REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: May 11, 2016 Report No. DEV-16-035
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Initial Review of Version 1.5 (March 2016) of Draft Regional Growth Strategy
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council send a letter to the Capital Regional District Board outlining their initial comments on Version 1.5 of the Draft Regional Growth Strategy.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Local Government Act
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
The review of the Draft Regional Growth Strategy is not related to any of Council's strategic priorities.
BACKGROUND:
At its March 9, 2016 meeting, the Capital Regional District Board passed a motion to invite municipal councils to provide comments on the draft 2016 Regional Growth Strategy. The deadline for comments is May 18, 2016. The CRD has also provided a "frequently asked questions" brochure which provides some context for the process so far (Schedule B). Staff has done a quick overview of the latest draft Regional Growth Strategy. A far more thorough review will be completed when the Strategy is circulated as part of the statutory approval process. Staff's initial comments are as follows:
- Overall this version is a significant improvement over the previous regional sustainability plan;
- The Strategy frequently refers to "environment and natural resources" as if the two concepts are mutually exclusive. However, natural resources are typically a part of the environment (e.g. forests, fish, water, etc.). A more accurate phrase is required.
- The Strategy states that Victoria will be the primary regional employment centre along with the major centres of Langford, Colwood, Saanich and Sidney. Conspicuous by its absence is any reference to Esquimalt, home of the majority of CFB Esquimalt and the Graving Dock. The CRD should provide empirical data to support their contention that Langford, Colwood, Saanich and Sidney are major employment...
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