Making the Plan Work

Policy 16.1.1. OCP Consistency.
Ensure future City plans, policies and bylaws prepared following adoption of the 2040 Official Community Plan take direction from and are consistent with the Plan. In addition, plans, policies and bylaws adopted prior to the Official Community Plan should be updated and amended to be consistent with it over time.

Policy 16.1.2. Official Community Plan Amendment Evaluation.
Evaluate applications for amendments to the Official Community Plan based on how they are consistent with the OCP Pillars and the Growth Strategy, as outlined in Chapter 1: The Big Picture to determine how the proposed amendment meets the Plan’s vision and relationship to Imagine Kelowna.

Policy 16.1.3. Official Community Plan Amendment Process.
Consider the scale of the impact of a proposed OCP Amendment when determining application processes and opportunities for consultation as outlined in Section 475 of the Local Government Act. Examples of differing scales may include (from smallest anticipated impact to greatest anticipated impact):

• Minor amendments to improve clarity and understanding of the Official Community Plan;
• Text amendments that do not include amendments to the Future Land Use Map (Map 3.1);
• Amendments to the Future Land Use Map (Map 3.1);
• Amendments to the Growth Strategy Districts; and
• Comprehensive plan updates.

Policy 16.1.4. Development Approval Information.
Pursuant to Section 485.1 of the Local Government Act, the entire City of Kelowna is designated as a Development Approval Information Area in order to guide and support new development that contributes to the goals and objectives of the Official Community Plan. The Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services, or designate, may require development approval information pursuant to that Section. The conditions that justify this designation are as follows:

• Kelowna is a rapidly growing community and this growth will impact neighbourhoods, businesses, service provision and infrastructure. Information may be required to assess impacts on nearby and adjacent development, including shadowing, noise, visual impacts and scale, impacts on community services, such as parks, schools and protective services, socio-economic impacts, and impacts on the transportation and utility network and infrastructure.
• Kelowna’s landscape includes hillsides, floodplains, wildfire interface areas and other unique landscapes. Information may be required to assess impacts on these landscapes and to protect people, property and infrastructure.
• Kelowna is home to many sensitive terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, a valley-wide airshed, agricultural lands and water bodies, including Okanagan Lake. Information may be required to guide and inform protection of this land, water and air.
• Kelowna is located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people, who have lived here since time immemorial. As such, the area is home to many important heritage assets. Settlement of the area by non-indigenous residents has also provided the city with many heritage assets. Information may be required to identify heritage value of these assets, including but not limited to landscapes, archaeological sites, buildings and properties, and to guide their protection and conservation.

Policy 16.1.5. Requirement to Obtain a Development Permit.
Within a development permit area, a development permit must be obtained before undertaking certain activities, such as subdividing land or constructing, adding to, or altering a building or specifications, unless specifically exempted. The triggers for the development permit requirement vary slightly by development permit area. Chapters 18 through 22 specify the triggers and available exemptions.

Policy 16.1.6. Multiple Development Permits.
Where land is subject to more than one Development Permit designation, development will be subject to the requirements of all applicable development permit guidelines. 

Policy 16.1.7. Density Bonusing.
Consider the use of density bonusing provisions as outlined in the Local Government Act in exchange for the provision or conservation of an amenity and for the provision of affordable or special needs housing.

The Official Community Plan sets the direction for how Kelowna will grow and evolve to 2040. However, putting the plan into action will require significant efforts beyond its adoption by Council. Other City plans, bylaws, policies and programs will need to be updated to reflect the direction of the 2040 OCP. At the same time, more detailed supplementary plans and studies will need to be undertaken to provide detailed policy direction in certain areas.

This section outlines the key implementation actions that are required during the life of the plan ensure that it meets the vision outlined in the Growth Strategy, the Pillars and ultimately, Imagine Kelowna.

Many of these implementation actions reflect Kelowna’s shift towards a more urban future, one that is inherently more complex and interconnected. For instance, urban development and redevelopment – a central focus of this OCP – occurs in the context of existing neighbourhoods, emphasizing the need to balance the interests of existing residents with the broader need to accommodate sustainable growth. The City will need to adapt to managing growth in these contexts by developing new approaches, standards and systems, and by dedicating resources, both existing and new, to where they are most impactful.

Policy 16.3.1. OCP Implementation Actions.
Use Figure 16.1: Implementation Actions and Map 16.1 to guide the timing and resourcing of OCP implementation actions, with due recognition of available budget and other work planning considerations.

Policy 16.3.2. Neighbourhood Planning Prioritization.
Consider prioritization of neighbourhood planning actions based on the following:

• Expected level of development activity, including large scale projects that necessitate City direction on infrastructure and growth strategy alignment;
• Need for community amenities;
• Need to define civic investment priorities; and
• Age of existing neighbourhood plan (if any).

Policy 16.3.3. Regional, Indigenous and Community Partners.
Continue to foster relationships and partner with the Regional District of Central Okanagan, Westbank First Nation, Okanagan Indian Band, neighbouring municipalities, post-secondary institutions and other key community partners to effectively deliver on implementation actions.