The Town of Comox has adopted its updated Official Community Plan.
Council gave final approval to the plan at its Feb. 18 meeting after about a year and a half of public engagement. The plan will guide how Comox grows and develops over the next 20 years.
Mayor Nicole Minions thanked the community for its participation in developing the document.
“The deliberations and conversations raised thoughtful and respectful debate. It’s understood that no plan can represent every viewpoint or scenario.”
The Official Community Plan sets policies for municipal land use, housing, and infrastructure planning.
It recognizes that more ground-oriented multi-unit housing will be needed to accommodate families as the town grows.
The town’s 2024 housing needs report identified a need for 1,037 housing units between 2021 and 2026 and 3,358 units between 2021 and 2041.
Alongside the Official Community Plan, the Town completed a comprehensive update of its zoning bylaw to support provincial housing requirements.
The updated bylaw has been modernized and reformatted for ease of use and includes pre-zoned areas to help meet housing targets.
Under provincial legislation, B.C. municipalities must adopt an Official Community Plan and update it at least every five years.
The bylaw passed after a 4-3 vote, with councillors Chris Haslett, Maureen Swift, Steve Backlock and Ken Grant voting in favour of adoption.
