University Village
Local Area Plan
Terms of Reference Report
Brian Green, Deputy Director of Planning & Development
March, 2013
University Village and the OCP
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OCP has identified South End as one of three
growth centres
Identifies the University Village area as a
Mixed Use/Commercial Core area
Development pressures in area
Cowichan Place agreement requires a planning
process to be undertaken
OCP – Map 12 Managing Growth
What is a Local Area
Plan
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A LAP is a land use planning and
urban design tool that guides physical
development of private and public
lands, and undertakings of public
works.
The LAP will propose a vision and
guiding principles for the physical
environment of the study area
The LAP will create a planning and
design framework/policies to achieve
that vision
Strategy to implement it.
Official Community
Plan
Local Area Plan
(where relevant)
Zoning Bylaw
Rezoning
Application
Subdivision
Development Permit
(when required)
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University Village Local Area
Plan
Build on the work of the OCP
Zooming in from 50,000 ft to
10,000ft
Ensure conformity with the
OCP
Address local issues based on
‘sound’ evidence
Provide certainty for everyone
A plan for the next 30 years
Collaborate with the City of
Duncan
Possible Issues
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Local Area Plan will analyse and make recommendations to
guide change including the following matters:
 Land use considerations
 Urban design considerations
 Land development proposals
 Public open spaces and community linkages
Deal with issues such as:
 Climate Change
 Ageing population and future demographics
 Scale, massing and types of uses
 Encouraging new services and housing forms
Study Area
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The LAP will consider three different areas within the Growth
Centre
 Focus Area: Where the main analysis and recommendations
will be focused – Commercial Core.
 Adjacent area: Properties immediately adjacent to the 'focus
area’
 Communities Context Area: The wider area in the Growth
Centre
Local Area Plan Process
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SSG appointed to provide input to the consultants
and staff at key stages
Terms of Reference Report to CPAC/Council
RFP issued
Consultant appointed
Baseline Review/Key Issues Report
Draft Plan produced
Proposed Plan produced
Proposed Plan presented to CPAC
Plan adopted by Council
Local Area Plan Process
Stakeholder Steering Group
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The Steering Group will advise the
Planning/Consulting Team on:
opportunities for public input,
 draft land use concepts,
 striking an appropriate balance between OCP-wide
and local objectives, and
 draft planning recommendations
 Being a ‘critical’ friend
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Stakeholder Steering Group
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Possible members include:
Community residents 3/4
reps
 VIU
 Cowichan Green
Community
 First Nations
 Chamber of Commerce
 School District
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CC&EAP
Other
Council
Adopted
Policies
OCP
Market
Data
Community
Input
Local Area Plan
Background
info
What the plan may contain
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Plan informed by evidence and Baseline Review
Vision and Guiding Principles
Plan Concept/Policies
 Land Use
 Built Form and Site Design
 Public Realm
 Infrastructure
 Other community issues to be addressed
Regulating Plan
Implementation
Community Involvement
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Key element to the overall process
Key issues/visioning workshop
Stakeholder engagement e.g., landowners/developers
Steering Group Meetings
Draft Plan consultation
Proposed Plan consultation
Public Hearing of Council
Draft Timing
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Terms of Reference Report – March 2013
RFP Issued – April 2013
Consultants appointed – May 2013
Key Issues/Baseline Review - July 2013
Draft plan - October 2013
Final plan - December 2013
Questions?
Example of a Regulating Plan
Planning ‘Tools’ in North Cowichan
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Federal & Provincial Legislation
North Cowichan
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Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw
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Zoning Bylaw
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DPAs
Use
Regulation
DPA Guidelines
Subdivision Bylaw
Other Bylaws
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E.g., sign bylaw, business licencing, campgrounds, temporary trailers
North Cowichan’s OCP
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Many policies within the OCP affect decisions
not just relating to land use
Key parts of the OCP:
Section I - Principles, Assets and Challenges
 Section II – Goals, Objectives and Policies
 Section III - Making the Plan Work
 Appendices
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Development Permit Areas
 Comprehensive Development Plans
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OCP – Overarching Principles
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Sustainability
Economic Development
Smart Growth
Healthy and Safe Community
Community Engagement