With the District of Port Edward foreseeing many changes in the future, adjustments will be made to the official community plan (OCP) and zoning bylaws in anticipation of development in the area.
The district held the first community meeting regarding changes last week to gather input from residents of Port Edward, with consultants from L and M Engineering Limited deciphering the process of modifying the OCP and zoning bylaws and handing out comment forms to approximately 50 people in attendance.
“The reason we’re looking at updating is all the buzz around town; the potential for more development,” Claire Negrin, community planner with L and M Engineering Limited, said at the meeting.
“What we’re trying to do here is be proactive instead of reactive. We want to try to anticipate the future before the future happens,” David McWalter, president of L and M Engineering Limited, echoed.
OCPs designate parcels of land within the district and uses for them, while zoning bylaws are put in place for rules and regulations on those parcels of land.
After speaking with residents, Negrin says a concern she heard was regarding an increase in traffic caused by development.
Tessa Gill and Michelle Ward of the Pacific Northwest LNG Project were in attendance to answer people’s questions after the presentation. Changes are important to the LNG project, as Lelu Island is currently designated for recreation use under the OCP, and there isn’t zoning for a pipeline in the district. Changes to bylaws will not affect the project, as Lelu Island is under the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s jurisdiction.
With the information gathered, consultants will compound it and come up with recommended changes to the current OCP and bylaws. There will be further opportunities for the public to speak about changes to the OCP and zoning bylaws, including another public meeting sometime in April and a public hearing later in the year.
Residents comments on the OCP and zoning bylaws will be accepted until April 1, with comment forms being available at the District of Port Edward office. People can also send questions or comments to Claire Negrin at cnegrin@lmengineering.bc.ca