Sparwood residents will soon have the opportunity to check out the first draft of the Official Community Plan (OCP). The District of Sparwood is hosting two open houses in March to unveil the draft and ask for the public's feedback.
The District has been working on updating the OCP since June 2013. The entire community was involved in the process and ideas were contributed through feedback forms, booths at several local events, and Kitchen Table Conversations.
“I want to extend the thanks of Council to all residents who participated in the early stages of the Official Community Plan process,” said Lois Halko, mayor of Sparwood. “Citizens’ ideas, concerns, and values have been incorporated into a draft OCP that outlines our preferred future.”
The OCP will provide a framework for making land use decisions within a specified area. The plan is based on the community's vision and will help guide future growth, orderly land development, and infrastructure. The document will be used by municipal staff, stakeholders, developers, residents, and mayor and Council to evaluate future proposed land use changes and ensure that all development conforms to the relevant policies of the OCP.
“Our vision is that by 2035, Sparwood will be a caring, neighbourly, and sustainable community with pride in our natural environment,” stated Halko. “As we finalize the plan, we are going back to the community again requesting feedback on our draft OCP and look forward to greeting many residents at one of two open houses where the plan may be reviewed.”
The open houses will be held on Thursday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 18 starting at 7 pm at the Sparwood Senior Citizen's Drop-In Centre. Following the open houses, the draft OCP, along with background information and engagement summaries, will be available on the District's website at www.sparwood.ca.