What is an Official Community Plan?

Unincorporated communities within the Regional District receive planning services from the Regional District.

An official community plan (OCP), is defined by the Local Government Act as a general statement of the broad objectives and policies of the local government, respecting the form and character of existing and proposed land use, and servicing requirements in the area covered by the plan. Older documents are referred to as Official Settlement Plans (OSP) and are gradually being changed to Official Community Plans when updated.

An OCP is a long-term strategy for land use, development and servicing. The goals of an OCP are implemented primarily through a zoning bylaw. The OCP must consider anticipated housing needs, schools, service requirements, public facilities, location and requirements for commercial, industrial, agricultural and other land uses, and restrictions on lands that are environmentally sensitive or hazardous.

Learn more about the Thornhill OCP.