After two years of research, deliberations and public engagement initiatives, Ladysmith council adopted the new official community plan.
At a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, at the Ladysmith Seniors Centre, council members applauded themselves after unanimously voting to adopt ‘Ladysmith Unparalleled’, a 10-year plan to help manage land use as the town continues to grow. The previous OCP hadn’t been renewed in more than 15 years.
Mayor Aaron Stone thanked staff, service clubs and community members for their input into the plan and spoke on his love for community planning, and for Ladysmith.
“I love planning, looking at transportation, community notes, how we fit density into places while keeping the character that we love about our community,” he said. “I’m a lifer in Ladysmith, and this is awesome.”
READ MORE: Ladysmith council hears from residents one last time in official community plan process
The plan prioritizes density, walkable neighbourhoods, new waterfront developments and lowering carbon emissions, all with an eye to the growing population of the town. The expected annual growth rate is about 1.2 per cent according to a town projection.
This week’s vote came after a public hearing in April, when community members were given a final chance to voice their opinions and concerns with the OCP.
bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter