OCP 2040 engagement milestones

The final phase of engagement on the OCP offered a variety of opportunities to demonstrate what was heard from the public in earlier phases, show how feedback was reflected in the draft plan, and understand perspectives on the new policy directions in order to refine and finalize the plan. 

This phase of engagement was narrower in scope than others and did seek not feedback on policy items that had already been established though earlier rounds of public input, such as the Growth Scenario, for example.  Feedback was sought on policy areas that could benefit from further discussion with the public. These major policy areas included: 

• Urban Centre development and residential infill 
• Stopping sprawl and protecting agriculture 
• Climate action and environmental protection 

Given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, engagement in Phase 4 aimed to be inclusive as possible while prioritizing the health and safety of our community amid this ever-evolving public health crisis. Engagement took place primarily online.

Staff presented the Phase 4 engagement summary report to Council on May 31.

Public and stakeholder input informed revisions to the draft OCP. On Monday, Sept. 20, City Council granted first reading to the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP), and on Tuesday, October 26 it passed second and third readings. The Plan then went to the Province for approval, and was adopted by Council on Jan. 10, 2022.  

Neighbourhood expos featured displays and activities to help participants explore a range of topics, such as transportation, parks, infill housing and future land use. Participants received a ‘passport to 2040’ to give feedback through an online survey that was available Sept to Oct. 4, 2019 or at four in-person events. Next steps included developing a draft Future Land Use Plan, which was brought to Council and the public for consideration in fall 2019. A collaboration between staff, Council, residents and community stakeholders, the land use plan will provide a big picture overview of the types of activities and use that can take place in different areas of the city.

Visit the Get Involved page and read the full engagement summary.

Landowners considering redevelopment of their properties within the next ten years were invited to share their ideas for consideration. A draft Future Land Use Plan was develeoped in 2019. Redevelopment of agricultural lands or lands outside of the Permanent Growth Boundary were not considered through the idea generator.

Visit the GetInvolved page. 

Residents were invited to share how they want Kelowna to grow, as well as experience four different growth scenarios for Kelowna 2040. Public, interactive exhibits were held at Stuart Park, Okanagan College, and the Rutland Centennial Hall. In addition, residents were invited to walk through the Pick your Path interactive storybook and complete an online questionnaire. Visit the Pick your Path page on GetInvolved.

Based on technical data, growth projections, and public and stakeholder input, Council endorsed a growth strategy that proposes a gradual shift toward a more compact and complete community. The scenario will be used as a benchmark to help guide development of the 2040 Official Community Plan, Transportation Master Plan and 20 Year Servicing Plan.

Read the engagement summary.