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The Town’s Official Community Plan (OCP) Review is advancing to the next phase, with bylaw adoption scheduled over the coming months. This marks a key step toward meeting the legislated completion deadline of December 31, 2025.
Upcoming Bylaw Dates
- November 5 – First Reading, 1 pm
- November 20 – Second Reading, 9 am
- December 3 – Public Hearing, 10 am
- December 10 – Third Reading and Adoption, 10 am
All these meetings are held in the Council Chambers and can be viewed on the Town’s YouTube channel.
Key Directions
At the June 25, 2025, Committee of the Whole Meeting, Council provided direction on key decision points to guide changes in this update of the OCP. These guidelines, shaped by community input, will be reflected in the upcoming bylaw amendments.
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Who’s housing should prioritized. Groups identified as most in need of attainable options were young people, families, workers, older seniors, and persons with disabilities.
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Where new housing should go. Council endorsed a targeted growth approach focused on infill and redevelopment within existing urban areas, including:
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Creating an Airport Mixed-Use Area north of the airport to support live-work housing and light industry.
- Adding non-Agricultural Land Reserve parcels south of Rupert Road to the Urban Containment Boundary.
- Excluding west Qualicum Beach lands to preserve ecological integrity.
- Considering boundary extensions only when significant environmental or community benefits are achieved.
- Encouraging the Regional District of Nanaimo to retain rural and resource land uses, and discourage new residential development bordering the Town.
- Continuing policies that discourage Agricultural Land Reserve exclusion proposals for residential use.
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What housing should look like. Council reaffirmed strong design controls through the Town’s existing design guidelines.
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How the Town should be involved. Council chose not to adopt a formal policy defining the Town’s role in housing, but will assess opportunities on a case-by-case basis. Potential involvement could include options such as land contributions, rezoning leverage, partnerships, or targeted financial and staff support.
Next Steps
Residents are encouraged to share their feedback in writing or participate in the OCP Public Hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 10 am in the Council Chambers. More details will be available closer to the event.
More Information
Background and supporting materials are available at qualicumbeach.com/ocp-review, including:
Contact
Planning Department
planning@qualicumbeach.com
250-752-6921
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