Burns Lake’s official community plan (OCP), which sets out the community’s vision and future goals, was adopted by council on April 19, 2017.
According to the OCP, there is “a clear desire” to diversify the local economic base beyond reliance on mining and the forest products industry.
The forest products industry in B.C. has been facing several challenges, including countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. government and an impending reduction in annual allowable cut. The Village of Burns Lake has already secured over $115,000 to develop a project intended to diversify the local economy.
The OCP identifies tourism and agriculture as “key opportunities” for Burns Lake. It also states that creating a “safe, vibrant and pedestrian-friendly” commercial district, as well as improving recreational opportunities, would help attract new residents and visitors.
The OCP anticipates that the population of Burns Lake will increase by one per cent per year over the next 10 years. However, according to Statistics Canada’s 2016 census, the population of Burns Lake actually decreased by 250 persons since 2011.
Utilizing the projected population growth rates, the OCP estimates that the village would need to prepare to accommodate a total of 83 housing units by 2025. In June 2016, an inventory of existing residential parcels within the village found 66 vacant parcels that could be “relatively easily developed” for residential purposes.
The OCP’s review process began in January 2016 with the distribution of a public survey regarding land use and development issues, and the holding of an open house at the village office to introduce the review process to the public.
In February 2016, Burns Lake council appointed an advisory group consisting of stakeholders, members of the public and First Nations representatives. A preliminary draft of the OCP was reviewed by the advisory group during a series of meetings in 2016.
The OCP draft that resulted from the review process was presented to the Burns Lake council in August 2016 and taken to the public for comment at another open house in October 2016. The final draft of the OCP was updated based on comments received from council, village staff and the public.
A bylaw to adopt the OCP was carried during the April 19, 2017 council meeting following a public hearing.