In our March 2026 newsletter, we said that there would be public consultation on the Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan (OCP) review in March. No sooner had we sent out the newsletter than an article appeared in the Driftwood implying that this would not occur. We have now confirmed that there will be no public consultation in March.
Although the consultant presented a plan for consultation in March to the OCP Advisory Commission, it appears the consultant did not accept funding from the Local Trust Committee (LTC) to do this additional consultation. The consultant’s contract is over at the end of March 2026, by which time the consultant will submit a number of related documents to the LTC.
Islands Trust staff will present a report with options for further work on this project at the April 9, 2026, LTC meeting. Staff have said that it is unlikely that this project will be completed this term. All the more reason to elect trustees who will uphold the current OCP policy that states that increases in zoning are to be only for affordable housing or other community benefits.