Official Community Pipedream

Who knew?
Who knew that OCP means official community pipedream instead of official community plan?

I'll spare you reading the 156 page document.

Judging from the following excerpts, it's a bunch of nonsense!
Why?

Consider that you're a resident of Saskatchewan or Alberta, wondering whether to retire to Coldstream, so you have a look at the Official Community Plan.
Just to get an idea of what you can--and can't expect on land you may consider purchasing, maybe pass on sloped land for these (page 3) reasons:


Area 1, contains an extensive area of natural grassland, is habitat to several of the identified species and is primarily comprised of steep hillsides. Area 2, contains a minor riparian ecosystem and some areas of steep slopes. Area 3, part of a single title containing ALR and non-ALR lands. Some minor hazard issues related to erosion potential and steep slopes. Contains lands rated as high and very high conservation value. Area 4, a block of land on the eastern edge of Kalamalka Provincial Park. Contains lands rated as high and very high conservation value and has steep slope areas.

Those reasons may impact things you may wish to do on your land.
Unless you're government, that is.
Or a university.
In which case it's A-OK, and the steep slope, erosion and conservation rules don't apply!

Like what's planned on the steep slope, likely to erode pristine lands at the college:  an amphitheatre with seating for 5,500.

So that makes the OCP a pipedream?
Nope.
Because they'll ignore the steep slope rules and build it.
Because they're government...because they're a university.

But this relegates the OCP to pipedream status:



 "...may not be achieved but are continuously strived(sic) for."

Consider this:
"Local shopping opportunities" page 18
"Good transit services, even light rail"

Shopping?  in a community located 7 minutes from downtown Vernon?
Light rail?
Sheesh.

Back to the amphitheatre.

Here are segments of a letter to the editor from Joan Rowan, Concerned Neighbours of Okanagan College, Vernon Campus:

"We believe that this is not a suitable location for the following reasons:  The two large gullies are the only natural habitat left within the enclave bounded by College Way, Kickwillie Loop Road and Highway 97.

The steep slopes of this historic glacial gully are composed of fine textured soils that are subject to erosion due to runoff from the sports complex, the college parking lot and the bypass.  Considerable funds have already been expended to control drainage into and through this gully.

The gully is an ecologically sensitive site comprising steep slopes, sensitive, native bunchgrass cover, with arrow leaf balsam root, prickly pear cactus, and sumac.  It is home to the threatened western gopher (bull) snake and hawks are regularly seen hunting over the open grasslands.

The concept plans for the amphitheatre portray green, grassy slopes all around the amphitheatre where up to 4,500 additional (1,500 in amphitheatre) people can sit.  This would require removing all of the native vegetation and planting irrigated turf on these over-steep, highly erodible slopes.  Access to the amphitheatre for equipment and event staging would be off Kickwillie Loop Road, close to the College Way junction.  This location for an access for large trucks and vans would present considerable safety risks and inconvenience to local traffic..."   Joan Rowan.

Now, look back (above) at Areas 1 - 4 "rules" governed by the Official Community Pipedream...er...a...Plan.

Remember that you're a resident of Saskatchewan or Alberta considering retiring here...or purchasing acreage.
Consider also just how much bureaucratic interference occurs here in the North Okanagan, and British Columbia generally.

This letter from a Coldstream resident (entitled Controlled Living at its Best, July 8, 2012) will open a prospective resident's eyes...especially if they hail from Saskatchewan or Alberta (where a modicum of self-determination and empowerment still exist).



"...hate bureaucracy and all the nonsense that comes with it."  Jack Welch, former CEO General Electric

OCP.
Official community pipedream...
with rules that apply to residents, but not government...or universities.