Our Official Community Plan (OCP)

The Official Community Plan sets policy direction and reflects community aspirations and goals. It provides a foundation for decision making through statements of objectives and policies. The Plan provides a degree of certainty about what future development may be permitted in the community, addressing appropriateness and scale, and guiding business and development toward appropriate locations.

The Town adopted its Official Community Plan, called Ladysmith Unparalleled in 2023, following a comprehensive review that began in 2021. A key pillar of the process was community engagement, which remained central throughout. Public participation included a Big Ideas Fair, workshops, walk-shops, bike-shops, surveys, a community “plancake” breakfast. The plan was available for public review eight months prior to the required public hearing, and adopted with amendments based on public feedback.

In 2024, Ladysmith Unparalleled received the Silver Award for Excellence in Policy Planning (Small Town & Rural Areas) from the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC), recognizing its innovative and forward-thinking approach. The Town’s inclusive engagement process allowed community members, staff, key contributors, the steering committee, and Council to shape a shared long-term vision for Ladysmith.

The Official Community Plan Bylaw 2022, No. 2200 includes the following documents: