The question of how Chilliwack should manage its growth between now and 2040 is being officially launched.
A public consultation plan was rolled out at city hall Tuesday to provide a series of feedback opportunities in the upcoming review of the Official Community Plan.
The first open house is set for Nov. 22 at UFV in Sardis, while another session will be held at Evergreen Hall on Nov. 26.
But aside from the traditional open house format, city officials will also engage the public using everything from social media to Chiefs’ events.
Council received a staff update on Tuesday in a presentation called ‘2040 Chilliwack: OCP Review Public Engagement Program’ from Karen Stanton, manager of long range planning.
The OCP review process will take about a year. It’s being triggered because the population of Chilliwack has topped 83,000, closing in on the OCP review threshold of 85,000 people.
“It’s imperative for the citizens of Chilliwack to get involved in this process,” said Acting Mayor Jason Lum, after the council meeting.
He praised the idea of offering different avenues for people to participate in the OCP review process, like using social media, or the online discussion site PlaceSpeak.
“We can’t simply assume everyone can take time to attend meetings and open houses,” said Lum. “Staff are utilizing some new technology to ensure people will be able to give us meaningful feedback.”
It’s a more “inclusive” approach, said the city councillor, and one that will allow the city to reach far and wide.
The OCP is the one city document that he figures gets referenced the most.
“So I really hope that people take advantage of these opportunities. This is your city. This is your plan,” he said.
Organized activities are being planned for November and December so that community members can offer their opinions and ideas. Details including a video presentation online at chilliwack.com/ocpreview
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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