The requirements from the province for Regional Growth Strategies include public consultation. Here are the FIVE mentions of public consultation in the new Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy, third and final draft (yes folks, it is a done deal!) Thank you to all our democratic representatives.

There are NO maps, no MEASURABLE goals, NO targets, and NO timelines. Lots of nice words though. What i call "smudge words." As a plan, it is ... a travesty. Oh they do refer to Cumberland's "progressive OCP" as an asset!

You can download the “plan” HERE.

For an alternative approach, the contents of an actual sustainability plan can be seen in the work done in Okotoks Alberta, just outside Calgary. Alarmed by huge growth, in the 1990s Okotoks decided to build a sustainability plan with numerical goals and regular follow through. View it HERE.


Here are the references to public engagement in the Comox Valley plan:

No. 1: Page 6
“As a group of leaders, the elected representatives from the local governments identified the following as shared elements of the legacy they want to leave for leadership:
• Compact and prosperous communities;
• A shared plan for growth management and a sustainable future;
• A network of secure and healthy green spaces;
• A multi-modal transportation system;
• An open and effective community dialogue and consultation process;...................”

No. 2: page 11
“• COMMUNITY CONSULTATION – Invite local neighbourhoods to define their sense of place and character. Integrate qualities into new neighbourhoods.”

No. 3: Page 36 (Long term goal)
“8.2 Consultation - Utilize progressive engagement processes to sustain a dialogue with the community and stakeholders to build awareness and support for sustainability initiatives over time.”

Nos. 4 &5: page 36
“PUBLIC CONSULTATION – Undertake public consultation on this sustainable development strategy as appropriate to build knowledge and buy-in.”

Note that the only goal of public consultation is to build "buy in" not to benefit from the public's interests and knowledge.

Delores Broten, Editor
Watershed Sentinel
Comox BC