June 6, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SICAMOUS, BC - The District of Sicamous is pleased to announce the launch of community engagement for the Official Community Plan (OCP) update. This long-term plan will guide how Sicamous grows and develops over the coming years, ensuring it reflects the community’s evolving needs, values, and aspirations.

An Official Community Plan is a comprehensive document that sets out a shared vision and strategic direction for the future of the community. It provides guidance for decision-making in key areas such as land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, the environment, economic development and arts and culture.

Sicamous’ current OCP was last updated in 2016. Since then, the community has experienced significant growth and change—underscoring the need for a refreshed plan that will:

• Reflect current community priorities and provincial legislation
• Support sustainable and resilient development
• Guide investment in housing, infrastructure and community amenities
• Strengthen Sicamous’ unique identity and sense of place

Community participation is a vital part of this process. Over the next year, the district will be working closely with residents to develop a plan that reflects the community’s values, priorities and long-term vision.

We are currently in Phase 3: Community Exploration and Visioning, which focuses on identifying what matters most to the people of Sicamous. Insights gathered during this phase will inform future stages of the project, including the development of the first draft of the updated OCP.

The district invites all residents to get involved through the following opportunities:

• Open Houses: Join us at the Red Barn Arts Centre (1226 Riverside Avenue) to kick off this round of engagement. Drop in on Monday, June 16 or Tuesday, June 17 between 4 and 7 p.m. to learn more about the OCP update and share your ideas.
• Pop-up Booths: Stop by and chat with us at a pop-up booth! The project team will be out in the community throughout the day—come learn more about the OCP update and share your feedback. Locations to be announced.
• Community Visioning Survey: Participate online to help shape the district’s future! An online survey will be launched from later in June, and paper copies are available at the district office. Please stay tuned for further information on the survey launch, including links to the online survey.

For more information about the OCP update and details on how to participate, please visit https://www.sicamous.ca/live-here/official-community-plan-update. 

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Project Contact:

• Dan Penner, Planner, Urban Systems, email: dpenner@urbansystems.ca
• Nicole Hansen, Development Services Manager, District of Sicamous, email: nhansen@sicamous.ca