The City of Quesnel is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) and Master Zoning Bylaw to better address housing needs, align with provincial requirements, and streamline development approval processes. This project is being completed in two phases with ongoing community engagement and feedback opportunities.

An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term guide that outlines how a community wants to grow and develop over time. It covers big-picture ideas like where to build homes and businesses, how to improve transportation, protect the environment, and create a livable, vibrant community. The plan is created with public input and helps local governments make decisions about land use and development.

A Zoning Bylaw is a detailed set of rules that puts the OCP into action. It divides the community into zones (like residential or commercial) and sets specific regulations for what can be built in each area, including building height, size, setbacks, and parking. While the OCP is the vision, the zoning bylaw is the rulebook that helps bring that vision to life.

What’s Happening?

• Phase 1: Update the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Master Zoning Bylaw (March 2025 - November 2025).
• Phase 2: Revise the Development Application Procedures Bylaw (August 2025 - March 2026).

Why is this Important?

• To create a more flexible, responsive approach to housing and development.
• Ensure zoning and planning align with community needs and provincial standards.
• Improve the process for development approvals to support growth.

Phase 1: OCP & Zoning Bylaw Updates (March 2025 - November 2025)

What’s Being Done?

• OCP and Zoning Policy Updates: Address housing needs, review and revise zoning regulations, and ensure the plan supports long-term growth.
• Public Engagement: Opportunities for you to share your thoughts through surveys, open houses, and online platforms.

Key Tasks in Phase 1:

• Project Kick-Off (March 2025)
• Initial Audit and Background Research (March 2025 - May 2025)
• Launch Engagement Activities (April 2025 - May 2025)
• Policy and Plan Updates (April 2025 - August 2025)
• Bylaw Update (June 2025 - September 2025)
• Presentation of Materials & Close-Out (August 2025 - November 2025)

Important Dates in Phase 1:

• Targeted Consultation Surveys: April, 2025
• Community Profile OCP Draft: May 5, 2025
• Open House (Session 1): TBD
• Draft OCP Policy Updates: July 14, 2025
• Open House (Session 2): September 8, 2025

How Can You Get Involved?

• Surveys: Fill out online and targeted consultation surveys. This survey is intended to allow you to contribute some initial perspectives both to guide our work, and to allow us to understand how best to engage with you and other groups affected by the OCP Update.
  • Complete the short online survey, located here: OCP, Zoning Bylaw and Development Application Procedures Bylaw Survey
• Open Houses: Attend in-person or virtual open house sessions to review updates and ask questions.
• Discussion: 1-2-1 interviews and/or small group discussions.
• Communication: Email newsletters and social media posts on project developments.
• Feedback: Provide your input on the draft policies and bylaws, helping shape the final documents.

Phase 2: Development Application Procedures Bylaw (August 2025 - March 2026)

What’s Being Done?

• Simplify the Development Application Process: Make it easier and faster for development projects to move forward.
• Harmonize Permit Processes: Ensure the approval process is clear and efficient for both developers and the public.
• Training for City Staff: Ensure that the new processes are understood and implemented properly.

Key Tasks in Phase 2:

• Project Kick-Off (August 2025)
• Harmonize Permit Processes (September 2025 - October 2025)
• Revise Development Application Procedures Bylaw (October 2025 - November 2025)
• Develop Supporting Materials (November 2025 - January 2026)
• Training & Close-Out (January 2026 - March 2026)

Value Added Activities in Phase 2:

• Training Needs Assessment: Assess training needs for city staff (November 2025).
• Training Content Development: Develop training materials for staff and helpful guidance documents for the public on the new processes (November - December 2025).
• Training Delivery & Follow-Up: Deliver training and provide ongoing support (January - February 2026).

What Happens Next?

We’ll continue gathering public feedback and updating you on the progress of both phases through:

• Online Surveys and Feedback: Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts.
• Open Houses: Attend open house events for deeper engagement.
• Final Reports: The completed updates will be presented to the City Council for approval in November 2025 (Phase 1) and March 2026 (Phase 2).

Get Involved!

Your input is vital. Here are ways you can participate:

• Take Surveys: Share your thoughts online.
• Attend Open Houses: Review materials and speak directly with the project team.
• Ask Questions: Reach out anytime with questions or feedback.

By keeping this project transparent and involving the community, the City of Quesnel is ensuring that the updates to the OCP, Zoning Bylaw and Development Application Procedures Bylaw meet the needs of all residents and stakeholders.

As we coordinate these activities, if you have any questions or would like further information about the project, please contact Tanya Turner at tturner@quesnel.ca.