including the matters of watersheds, storm water management and drainage plans.
Rafael reminded the crowd the OCP is a living document and constantly evolving. He also stressed the importance of community feedback, particularly on the issue of land use behind the hall.
The 1.8 hectare-property was purchased by the SCRD in 1994, but never developed. The 2011 OCP calls for a community process to develop a mixed-use land plan, including elements such as affordable housing, a playground area and expansion of the farmers' market area and hall parking. A questionnaire on that specific topic was distributed to attendees, who were encouraged to share their opinions on the matter.
As for the next steps, Rafael said over the next few months the SCRD will be approaching community members, agencies and other local governments, including First Nations, for further comments. Those comments, in turn, will be compiled and any adjustments to the OCP will be made. The plan will then be presented to the SCRD to see if it can be moved as a bylaw. Further comments and adjustments will be made, and a public hearing will be held, which will lead into possible bylaw adoption.
"We're looking at hopefully no more than a year. This is the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end, depending on how you want to view it," Rafael said. "We still have a lot of work to do. We're hoping that you'll be part of the broader committee now and give us your feedback."
