The Town of Blaine Lake and Village of Marcelin held an Official Community Plan (OCP) open house to unveil its inter-municipal plan draft March 1 at Blaine Lake Community Hall.
Approximately 20 interested members of the communities stopped by to check out and discuss the OCP.
Over the course of a year the Town of Blaine Lake and Village of Marcelin have been working with Prairie Wild Consulting Co., a contracted planning firm, to develop the key components of an inter-municipal plan. The plan with respective zoning bylaws will provide a comprehensive policy framework to assist in guiding the communities' values, vision and goals for economic, social, environmental and cultural development, and guide future land use decisions over the next 20 to 25 years.
Representatives from both town and village councils were in attendance thoughout the open house session.
Although the open house is just a preliminary stage of the process, Lenore Swystun emphasized the importance of having everyone's input and that by hosting the event in a neutral, non-intimidating atmosphere provides an opportunity for everyone to participate. This was one opportunity for the general public to view the document and offer suggestions and recommendations for any changes whether additions or deletions. Karen Sander of Prairie Wild Consulting was also in attendance to discuss and answer any questions.
The next step in the official process involves giving the bylaw the first reading at a council meeting. Then, council's intent to adopt the OCP must be advertised publicly for two consecutive weeks, which will then be followed by a public hearing. Following the public hearing, the OCP will go through second and third readings before being forwarded to the minster for approval.
The OCP is a living breathing process and by having an OCP in place shows future investors that the communities involved are proactive and supportive of future growth and development. By having an OCP in place reduces the waiting time if an investor or developer should take interest in the area.
Drafts are available to everyone by contacting the Town of Blaine Lake or Village of Marcelin offices. It is available electronically or can be printed for a nominal fee.
