Official Community Plan Review & Update Project

Current Official Community Plan - Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 808, 2008 - Click Here

Project Overview

The Town of Princeton is currently undertaking a review and update of its Official Community Plan (OCP), adopted in 2008 and revised through 2021. The OCP is the most important long range planning document for the Town. It guides future growth and land use and sets goals and policies that support decisions on topics such as development, housing, parks and recreation, the economy, social issues, and the environment. 

While this is not a comprehensive review of the OCP, it is important that we hear from community members on topics and issues that are important to you. All input will be considered as we move through the planning process.  

The links below will take you through the Princeton Official Community Plan Review & Update project timeline, opportunities to get involved, and technical details about the project as they become available. 

Read the OCP Conversation Starter to learn more about the community, where we have come from, and where we are going! 









Background

A comprehensive review of the OCP has not been completed since 2008. 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 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; and
  • numerous larger scale development projects.

More recently, the Town is seeing rapid growth and increased interest due in part to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Pandemic has allowed many people to work remotely which is resulting in the migration of many British Columbians to smaller, more affordable communities. This growth presents some challenges for Princeton as the Town must adapt to shifting demographics, a housing shortage, increased pressure on remaining developable land, and a heightened demand on Town services and infrastructure. 

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

Get Involved

There are several ways to get involved.  

  • Keep checking this webpage as we update it with more information throughout the  the project. 
  • Keep an eye out for project articles and ads for events in the Similkameen Spotlight.
  • Call us to chat about your comments, suggestions and/or concerns about the future of Princeton: 250-295-3135
  • Write to us with your comments, suggestions and/or concerns about the future of Princeton: planning@princeton.ca or P.O Box 670, Princeton BC Princeton, B.C.  V0X 1W0

Visit the Community Engagement  webpage for details on formal opportunities for involvement.  This will include:

  • Two Community Workshops (virtual)
  • Stakeholder Workshop (virtual)
  • Upper Similkameen Indian Band Engagement (To be confirmed)
  • Recorded Presentation with Comment Form

Check out the OCP Conversation Starter before participating in engagement opportunities to learn more about the project.

Project Timeline

The project has been divided into three phases with various forms of engagement at each phase. We are currently in Engagement Stage 1, having officially launched the survey and design contest. Other opportunities for engagement are scheduled for early April.

The timeline below is intended to give you a general overview of the project.

Important Dates

Community Survey: March 14th – April 11th 

Digital Community Workshops: 

Option #1: Tuesday, April 5th 9:30am to 11:30am

Option #2: Tuesday, April 5th 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Stakeholder Workshop: Tuesday, April 5th 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Design Contest: March 7th – April 30th 




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