As a result of a recent email circulated by the Oak Bay Watch, some residents have become anxious about what the new OCP might mean for Oak Bay in terms of land use. The notion that the goal of the Oak Bay Community Plan (OCP) is densification has been promoted. This is inaccurate and a distortion of the facts.

Similar to the previous OCP, the growth projection for Oak Bay (required by the Local Government Act) is 0.5%. This very low projection is well under that in other municipalities. Importantly, the growth rate is NOT a target; it is a projection. And densification is not the goal, but a means to provide housing options for 80% of Oak Bay respondents who said they want them.

Allowing for some minimal growth in the community provides opportunities to develop housing options primarily for two groups of people: seniors who wish to downsize but remain in the community and young adults. We heard that this is what residents want.

The OCP is the product of consultation with, and input from, over 4000 Oak Bay residents. That very high level of involvement is the guarantee that common values will shape the future face of this community.

It is not possible to “blanket the community with duplexes, or permit massive subdividing” as has been suggested by some municipal candidates. Such a strategy would not comply with the OCP and is not what the public wants. We must avoid fear mongering and polarization on issues. These tactics are not helpful as residents struggle with making the right choices on Election Day.

The OCP is solid. In the planning world, it has been described as “award winning” in so far it aptly balances the need for some change with provisions to preserve the unique character of Oak Bay in terms of neighbourhood ambience, streetscapes, heritage and retention of trees.

The OCP identifies other key strategies around sustainability, energy efficiencies, and climate change adaptation but clearly housing and land use are the most controversial. It is important that the residents elect a council that will respect the legacy of resident participation in land use decisions and planning.

I am fully committed to adhering to the principles and aspirations expressed by residents in the process of land use planning.

Tara Ney
City Councilor
District of Oak Bay