Cranbrook, BC (January 27, 2025) – After three years of extensive public engagement and valuable input from community stakeholders, City staff and new provincial legislation, the City’s new “Official Community Plan (OCP) – Our Path to 2042” was officially adopted by Council at their regular meeting on Monday.
This OCP, which replaces the previous one in place since 2006, sets a bold vision for the City of Cranbrook to guide our future growth, development, and changes for the next 20+ years. The plan was developed with extensive engagement to ensure the direction reflects the community’s input and desires.
“I would like to thank staff for their hard work and patience in the development of this new Official Community Plan, which will help to address housing concerns and provide new vision and direction for future development in Cranbrook,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “A special thank you to the many residents and businesses who provided their valuable ideas and comments which really helped shape this plan.”
The updated OCP also includes guiding principles, integration of various plans, new policy sections, and revised Development Permit Areas. It also features updated map schedules, neighborhood plans, and other changes driven by public feedback and the implementation of Bill 44, a recent piece of provincial legislation.
“The adoption of our new OCP is a big step forward for the future of the City of Cranbrook. It could not have happened without all the hard work and input from the previous and current term Councils, the community, stakeholders, staff, and our consulting team,” says Rob Veg, Manager of Planning. “This document is something we should all be proud of.”
The OCP review process started in fall 2021 with the aim of creating a new plan to guide Cranbrook’s future growth and development. The updated plan focuses on land use, community building, and strategic decision-making. It is built around Cranbrook’s Vision, Guiding Principles, and policies on key areas such as housing, social well-being, climate action, food security, economic development, heritage, arts and culture, parks and recreation, environmental hazards, transportation, and infrastructure.
The new OCP has also updated the development permit area guidelines and map schedules. No changes were made to the existing neighbourhood plans as those were not included as part of the scope of the rewrite; however, it is anticipated that those plans will be amended over time.
Learn more about the research and engagement work undertaken, and review the new OCP online @ https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/city-departments/oic/official-community-plan-ocp.