It's been 27 years since the last review of Gabriola Island's Official Community Plan, and another is more than due. In Part 1 of a two-part interview, Life on Gabriola TV's Frank Moher sits down with local Islands Trust Trustees Tobi Elliott and Susan Yates to discuss what's upcoming.

The Islands Trust is a government body mandated by the Province of British Columbia to "preserve and protect" the islands and waters of the Salish Sea, between the mainland of BC and Vancouver Island. Elliott and Yates sit on Gabriola's Local Trust Committee, which will oversee the review along with Islands Trust staff,.

They begin with an overview of the process, forecast to take two years or more, then move on to some of the many matters waiting to be addressed. Some key moments:

00:56: Stages in the review, and how long will it take?
02:30: Visioning, budgeting, and identifying priority areas.
03:36: Encouraging community engagement in shaping the OCP. Changes since the last review: First Nations relationships, climate change, housing.
05:18: Discussion on budget constraints for the OCP review. Advocacy for $77,000 in the budget for essential mapping and planning processes.
09:30: Addressing the role of First Nations in the OCP review.
11:00: Affordable housing. Finding the balance between preserving rural character and the need for more housing. Building on recent research and incorporating Housing Advisory Planning Commission findings.
14:50: Discussing challenges in development planning, including large lots and lack of protective bylaws. Emphasizing the need for policies supporting alternative dwellings and eco-friendly solutions.

Watch for Part 2 of our interview, coming soon.

Life on Gabriola TV is generously sponsored by:

The Gabriola Arts Council
The Haven, Gabriola Island