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Langford + Colwood share OCP - Signs of amalgamation?


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#1 Mike K.

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Posted 16 December 2006 - 11:23 AM

We called this several years ago...

Langford, Colwood combine forces for OCP review
Langford and Colwood are about to undertake a joint review of their Official Community Plans, a move Langford Mayor StewYoung admits nudges the two municipalities closer to amalgamation.

BY BILL CLEVERLEY Times Colonist staff

“We’re kind of working toward doing that, obviously. We’re not amalgamating per se, but if we share in everything then it makes sense. So if we share the OCP, we’re almost amalgamated,” Young said. “Who knows what the future might hold, out here in the West Shore.”

Langford’s planning and zoning committee Monday appointed representatives to a steering committee for a joint OCP review. Colwood was to consider the idea last night.

“We like to use the word integrated [not amalgamated], said Colwood Mayor Jody Twa, adding a co-operative OCP review by the two municipalities makes sense and could reduce costs.

“One of the ideas in the OCP is we might identify areas in the West Shore that are good for highrises or are good for light industrial so we don’t overlap each other on land use. So I think by us doing it together it makes a whole bunch of sense. Our council systems are similar. We have the same committee structure and the communities are growing together,” Twa said.

“Langford has more commercial space than we do, but we have a lot of waterfront to develop that’s going to be really high-end residential, so everyone on the council seems to think that it’s probably a good idea to do it.”

Young noted the two communities already share many services from police to recreation and most residents don’t know where one municipality starts and the other finishes. Integrating OCPs hopefully results in seamless boundaries, he said.

“You try to build a complete community so it doesn’t look like there’s borders. So that’s the idea,” Young said.

It doesn’t mean Langford elected officials are sticking their noses into Colwood matters or vice versa, he said.

“The neighbourhood plans stay the same but we look at transportation and we look at things that should be looked at together — infrastructure, sewer, water, transportation. Those are key things that don’t really stop at a border.”

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#2 renthefinn

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Posted 16 December 2006 - 04:19 PM

Scary in 5 or 10 years a suburban big-box/strip mall municipality could be the biggest and most influential in the region.

#3 m0nkyman

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Posted 16 December 2006 - 05:05 PM

Scary in 5 or 10 years a suburban big-box/strip mall municipality could be the biggest and most influential in the region.


We could call it Edmonton West. ;)

#4 captain highliner

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Posted 26 December 2006 - 05:51 PM

I think this is a good idea. There needs to be some coordination of how the westcoms grow in to something more than exurban fringe. Perhaps these two municipalities could agree to focus high density development in a couple of spots rather than just letting things go willy nilly.

#5 Mike K.

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:45 PM

Colwood, Langford to collaborate on OCPs

By Edward Hill
Goldstream News Gazette
Dec 29 2006

Some construe plan as step towards amalgamation, but mayors say that’s premature

They’re like two peas in a pod.

The cities of Langford and Colwood share common bylaws, common recreation sites and recently, a common computer system. Their main utility lines flow through the same Victoria-bound pipes. Now they will review their official community plans within a common process.

To some, this cozy relationship could signal a path toward amalgamation. Both mayors say co-operation is about saving money and creating “economies of scale,” but neither is afraid to throw around the A-word.

“If our co-operation leads to amalgamation that is a good thing,” said Colwood Mayor Jody Twa. “But there is only amalgamation through a referendum, and that has to be grassroots. It has to come from the public.”

Langford Mayor Stew Young said shared services and co-operation between staff has led to a de facto form of amalgamation. With that, Young suggested actual amalgamation would distract from pressing regional issues, such as transportation planning and economic development.

“Nobody says (the OCP review) will lead to amalgamation, but if that’s what the people want, the people will decide,” he said. “We shouldn’t put a line up because we are scared of amalgamation. We should talk openly.”

“We have a shared vision and a track record that works,” Young continued. “But instead of amalgamation we need to do something real.”

Both municipalities plan to review their OCPs in 2007, using the same consultant team. Each city will have its own OCP review committees, with staff, council and public members.

The final OCPs will have common sections on transportation strategies, parks planning and property development guidelines. Zoning maps will have the same colour coding and look. But the documents won’t be identical. Each OCP will have its own local area plans and zoning parameters.

“We are both unique municipalities,” said Colwood planner Simon Lawrence. “We are not seeking to homogenize the OCPs, we are just undertaking a similar process.”

Colwood’s planning and zoning committee endorsed the mixed OCP review last week, as did the public.

Judith Cullington, with Smart Growth Colwood, called the plan “innovative,” but stressed the public needs to be deeply involved. Peter Fibiger, CEO of the West Shore Economic Development Association (WEDA), expects the joint OCP to help sports tourism as an economic driver in the region.

“The reality is Langford and Colwood are the business centres of the West Shore. If they are on the same song-sheet it easier to do the right things for the region,” Fibiger said.

Twa, as many on council, says Colwood’s OCP is long overdue for an overhaul. He expects much of the debate will come with highrise development.

The current 1997 OCP envisioned buildings in the core at about six stories. Colwood is on track to amending its OCP to allow 29 storey buildings for two different projects.

“The OCP is a framework, not a rigid planning document,” Twa said. “We need to look at areas appropriate for highrises and build it into the OCP.”

The cities plan to issue a request for proposal for an OCP consultant this month or next. The new OCPs are scheduled for final approval in 2008, after an extensive review and public consultations.

Common portions of the OCP are expected to eliminate duplication between the cities, and to promote unified planning for road networks, industrial areas and commercial centres.

Young hopes the experiment goes farther. Co-operating on the OCPs might also encourage Highlands and Metchosin to design a common OCP, he said.

Eventually, he would like to see a West Shore OCP covering all five municipalities that is free of the Capital Regional District’s regional growth strategy.

“We should eliminate the CRD as part of the process,” Young said. “Regional growth should be managed on a local level.”

mailto:reporter@goldstreamgazette.com

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