The CVRD meeting also featured a robust discussion on the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) and the potential implications for the region. With regional growth a pressing issue, the board discussed a plan to engage municipalities and electoral areas in developing a long-term growth strategy. The goal of the RGS is to guide development in a way that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community livability.
The discussion centered around three key recommendations, with the first being the approval of a staff referral to municipalities for input on the RGS’s terms of reference. The second recommendation focused on allocating staff resources and funding to support the development of the strategy. While some directors, including Director Rob Douglas, expressed strong support for moving forward, others were more cautious.
Director Morrison raised concerns about potential public burnout due to ongoing community engagement efforts. He highlighted the comprehensive engagement already underway for the Master Official Community Plan (MOCP) and comprehensive zoning bylaw. Morrison questioned whether the community had the capacity for additional consultation on a new regional planning initiative.
Other directors, such as Director Acton, echoed these concerns, suggesting that the RGS might not be necessary at this time. Acton proposed focusing on completing the MOCP and zoning bylaw first before embarking on a new planning process. He also raised the idea of conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the need for a dedicated regional planning function before moving forward with the RGS.
Despite the concerns, the board ultimately approved the first recommendation, agreeing to seek input from the municipalities and electoral areas. However, the debate around timing and resource allocation indicated that the RGS process would need careful management to avoid overloading both staff and the public.
