Official Community Plan Update

Official Community Plan Update

Shaping the Future of Sicamous

Did you know that the District of Sicamous is starting the process of updating our Official Community Plan (OCP)? This update will create a renewed vision for the growth, development, sustainability and resiliency of our community for the next 20 years!

An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a long-term planning document and bylaw that guides how our community grows and evolves. It helps guide decision-making, policies and investments regarding community growth, development, land use, infrastructure, transportation, housing, the environment, arts and culture, parks, economic development and more!

Our current OCP was last updated in 2016. Since then, provincial legislation has changed, requiring communities to plan for small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and increased density to meet future housing needs. This update will align our OCP with new requirements and provide a fresh vision for Sicamous that reflects our community's current character, values and long-term goals.

Click here to learn more about and review our current Official Community Plan, Bylaw No. 918, 2016!

The update will take place over five phases from May to November 2025. Here’s how we’ll be working together to make it happen:

Phase 1 – Project Kick-Off – May 2025

We’ll kick off the process with a robust communications and engagement strategy to make sure all voices are heard and included. Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved!

Phase 2 – Understanding Community Issues – May - June 2025

Next, we’ll take a deep dive into existing bylaws, policies, studies, and plans that relate to key topics in the OCP. This will help us build on past work and explore how the OCP can be structured for success moving forward.

Join us for our first Open House on May 28th! This event will be an opportunity to learn about the OCP update project and share your early input.

Phase 3 – Community Exploration and Visioning – June – July 2025

We’ll host an OCP Immersion Week filled with events and opportunities to share your ideas. Your feedback will help shape the draft vision, guiding principles, and policy directions for the OCP.

Phase 4 – Preparation and Presentation of the Draft OCP – August – September 2025

Guided by the feedback from Phase 3, we’ll prepare the first draft of the OCP. District staff and residents will have the opportunity to review and provide input, ensuring the plan reflects our community’s shared vision.

Phase 5 – Final OCP and Approval – October – November 2025

The OCP will be refined based on community feedback, and a second draft will be presented to council for review. We’ll share highlights of the changes and invite public input before finalizing the document. The final draft of the OCP will be presented to council, and upon completion of the formal approval process, the OCP will be adopted. This final step marks the completion of the OCP update and sets the stage for our community's future growth and development.

Get Involved!

We want the new OCP to reflect the values and priorities of everyone in Sicamous. That’s why we're committed to engaging with community members, stakeholders, and regional partners throughout the update process. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to share your ideas!

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OCP Open House | May 28, 2025

Join us for our first "OCP Open House!"

The District of Sicamous’ Official Community Plan (OCP) is being updated! The update will create fresh vision and provide a long-term guide for the future of our community. We need your insights and ideas to ensure the plan reflects Sicamous’ values, priorities and vision.

  • Wednesday, May 28, 2025
  • 4 to 7 p.m.
  • Red Barn Arts Centre (1226 Riverside Avenue)

Keep in touch on our website, social media (Facebook and Instagram), monthly E-Newsletter, and this webpage where we will be posting announcements, invitations, background information surveys and more.

You can also contact us directly via email:

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