The Baynes Lake area is one step closer to having an official community plan (OCP).

However, it hasn’t been easy getting to this point and there is healing to be done in the community as a result.

The public hearing for the Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2319 and South Country Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2320 was held June 29 at the Baynes Lake Community Hall, with 86 area residents attending.

And it was a reminder to many of the divisions that sprung up since the process began two years ago.

Despite vocal opposition at the public hearing, the weight of support won the day.

Electoral Area B director Heath Slee, who chaired the public hearing, said at the end of the day, 65 of 275 area residents who either wrote letters/e-mails or spoke out at the hearing were opposed.

“Clearly, to me, there is overwhelming support in moving forward,” he said.

Electoral Area C director Rob Gay pointed out how the process had created a division in the community but “the community will grown back together again.”

“I think at the end of the day it (OCP) will allow the community more opportunity to participate” in decision making and planning, Slee said.

An official community plan (OCP) is, according to RDEK planner Matt Gunn, “a long term strategic planning document that will establish policies for land use conservation and change for the Baynes Lake area.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

Article Share