Frequently Asked Questions

What is an OCP?

The Town of Princeton Official Community Plan (OCP) is the most important long range planning document for the community. It guides future growth and land use and sets high-level goals and policies that support decisions on topics such as development, housing, parks and recreation, the economy, social issues, and the environment. The updated Town of Princeton OCP is intended to set out a plan for the community for the next twenty years (to 2042).

The OCP is an overarching document, the content of which informs all of the Town’s plans and policy documents.









How does the OCP impact me?

While it is a high-level document, the OCP is intended to represent the community’s goals and vision. After its adoption, all bylaws enacted or works undertaken by Council must be consistent with the OCP. 

See the below for a breakdown of what the OCP informs.

While this isn’t intended to be a comprehensive review, we are looking for the community’s input on key areas of the OCP to ensure that it is still representative of the community at large. Community, stakeholder, and Indigenous engagement will occur throughout the development of the OCP Review & Update Project to gather input on how key issues and trends should be considered as part of this review and update.

Why are we updating the OCP?

As a “living document”, the OCP has been amended from time to time where necessary however, a comprehensive review of the document has not been completed since 2008. It is typically recommended that an OCP is reviewed every five to ten years to see where updates may need to occur to ensure that it is still representative of the community’s vision and addresses any emerging trends and potential issues.

Issues and opportunities associated with climate change, affordable housing, advancements in technology, and increased investment in the community are just some of the changes that have occurred in Princeton in the 13 years since the OCP’s adoption. Investment in the community in recent years has included the following:

  • expansion of the Copper Mountain Mine located just south of Princeton – a major employer of Princeton residents;
  • expansion of the industrial park including the addition of BC Green Pharmaceutical, a cannabis cultivation facility;
  • numerous larger scale development projects; and
  • replacement of local infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber optics. 


In recognition of this potential shift in public priorities, the Town of Princeton has decided to initiate a review of the OCP to ensure it: 

  • is still relevant;
  • addresses the above, and other current issues and trends; and
  • continues to reflect the community’s vision.


Updating the Official Community Plan will help staff and Council provide more accurate input on regional planning processes and better evaluate proposed local developments.

What is the focus of this review?

The focus of the project is on creating realistic goals and policies for our community. Being that this is not a full overhaul of the OCP, we have limited resources and must prioritize our needs to maximize success. We want to know what is important to you. What are your values? What are your suggested priorities for the future of your community? Do you think the existing OCP vision and guiding principles capture this?

There are 11 targeted topics for the engagement process that comprise the main themes within an OCP. We will be looking for input on:

  • Vision and Guiding Principles
  • Small Town Character
  • Community Connections
  • Managing Land Use
  • Infrastructure
  • Visual Quality and Aesthetics
  • Healthy and Active Living
  • Environmental Responsibility and Stewardship
  • Economy
  • Engaging and Protecting the Community
  • Celebrating Our Culture and Heritage


Why should I care?

Everyone has a role to play in creating a plan for our great community. An Official Community Plan Update was prioritized in the Town of Princeton Annual Report 2020 as part of the Five-Year Financial Plan for 2021 to 2025. We want everyone in the community to be involved in creating a vision for the future and in shaping policies to guide development towards that refreshed vision.

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