Review and Comment on Draft Policy and Concept Options
The 7 themes below summarize how we incorporated the community’s priorities into draft Oceanfront planning policies [PDF, 7 MB]. To illustrate these, the District’s Planning Team developed two concept plans to show two different ways the peninsula could develop. Together, the themes show how the Oceanfront can be a showcase of sustainability.
The formal comment period has now closed. Thank you for your contributions, which will inform our next draft. In the meantime, feel free to browse the information.
The Policy Statement encourages safe, energy-efficient and green materials and public services on the oceanfront, and will mitigate against a rise in sea level from climate change. This includes renewable energy, water systems, habitat and contamination clean up to meet or exceed government standards.
The Oceanfront will create high quality, well-paying, permanent jobs in marine industries, knowledge-based businesses, light industrial office and warehouse companies, tourism, stores that sell goods and services for the local community and institutions such as schools, colleges and public buildings. Maritime uses will be a priority along the waterfront.
The Oceanfront will offer a range of homes, in the form of townhouses, condominiums and apartments. Oceanfront residents and visitors, will create a sense of safety and vibrant activity on the waterfront (“eyes on the street”) and additional customers for both oceanfront and downtown shops and services and transit.
Parks, plazas and greenways will comprise at least 20% of the Oceanfront. The waterfront walkway, which will be preserved, occupies another 10% of the land. These public spaces will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to appreciate and enjoy the oceanfront’s spectacular views and waterfront setting.
To frame public spaces visually, and support substantial community benefits, buildings may be 4 to 8 storeys high in general. Taller buildings may be considered as part of a coherent plan. Building siting and massing will respect the peninsula’s breathtaking views and natural setting, while maximizing the land available for parks and public spaces and meeting economic objectives and efficiencies.
The oceanfront peninsula will provide a balanced mix of jobs, parks and open space and homes, all planned and situated in a way that maximizes the natural setting, community amenities and is economically viable and sustainable.
Safe and efficient roads, walkways, bikeways and paths are a key element of the plan. The priority is that pedestrians and cyclists will be able to move around safely and conveniently. Various types of recreational and job-related marine traffic will also be accommodated. Emphasis will be placed on environmentally responsible traffic and parking practices.