By Cheryl Jahn

official community plan

Council again looking at OCP

Apr 9, 2025 | 4:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It’s a hefty document, laying out every detail of the city, like major roads, waterways, topography and future development. The last review was done in 2012 and it is well overdue for an overhaul, which is exactly what the current Council is looking at. But it has garnered an astonishing amount of public attention; so much so that Council has had to extend the public hearing.

“It is overdue,” stated Councillor Ron Polillo. “And along with the review that we’re the complete review we’re doing now, we have committed to look at it again and a year from now to see if there are any tweaks. And then by legislation, we have to do quite a significant review by the end of 2028. So, you know, that’s why I’m sure we want to make this the best possible, but it’s never going to be perfect.”

In fact the list of correspondence is lengthy with letters citing protection of Ginter’s Green, to better support for food security, and opposition to urban sprawl and the adoption of Pro-Development Measures to Address Housing and Affordability Challenges.

“We’ve heard a couple of groups in particular that are very passionate about obviously centers. And there is another group that talked about Moore’s Meadow, too. And developers have their say as well. So when you have those three groups and then everyone else’s opinions, it’s hard to make everyone happy.”

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The process of developing this document began in June 2023, wrapping this past February. The process involved community visioning and engagement on priorities on policies, such as growth management, housing, economic development, arts/culture and heritage, infrastructure, transportation, parks and recreation, social health, climate action and resilience. Engagement occurred by round table discussions with stakeholders, meetings with city staff, community open houses, kiosks at community events and social media. Once this round of public hearings is complete, Council is expected to outline a list of their proposed changes (amendments) to the document.

“We’re going to listen again. People will have up to 5 minutes to talk again. For those people present in the first public hearing and then anyone new. And then after that, you know, I think we’ve listened. I think there’s going to be significant amendments that are coming from myself and my council colleagues.”

THAT could trigger yet another public hearing, which would have to happen before a third reading and ultimate adoption of the Official Community Plan.

Wednesday’s meeting begins in council chambers at 7pm.