Approximately 55 people attended an introductory public meeting Wednesday night to learn more about a new Official Community Plan (OCP) process for the Fairmont Hot Springs and Columbia Lake area.

“I was pleased not only with the turnout, but also the willingness of those who attended to engage in meaningful discussions about where they live and what they value about their community,” said Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area F Director Wendy Booth.

During the meeting, RDEK planning staff kicked things off with a brief overview of what an OCP is and how it will develop a new one for the area over the next 18 months. “The most important part of the evening was getting feedback from residents about what they love about their communities, along with their concerns and vision for the future,” added Booth.

The introductory meeting was the first in what will be a series of opportunities for residents and property owners within the proposed plan area to participate in the process. “Community engagement is critical to the success of planning projects,” stresses Booth. “The next public meeting will be a Visioning Workshop later this summer. I really hope to see a strong turnout at that event as it is aimed at refining the community’s vision for the future.”

The Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Lake Area Official Community Plan will replace the existing Fairmont Hot Springs OCP and extend south to the Electoral Area F boundary.

For more information, visit the Fairmont & Columbia Lake OCP page at www.rdek.bc.ca .

RDEK

Article Share