SLRD launches Electoral Area C Official Community Plan Review project

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is launching a comprehensive review of the Electoral Area C Official Community Plan (OCP), inviting residents, property owners, businesses, community organizations, agricultural producers and other interested parties to help shape the future of the area.

The Area C OCP is the community’s long-range planning document, establishing a vision and policy framework that guides decisions related to land use, housing, agriculture, transportation, environmental protection, economic development, infrastructure, climate action and community services. The current OCP was adopted in 1999 and last underwent a minor review in 2009. The review process will update the plan to reflect current realities, emerging challenges and community priorities for the decades ahead.

The review is expected to take place through 2026 and 2027 and will include multiple opportunities for public participation at key stages of the project. 

The SLRD values the perspectives of local First Nations and recognizes their right to participate in decision-making in matters that could affect them. Through pre-engagement, the SLRD has confirmed that Líl’wat Nation, N’Quatqua First Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) would like to participate in formal government-to-government consultation throughout the OCP Update. Formal invitations to engage in the process will also be sent to Samahquam and Skatin Nations; the SLRD intends to keep all communities informed as the OCP Update moves forward.

"An Official Community Plan is one of the most important tools we have for shaping the future of our communities," said SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford. "The decisions made through this process will influence how and where we grow, how we protect agricultural land and natural areas, how we address housing needs, and how we prepare for challenges such as climate change and natural hazards. This review is an opportunity to create a shared vision for Area C that reflects the values and aspirations of the people who live, work, invest and play here.”

The OCP Review will help ensure Area C is prepared to accommodate future growth while supporting agriculture, protecting environmental assets and strengthening resilience to wildfire, flooding and other climate-related risks. The process will also ensure the OCP aligns with current provincial requirements, regional priorities and community needs. 

Community engagement will be a cornerstone of the project. Community members will be invited to participate through open houses, workshops, pop-up events, surveys and online engagement opportunities throughout the review process. Input gathered from the community will help guide policy development and inform future land use decisions.

"The success of this project depends on hearing from the people who know Area C best," said Electoral Area C Director, Russell Mack. "Residents, farmers, business owners, community groups and property owners all bring valuable perspectives. Whether you've lived here for decades or arrived more recently, your experience and ideas will help ensure the updated OCP reflects both today's realities and our collective hopes for the future."

Upcoming engagement opportunities include:

Pemberton Meadows pop-up during Slow Food Cycle
Location: Helmer's Organic Farm, 8358 Pemberton Meadows Road 
Date: Sunday, August 16
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Birken House Bakery pop-up during Community Pizza Night
Location: Birken House Bakery, 9320 Portage Road
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Pemberton Farmer’s Market pop-up 
Location: Downtown Community Barn, 7444 Frontier Street, Pemberton
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Area C Official Community Plan Review Open House
Location: Pemberton & District Community Centre, 7390 Cottonwood Street
Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to visit the project webpage to learn more about the OCP Review, subscribe for updates and participate in upcoming engagement opportunities: SLRD.bc.ca/area-c-ocp-review