The Official Community Plan (OCP) is Courtenay’s long-term vision for growth and development.
It guides decisions about land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, and the natural environment.
The Courtenay Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 3070 was adopted on July 25, 2022.
View the Official Community Plan (online flippingbook).
Download the Official Community Plan [PDF/35.1MB].
OCP review and provincial housing requirements
The City is currently reviewing the OCP to meet new provincial housing legislation introduced in 2024.
Local governments are now required to regularly review and update their OCPs to ensure there is enough land to meet five- and 20-year housing needs projections, as identified in the Housing Needs Report [PDF/738KB].
Learn more and share your input on the City’s Engage Comox Valley page for the OCP.
What the OCP does
The OCP applies to the entire municipality. It guides Council decisions related to:
- Growth and land use
- Streets and transportation
- Affordable housing
- The natural environment
- Parks and recreation
- Arts, culture and heritage
- Food systems
- Economic development
The plan is built around four core directions:
- Reconciliation
- Community well-being
- Equity
- Climate action
These directions are reflected throughout the policies in the plan.
Courtenay’s OCP is symbolized by a compass which identifies the four core directions of the plan: reconciliation, community well-being, equity, and climate action. These core directions are reflected in the hundreds of policies contained throughout the plan.
Local area plans
Local area plans provide detailed guidance for specific parts of the city. Currently, the OCP includes the Arden Corridor Local Area Plan [PDF/4.6MB].
OCP maps
- Land use and growth
- Environmental and hazard areas
- Transportation and infrastructure
- Parks and community amenities
Development guidelines and permits
If you are planning a new development, review the Development Standards Policies Reference Guide [PDF/314KB].
Some projects need a development permit. This applies to:
- Large buildings
- Infill residential development
- Properties near environmentally sensitive areas
- Properties near steep slopes or agricultural lands
Development permits regulate:
- Form and character
- Siting
- Landscaping
- Screening
- Lighting
- Parking
While the OCP designates these areas, detailed guidelines are now part of Zoning Bylaw No. 2500.
Learn more about development permits.
Applying for an OCP amendment
An OCP amendment is required when a proposed development:
- Does not align with OCP policies, or
- Does not match the land use designation
OCP amendments are rare and are usually submitted with a zoning amendment application.
A public hearing is required.
View the Zoning Bylaw page for instructions and to access the application form.
