Reimagining Growth on Gabriola Island

Extracted text (beginning)

Reimagining growth means using data and land-
use planning tools to reflect community values 
and address housing need.

Review of 
Vision, 
Principles, and 
Goals
Focused 
Discussions on 
Key Topic Areas
Bylaw Drafting 
and Review
Bylaw Readings
We
Are 
Here 
Reimagining Growth

We
Are 
Here 
Purpose of today: 
Explore how community values, data, and local 
knowledge can guide decisions about how to address 
housing need on Gabriola Island.

Presentation:
•Background (how is growth accommodated now)
•Values
•Data available (nice maps)
•Land use planning tools and options
•Process for discussion

Subdivision-16 residential lots have subdivision potential = 45 new 
lots/90 new dwellings
Challenge= Does not guarantee affordable options. Most impactful 
type of residential development. 
Rezoning for Special Needs, Seniors and Affordable Housing 
Challenge = Limited options for rezoning for housing that is needed 
but does not fall into these categories.
Secondary Dwelling  on parcels 2.0 Ha or larger (attached or 
detached) 
Challenge = Limited opportunity on smaller lots closer to amenities, 
limited opportunity for land sharing.

•There is currently a moratorium on bylaw 
enforcement on housing, but it won’t last forever.
•Legal housing is safer, healthier, and more secure for 
residents. 
•Continuing to allow non-compliant housing can lead 
to:
•Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
•Environmental harm, including groundwater 
impacts
•Negative effects on community character
Illegal housing is increasing

Environment: Preservation, protection and restoration of the natural environment, 
in a changing climate. 
Housing: There is a need for affordable and attainable housing on-island.
Healthy Vibrant and Connected Community: Gabriola residents want 
to move freely with ease using all forms of transportation.
Reconciliation: Many places on Gabriola hold importance for First Nations and 
should be protected. First Nations interests should be supported.

Housing Needs Projections:
5 Years = ~130-200+ units (TBD)
25 Years = ~725 –1000+ unit (TBD)
Projections dependent on methodology used.

Current OCP assumes that 
existence of vacant parcels 
and subdivision/build out 
potential will accommodate 
growth needs.   
Total Principle = 3300+
Total Secondary = ~750+
Total = ~4000+
Existing Dwellings = 3,062

Land is not truly available –Many lots are held for investment or seasonal use.
Land is not affordable –Market price of lot is out of range for many.
The cost to build is high –Construction costs limit who can build
Assumptions are outdated –Traditional approaches to land ownership (single 
family ownership).
OCPlimits more affordable options –Limited opportunities for land sharing 
and rental.

Suitable Land Analysis:
•Ecosystem resiliency
•At risk ecosystems and species
•Dominant age of trees
•Groundwater Vulnerability
•Groundwater Recharge Potential
•Risk of Saltwater Intrusion
•Groundwater Well Density
•Proximity to Village
Use available data to dete

First 3,000 characters. Open the original for the whole document.