Gabriola Discussion Guide - Environmental Protection

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GABRIOLA 
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY 
PLAN REVIEW
ENVIRONMENTAL 
PROTECTION
ISLANDSTRUST.BC.CA/ISLAND-PLANNING/GABRIOLA/PROJECTS/GABRIOLA-OCPREVIEW
November 2024
Discussion Guides

What is a Discussion Guide? 
The Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee is updating the Official Community Plan (OCP) — which guides 
development to align with the community’s vision and values on a variety of topics. This guide is designedto 
provide community members with background needed to provide feedback on policy options related to 
environmental protection.
Share your thoughts through focus groups, direct communication with the Local Trust Committee and the 
Gabriola OCP Review Topic-Focused Engagement online survey (December 2024 - April 2025).
What is an Official Community Plan 
(OCP) for Gabriola Island?
The OCP implements the community’s vision.
It provides a long-term strategy for land use 
management, outlining broad objectives and 
policies to guide future growth and development 
of the community.
The OCP must align with higher level policies.
These include the Local Government Act, the 
Islands Trust Act, and the Islands Trust Policy 
Statement. This ensures that local plans are 
consistent with regional and provincial directives.
What is NOT part of an 
Official Community Plan 
for Gabriola Island?
The OCP is not a zoning bylaw or detailed 
regulatory document. Specific regulations and 
enforcement mechanisms are found in the Land 
Use Bylaw (LUB) and must be consistent with the 
O C P.
The OCP does not include the provision of 
infrastructure or services. Infrastructure such as 
sewer, or roads, and  community services  within 
the Islands Trust Area are the responsibility of 
other levels of government. 
What does the current OCP say about 
Environmental Protection?
Environmental protection interests are articulated through most parts of the OCP including:
• Encouragement of acquisition of land for parks and protected areas
• Recognition of the need to protect groundwater, manage waste and mitigate and adapt to the 
impacts of climate change
Environmental protection is addressed specifically in sections devoted to Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 
Marine Resources. 
The OCP points to Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and emphasizes the protection of critical ecosystems 
on Gabriola Island, including marine foreshores, watercourses, wetlands, and woodland ecosystems, which 
are biologically rich and vulnerable to development. Objectives focus on safeguarding habitats and water 
resources through vegetation retention, building setbacks, and collaboration with conservation groups. 
Policies include regulating development with development permits, encouraging voluntary covenants, and 
protecting unique and sensitive sites. 
The Marine Resources section of the OCP emphasizes the protection of marine and foreshore areas, including 
particularly sensitive areas like Gabriola Pass and around the Flat Top Islands. Objectives in the Marine 
Resources section include

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