Understanding the Modernized Official Community Plan for Cowichan Valley

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is paving the way for a sustainable and vibrant future with its Modernized Official Community Plan (MOCP), also known as Bylaw No. 4373. This plan, crafted with the input of local residents like those served by locally owned businesses such as West Coast Rental, sets a bold vision for the next 20 years across the nine electoral areas: Area A (Mill Bay/Malahat), Area B (Shawnigan Lake), Area C (Cobble Hill), Area D (Cowichan Bay), Area E (Cowichan Station/Sahtlam/Glenora), Area F (Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls), Area G (Saltair), Area H (North Oyster/Diamond), and Area I (Youbou/Meade Creek). It’s a roadmap to tackle big issues—climate change, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth—while keeping the Cowichan Valley’s unique rural charm intact.

Developed through years of community engagement, including open houses, Community Circles, Ideas Fairs, and workshops from 2020 to 2025, the MOCP reflects the values and priorities of the region’s residents. It’s nearing completion, with Local Area Plans (Schedule B) expected to be finalized by Winter 2025. Below, we dive into the plan’s eight core policy goals, explore how they’ll shape the region, and highlight ways you can get involved. For more details, check out the OCP Backgrounder.

Eight Core Policy Goals

The MOCP is built around eight policy goals, each addressing a critical aspect of the region’s future. These goals, detailed in the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4373, 2024, provide a framework for sustainable development and community well-being.

1. Mitigate & Adapt to the Climate Crisis

Climate change is a top priority, and the CVRD is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build resilience. The plan sets ambitious targets to cut emissions from transportation (from 200 kilotons in 2007 to 120 kt by 2030 and 40 kt by 2050), buildings (from 53 kt to 32 kt by 2030 and 10.6 kt by 2050), and solid waste (from 5.9 kt to 3.54 kt by 2030 and 1.18 kt by 2050). Key initiatives include:

• Developing a Climate Mitigation Strategy with education and incentive programs to decarbonize buildings.
• Promoting energy-efficient retrofits, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and renewable energy like rooftop solar.
• Using Development Permit Areas (DPAs) to protect against wildfires, floods, and slope instability.
• Supporting drought-tolerant, native species and coastal flooding mitigation strategies.
• Protecting old growth forests and mature trees as carbon sinks, especially in rural and natural areas.

These efforts aim to make the Cowichan Valley a leader in climate action, ensuring a safer, greener future. Learn more in the Big Ideas Summary.

2. Manage Infrastructure Responsibly

Sustainable infrastructure is key to supporting growth. The MOCP focuses on managing water, wastewater, stormwater, and emergency services efficiently. Key policies include:

• Prioritizing water and wastewater improvements within Growth Containment Boundaries (GCBs) to support compact development.
• Protecting water resources through the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Plan and promoting sustainable use with water meters.
• Addressing stormwater at a watershed scale to reduce flooding and environmental impact.
• Implementing universal curbside garbage, recycling, and organics collection to minimize landfill use.
• Developing emergency management plans that incorporate Indigenous knowledge and address climate-related risks.

These initiatives ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth while protecting the environment, as outlined in the Bylaw No. 4373.

3. Make Distinct, Complete Communities

The MOCP aims to create vibrant, inclusive communities with diverse housing and amenities. This goal supports compact development within GCBs, ensuring access to services and preserving rural character. Key initiatives include:

• Enhancing housing affordability and diversity, including affordable units and aging-in-place options.
• Supporting childcare, parks, recreation, and cultural heritage sites, especially those tied to First Nations.
• Promoting community design that reflects local character, like preserving Cobble Hill’s rural charm or enhancing Mill Bay’s village core.
• Encouraging mixed-use developments in urban and village areas to reduce travel needs.

This approach fosters livable communities where residents, including those relying on local businesses like West Coast Rental for farm fencing or chicken nesting boxes, can thrive.

4. Expand Mobility Options

Reducing car dependency is a priority, with a focus on sustainable transportation. The MOCP promotes active transportation and public transit through:

• Integrating land use with transportation to encourage walking, cycling, and transit use.
• Advocating for pedestrian safety features, cycling routes, and lower speed limits in residential areas.
• Supporting public transit enhancements, like real-time bus locators and expanded services.
• Ensuring new developments minimize impacts on transportation networks.

These policies aim to make getting around easier and greener, benefiting both residents and local businesses.

5. Protect & Restore Natural Assets

The CVRD’s natural environment is a treasure, and the MOCP prioritizes its protection. Key policies include:

• Developing watershed management plans and a Natural Asset Management Framework to safeguard ecosystems.
• Using DPAs to protect sensitive areas like riparian zones and aquifers (e.g., Cassidy Aquifer).
• Promoting sustainable forestry and reducing invasive species.
• Aiming to protect 30% of land and water by 2030 and 50% by 2050, aligning with UN Biodiversity goals.

These efforts ensure the region’s natural beauty and ecological health are preserved for future generations.

6. Strengthen Local Food & Agriculture

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Cowichan Valley, and the MOCP supports its growth and sustainability. This is especially relevant for local businesses like West Coast Rental, which offers farm fencing and chicken nesting boxes to support local farmers. Key initiatives include:

• Preserving Agricultural Land Reserve lands for farming and supporting diverse agricultural activities.
• Encouraging environmentally friendly practices like regenerative agriculture and on-farm water storage.
• Promoting local food production, processing, and distribution, including infrastructure like abattoirs.
• Educating non-farming neighbors to protect farm viability.

These policies strengthen food security and support the region’s agricultural heritage.

7. Enhance Regional Prosperity

Economic resilience is vital for the Cowichan Valley’s future. The MOCP supports prosperity through:

• Protecting employment lands near services and transit for industries and businesses.
• Encouraging a circular economy and attracting green enterprises.
• Expanding tourism, particularly agri-tourism, to boost local economies.
• Ensuring industrial developments align with infrastructure and environmental standards.

These initiatives create opportunities for businesses and residents alike, fostering a thriving regional economy.

8. Improve Governance & Implementation

Effective governance ensures the MOCP’s success. Key policies include:

• Collaborating with First Nations, governments, and stakeholders to align strategies.
• Updating planning instruments like climate and watershed management plans.
• Using a Social Equity Checklist to ensure fair policy implementation.
• Monitoring progress with performance metrics and regular plan reviews.

This goal emphasizes partnership and adaptability, ensuring the plan remains a “living document” responsive to community needs.

Local Area Plans

The MOCP includes tailored Local Area Plans for each electoral area, addressing unique needs and characteristics. For example, Mill Bay’s plan balances development with environmental protection, while Cobble Hill focuses on preserving rural character. These plans, part of Schedule B, are still in development and expected to be finalized by Winter 2025, as noted in the OCP Backgrounder.

Special Study Areas

The MOCP identifies Special Study Areas requiring further analysis due to complex development, infrastructure, or environmental issues. Examples include Central Mill Bay, where water supply and housing needs are under review, and Bamberton, which focuses on sustainable development. These studies, funded by developers, ensure informed decision-making, as detailed in the Big Ideas Summary.

Community Engagement and How to Get Involved

The CVRD has prioritized community input, compiling ideas from 2020 to 2025 into an Ideas Book, available at Plan Your Cowichan. Residents can explore the plan’s land use designations through an interactive Story Map or watch explanatory videos, such as the Transect Video.

A public forum is being held today, May 27, 2025, to discuss the MOCP. Residents can attend to share feedback or learn more. For details, visit the Plan Your Cowichan website. You can also complete the Local Area Plan survey at Ideas Fairs Survey or contact the CVRD directly.

For local businesses like West Coast Rental, owned and operated in the Cowichan Valley, the MOCP’s focus on agriculture and prosperity aligns with their offerings, such as farm fencing and install products and Metal chicken egg boxes. For any questions or to explore how these products can support your farming needs, reach out to Brad at brad@westcoastrental.ca or call 250-634-3269.

References

The following documents provide in-depth information on the MOCP:

• OCP Backgrounder
• Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4373, 2024
• Big Ideas Summary