Gabriola committee directs staff to draft OCP policies for public review

The policies will cover resource stewardship, freshwater and the environment, as staff continue work on the Official Community Plan review.

The Denman Firestarter · Governance · 2025-05-22 · updated 2026-10-01 · Gabriola Island

Staff will prepare draft policies on resource stewardship, freshwater and the environment for broader public review, after the Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee approved that direction at its May 22 special meeting.^[1] The committee also endorsed a summer 2025 engagement plan for the Official Community Plan project.^[1]

The committee directed staff to assess the potential for Development Permit Areas as part of the OCP project.^[1] Trustees discussed prioritizing areas including the shoreline, critical groundwater aquifers and wildfire hazard areas, while noting that only one or two DPAs could be finalized if the OCP is to be completed by the end of the term.^[1]

The minutes record discussion of freshwater policy, including the relationship between liquid waste management and groundwater, and a need to give further consideration to vague wording about a “large amount” of groundwater.^[1] Staff said the draft policy identifies the importance of exploring potential adverse effects.^[1]

Trustees also discussed agriculture policy and the possibility of inviting the Gabriola Agricultural Co-op and Gabriola Island Land Stewards Society to share input.^[1] The minutes say staff could assemble a group to specifically address agriculture-related policy and that the two groups should be specifically invited to share ideas.^[1]

The committee asked staff to explore options for a stronger web presence for the OCP project and direct resources as appropriate.^[1]

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