The newly updated NRRM Official Community Plan (OCP) is our shared vision for the future of the Northern Rockies Region. It reflects what matters most to the people who live here. Guided by community input, the OCP sets long-term goals and policies to help shape housing, transportation, recreation, and development decisions over the years ahead. This plan provides a clear framework to ensure the NRRM remains a strong, safe, and vibrant place to call home — now and for future generations.
“In Fort Nelson we stand at the gateway of the Northern Rockies, located in the hearty of a prosperous and diverse economic region that strives to preserve the integrity of the natural environment.
We are a welcoming, self-reliant and healthy community. We proudly embrace life in our unique northern community and we work to create innovative solutions that enhance our quality of life.
Our Community is beautiful, well-planned and safe. Our unique environment provides us with diverse choices and ample opportunities for employment, education, recreation, housing and health and wellness.
As residents of British Columbia's first Regional Municipality, we are responsive to the needs of our residents, we encourage active public involvement and we proactively support inclusive and family-oriented decision making that balances cultural, social, environmental and economic needs in a collaborative and transparent manner.”
- Official Community Plan: Community Vision
Objectives of Official Community Plan
Since the adoption of NRRM Official Community Plan in 2011, the community has undergone significant changes, and an update is required to bring the OCP up to date to address current issues and the community’s needs and to align with updated legislation. Shortly after project initiation, new changes to provincial legislation (Bill 44-2023) also affirmed the need for an update to the OCP.
What is an OCP? Why does it need to be updated?
- An OCP establishes the long-term community vision, goals and policies used to guide Council decisions on how land is used and developed
- An OCP contains policies to guide decisions on land use and planning and development matters
- The OCP is a community document that requires the input from the community members when it is time to renew the plan
- It is important that the visions, goals, and objectives are reviewed to ensure they reflect current community values and needs
- Engagement can inform how land is used and developed, and to identify the social, environmental and economic priorities for the next 20 years
- An OCP can inform the municipal budget process and applications for grant funds from other levels of government and agencies.
How is an OCP developed?
OCPs are reflective of long-term vision and the values of the community and are developed with input from the community. The vision, goals, and objectives are evaluated during the development process to ensure that they are achievable.
Input is also gathered on technical matters from across the NRRM administration, First Nations, local government agencies like the school district, provincial ministries and agencies and community planning consultants.
Public Engagement Opportunities
A dedicated engagement hub was available for all engagement information, documentation, and notices about activities where the public provided input on the OCP.
There were three distinct stages of the process where several public engagement opportunities to provide input and feedback informing the updated vision, goals, and policies of the draft OCP. Below is the project timeline and the purpose of each engagement stage.
Who is involved?
Various levels of input are required to inform the OCP update. This ensures a broad representation of interests and perspectives to be reflected in the OCP. The following groups will be vital to the development of the updated OCP:
- Advisory Committee –They will provide input on the project deliverables as representatives of the larger community.
- Residents and Businesses – will be able to provide input through the surveys, workshops, various activities listed through the engagement portal, as well as the public hearing. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions to City staff and our consultant.
- Municipal staff – provides technical input on current experience with the OCP and information on public facilities and municipal servicing to assist with the update.
- Council –are final decision makers that inform the OCP and approve the update.
Consultant – NRRM has hired a consultant (McElhanney Ltd.) to assist with the OCP update. The role of the consultant will be to facilitate engagement events and listen to the input and incorporate it in the updated OCP. They will also prepare the draft OCP document and provide professional advice and exercise due diligence to ensure that the updated OCP is prepared in accordance with the provincial legislation
OCP Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes