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Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
2
History of təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra
14
Acknowledgements
3
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) History
14
Introduction
4
Municipal History
14
Location and Planning Area
5
Present Day Community Context
16
Official Community Plans: An Overview
5
Environmental Characteristics
16
What Is An OCP?
5
Population and Growth Forecasts
16
What Does an OCP Include?
5
Housing Needs
17
How Does an OCP Relate to Other Plans?
6
Existing Community Services
18
Existing Infrastructure
18
Components of the Plan
6
Community Character
19
Vision
6
Emerging Priorities
19
Strategic Goals
6
Policies
7
Vision and Strategic Goals
20
Maps
7
Vision
20
Strategic Goals
20
Regional Context Statement
7
Metro 2050 Vision
7
Key Policy Areas
20
Create A Compact Urban Area
8
Natural Environment
20
Support A Sustainable Economy
8
Hazard Lands
28
Protect The Environment
8
Climate Change
31
Address Climate Change
9
Mobility
34
Respond To Natural Hazards
9
Municipal Infrastructure
40
Provide Diverse and Affordable Housing Choices
9
Financial Sustainability
41
Support Sustainable Transportation Choices
9
Housing and Land Use
45
Communication, Collaboration & Reconciliation
54
OCP Planning Process: An Overview
10
Implementation
56
Project Timeline
10
A Planning Process with Four Phases
10
Appendices
Appendix A - Indigenous History
58
Community Engagement
11
Appendix B - Metro 2050 Regional Context Statement
61
OCP Review Webpage
11
OCP Review Committee
12
Maps Schedule
Stakeholder Interviews
12
Engaging Tsleil-Waututh Nation
12
Summary of Community Engagement Activities
13
Figure 1 - OCP Context
Figure 2 - OCP Aerial Photograph
Figure 3 - OCP Neighbouring Jurisdictions
Figure 4 - OCP Parks and Recreation
Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Figure 6 - Metro Vancouver Land Use Designations
Figure 7 - OCP Transportation
Figure 8 - OCP Water Infrastructure
Figure 9 - OCP Land Use Designations
Figure 10 - OCP Community Facilities
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Village of Belcarra (Belcarra) recognizes that updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) was a collective effort.
Many voices and perspectives contributed to the drafting of this important policy document and the Village thanks
you for your efforts. Special thanks to the OCP Review Committee for making this planning process so successful.
təmtəmíxʷtən, or Belcarra, is home to an ancestral village of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Belcarra is
grateful for the meaningful contributions made by səlilwətaɬ with whom we share part of their traditional territory.
Belcarra appreciates the support Village staff provided as well as input received from our neighbouring municipalities
and key stakeholder groups. Belcarra is proud of the community interest in the new OCP and thanks residents for
engaging in the planning process through community surveys and open houses.
Belcarra OCP Review Committee
Ian Devlin, Chair
Ralph Drew, Vice Chair
Larry Carlsen, Member
Paul Degraaf, Member
Jol Drake, Member
Kevin Ferris, Member
Tracy McRae, Member
Mary-Ann Pope, Member
Sandra Rietchel, Member
Janet Ruzycki, Member
Angela Yin, Member
Council Liaison
Councillor Carolina Clark
Village of Belcarra Staff
Paula Richardson, CAO
Stewart Novak,
Public Works & Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator
Lorna Dysart, former CAO
Dennis Back, Acting CAO
Stakeholder Groups
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Metro Vancouver Planning Department
Metro Vancouver Parks Department
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce
TransLink
BC Hydro
Public Works and Engineering
Sasamat Outdoor Centre
City of Port Moody
Sasamat Fire Department
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:
Planning & Consulting
Phil Chapman, Chapman
Planning & Consulting
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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INTRODUCTION
The Village of Belcarra (Belcarra) is located on the eastern shore of Indian Arm about 1.5 km north of Burrard Inlet
within the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Belcarra is a unique community surrounded by nature,
within Metro Vancouver that is a short 10-minute drive from Port Moody and a 45-minute drive from downtown
Vancouver. The Village has 700 residents and is surrounded by təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth
Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park.
Belcarra is a jewel of Metro Vancouver offering a unique spectacular natural setting in a larger urban context. The
Village is entirely residential with its municipal office, community hall and public works yard as the centre piece of
municipal government and gathering place for Village residents. Surrounding təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park
provides ready access to popular walking, hiking and biking trails, and water activities at both a salt water beach and
a freshwater lake. Belcarra is a popular regional destination for hikers, scuba divers, water skiers, and those seeking
a quiet respite from the city.
The Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 615, 2023 (the "OCP") represents a milestone in the
development of the community as a document that recognizes Belcarra's past, present and future. The OCP was
created with substantial input from residents, including the OCP Review Committee and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
The Village supports advancing the Calls to Action under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and affirms the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The engagement process for the OCP offered an
opportunity for relationship building with Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Throughout the planning process, it was clear that
residents wanted to strike a balance between maintaining the community character they hold dear and charting a
future that considers social, environmental, and financial sustainability.
Belcarra is a rural community with an aging demographic on the edge of a growing and urbanizing region. The OCP
will be a valuable tool for navigating the future amidst the mounting pressures from its neighbours and the realities
of the changing climate. The OCP embodies the vision of Belcarra residents and presents a land use framework
designed to guide community development over the next 5 to 10 years. The OCP provides a balanced approach and
direction for land use development and other key policies that will shape how Belcarra will respond in the face of a
dynamic future.
Harbour Seals - Mother and Pup - Belcarra Bay 2021
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission
Definition of Reconciliation
"Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a
mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country."
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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LOCATION AND PLANNING AREA
Belcarra is located on the eastern shore of Indian Arm in Metro Vancouver as shown on Figure 1 - Context Map.
Belcarra, which encompasses 5.5 km2, is home to Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park and təmtəmíxʷtən
/Belcarra Regional Park. Over 70 percent of the land is designated 'Conservation and Recreation Area' by Metro
Vancouver on account of its environmentally sensitive areas and extensive trail network. Belcarra's natural beauty
is evident on Figure 2 - Aerial Photograph Map.
Belcarra shares municipal boundaries with the City of Port Moody and the Village of Anmore. These municipalities,
along with the City of Coquitlam and the City of Port Coquitlam, are referred to as the Northeast sub-region by Metro
Vancouver. Belcarra also shares a municipal boundary with the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Electoral
Area 'A' as shown on Figure 3 - Neighbouring Jurisdictions Map.
Belcarra includes Hamber Island, Jug Island, Racoon Island, and Twin Islands. Jug Island is part of təmtəmíxʷtən
/Belcarra Regional Park while Racoon Island and Twin Islands are part of Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial
Park. Both parks are identified on Figure 4 - Parks and Recreation Map.
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLANS: AN OVERVIEW
What is an OCP?
An OCP describes the long-term vision of a community and
includes strategic objectives and policies that guide planning
and land use management. An OCP presents the long-term
development plans for a community and addresses matters
like housing, environment, mobility, recreation, servicing,
communication, and implementation. An OCP is an important
policy document because it outlines how a local government
plans to exercise its powers. Municipalities have the authority
to develop OCPs under the Local Government Act. Once
adopted, all bylaws enacted (or works undertaken) must be
consistent with the OCP.
What does an OCP include?
The Local Government Act requires municipalities
to include the following in their OCPs:
-
the approximate location, amount, type and density
of residential development required to meet anticipated housing needs for the next five (5) years;
-
the approximate location, amount and type of existing and proposed land uses (e.g., residential,
commercial, industrial, etc.);
-
the approximate location and area of sand and gravel deposits suitable for future extraction;
-
the location and phasing of major road and water systems;
-
restrictions on the use of hazardous or environmentally sensitive lands;
-
the approximate location and type of present and proposed public facilities, including schools, parks and
waste treatment and disposal facilities;
-
housing policies for affordable housing, rental housing, and special needs housing; and
-
targets and policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
An OCP may designate areas that require special treatment for certain purposes e.g., hazard protection areas,
revitalization areas, and objectives related to built form and character.
At a municipal level, the OCP is informed by Belcarra's 2023 Strategic Plan, 2021 Housing Needs Report, Bedwell Bay
Sustainability Plan (2007); and a broad collection of policies and bylaws. The OCP is the highest-order municipal land
use plan -- it informs a municipality's Zoning Bylaw and any neighbourhood or area plans the community may have.
The OCP will inform the Zoning Bylaw which will play a major role in implementing the OCP's policies.
An Official Community Plan should be
exactly what the name suggests:
-
Official, meaning it is adopted by
the Mayor and Council.
-
Community, meaning it should
reflect the community's desires
and vision for the future.
-
Plan, meaning there is a relevant
strategy for achieving future goals
and objectives.
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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How does an OCP relate to other Plans?
An OCP is informed by many other regional,
municipal, and area plans. At a regional level, the
OCP must be consistent with Metro Vancouver's
Metro 2050 Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) and
informed by Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks
Plan and TransLink's Transport 2050 all of which
provide overarching policy frameworks for
population growth, parks and recreation areas across the region and our regional transportation network. At an area
level, the Belcarra OCP is informed by the OCP's of neighbouring Port Moody and Village of Anmore, the Vancouver
Fraser Port Authority's Land Use Plan (particularly policies related to the Indian Arm Planning Area), the Belcarra
Regional Park Cultural Planning and Cooperation Agreement between Metro Vancouver and Tsleil-Waututh Nation
and the Burrard Inlet Action Plan prepared by Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
These plans, policies, and more informed the Belcarra OCP and how the community will manage growth and
development within the community over the next 5 to 10 years.
COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN
The OCP is guided by a vision statement that is supported by strategic goals, policies, and land use maps. These four
(4) components work together to create a comprehensive policy framework to guide growth and development
within Belcarra for the next 5 to 10 years.
Vision
The vision statement guides the OCP and provides overarching direction for the strategic goals and policies. The
vision statement was crafted with input provided by the community through a fulsome public engagement process.
Residents completed a community visioning survey and participated in roundtable discussions (focused on visioning)
as part of the first open house. The vision statement captures Belcarra's character and the community's aspirations
for the future.
Strategic Goals
The OCP contains ten (10) strategic goals that are easy-to-remember statements of what needs to be accomplished
to move the vision forward. The strategic goals were informed by community feedback provided through the
engagement process. Community members were asked (through a survey and roundtable discussions at a public
open house) what needed to change in order for their vision to become a reality. The answers to that question
helped inform the strategic goals presented in this plan.
Policies
The policies provide direction on which day-to-day decisions are based. Policies should be measurable, accurate,
reliable, and time-bound wherever possible to be effective. The policies of this plan, which are intended to be read
together, represent steps Belcarra should take to achieve its vision.
Maps
The maps complement the policies and translate the vision and strategic goals into tangible land uses. The maps are
intended to be read alongside the policies for clarity and context. The maps identify what policies apply to what land
in a way that is informative and easy to understand. See maps schedule attached to this document.
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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REGIONAL CONTEXT STATEMENT
The Local Government Act requires all municipalities to provide a Regional
Context Statement (RCS) as a component of an OCP if the regional district in
which they are located has adopted a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). The
purpose of including a Regional Context Statement is to identify how the OCP's
vision, goals, and policies support the objectives of the region now and in the
future. Municipal OCPs must be consistent with the policies of the RGS.
In 2019, the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) began updating the
Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping Our Future Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).
The new RGS, Metro 2050, was adopted by the MVRD Board of Directors on
July 29th, 2022, when a significant majority of Metro Vancouver municipal
councils (22 of 24) adopted resolutions endorsing the new RGS. The Village of
Belcarra accepted by Council resolution the Metro 2050 RGS on June 20, 2022.
Metro 2050 Vision
"Metro Vancouver is a region of diverse, equitable, and complete communities connected by sustainable
transportation choices where residents take pride in vibrant neighbourhoods that offer a range of opportunities to
live, work, play, and learn, and where natural, agricultural, and employment lands are protected and enhanced."
"Shaping long-term growth and development in the region is essential to meeting this vision in a way that protects
the natural environment, fosters community well-being, fuels economic prosperity, provides local food security,
improves social equity, provides diverse and affordable housing choices, ensures the efficient provision of utilities
and transit, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves resilience to climate change impacts and natural
hazards."
In achieving this vision, the Metro 2050 RGS specifies five fundamental goals:
-
create a compact urban area;
- support a sustainable economy;
-
protect the environment, address climate change, and respond to natural hazards;
-
provide diverse and affordable housing choices; and
-
support sustainable transportation choices.
The new Metro 2050 RGS differs from the previous Metro 2040 RGS in that greater emphasis is placed on policies
that support resiliency to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, and it expands on plans for housing
choice and affordability. There are new regional targets such as protecting 50% of the land base for nature,
expanding the urban tree canopy to 40%, and ensuring that at least 15% of new and redeveloped housing units in
urban centres and along frequent transit corridors are affordable rental homes. Like the previous RGS, Metro 2050
anticipates that the region will grow by a million people requiring 500,000 new jobs and 500,000 new homes in the
designated urban parts of the region.
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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Create A Compact Urban Area
The purpose of this goal is to concentrate Metro Vancouver's growth in compact communities with access to a range
of housing choices close to employment, amenities, and services. The Metro 2050 RGS policies to achieve this goal
involve focusing urban development within the Urban Containment Boundary in Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas. The Village of Belcarra supports these objectives in principle through its Rural land use
designation as identified on Figure 6 - Land Use Designation Map, which is intended to remain a primarily low-
density residential community. These land use designations will prevent Belcarra from drawing urban development
out of the Urban Containment Boundary and away from Urban Centres.
Belcarra's population increased from 643 residents in 2016 to 687 in 2021. Overall, this was a 6.8% population
increase over a 5-year timeline. Metro 2050 RGS anticipates growth to continue to occur across the region; however,
Belcarra is located outside of Metro Vancouver's Urban Containment Boundary and is designated a Rural area in the
Metro 2050 RGS, with no Urban Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas. While some growth may be
necessary in order to maintain a fiscally sustainable municipality, Belcarra is a small community with a limited land
base within its municipal boundaries for future residential development, so future population growth is anticipated
to be modest.
Support A Sustainable Economy
The Metro 2050 RGS protects the land base and transportation corridors needed to foster a vibrant regional
economy. Industrial and agricultural areas are protected, and commerce is directed towards the Urban Centers.
Again, due to its isolated location in the region, Belcarra is not projected to substantially contribute to the growing
regional economy but the OCP contains policies to support this general direction.
This OCP supports home-based businesses and has added a "commercial" land use designation that reflects the
community's desire to become a greener and more sustainable Village. The OCP supports small-scale retail and
commercial uses that serve the needs of the community as well as low-impact tourism uses that provide services to
both residents and visitors.
Protect The Environment
This Metro 2050 RGS goal focuses on the region's Conservation and Recreation land to provide a connected network
of protected green spaces across the region. It is also intended to encourage a land use and transportation pattern
that reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gases and is able to withstand climate change impacts and the
risk of natural hazards.
The guiding objectives in this OCP emphasize the importance of preserving the natural environment. Environmental
policies within this OCP promote the protection and stewardship of Conservation and Recreation lands and
environmental systems and features throughout the municipality and emphasize environmental protection through
partnerships with local, regional, provincial, federal and indigenous organizations.
Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map shows the areas identified by both Metro Vancouver (MV) and the
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) as environmentally sensitive areas within Belcarra's municipal boundaries
that require protection.
Figure 6 - Regional Land Use Map delineates the areas designated "Conservation and Recreation" that comprise
regionally significant natural assets, major parks, watersheds and ecologically important areas, including
təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park that comprise 70% of
Belcarra's municipal land area.
Land use policies within the Rural residential designation provide the context for development approaches that
protect hillsides and environmental features through clustering or other innovative approaches. The OCP also
encourages the community to respect natural features, manage invasive plant species, maintain native plant species,
The following describes how Belcarra's Official Community Plan relates to the goals of the Metro 2050 RGS.
Village of Belcarra
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Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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limit light pollution through promotion of "Dark Sky" strategies, and protect freshwater and marine riparian areas
consistent with the Province's Riparian Areas Regulation.
Address Climate Change
Belcarra is a signatory of the B.C. Climate Action Charter that commits municipalities to:
1) becoming carbon neutral in their corporate actions;
2) measuring and reporting their greenhouse
gas emissions; and
3) creating complete, compact, and more energy efficient communities.
This OCP also addresses greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies and identifies a number of initiatives that
Belcarra can pursue to reduce energy consumption and emissions. This OCP also supports B.C. Climate Action
community initiatives by providing information and education, and encouraging fuel switching and the adoption of
efficient energy practices; for example, replacing wood burning stoves, and purchasing electric vehicles and
yard-maintenance equipment.
Respond To Natural Hazards
Metro Vancouver has many areas where natural hazards will be increasingly and negatively impacted by climate
change. The Metro 2050 RGS seeks to protect the population and the natural environment by advancing land use,
infrastructure, and human settlement patterns that improve resilience to climate change impacts and natural
hazards.
Belcarra's natural setting, while tranquil, also exposes it to risks from natural hazards. Understanding and preparing
for these natural hazards is critically important to ensure long-term community stability. This OCP includes policies
addressing emergency response planning and policies designed to respond to specific hazards including flooding,
sea level rise, and wildfire.
Provide Diverse and Affordable Housing Choices
The Metro 2050 RGS seeks to contain urban development within the designated Urban Containment Boundary. By
focusing the majority of urban development in identified Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas it
also protects Rural lands from future high density urban development. The Metro RGS limits the scale, form, and
density of new development to that which is consistent with the intent of the Rural land use designation.
A goal of the Belcarra community is to preserve low-density forms of housing and Belcarra's semi-rural character.
Future residential development could occur on Crown land and some water access only properties if jurisdictional
issues can be resolved by the municipality and legal road access to the latter can be created by the private land
owners. As well, various residential housing forms, including secondary suites, coach houses, duplexes, triplexes,
and fourplexes, are options that can accommodate future growth in the central part of the Village where water and
transit services exist. New residential development will look a lot like existing residential development in terms of
its form, character, and scale. The intent is to provide a mix of housing options to better meet community housing
needs that make the most efficient use of municipal infrastructure while blending-in with the existing character of
the Village.
Support Sustainable Transportation Choices
The Metro 2050 RGS seeks to co-ordinate land use and transportation that will result in the efficient movement of
people and goods and will encourage transit, cycling, and walking.
This OCP supports continued transit use (see Figure 7 - Transportation Map), promotes improved transit ridership,
and encourages ride-sharing and ride-hailing opportunities. The OCP speaks to the development of bicycle and
pedestrian pathway networks (see Figure 4 - Parks and Recreation Map), and promotes active transportation
including walking, rolling, cycling, jogging, and the use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Further details of how this OCP relates to the goals and policies of the Metro 2050 RGS are provided in Appendix B.
Village of Belcarra
2024 Official Community Plan
Village of Belcarra Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 621, 2024
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Bedwell Bay - View from West Road
OCP PLANNING PROCESS: AN OVERVIEW
Project Timeline
Council identified an OCP Review as a strategic priority within the 2020-2024 Corporate Strategic Plan. Council
initiated the OCP Review process in December 2021 with the appointment of an OCP Review Committee and a
professional planning consultant. Council originally identified July 2022 as the target for adopting a new OCP for
Belcarra. However, several unanticipated events caused the adoption of the OCP to delay until 2023.
A Planning Process with Four Phases
The OCP Review planning process was structured into four phases: 1) Project Launch and Background Review;
2) Information Gathering and Visioning; 3) Plan Development; and 4) Plan Adoption.
Phase 1: Project Launch and Background Review
The OCP Review was officially launched in January 2022 when the original planning consultants met with Village
administration and the OCP Review Committee for the first time. Phase 1 involved a lot of due diligence work (review
of existing policies, bylaws, and reports provided by Belcarra). This work was supplemented by conversations with
Village staff and comprehensive site visits across the lands and surrounding waters of the community.
Phase 2: Information Gathering and Visioning
Information was gathered through stakeholder interviews. The purpose of the interviews was to confirm what
policies, plans, and regulations applied to Belcarra and how the policies should be interpreted. Information was also
gathered through the development of base mapping that served as the foundation for all OCP maps. Provincial and
regional datasets were used to build the OCP base map.
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Phase 2 included three (3) visioning exercises with the community:
1) a community survey
2) a public open house
3) a workshop with OCP Review Committee members
Community values and aspirations were identified through the engagement processes as well emerging priorities.
Phase 3: Plan Development
Input provided by the OCP Review Committee; Belcarra residents; Village staff; stakeholders; and Tsleil-Waututh
Nation was themed and analyzed. The input was used to craft the June 24, 2022, Draft OCP -- a strong policy
framework believed by the consultants to reflect the shared needs and interests of the community. The initial draft
OCP was circulated to those noted above, and revisions were made mostly by the OCP Review Committee to produce
a second draft of the Plan dated September 2022. With the departure of the original consultant team Council decided
to suspend the planning process to allow for the coming civic election period and the hiring of a second consultant.
This consultant was tasked to complete the agency and community review process, produce a final draft version of
the OCP and assist in completing the plan adoption process.
Phase 4: Plan Adoption
Building on the OCP Review Committee's September 2022 draft, the second consultant reviewed comments from
all stakeholders, provided additional revisions and structural changes to bring greater clarity and cohesion to the
OCP to better ensure the community's vision and goals are met.
The final draft was referred to Public Hearing, amended as directed by Village Council and adopted by Council as
Bylaw No. 621, 2024 on ________________, 2024.
COMMUNITY & OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Two phases of public engagement were undertaken by the original planning consultants between January and June
2022 to inform the OCP planning process. Belcarra is home to many engaged residents who took the time to share
their thoughts and perspectives on how the community should grow and develop over the next 10 years.
A project webpage was launched in January 2022 to publish materials related to the OCP for public reference and
information. All community posters were published on the webpage along with presentations made at open houses
and video recordings of the events.
The first phase included creating posters to
provide information about the planning
process and how to participate in the various
activities designed to identify the defining
characteristics of the community, develop a
vision of Belcarra in the future and help
identify emerging priorities that the plan
should address.
These activities included: a community
survey which was completed by 111
residents; a virtual open house that was
attended by 55 residents, staff, and elected
officials; and a passive open house for those
unable to attend the virtual one. An advertisement was also placed in the 'Belcarra Barnacle' announcing the launch
of the OCP Review.
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The second phase of public engagement focussed on a review of a draft vision and set of strategic goals to guide the
plan and to involve the community in the development of the plan policies and maps. Feedback was gathered
primarily from a virtual open house and written responses from Belcarra residents. 34 residents, staff and elected
officials participated in the open house.
OCP Review Committee
To assist the original planning consultants Council appointed an 11-member OCP Review Committee:
1. to help gather and disseminate information, assess priorities, determine objectives, and provide feedback
throughout the planning process.
2. to help educate the public about the planning process and spread the word about public engagement
opportunities in the community.
3. to share experience and expertise from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The 11-member OCP Review Committee participated in monthly meetings with the Village's original planning
consultants to craft Belcarra's updated OCP. The Committee met twelve (12) times over the planning process to
share research, discuss best practices, and make recommendations on how different policy areas could be updated
and/or included in the updated OCP. The original planning consultants left the project, and another consultant was
hired to complete the planning process.
Stakeholder Interviews
Belcarra invited neighbouring municipalities and key stakeholders to provide input into the OCP Review. A total of
10 stakeholder interviews were conducted between January and June 2022. These stakeholders included the
following:
-
Metro Vancouver Planning
-
Metro Vancouver Parks
-
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
-
TransLink
-
BC Hydro
-
City of Port Moody
-
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
-
Sasamat Outdoor Centre
-
Sasamat Fire Department
-
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
Additionally, the initial June 2022 draft Belcarra OCP was circulated to neighbouring municipalities and key
stakeholders for review and comment.
Engaging səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
Belcarra officials have met with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) representatives, on a government-to-government
basis, to collaborate on the OCP Review and wish to thank them for enriching this planning process. Belcarra is
committed to advancing reconciliation within the community and working towards developing a stronger working
relationship with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The Village recognizes that the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has a referrals
process that assesses proposed projects within the Village's boundaries. To that end several policies have been
included in the OCP to invite future consultation and collaborations on projects of mutual interest.
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Summary of Community Engagement Activities
Additional responses to the June and September drafts of the OCP from local residents and neighbouring
jurisdictions were also received and considered in finalizing the draft OCP. Copies of these submissions are on file
in the Village office.
Bedwell Bay - View looking northeast toward Buntzen Ridge
Village of Belcarra
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HISTORY OF TƏMTƏMÍXʷTƏN/BELCARRA
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) History
Before colonization, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) had a large population of over 10,000 members. səlilwətaɬ
moved around their villages on Burrard Inlet to better access available resources based on the season. Health of
their community included the health of the land and connection to their cultural practices, encompassed a holistic
approach to well-being that continues today. Even after disease, the enactment of the reserve system and loss of
much of their traditional lands, səlilwətaɬ continues to be a strong, resilient community who are working toward re-
instating their stewardship over their ancestral lands and waters.
təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra is the location of a village of the səlilwətaɬ. səlilwətaɬ have occupied təmtəmíxʷtən/ Belcarra
since time immemorial. səlilwətaɬ utilized and traveled the area in and around təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra to hunt,
harvest, and practice ceremony and səlilwətaɬ members continue to use the area to connect to the land and pass
on knowledge. Continued use and occupancy of təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra is recognized through səlilwətaɬ's oral
history, Stewardship Policy (2009) and is also reflected in the recently ratified Belcarra Regional Park Cultural
Planning and Co-operation Agreement (2020) with Metro Vancouver Parks.
Municipal History
The Village of Belcarra is located within the traditional territory of Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Colonial settlement of the
area began in 1859, when the Burrard Inlet and North Arm areas were mapped by the Royal Navy survey ship H.M.S.
Plumper.
The first landowner was John Hall, a hand-logger and farmer who in 1870 pre-empted approximately 160 acres
(District Lot 229) covering the present-day location of the Belcarra picnic grounds and southern half of Belcarra
Peninsula. In 1882 Hall's land was transferred to his lawyer, William Norman Bole, who developed the land as a
summer destination for his family. As a native of Ireland, Bole used two Celtic words to describe the area. Baal,
meaning "sun", and Carra, meaning a "lovely land", were combined to create "Belcarra" - The Fair Land Upon Which
The Sun Shines.
Bole's acquired land was eventually sold and subdivided in 1908 to create waterfront residences and cottages. By
1911, upwards of 70 cottages had been built at Belcarra Bay and Bedwell Bay that varied in both size and structure.
These cottages were built as summer accommodations for residents across the Lower Mainland.
The abundance of natural resources within the Belcarra area made it a prime location for industry. In 1870, the first
Timber Lease was issued to the Moodyville Mill on the eastern shore of Bedwell Bay. A second phase of logging
within the Bedwell Bay area occurred between 1900 and 1905.
Between 1907 and 1917, the Bedwell Bay Federal Crown Land was surveyed and subdivided into "200 villa-style
lots". By the time the first lots were sold in 1911 the area was named "Woodhaven".
The cottage owners originally accessed their lots along the North Arm and Bedwell Bay by water. In 1908, the 'New
Brighton Ferry Company' formed a ferry service that provided passage from Vancouver to the Belcarra Park picnic
grounds. The service was sold to the 'Harbour Navigation Company' in 1920, which developed amenities such as a
picnic shelter, concession stand, dance hall, and a wharf within the park.
Through the 1930s, the idea of a road to Belcarra began but construction did not begin until 1952 with an extension
from the present-day First Avenue in Ioco to the Sasamat Lake pump house.
YMCA purchased a large parcel of land in the Belvedere (Farrer Cove) area in 1946 and the following year opened
'Camp Howdy', a popular summer youth camp. The camp was a much-loved part of the community for the next 60
years until its closure in 2006. The property is now owned by Evangelical Laymen's Church of Canada which offers
religious services for its congregation and operates a tearoom and bakery.
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In 1979, the 'Village of Belcarra' was incorporated as a municipality. Since its incorporation, the construction of
single-family homes has continued throughout the community. Use of təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park
increased substantially during the 1980s and 1990s, creating a need for alternate road access to accommodate
higher traffic volumes. Bedwell Bay Road, which had served as the only road access to the Belcarra picnic grounds,
was replaced in 1996 by Tum-Tumay-Whueton Drive as the primary road access to the picnic grounds.
In the last 10 years, development has increased minimally due to the physical barriers presented by the limited
amount of developable land, in addition to key natural environmental features that are to be conserved and
protected. Although development has generally been insignificant, regional park and trail usership has continued to
grow substantially over time. In 2021, Tsleil-Waututh renamed the area as təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park in
recognition of Tsleil-Waututh Nation's village. "təmtəmíxʷtən" means "biggest place for all the people" in
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ . The 1,100 hectare (2,718 acre) regional park is a popular destination for Metro Vancouver visitors and
residents alike.
Schooners 'Sutil' and 'Mexicana': Drawing by José Cardero, Museo Naval, Madrid
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PRESENT DAY COMMUNITY CONTEXT
Environmental Characteristics
Belcarra is characterized by its picturesque landscape and pristine natural features, making it a unique place to visit
and reside. The waterfront views and wooded trails offer an abundance of natural beauty that can be captured
across the community. Portions of təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm
Provincial Park are located within the Village's boundary. These parks, and some surrounding areas, are designated
in the Metro 2050 RGS as Conservation and Recreation land due to their significant environmental contribution to
the region. Wildlife and natural features under this designation are protected through a range of provincial and
regional initiatives. Since 2007, the Bedwell Bay Sustainability Plan, created in partnership with the Vancouver Fraser
Port Authority (VFPA), has provided a strategic vision for the protection of the tidal zones, riparian areas, and natural
features within the Bedwell Bay area of Belcarra. These conservation efforts will be continued in partnership with
the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Metro Vancouver and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to sustain the natural beauty
that contributes to the distinctive character of the community.
Issues and actions related to the environment are outlined in the Natural Environment section below.
Population and Growth Forecasts
According to federal census data, Belcarra's population increased from 643 residents in 2016 to 687 in 2021. Overall,
this is a 6.8% population increase over a 5-year timeline. The Metro 2050 RGS anticipates growth to continue to
occur across the region. However, Belcarra is designated as a Rural area and is not deemed a significant area for
growth as it is outside of Metro Vancouver's Urban Containment Boundary and has limited available land base to
accommodate future growth.
Belcarra is a small Village with a total land area of 5.5 square kilometres (km2) and only 30% (1.6 km2) is developable
area. Accordingly, the current population density of the Village is 124.8 overall per square kilometre and 416 for the
developable area. This is a low population density, especially when compared to other municipalities within the
region, such as the City of Vancouver, which has a population density of 5,249 per square kilometre. However, the
low population density within Belcarra is reflective of the overall rate of population growth and development. New
development in Belcarra is constrained by the availability of developable lots with appropriate services required for
construction. Innovative sewage disposal solutions, as approved by the Provincial Government and Fraser Health
Authority (FHA), could expand options for development over the next 20-year period.
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Table 1: Population, Dwelling Unit, and Employment Projections
Year
Population
Dwelling Units
Employment
2020
670
260
100
2030
690
270
110
2040
740
290
130
2050
790
310
140
Housing Needs
Belcarra is required, by the province, to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) every five years. The latest HNA
was completed in 2021 and identifies current conditions, anticipated trends, and expected housing needs for current
and future residents of Belcarra. A municipal level housing analysis uncovered the potential impact population
growth (at both the local and regional level) could have on housing requirements and needs within an area.
Belcarra has seen minimal population growth over the last 10 years, with an overall population increase of 44
residents between 2016 and 2021. Table 1 above provides Population, Dwelling Unit and Employment Projections
for 2021 to 2051 from Metro 2050.The average age of residents in Belcarra is 55.9, which exceeds the regional
average of 40.9 by a considerable amount. Most residents of the area are owners (90.4%) of single-detached
dwellings, which account for approximately 80% of the existing housing stock. With only a few young families with
children within Belcarra, the average household structure within the community is 1-person and 2-person (62.7%),
with a median household income of $128,250. In addition, most residents own their homes, with an overall median
home value of approximately $2 million. This significantly surpasses the regional median value of $800,000, making
home ownership unaffordable for most potential residents. The ability to accommodate future residential growth is
most likely dependant on what happens with the "Future Residential" areas indicated on Figure 9 OCP Land Use
Designation Map and the provision of legal road access to Farrer Cove properties. These issues are further discussed
in the Housing, Community & Land Use Designation section.
The HNA identified that only 9.6% of residents rented their home which reflects a lack of rental housing stock in the
community. Multi-unit housing forms (for example, coach houses and secondary suites) account for only 10% of the
current housing stock. The HNA identifies a need for a more diverse housing mix to accommodate the needs of the
aging population within the community. The HNA breaks down the current housing stock by number of bedrooms
and projects demand for different unit types as illustrated in Table 2 below. Although the total demand for housing
units in the next 5-year period is not expected to increase significantly beyond the need for 4 additional single-family
dwellings, the type of housing units is expected to change as demand for smaller units grows in response to Belcarra's
ageing population. A possible way to address this demand is discussed in the Housing, Community & Land Use
Designation section.
Belcarra is a community with an aging demographic with minimal available housing stock to accommodate its
changing demographics. As residents age, there is a growing demand for smaller spaces that are easier to maintain
and provide more opportunities for community building. In general, there is a need to expand housing diversity and
affordability within the community not only to reflect the needs of anticipated regional population growth but the
needs of current residents, many of whom have lived in the community for many years and wish to remain here.
In addition, it should be noted that as the current residents "age out" of the community due to lack of alternative
housing or the need for additional personal services the new population moving into the existing housing stock may
be larger households with children. This could increase Belcarra's population even without additional housing being
developed. This situation is also discussed further in the Housing, Community & Land Use Designation section.
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Table 2: Housing Needs Report Summary (2021)
Bedrooms
Current Supply
in 2021 (units)
Anticipated Needs
to 2026 (units)
Change
(units)
0
0
0
0
1
20
41
21
2
35
145
110
3+
205
78
-127
Total
260
264
4
Existing Community Services
The following provides a list of the key community facilities that exist within Belcarra and are shown on
Figure 10 - Community Facilities Map:
-
Fire Protection (Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department)
-
Solid Waste Management (central drop-off 'Waste and Recycling Depot')
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Street Lighting next to bus shelters
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Transit (TransLink Community Shuttle Bus)
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A multi-sport court
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Parks (Metro Vancouver and BC Parks)
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The Village Hall; and
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Local roads and pathways
Existing Infrastructure
Water System
Belcarra has a municipal water system that is shown on Figure 8 - Water Infrastructure Map.
Belcarra has had a water services agreement in place with the District of North Vancouver (DNV) since 2008. In 2011,
DNV became the primary source of potable water for Belcarra residents. The water system currently services the
majority of properties in the Belcarra Bay and Bedwell Bay areas. Concerns about the water system's capacity have
been a continual point of discussion in the community. Belcarra's original agreement with the DNV stated a
maximum instantaneous flow of 14 litres per second (L/s). The system flow was increased in 2019 to 20 L/s, and the
Village is actively pursuing ways to utilize existing storage capacity to the system to bolster its ability to provide
additional fire flows. Studies for improving the water system's capacity were completed in 2017 and 2022.
Residents living on water-access-only properties, and other areas in Belcarra that are not contiguous with the main
community, source their water from wells or other sources. There are also many properties in the contiguous
community that still get their domestic water from wells and are dependent on the oversight and approval of the
Fraser Health Authority to maintain the quality of their domestic water.
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COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Belcarra residents were asked: "What three words
would you use to describe Belcarra today?"
This question was posed to residents through a
community survey and a public open house. The
responses, which were amalgamated, were used to
create the word map below. The size of the word
reflects the number of times the word was reported.
For example, the word "beautiful" was reported the
most by Belcarra residents. This exercise contributed to
the vision statement presented below.
EMERGING PRIORITIES
The community engagement process identified policy areas that residents and the OCP Review Committee members
consider emerging priorities for Belcarra. The community provided feedback on emerging priorities through a
community-wide survey, a public open house, and a visioning workshop with the OCP Review Committee. In all
forums, the community was asked: "What emerging priorities should Belcarra be planning for?". All feedback was
themed, analyzed and reported. The top five themes from the three engagement activities were as follows:
Table 3: Emerging Priorities
Rank
Survey
Open House
Committee
1
Emergency Preparedness
Infrastructure & Servicing
Environmental
Management & Climate
Action
2
Infrastructure & Servicing
Emergency Preparedness
Infrastructure & Servicing
3
Financial Sustainability
Community Building &
Engagement
Preservation of Rural
Character
4
Housing & Population
Financial Sustainability
Financial Sustainability
5
Active Transportation
Active Transportation
Housing & Population
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VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
The vision and strategic goals of the plan are based on feedback provided through a community-wide survey, a public
open house, and a visioning workshop with the OCP Review Committee. Feedback from these engagement activities
was themed and analyzed to develop the vision and strategic goals presented here:
Vision
Strategic Goals
The following are the identified strategic goals; in no particular order:
-
To be a municipality that evolves sustainably, pursuing better connections between all areas of the community.
-
To be a steward of the natural environment.
-
To ensure long-term financial sustainability.
-
To advance indigenous reconciliation within the Belcarra community.
-
To be prepared for naturally occurring emergencies.
-
To be a Village that offers a range of housing options.
-
To be a safe place for residents and visitors to explore.
-
To be a community where residents feel engaged, informed, and heard.
-
To be connected to the region through strong inter-governmental relationships.
-
To develop a stronger sense of community by providing a place where residents can gather to socialize and
enjoy activities.
-
To meet the regional greenhouse gas reduction target.
KEY POLICY AREAS
The OCP is intended to be read as a whole. The key policy areas, when read together, form a comprehensive policy
framework to guide land use planning, growth, and development in Belcarra for the next 5 to 10 years.
1) Natural Environment (NE)
Belcarra is a coastal community on the shores of Indian Arm and Bedwell Bay. Belcarra is surrounded by conservation
and recreation areas comprised of environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands, woodlands, and riparian areas.
A number of creeks flow through Belcarra including Kitty Creek, Owens Brook, Farrer Creek, Capon Creek, Sasamat
Creek, Avalon Creek, Ray Creek, Bole Creek, Dutchman Creek, Robson Creek and Woodhaven Creek (Windermere
Creek). These creeks flow through mature forests, young forests, and riparian areas. The tree canopy is comprised
of a healthy mix of coniferous and deciduous trees that provide shelter for a host of forest dwellers including birds,
amphibians, deer, cougars, bobcats and bears. Belcarra works collaboratively with the Vancouver Fraser Port
Authority, BC Parks, Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation to manage and protect these
natural areas.
Belcarra is a peaceful Village 'between forest and sea'.
"Belcarra is a beautiful, quiet sanctuary 'between forest and sea'. We have a duty to
remember and honour its history, to protect and conserve its natural beauty, retain a village
community feel, and to care for and safeguard this special place for future generations."
The OCP has nine key policy areas:
1) Natural Environment
2) Hazard Lands
3) Climate Change
4) Mobility
5) Municipal Infrastructure
6) Financial Sustainability
7) Housing, Community & Land-Use Designations
8) Communication, Collaboration, and Reconciliation
9) Implementation
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Village of Belcarra - Aerial view circa 1980
Natural Environment Policies (NE): Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Areas
Belcarra is located within the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) Indian Arm planning area,
which extends from Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen) in the District of North Vancouver to the Indian
River estuary. Since time immemorial this territory has been home to the Tsleil-Waututh people.
Indian Arm was an important source of marine food and a key trade/travel route to support
təmtəmíxʷtən. (Tsleil-Waututh village site). The VFPA Land Use Plan provides a land use policy
framework to accommodate growth in a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible
way.
The VFPA has identified important environmental areas with fish and fish habitat value occurring
within (or near) intertidal zones, conservation areas, cultural areas, and estuaries of streams.
These areas provide food and shelter for wildlife and marine mammals living in Burrard Inlet and
are factors considered by the VFPA when making land use and development approval decisions.
Important environmental areas are identified on: Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map.
VFPA issues permits for all works and/or activities within their jurisdiction. This includes works in
connection with private utilities, shoreline repairs, private docks, and group wharfages for
example. It should be noted that the Village of Belcarra is not responsible for the construction,
alteration, removal and management of recreational docks and all marine and land development
applications by the village are referred to the VFPA. It should also be noted that VFPA continues to
restrict applications for new docks in Bedwell Bay but will continue to work with indigenous
groups, the Village of Belcarra and other interested stakeholders on a long-term management
approach to recreational docks in this location. Applications for docks and wharfages can be
applied for in Belcarra Bay and Indian Arm. Further details are available on the VFPA website.
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It is a policy of Council to:
Refer all land use planning and development applications, within
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority lands and waters, to the port authority to
confirm permitting and licencing requirements.
Support Vancouver Fraser Port Authority protecting eelgrass beds by
working with existing recreational waterlot licensees to ensure a minimum
depth of water below the float at low tide.
Collaborate with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Tsleil-Waututh
Nation on port authority led initiatives to monitor, protect, and enhance
critical riparian, marine, and estuarine environments.
Natural Environment Policies (NE): Regional Conservation and Recreation Areas
Seventy percent of Belcarra is designated "Conservation and Recreation" by the Metro 2050 RGS.
The "Conservation and Recreation" land use designation is intended to help protect significant
ecological and recreation assets like wildlife management areas, ecological reserves, forests,
wetlands, riparian areas, major parks and outdoor areas, and other ecosystems that may be
vulnerable to climate change and natural hazard impacts. Lands designated "Conservation and
Recreation" are shown on Figure 6 - Metro Vancouver Land Use Designations Map and include
places like təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial
Park. The popularity of these major parks has grown significantly especially over the last few years.
Part of this demand is caused by the lack of similar park spaces in other near-by communities that
have been experiencing rapid population growth.
It is a policy of Council to:
Protect and enhance conservation and recreation areas by promoting
buffers from adjacent uses.
Permit uses that are consistent with the intent of conservation and
recreation designation in the Metro 2050 RGS.
Strive for net ecosystem gains when developing and operating utility and
transportation infrastructure in regional conservation and recreation
areas.
Invite Tsleil-Waututh Nation to share their knowledge and history of the
regional conservation and recreation areas and support their efforts to
achieve the environmental and cultural initiatives outlined in Metro
Vancouver's Belcarra Cultural Planning and Co-operation Agreement
(2020) and the Say Nuth Khaw Park Management Plan (2010).
Support "Dark Sky" policies to reduce night-time light that can disturb the
environment and allow animals and insects to retain their normal life
cycles without interruption at night.
Support Regional and local initiatives to acquire additional park land
acquisition in the Northeast sub-region.
POLICY NE 1.
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Support Provincial initiatives to develop Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.
Encourage Metro Vancouver Parks to provide safe bicycle parking and/or
storage at Belcarra Regional Park high activity areas such as Sasamat Lake
and Belcarra picnic grounds.
Bedwell Bay - View looking north up Indian Arm
Natural Environment Policies (NE): Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Belcarra's natural beauty includes a collection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) that are
part of a complex ecological system that includes a variety of plant and wildlife. The ESAs were
designated by the Metro Vancouver Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory. Belcarra's ESAs include natural
features like eelgrass beds, mature forests, wetlands, woodlands, and riparian areas. Lands
identified as ESAs by Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) are shown
on Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map.
It is a policy of Council to:
Strive for net ecosystem gains when development occurs in
environmentally sensitive areas through planning and development
processes.
Require ecosystem restoration and improvement where possible.
Consider supporting the research and work being undertaken by Tsleil-
Waututh Nation, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Metro Vancouver to
identify, protect, and enhance Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
Update the municipality's Environmentally Sensitive Areas mapping as
new data becomes available.
POLICY NE 10.
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Natural Environment Policies (NE): Tree Canopy
Belcarra is located within a temperate rainforest that is comprised of young broadleaf trees and
mature coniferous trees. The forests surrounding the community contribute to its scenic beauty and
unique character. Belcarra residents value the surrounding forests and natural views as important
components for their health and well being. As the Village tree canopy matures, it is important to
protect its semi-rural character and well-established view corridors. Significant portions of the tree
canopy have been identified as ESAs on Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map, including
mature forests, woodlands, and young forests. Metro Vancouver also has a Regional Tree Canopy
Report (2019) which is expected to be updated in 2023 to help guide activities and uses proposed in
these areas.
It is a policy of Council to:
Support the management of trees on municipal property through the
Managing Trees, Views, and Landscapes Bylaw.
Support a balance between tree retention and view retention with regard
to the policy pertaining to tree management on municipal land, except
where Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are involved, then tree
retention should be prioritized.
Natural Environment Policies (NE): Invasive Species Management
Invasive species are those which occur outside their natural range. Invasive species can have
significant ecological, social and/or economic impacts once established. A catalogue (and map) of
invasive species found in Belcarra was prepared in 2014. Several invasive species, including
knotweed, giant hogweed, and Himalayan blackberry were identified and remain pervasive in the
community.
It is a policy of Council to:
Partner with the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver to update
the Invasive Species Catalogue and Map.
Develop an 'Invasive Species Management Plan' based on an updated
catalogue and map for the community and Metro Vancouver's Regional
Best Management Guides.
Partner with the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver to raise
awareness of invasive species (and invasive species management) through
posting information on Belcarra's website and supporting community
events such as ivy pulls on Village lands.
Support Metro Vancouver and BC Parks management of invasive species in
təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and in Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian
Arm Provincial Park.
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Natural Environment Policies (NE): Wildlife Management
Belcarra is surrounded by natural beauty that is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. River otters
and harbour seals frequent the water's edge while racoons, cougars, bobcats, deer, and bears forage
for food in the forest. A host of other species live, and travel through, the community's conservation
and recreation areas and environmentally sensitive areas. It is the responsibility of every resident
and visitor to respect the birds, aquatic life, and wildlife with whom we share our natural
environment.
It is a policy of Council to:
Reduce wildlife and vector attractants through the Wildlife and Vector
Control (Bear) Bylaw.
Support the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Bear
Smart Community Program through public outreach and education.
Support community led initiatives to become an official "Bear Smart"
Community.
Support Metro Vancouver's conservation efforts to protect Rough-skinned
Newts and other threatened and endangered species within regionally
designated Conservation and Recreation areas.
Support Metro Vancouver's multi-year Rough-skinned Newts monitoring
program.
Black Bear - Whiskey Cove 2021
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Natural Environment Policies (NE): Water Quality
Water quality is a measure of how much pollution is in our water system. Water quality depends on
the temperature of the water as well as the number of bacteria and amount of dissolved mineral
content in the water. Belcarra is located between Sasamat Lake, Sasamat Creek, Bedwell Bay, and
the broader Burrard Inlet. Belcarra also has several streams, creeks, and springs that flow through
the municipality. Development (existing and proposed) presents a risk to water quality as
contaminants enter the water system through the day-to-day activities of a community's residents
and visitors.
It is a policy of Council to:
Support ongoing research and monitoring initiatives underway by Tsleil-
Waututh Nation and their partners to implement the Burrard Inlet Action
Plan.
Advocate for the prohibition of discharge of sewage from all boats and
marine craft into Bedwell Bay. Belcarra has advocated for stronger
controls over sewage discharge in Bedwell Bay for many years.
Support local initiatives to clean municipal beaches and shorelines.
Publish local water quality resources on the Village website for public
education.
Rough-Skinned Newt
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Natural Environment Policies (NE): Air Quality
Air quality is a measure of how much pollution is in the air we breathe. Outdoor air quality depends
on the type, and quantity, of pollutants in the air and weather (wind, precipitation, temperature).
Belcarra is a coastal community surrounded by parks and conservation areas that contribute to good
air quality. At the same time, Belcarra's semi-rural character and remote location require residents
to use private vehicles to access daily necessities, employment and schools which compromise air
quality. As well, both the regional and provincial parks draw significant numbers of visitors from
outside the area who mostly arrive by private vehicles.
It is a policy of Council to:
Promote local active transportation measures to eliminate short vehicle
trips to reduce transportation emissions.
Advocate for additional public transit services to reduce regional vehicle
trips to təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth Khaw Yum
/Indian Arm Provincial Park.
Lead by reducing vehicle emissions from municipal fleet vehicles and
equipment.
Publish local and provincial air quality monitoring and reporting resources
on the Village website for public education.
Natural Environment Policies (NE): Sand and Gravel
Belcarra does not have any known sand or gravel deposits in commercial
quantities that may be suitable for future extraction.
Belcarra Park - Winter 1985 (Print by Belcarra artist Ruth Adams Booth)
POLICY NE 31.
POLICY NE 32.
POLICY NE 33.
POLICY NE 34.
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2) Hazard Lands (HL)
Belcarra's natural setting, while tranquil, also exposes it to risks from hazard lands. Understanding and preparing for
these hazards is critically important to ensure long term community stability. This includes emergency response
planning and policies designed to respond to specific hazards including flooding, rise in sea level, steep slopes, and
wildfire.
It is a policy of Council to:
Support FireSmart development initiatives.
Develop an Interface Wildfire Development Permit Area Policy.
Hazard Lands Policies (HL): Emergency Response Planning
Emergency preparedness is a priority for Belcarra residents. The community wants to be ready to
act when faced with an emergency situation, whether it be an earthquake, flood, wildfire or some
other natural or man-made disaster. Municipalities across British Columbia are developing
Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. These
plans identify potential hazards and priority actions to be taken in the event of a disaster. These
plans also articulate roles and responsibilities for municipal staff and emergency response agencies
like the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD).
It is a policy of Council to:
Collaborate with the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department to develop and
test a Belcarra Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
Consider development of an Interface Wildfire Development Permit Area
Policy to protect the community from wildfires.
Collaborate with Anmore, Port Moody, Metro Vancouver, the Province of
British Columbia, BC Hydro, and the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department
to develop a coordinated Emergency Response Plan to prepare for
regional emergencies.
Provide information to residents on the Emergency Response Plan and
evacuation routes for public education.
Collaborate with the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department to coordinate
mutual aid response resources for the community, and particularly for
more remote water-access-only properties.
Encourage the adoption of residential indoor and outdoor fire sprinkler
initiatives wherever feasible.
Collaborate with the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department to encourage the
acquisition of portable fire pumps by water-access-only property owners
as a means of reducing the risk of fire spread.
Promote recruitment of volunteer firefighters and consider developing an
incentive program to increase volunteer firefighter retention.
POLICY HL 1.
POLICY HL 3.
POLICY HL 4.
POLICY HL 5.
POLICY HL 6.
POLICY HL 7.
POLICY HL 8.
POLICY HL 9.
POLICY HL 10.
POLICY HL 2.
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Examine the feasibility of creating an emergency response communication
tool and process for a municipal designate (e.g., mayor, fire chief, RCMP,
etc.) to provide clear and accurate information for residents during
largescale emergencies.
Encourage Metro Vancouver and the City of Port Moody to pursue
preventative fire protection measures within Belcarra Regional Park,
including the installation of hydrants along Tum-Tumay-Whueton Drive
from existing Burrard Thermal Plant water mains.
Continue to examine cost-effective ways of increasing water storage
capacity for firefighting to the existing municipal water system.
Hazard Lands Policies (HL): Steep Slopes
Much of Belcarra is built on hillsides which contribute to the community's natural beauty. While
scenic, steep slopes pose geotechnical risks such as landslides and subsidence which can cause
damage to structures and infrastructure thus risking public safety. Steep slopes are identified as
those having a natural slope greater than 30 percent for more than 1.5 metres and/or pose a
potential for landslides or geotechnical hazards.
It is a policy of Council to:
Require technical studies for lands that may be subject to soil instability,
rock fall, debris flows, or other geophysical hazard as determined by the
Approving Officer and/or Building Inspector during the subdivision and/or
building permit approval process. Technical reports shall be completed by
a geoscientist registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC).
Encourage erosion mitigation and slope stabilization measures be
implemented for future development, including but not limited to, the
altering of land and soil, the erection and placement of buildings and the
installation of in-ground sanitary or storm sewer systems.
Encourage maintenance of steep slopes in their natural state where
possible.
Encourage maintenance of existing vegetation in order to avoid erosion,
slumping and mass wasting. Access improvements on a steep slope such
as roadways, pathways and trails should be located and constructed so as
not to disturb the slope or natural drainage.
Encourage new buildings and structures to be sited in such a manner as to
maximize retention of existing trees and ground cover while also meeting
building setbacks and other requirements as determined by a professional
engineer or geoscientist registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
When new buildings and structures are approved, encourage that
measures are made for the disposal of surface run-off and storm water
drainage to divert it away from the steep areas that may be subject to
sloughing or erosion.
POLICY HL 11.
POLICY HL 12.
POLICY HL 13.
POLICY HL 14.
POLICY HL 15.
POLICY HL 16.
POLICY HL 17.
POLICY HL 18.
POLICY HL 19.
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Hazard Lands Policies (HL): Flood and Sea Level Rise Hazards
As a waterfront community, Belcarra is susceptible to flooding from Indian Arm and its tributaries.
The risk of flooding has increased as climate change continues to alter weather patterns. Proactive
management of waterfront and flood zone interfaces will be important to mitigate potential impacts
on property and infrastructure.
It is a policy of Council to:
Discourage new development within the 200-year floodplain for the
various creeks that feed into Indian Arm.
Require technical studies and recommendations from registered and
certified professionals for all new subdivisions of lands within flood or sea
level rise hazard areas.
Participate in ongoing regional and provincial efforts to monitor and
predict sea level rise and incorporate any relevant findings into future
Belcarra development policies.
Hazard Lands Policies (HL): Wildfire Management
The summer months are becoming hotter and drier while extreme weather events like
thunderstorms are becoming more frequent. While lightning is a leading cause of wildfires in British
Columbia human carelessness with fire is of special concern in Belcarra because of the large number
of visitors attracted to the Provincial and Regional parks. Wildfire management is of critical
importance to local residents as the community and adjacent areas are heavily forested.
It is a policy of Council to:
Advocate for the Province to provide priority aerial fire response for
Provincial Parks, Metro Vancouver regional parks, Metro Vancouver
watersheds and Crown land forest interface areas.
Continue the current FireSmart Program initiatives with a resident
awareness and education program and encourage that all new
construction be 'FireSmart'.
Retain a qualified professional to undertake a 'Wildfire Hazard
Assessment' as needed.
Update the 'Community Wildfire Resilience Plan' as needed.
Apply for provincial government grants to fund wildfire prevention
initiatives.
Invite the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department to work with the Village to
raise awareness of the 'FireSmart' program through public education
materials and community events.
Advocate for the development of 'Fire and Fuel Management Plans' for
Provincial Crown and Metro Vancouver owned land near Belcarra.
POLICY HL 20.
POLICY HL 21.
POLICY HL 22.
POLICY HL 23.
POLICY HL 24.
POLICY HL 25.
POLICY HL 26.
POLICY HL 27.
POLICY HL 28.
POLICY HL 29.
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Provide education for residents on emergency evacuation routes in the
event of a wildfire.
3) Climate Change (CC)
Research published in Metro Vancouver's 'Climate 2050' describes six ways the regional climate will change over
the next 30 years. Belcarra can expect warmer temperatures; longer summer dry spells with rainfall declining by
20%; wetter autumns and winters; more extreme precipitation events with more rain on the wettest days and a
higher frequency of heavy rain events; decreased snowpack; and rising sea level that will impact our coastal
communities.
Climate Change Policies (CC): Climate Action Planning
Belcarra is a signatory of the B.C. Climate Action Charter that commits municipalities to:
1) becoming carbon neutral in their corporate actions;
2) measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions; and
3) creating complete, compact, and more energy efficient communities.
It is a policy of Council to:
Uphold Belcarra's commitment to the BC Climate Action Charter.
Develop a 'Climate Action Plan' to support and inform decision-making
and reduce the potential long-term costs and impacts associated with
climate change.
Climate Change Policies (CC): Greenhouse Gas Reductions
The regional greenhouse gas reduction target is 45% below 2010 levels by the year 2030 with an
aspirational target to become carbon neutral by 2050. Metro Vancouver is seeking to achieve these
targets by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, creating carbon storage
opportunities, and improving air quality from land use, infrastructure, and settlement patterns. A
strategic goal of the OCP is to meet the regional greenhouse gas reduction target by 2030. Belcarra
recognizes that greenhouse gas emissions are dropping across the region due to building
improvements, vehicle energy efficiencies, and lower carbon energy sources like electricity and
renewable fuels. The Village is currently undertaking a natural asset management plan to support
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently GHG emission figures are not collected by the Village however, the OCP identifies many
ways in which these emissions will be reduced by the municipality and the community through the
policies that follow.
It is a policy of Council to:
Work towards achieving a 45% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
below the 2010 levels by the year 2030.
POLICY HL 30.
POLICY CC 1.
POLICY CC 2.
POLICY CC 3.
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Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Building Improvements
It is a policy of Council to:
Support the B.C. Energy Step Code goal of reaching net zero energy for
new construction by 2032.
Evaluate Belcarra's BC Energy Step Code requirements periodically.
Consideration of greenhouse gas reductions for buildings undergoing
significant renovations.
Continue to encourage demolition waste be diverted away from the
landfill to the greatest extent possible and continue to encourage recycling
and material salvage where possible during the demolition process.
Continue to encourage infill development through the construction of
secondary suites, coach houses, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.
Reduce environmental risk by encouraging best practices for both septic
(Type 1) and innovative (Type 2 & 3) sewage disposal systems.
Continue to permit home-based businesses in residential areas
throughout the community.
Support private homeowner green energy transitions.
Continue to increase energy efficiency in municipal facilities.
Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Vehicle Energy Efficiencies
It is a policy of Council to:
Promote low carbon forms of transportation such as walking, rolling,
cycling, and public transit consistent with the Metro Vancouver's Regional
Greenways 2050 plan.
Work with Metro Vancouver to develop the Regional Greenways Network
through Belcarra.
Advocate for more frequent transit service to regional park areas in the
summer months to reduce vehicle emissions in Belcarra.
Expand the active transportation network, making it the most convenient
option for short trips within the community that is safe for all users.
Advocate for the installation of secure bike parking and electric charging
stations in Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and at the Village Hall.
Transition to zero-emissions municipal vehicles by 2040.
POLICY CC 4.
POLICY CC 5.
POLICY CC 6.
POLICY CC 7.
POLICY CC 8.
POLICY CC 9.
POLICY CC 10.
POLICY CC 11.
POLICY CC 12.
POLICY CC 13.
POLICY CC 14.
POLICY CC 15.
POLICY CC 16.
POLICY CC 17.
POLICY CC 18.
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Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Low Carbon Energy Sources
It is a policy of Council to:
Encourage the inclusion of low impact alternative/renewable energy
sources (e.g., heat pumps and solar panels) in all new development or
significant renovations.
Encourage heat pump installation such that the noise is reduced for both
wildlife and neighbours.
Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Other Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiatives
It is a policy of Council to:
Consider future amendments to the Village Zoning Bylaw to encourage
compact neighbourhoods with access to commercial facilities, where
residents will become less reliant on travelling outside of the community
to meet their daily needs.
Consider best practises to guide the purchase of materials, supplies, and
services required by the Village.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfill operations by
reducing the amount of waste and compost going to the municipal landfill
site.
Request provincial support for measuring, monitoring, reporting, and
reducing GHG emissions.
Support residents' BC Climate Action initiatives by providing information
on the Village website on the benefits of switching fuel sources for home
heating and adopting energy efficient practices.
Support regional, provincial, and federal initiatives to provide
infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Support local food production on private property to reduce GHG
emissions generated by transporting food.
Publish greenhouse gas reduction material on the Village website for
public education.
Transition to municipal equipment that is powered by electricity by 2040.
POLICY CC 19.
POLICY CC 20.
POLICY CC 21.
POLICY CC 22.
POLICY CC 23.
POLICY CC 24.
POLICY CC 25.
POLICY CC 26.
POLICY CC 27.
POLICY CC 28.
POLICY CC 29.
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4) Mobility (M)
Belcarra's many trails and pathways enable residents to connect with nature. The community's compact form allows
residents (and visitors) to explore on foot, bicycle, transit, or with the use of mobility aids. Walking, cycling, and
rolling should be more inclusive and safer for all ages and abilities throughout the community.
Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered transportation. Active transportation includes walking,
rolling, cycling, jogging, and the use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. A well-developed
active transportation network can help reduce reliance on motor vehicles, thereby reducing traffic and congestion
and increasing community health and well-being. Such a network can also improve aging in place and access to
recreational opportunities. It is important that active transportation infrastructure (e.g., pathways, trails, bicycle
lanes) be safe and comfortable, so people of all ages and abilities can access these benefits. It is equally important
that a well-developed active transportation network have multiple connections within a community to support
walking, rolling, cycling and the recreational use of trails.
There are currently no commercial facilities in Belcarra which means residents must make extended trips out of the
community to access basic necessities. The local road network plays an important role in the community as residents
make daily trips for school, employment, shopping, and other services. The local road network accommodates public
transit as well as personal vehicles but is not well developed to accommodate pedestrian or non-motorized types of
travel safely. Belcarra's Transportation System is shown on Figure 7 - Transportation Map.
Belcarra must carefully consider future road upgrades to ensure the road network remains functional, parking is not
negatively impacted, and there is enough room for all road users to peacefully and safely coexist.
There are neighbourhoods within Belcarra that cannot be accessed by the existing road network. Between 30 and
40 lots are water-access-only. Proposed vehicle access to some of these properties is discussed below.
Belcarra has a partially developed network of municipal trails and pedestrian corridors that if developed could
improve local circulation and connections to the regional greenway network. There is an opportunity to work with
other jurisdictions to connect the Belcarra Park Greenway to the proposed Sasamat Greenway in the future.
Belcarra's existing municipal trails and pedestrian corridors are shown on Figure 4 - Parks and Recreation Map.
Mobility Policies (M): Active Transportation & Trails
It is a policy of Council to:
Map the existing municipal trails and undertake a study to identify missing
links and funding priorities.
Include the costs to develop this trail network in the Village's Capital
Planning and Budgeting process for public review.
Maintain and enhance the existing municipal trail network with
consideration to public safety, improved public access to the waterfront
and to protection of the natural environment.
Provide appropriate end-of-trip facilities for cyclists, such as bicycle
storage/racks at key destinations in the community (e.g. Village Hall and
renovated community sports court).
Collaborate with Metro Vancouver to implement the 2050 Greenway
Vision by supporting a new muti-use pathway along the Marine Avenue
pedestrian corridor to connect to the Sasamat Greenway in the future.
POLICY M 1.
POLICY M 2.
POLICY M 3.
POLICY M 4.
POLICY M 5.
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Advocate for the provision of appropriate end-of-trip facilities for cyclists
in təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park.
Encourage Metro Vancouver to revitalize the road surface of Bowser
Avenue and the trail on the north side of Sasamat Lake to permit safer
cycling and pedestrian access to the community, while also providing
another option for emergency vehicle egress.
Apply for funding from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant
Program or other funding source to develop a "Belcarra Active
Transportation Plan" that identifies new pedestrian and cycling routes and
required upgrades to existing infrastructure (see also Policy M 23).
Incorporate universal access design when replacing or upgrading road and
trail infrastructure to support a wider range of mobility devices and aids.
Integrate trails (e.g., adjacent, separated bicycle lanes) when replacing or
upgrading road infrastructure where possible.
Collaborate with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to identify and develop
existing and proposed trails.
Collaborate with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to implement a wayfinding
sign program to identify and provide direction to key destinations.
Wayfinding and signage should incorporate traditional Tsleil-Waututh
place names.
TransLink's Community Shuttle Bus -- Belcarra 182
POLICY M 6.
POLICY M 7.
POLICY M 8.
POLICY M 9.
POLICY M 10.
POLICY M 11.
POLICY M 12.
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Mobility Policies (M): Road Network, Parking and Transit
Mobility issues in Belcarra can be divided into three broad policy areas- local issues, new road
development and visitor demand on major regional park facilities. Locally, residents identified a
need to improve pedestrian safety, provide additional bus shelters and pedestrian crosswalks and
gain more control over vehicles speeding. There was also recognition that provision for a new road
to Farrer Cove could be proposed in the future. Regionally, a number of policies are proposed to
improve traffic management, parking and transit issues related to these parks that would better
protect the Village from the negative impacts of these attractions. The roads system as shown
on Figure 7 - Transportation Map will continue to function as the road network that is required to
handle vehicular traffic over the next 5-to-10-year period.
Road Network, Parking and Transit: Local Issues
It is a policy of Council to:
Continue to designate Bedwell Bay Road as part of the TransLink Major
Road Network (MRN) route for Village residents.
Continue to designate Tum-Tumay-Whueton Drive as the only vehicle
access road for Belcarra Regional Park picnic area and support the
protection of wildlife such as the regionally unique migration of Rough-
skinned Newts from road traffic.
Provide temporary resident visitor parking exemptions for weddings,
graduations, and community events.
Manage movie industry traffic and parking through the current permitting
processes of the municipality and Metro Vancouver Parks.
Discourage resident helicopter use on private land within Belcarra's
municipal boundaries as it is not conducive to preserving the peace and
tranquility of the community.
Consider making limited, designated parking available for scuba divers at
Whiskey Cove.
Allow vehicles that display Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department or
'Coquitlam Search and Rescue' license plates to park in resident-only
parking areas in Belcarra in recognition of the important work that these
volunteers do for the community.
Support the development of a community ride share program to meet the
needs of those who do not drive.
Establish encroachment guidelines to manage use of municipal road
allowances by private individuals.
POLICY M 13.
POLICY M 14.
POLICY M 15.
POLICY M 16.
POLICY M 17.
POLICY M 18.
POLICY M 19.
POLICY M 20.
POLICY M 21.
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Consider including the following in the development of the Belcarra Active
Transportation Plan:
1. options to improve pedestrian safety on Bedwell Bay Road
including new crosswalks at Village Hall, at Midden Road, north of
Watson Road and other locations as appropriate,
2. additional transit shelters on Bedwell Bay Road at Village Hall,
Midden Road, and other locations as appropriate; and
3. options to control vehicle speed on Bedwell Bay Road and other
locations as appropriate (e.g., flashing signage, speed camera etc.)
Work with TransLink and other funding sources to obtain funding for
safety improvements such as crosswalk enhancements, signage, lighting,
and pedestrian crossing flashing warning-light signals.
Road Network, Parking and Transit: New Road Development - Farrer Cove
Currently limited vehicular access to properties located in Farrer Cove (South) and the Evangelical Laymen's Church
(ELC) site is provided via a gated, private, gravel road off the parking lot for White Pine Beach in təmtəmíxʷtən/
Belcarra Regional Park. Residential vehicle access to the current properties is grandfathered but Metro Parks have
advised that this road cannot be used to support future subdivision or any other new residential development at
Farrer Cove, or for commercial uses (either on the ELC property or any other Farrer Cove property). An alternative
road alignment to Farrer Cove (south) and the ELC property has been proposed and is identified on Figure 7- OCP
Transportation Map.
Since a portion of the proposed road passes through the regional park and the City of Port Moody the Village
acknowledges the new road may not be constructed until numerous legal agreements are in place to determine
the actual road alignment, road design standard details, construction funding, ownership, operating and
maintenance responsibilities.
The desire to build this road has been recognized by the Farrer Cove residents for many years. Indeed, some
baseline and background work has already been undertaken by those residents who have tried on their own to
motivate the various levels of government and other stakeholders to support this road building project. However,
given the scale and complexity of the endeavour for the benefit of so few individual property owners and the lack
of commitment on how the new road would be paid for, there has been a lack of willingness on the part of the
other stakeholders to participate in the planning and development of this road.
Primarily for the reasons stated above, the process has relied on the residents' initiative to move the construction
of the road ahead. More recently, the Village has begun to recognize the need to provide some additional housing
to meet changing local and future housing needs and that there may be potential tax and amenity benefits of
supporting additional development in Farrer Cove which is relatively undeveloped. The potential for Farrer Cove
(south) and ELC lands to support additional residential growth is further discussed in the Housing, Community and
Land Use section of the OCP.
It is a policy of Council to:
No new roads will be funded by the Village during the period of this OCP.
POLICY M 22.
POLICY M 23.
POLICY M 24.
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Notwithstanding Policy M 24 above, the Village will participate in and
support an appropriate planning process, initiated and paid for by the
owners of Farrer Cove (South) properties, which involves all relevant
stakeholders to develop legal road access to this area by:
1. Assisting residents' efforts to obtain public and private funding
sources to support the planning and design of this road (e.g., Real
Estate Foundation of Greater Vancouver, Van City Foundation, BC
Infrastructure Grant etc.
2. Inviting government and other stakeholder representatives to
attend relevant meetings.
3. Providing in-kind support for meetings (e.g., the meeting place
etc.).
The capital cost to design and build a new road to service Farrer Cove
(South) properties will not be borne by the Village and should minimize
traffic impacts on existing Village residents in the area.
Consider supporting the site-specific subdivision applications of the Farrer
Cove properties able to provide boat only access subject to approval from
Fraser Health Authority for domestic water and sewage disposal and after
consultation with Metro Vancouver Parks (see Special Study Area 2 in
Housing, Community and Land Use Designations section).
Road Network, Parking and Transit: New Road Development - Local
It is a policy of Council to:
Ensure future road upgrades or replacement projects carefully consider
impacts on the stormwater drainage network.
Require new roads and/or road upgrades to be funded by landowners
through the rezoning or future development permit process.
Road Network, Parking and Transit: Regional Park Traffic
It is a policy of Council to:
Encourage the development of a 'Visitor Use Management Strategy' for
parking and traffic management to be prepared by Metro Vancouver for
regional parks that considers the effects of visitor use on ecological,
physical, and experiential conditions.
Collaborate with Metro Vancouver, City of Port Moody, BC Parks, and
TransLink to find solutions to traffic, congestion, and parking problems
caused by visitors to təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and Say Nuth
Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park.
Collaborate with Metro Vancouver, City of Port Moody and TransLink to
optimize transit service to Belcarra and təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional
Park by providing improved alternatives to private vehicle use.
Continue to restrict regional park visitor parking to locations outside the
residential areas of the Village.
POLICY M 25.
POLICY M 26.
POLICY M 27.
POLICY M 28.
POLICY M 29.
POLICY M 30.
POLICY M 31.
POLICY M 32.
POLICY M 33.
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Ensure that picnic grounds visitor parking is located south of Bedwell Bay
Road and Midden Road to prevent park visitors from travelling through
the community residential areas.
Install welcoming signage such as: 'transit, bicycles and pedestrians
welcome' in the Village.
Express concern to Metro Vancouver Parks regarding the impact of over-
flow parking on the safety of bicyclists using Tum-Tumay-Whueton Drive.
Support electric vehicle charging stations for regional park visitors and for
MV employees who park at the MV Park Works Yard.
Support enforcement of marine traffic speed limits, wake management,
noise management and policing on the waters of Indian Arm and Bedwell
Bay -- needed to manage excessive speeds of boats and jet-skis in these
high-use recreation areas.
Support Metro Vancouver-Tsleil-Waututh Nation partnerships that
provide low-environmental-impact rentals -- such as electric bicycles,
paddleboards, and kayaks -- within təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park.
Support Metro Vancouver-Tsleil-Waututh partnerships that provide
increased food service opportunities within təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra
Regional Park.
Support efforts by Port Moody and Metro Vancouver to reduce peak
summer-time use of private vehicles travelling to Belcarra Regional Park
recreation areas (Sasamat Lake and Belcarra picnic grounds) and
restrictions on parking along Bedwell Bay Road.
Support efforts on prioritizing rideshare, transit, and bicycle (including
electric bikes) access to Belcarra Regional Park.
Support the use of taxis and private ride-hailing services.
Mobility Policies (M): Water-Access-Only Properties
It is a policy of Council to:
Continue to consider water access as an acceptable form of legal access
for new site-specific subdivisions where public road access may not be
possible.
Continue to support the existing location used for launching small boats to
access residential properties in Farrer Cove North and other properties
near Twin Islands until such time as a new location on public land can be
provided. (See HCLU Policies 11 & 14)
POLICY M 34.
POLICY M 35.
POLICY M 36.
POLICY M 37.
POLICY M 38.
POLICY M 39.
POLICY M 40.
POLICY M 41.
POLICY M 42.
POLICY M 43.
POLICY M 44.
POLICY M 45.
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5) Municipal Infrastructure (MI)
Belcarra is a semi-rural community with varying levels of municipal infrastructure and servicing. Most residents
enjoy municipal water services and rely on private septic systems to manage liquid waste. Residents also enjoy
solid waste, recycling, and composting services provided by the municipality. Belcarra's level of municipal
infrastructure and servicing is consistent with municipalities of its size and nature across the province.
Municipal Infrastructure (MI): Asset Management and Infrastructure Planning
Belcarra owns and manages a significant portfolio of infrastructure assets. These assets include:
roads; the municipal water system; stormwater network (ditches, culverts and storm water mains);
the Village Hall; the Public Works facilities and other assets that must be maintained and periodically
replaced. In addition, it is Belcarra's responsibility to monitor community needs and plan for new
municipal infrastructure in the future. Planning for the maintenance of existing assets and the
provision of future assets may require significant capital expenses that will require Council
leadership and community consultation. The Integrated Long-Term (15 year) Financial Plan & Asset
Management Plan will guide these future Council decisions.
It is a policy of Council to:
Ensure that municipal infrastructure is functional and in good working
order.
Implement the 'Asset Management Plan' to track the maintenance and
lifespan of existing municipal assets and update regularly to identify the
need for replacement and additional infrastructure or assets in the future.
Work with neighbouring jurisdictions to understand where there may be
opportunities to partner in the delivery of capital projects or upgrades that
can benefit Belcarra residents.
Update the Fees and Charges Bylaw to manage any private encumbrances
on municipal lands.
Ensure that municipal assets and service delivery levels are aligned with
community goals and financial sustainability.
Utilize the GIS system to support implementation of the Asset Management
Plan.
POLICY MI 1.
POLICY MI 2.
POLICY MI 3.
POLICY MI 4
POLICY MI 5.
POLICY MI 6.
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Belcarra Municipal Hall
6) Financial Sustainability (FS)
The Belcarra Council recognizes the importance of managing and sustaining the Village's assets and infrastructure
to create a sustainable and balanced community and has prioritized Asset Management as a key strategic goal to
be included in Belcarra's Long Term Financial Plan.
Belcarra will be facing the need to build new or replacement facilities and infrastructure in the future. Most of the
needs and how the Village intends to pay for them are identified and discussed in detail in the Integrated Long-
Term (15 Year) Financial Plan & the Asset Management Plan and the new OCP will be used to further inform them
where appropriate. These first two documents and recent Council actions address issues with respect to the
municipal water system and therefore are not addressed in this Plan.
There is however one community facility that will need replacement in the short term and for which Belcarra does
not have full financial control over. This facility is the Belcarra Fire Hall which falls under the Metro Vancouver
umbrella. The Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department has a Board of Trustees made up of 3 Belcarra Council
members and 3 Anmore Council members, plus an independent member. Funds for operations and capital
expenses are collected through tax requisition from Metro Vancouver. Given this situation this matter is also not
directly addressed in this Plan.
Notwithstanding the need for financial prudence given the small and exclusively residential tax base of Belcarra,
the recent distribution of one-time funds from the province's "Growing Community Fund" could provide the
opportunity for the municipality to realize several of the policy directions referred to in this OCP without tax
implications. The Growing Community Funds are available to pay for projects related to public drinking water
systems, emergency management equipment and facilities, active transportation amenities and recreation facility
upgrades to name some of the types of projects this funding could be used for in Belcarra.
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It is a policy of Council to:
Continue to work on the implementation of the Integrated Long-Term (15
Year) Financial Plan and the Asset Management Plan as a key means to
ensuring financial sustainability for the municipality and strive to update
those two plans at least once every five years.
Continue to make contributions to the Capital Asset Reserve Fund to
address the municipality's infrastructure replacement costs as part of the
15 year financial planning.
Develop appropriate operation and maintenance programs that ensure
the maximum life of municipal infrastructure, reduce frequency of
infrastructure replacement, and facilitate proper functionality of the
infrastructure.
Ensure that infrastructure decisions are based on a full life-cycle cost
accounting analysis.
Ensure that new community amenities and services are aligned with the
financial resources of the Village.
Consider allowing for modest residential growth and flexibility with
respect to the use of residential land as a means to provide additional
revenue to meet the future financial obligations of the Village.
Support the future replacement of the Belcarra Fire Hall and support Metro
Vancouver's efforts to budget for this new facility.
Encourage subdivision and development applicants to consider the
financial implications to the Village as a result of new development and
require subdividers and developers to assume responsibility for the costs
associated with system and service upgrades to accommodate new
development.
Financial Sustainability Policies (FS): Water
Belcarra's municipal water system is a combined system for potable water and fire protection. Most
individual properties are serviced by a municipal water system however there are still a number of
central properties that continue to rely on private wells. The District of North Vancouver (DNV)
supplies the water through a marine pipeline that crosses Indian Arm from Strathcona to Midden
Road. The Village is actively seeking methods to increase storage capacity for both daily use and for
fire protection. Belcarra's municipal water system includes a series of water mains, reservoirs, and
hydrants, as shown on Figure 8 - Water Infrastructure Map.
It is a policy of Council to:
Use SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system) to measure
the demand on (and capacity within) the municipal water system, to
monitor real-time data directly, interact with water system sensors,
valves, pumps, motors and monitor water levels remotely in Tatlow
Reservoir during fire calls.
POLICY FS 9.
POLICY FS 1.
POLICY FS 2.
POLICY FS 3.
POLICY FS 4.
POLICY FS 5.
POLICY FS 6.
POLICY FS 7.
POLICY FS 8.
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Continue to allow residential private wells and community water systems
subject to the Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulation, and approval
by Fraser Health Authority.
Promote the reduction of community water consumption through outdoor
water use restrictions and future water metering.
Update the Fees and Charges Bylaw to encourage water conservation
through a new fee structure for water.
Continue to publish water conservation information on the Village website
for public education.
Support use of surface water (streams) for domestic water consumption
for the subdivision of properties that do not have access to the municipal
water system subject to compliance with applicable enactments and
obtaining approval from the Fraser Health Authority.
Water: Unserviced Properties
Belcarra has some unique properties that are not serviced by the municipal water system, and only accessible by
water transportation. It is not envisioned these properties will be serviced by municipal domestic water within the
next five years. In addition, there are many households in the Village that continue to get their water from wells,
and those property owners rely on the controls and oversight of the Village and the Fraser Health Authority to
maintain their water quality.
Financial Sustainability Policies (FS): Stormwater
Many areas of Belcarra are serviced by an open drainage system of ditches that convey stormwater
to local creeks and streams. The drainage system allows stormwater to infiltrate the ground, thus
slowing the flow of stormwater. Belcarra's open drainage system is an asset as it provides habitat
for a variety of aquatic life and serves to filter contaminants out of stormwater runoff. Other forms
of mitigation such as bioswales and raingardens also provide similar benefits and should be
considered where appropriate.
It is a policy of Council to:
Adopt an 'Integrated Stormwater Management Plan' that considers the
Burrard Inlet Water Quality Objectives and Burrard Inlet Action Plan to
guide growth, development, and construction of drainage infrastructure in
the municipality.
POLICY FS 10.
POLICY FS 11.
POLICY FS 12.
POLICY FS 13.
POLICY FS 14.
POLICY FS 15.
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Financial Sustainability Policies (FS): Liquid Waste
Belcarra is a rural area of Metro Vancouver characterized by shallow soils underlain by glacial till and
fractured bedrock. Severe slopes also restrict the use of on-site sewage disposal systems. Where
sewage disposal systems are used, there are concerns about the long-term impacts on water
resources, especially in community watershed areas, in areas of domestic or licensed surface water
supply, on ground-water resources, and on surrounding marine waters.
Belcarra is located outside of the Metro Vancouver Urban Containment Boundary and, as stated in
the Metro 2050 RGS, the Metro Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District will not extend regional
sewage services to rural areas. Belcarra does not have community wastewater collection and
treatment systems, and instead relies on ground disposal of effluent from septic systems on private
residential lots, or via shared septic fields. The level of growth and development required to make
community septic systems cost effective is not envisioned to occur within the next ten years.
Private residential sewage systems are subject to permit and regulation by either the Ministry of
Health via the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) under the Public Health Act, or by the Ministry of the
Environment and Climate Change Strategy. It should also be noted that sewage disposal permits are
exclusively issued under the authority of the Provincial Government and FHA and are not a
discretionary matter for the municipality.
It is a policy of Council to:
Continue to support the requirement that individual residential properties
obtain a sewage disposal permit from the Fraser Health Authority as a
prerequisite to obtaining a municipal building permit.
Support subdivision applications where the new parcels created can
obtain approval for domestic water and sewage disposal from the Fraser
Health Authority and meet subdivision standards.
Support the Fraser Health Authority's efforts to manage and treat liquid
waste by processes that are consistent with the B.C. Sewerage/Subdivision
Best Practice Guideline.
Support the Fraser Health Authority's efforts to ensure that the nature
and scale of development does not exceed the natural capacity of the land
to absorb liquid waste where on-site sewage disposal systems are used.
Work with Federal and Provincial authorities to ensure that Belcarra's
fresh and saltwater resources are protected from liquid waste
contamination resulting from human activity.
Work with Federal and Provincial authorities to ensure that all liquid
hazardous wastes are collected and disposed of according to regulatory
requirements.
POLICY FS 16.
POLICY FS 17.
POLICY FS 18.
POLICY FS 19.
POLICY FS 20.
POLICY FS 21.
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Financial Sustainability Policies (FS): Solid Waste & Recycling
Belcarra has a community Waste and Recycling Depot (WARD) that accepts solid waste, organics,
and recyclable materials.
It is a policy of Council to:
Promote becoming a zero-waste community by 2040 through public
education and civic leadership.
Support public initiatives to reduce consumption and promote recycling
and composting within the community.
Implement "Reuse Days" so residents can put unwanted household items
by the curb for others to pick-up.
Install measures such as bear proof garbage containers to avoid wildlife
conflicts at the community waste and recycling depot.
Lead by providing recycling and composting opportunities at municipal
facilities.
Publish information regarding waste management, recycling, and
composting materials on the village website for public education.
7) Housing, Community & Land Use Designations (HCLU)
The OCP includes seven land use designations: 1) Residential; 2) Future Residential; 3) Commercial; 4) Conservation
and Recreation; 5) Civic Institutional; 6) Civic Marine; and 7) Natural Tidal. These land use designations are shown
on Figure 9 - OCP Land Use Designations Map.
Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU): Residential
Residential areas are those that consist primarily of single-family homes, some with secondary
suites and coach houses. The community expressed a desire to preserve these low-density forms
of housing and Belcarra's semi-rural character. Residential zones already permit various housing
forms, including secondary suites, coach houses, while some allow for more than one dwelling on a
single property. However, the multi- unit opportunities are limited to the "boat access" only parts
of the Village (RM-1 and RM-2). While new residential development is expected to look a lot like
existing residential development in terms of its form, character, and scale the intent moving
forward is to provide a wider mix of housing options that better meet the needs of aging residents,
provide some more affordable housing for young families and renters while making the most
efficient use of municipal infrastructure.
Belcarra's Housing Needs Assessment identified a small but on-going demand for new single-family
dwellings. It is expected that this demand can be met by the subdivision of existing large lots or the
development of the few remaining vacant lots for the period of this OCP. The Assessment also
identified a large and growing demand by current residents for smaller more manageable and
accessible housing and noted the need for affordable and rental housing to provide a better
POLICY FS 22.
POLICY FS 23.
POLICY FS 24.
POLICY FS 25.
POLICY FS 26.
POLICY FS 27.
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balance of housing stock in the community. The Assessment also noted a significant number of
existing households were comprised of either one or two person households. This situation may
lead to a mini population boom in the coming years as existing residents age out of the community
and younger couples with children move in. This transition might also trigger a building boom as
the older, small summer cottages are torn down and replaced with much larger single occupancy
housing currently permitted under existing zoning. Current rental housing stock is protected by
the Residential Tenancy Act.
Overall, Belcarra's housing stock must diversify to provide options that meet a growing variety of
space, mobility and special needs of both current and future residents. Aging in place and
provision of seniors independent living policies are intended to serve the Village's special housing
needs. Recently, new provincial legislation was adopted to direct municipalities to address just
these types of housing issues. And while primarily intended for larger, more urban municipalities
these provincial directives also support the direction needed to address Belcarra's housing issues
too. Any changes necessary to comply with this new legislation will be addressed in the proposed
review of the Zoning Bylaw.
There are a number of issues and concerns that arise when future residential development is
contemplated in Belcarra. These issues and concerns include:
-
Creation of small residential lots to meet the housing needs of current aging
residents and to provide more affordable housing, is not encouraged under the
current zoning bylaw subdivision requirements;
-
Zoning that allows very large houses (5800 to 9200 sq. ft.) to be built for a single
household;
-
Zoning that only allows for either one secondary suite or one coach house per lot
despite large lot and house sizes;
-
Zoning that restricts development of duplexes and multi-house properties to
areas of boat access only which can create financing problems for owners to
develop;
-
A need to consider some type of multi-unit development to provide independent
living for senior residents wanting to stay in the community;
-
Reliance on future development of "Residential Reserve" areas of Crown land
now designated as watershed (see Figure 9 - Land Use Designations);
-
Reliance on the property owners in Farrer Cove to provide legal road access to
support possible further subdivision of the RM-2 and CI-1 zoned lands; and
-
Uncertainty with respect to the future use and development of the ELC lands
(ex-Camp Howdy) which is now zoned Civic Institutional (CI-1);
-
Reviewing the terms of the "1983 Village- GVRD Agreement Package" with Metro
Vancouver and other stakeholders including the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and
Province of BC.
There are a wide range of housing options that could address Belcarra's current and future housing
needs. Some of these are listed below:
-
Consider lot size as the determinant for the number of separate living units
allowed on a RS-1 lot. For example: allowing both a secondary suite and a coach
house or 2 suites and 1 coach house on RS-1 lots over 8000 sq. ft.; allowing strata
duplex, triplex or fourplex on RS-1 lots on a graduated scale of lot size for those
lots over 10000 sq. ft., subject to rezoning approval, to increase rental stock and
address the need for smaller, more affordable units.
-
Consider providing incentives for the inclusion of secondary suites and coach
houses as a means to add to the rental stock in the community.
-
Consider limited lot consolidation in the RS-1 zone or creating a designated site
in the "Residential Reserve" lands to allow development of a multi-unit seniors
independent living complex that could take the form of small cottages with
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shared common facilities (e.g., Abbeyfield development) or a co-housing style
development should negotiations allow residential development of these lands
or a land assembly is undertaken by private initiative to meet the Village's special
housing needs in the future.
-
Consider reducing lot size for subdivision from 0.5 ac to 0.25 ac or possibly even
smaller in the RS-1 zone to better reflect the existing subdivision patterns and to
create a greater range of housing sizes and types where large lot sizes would
allow gentle densification while retaining the natural Village character.
-
Consider reducing lots size for subdivision from 1.0 ac to 0.5 ac or even smaller in
the RM 2 and part of the CI 1 zones should legal road access be created to service
the Farrer Cove community and a Subdivision Master Plan is adopted by Council.
-
Consider support for development of a resident-initiated Subdivision Master Plan
for Farrer Cove South and possibly part of the ELC property.
It is a policy of Council to:
Consider supporting the development of residential homes and consider,
on a case-by-case basis, site-specific subdivision of properties within areas
designated "Residential" on Figure 9 - Land Use Designations Map
subject to sewage disposal approval by the Fraser Health Authority and
other relevant conditions of development.
Review the Zoning Bylaw and subdivision requirement to identify
opportunities to create some smaller lots, smaller house sizes and more
flexibility in the number of accessory uses permitted on each lot as
generally described above and in policies HCLU 5 and 6 below.
Consider siting relaxations and floor space exemptions to allow the
renovation of existing homes to accommodate aging residents needing
ramps, railings, chairlifts, elevators, etc., that facilitate aging-in-place and
apply to developer-led new construction projects that include adaptive
housing features.
Consider allowing an additional coach house or secondary suite on the
larger lots in the RS1 zone where sufficient on-site parking can be provided
and a sewage disposal permit can be obtained from the Fraser Health
Authority.
Consider supporting duplex, triplex or fourplex forms of development in
the RS-1 zone to encourage affordable housing where lot sizes are
appropriate, the proposed building is similar in height and scale to the
surrounding homes, sufficient parking is provided to meet the needs of
the uses on the property, and the character of the Village is maintained.
Consider supporting a limited number of rezoning applications to support
development for seniors independent living or that provides active play
space for children or major trail connections, subject to obtaining a
sewage disposal approval from the Fraser Health Authority.
Develop Design Guidelines for Low Density Multi-dwellings to ensure new
housing fits into the neighbourhood and preserves and enhances the
semi-rural character of Belcarra.
POLICY HCLU 1.
POLICY HCLU 2.
POLICY HCLU 3.
POLICY HCLU 4.
POLICY HCLU 5.
POLICY HCLU 6.
POLICY HCLU 7.
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Follow the "Parkland Acquisition Best Practices Guide" to exercise
Council's right to accept 5% of land proposed for subdivisions creating
three or more lots or payment in lieu.
Continue to ensure residential development provides adequate space for
parking to avoid the need for on-street parking.
Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU): Future Residential
Beyond the incremental re-development of existing residential neighbourhoods there are two
areas within the Village boundary that have been identified as having potential to create new
housing opportunities. The first of these sites is Provincial Crown land identified as Area B of
Parcel 48 and the Senkler Road East parcel in the 1983 Village-GVRD Agreement Package. These
lands are estimated to be approximately 20 acres in Area B and 5 acres in Senkler Road East and
could provide a sufficient number of building sites to meet foreseeable future housing needs even
after accounting for topography, environmental sensitivities, service, and access requirements.
These areas could provide an opportunity to build more diverse housing types and to
accommodate some seniors friendly housing. The second area identified is Farrer Cove where
there is substantial potential to create additional housing through subdivision of 15 large lots and
possibly a portion of the ELC site. Development at either of these locations is complex and
uncertain but warrant further study beyond the scope of the OCP.
Future Residential: Special Study Area 1
The 'Future Residential' land use designation indicated on Figure 9 - OCP Land Use Designations identifies areas of
Crown land to be developed for housing as envisioned in the 1983 Village-GVRD Agreement Package. This is
identified as "Special Study Area 1" also on Figure 9. The largest parcel of Crown land is located south of the BC
Hydro powerline right-of-way and is currently designated "Watershed" in the OCP and zoned R-1 as lands required
for either the supply of domestic water or for future park use. In the Metro 2050 RGS this land is designated as "Park
and Conservation". The smaller parcel on Senkler Road is designated as "Rural" in the MV 2050 Plan and is divided
in half with one part being zoned P-1 Regional Park and the other as RS-1 one Family Zone. These conflicting land
use designations will need to be resolved through future negotiations as discussed below.
The Village is relying on the development of housing on these previously agreed upon parcels to diversify its housing
stock and met future housing demand generated by regional growth and an aging population. However, significant
changes to the socio-political and environmental landscapes since 1983 may make it difficult to develop these
parcels as intended. These changes include first and foremost recognition that these are Crown lands located in the
traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh. As well, the environmental value of these parcels, the impact of any
development on the watershed and down slope geomorphology has yet to be determined and the exact boundaries
of the parcels are yet to be surveyed. Lastly, Metro Vancouver's continued support for the 1983 Village-GVRD
Agreement has yet to be confirmed. Even if Metro Vancouver staff agree to the change of use, a public hearing and
the approval of the Regional Board will be required. Should Village Council wish to proceed with the goal of
developing these parcels identified as Future Residential on Figure 6 -Metro Vancouver Land Use Designations
Map, it will have to initiate a process of negotiation by approaching:
(a) Metro Vancouver requesting that the Metro 2050 RGS be amended to change the areas from a 'Regional
Conservation and Recreation' Land Use Designation to a 'Rural Land' Use Designation for future residential
development consistent with the 1983 Village-GVRD Agreement Package; and
(b) BC Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship to seek their guidance regarding the Ministry's approval
process and how best to engage the Tsleil-Waututh in this decision-making.
In the fullness of time, should these negotiations be successful, the Village could then decide what type of housing
best meets community housing needs and how that development could minimize disruption to existing residents.
POLICY HCLU 8.
POLICY HCLU 9.
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It is a policy of Council to:
Initiate negotiations with Metro Vancouver, Provincial authorities and the
Tsleil-Waututh with the goal of identifying suitable Crown lands for future
residential development as identified in the "1983 Village-GVRD
Agreement Package".
Future Residential: Special Study Area 2
Figure 9- OCP Land Use Designations indicates that part of Farrer Cove is included in Special Study Area 2. The lots
owned by individual residents in Special Study Area 2 are designated Residential and zoned Farrer Cove (South)
zone (RM-2). This zoning permits the development of a Duplex Residential Use or two Single-Family Residential
Uses on residential land that is at least 2 acres (0.8 hectares) or the development of a Single-Family Residential
Use. All properties are legally considered as "Water Access Only" however there is limited vehicle access provided
to owners of the existing lots by MV Parks via a private gravel road that extends off the White Pine Beach parking
lot in Belcarra Park.
The status of this road and the need to create a new legal road access for both current and future residents of
Farrer Cove South is discussed in the Mobility section of the OCP. Once the road access matter is resolved it is
expected that further subdivision activity may occur in Farrer Cove South. Depending on the interest displayed by
these owners, and the number and size of the properties involved, there may be opportunities to design a more
complete neighbourhood than would be possible by individual ad hoc subdivisions.
A master plan to guide future subdivision of this area could provide additional amenities such as shared driveways
to retain tree cover, integrated pathways, shared waterfront access and perhaps even a new neighbourhood park
with some play apparatus. This sort of concept could increase property values and also benefit the municipality
who could coordinate this plan in such a way as to obtain a new neighbourhood park space and collect funds to
equip it from the requirement that new subdivisions creating three or more lots must dedicate 5% of the land or
5% of the value of the land to the municipality, at its discretion, to use for park purposes.
POLICY HCLU 10.
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Once the road access issue is addressed;
It is a policy of Council to:
To encourage resident owners and ELC representatives to work together
to develop a Subdivision Master Plan that considers alternate forms of
housing and increased density in the Special Study Areas.
In the absence of a Subdivision Master Plan consider supporting reducing
the minimum lot size to 0.5 acres (0.2 ha) subject to domestic water and
sewage disposal approval by Fraser Health Authority.
Where a new access road traverses a property within the Farrer Cove
(South) area and in so doing would render the size of a lot in a future
subdivision to be less than 0.50 acres (0.20 ha), Council may consider a site-
specific rezoning application to accommodate the creation of such a lot.
Exercise its discretion as to whether to accept land for park or payment-in-
lieu for subdivision applications involving the creation of three or more new
lots in this Special Study Area.
Future Mixed Use: Special Study Area 3
The lots owned by the ELC are designated and zoned for Civic and Institutional uses. In the past, the previous
owners of this property have also proposed subdividing to create approximately 80 housing units. Current owners
are using the property to support a tearoom and bakery and have plans for a commercial development on
approximately 20% of the site. This proposed new commercial development will be accessed only by water. The
designation of the ELC property as Special Study Area 3 will provide some flexibility as the owners have not
indicated what they intend to do with the rest of the property. Given this uncertainty, it makes sense to allow for
their participation with the adjacent Farrer Cove properties in resolving the road issue and allowing future
consideration of residential development for the remaining lands.
It is a policy of Council to:
Continue to consider the Evangelical Layman's Church proposed
development and encourage the ELC owners to participate in the process
to develop new road access and create a Subdivision Master Plan with the
Farrer Cove residents.
POLICY HCLU 11.
POLICY HCLU 12.
POLICY HCLU 13.
POLICY HCLU 14.
POLICY HCLU 15.
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Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU): Commercial
The 'Commercial' land use designation is new, and no lands have been identified for commercial
uses on the attached maps. The new Commercial land use designation reflects the community's
desire not only to create a community gathering place but also to become a greener and more
sustainable Village where is not necessary to drive to another community to meet daily needs.
Residents support small-scale retail, and low-impact tourism uses that provide services to
residents and visitors. Examples of small-scale retail and low-impact tourism uses include cafes,
small neighbourhood corner stores, and/or specialty grocery stores. A new commercial land use
designation should encourage businesses that serve the needs of the community, but it is also
acknowledged that the small Village population and limited parking available for visitors may make
commercial development difficult to realize. Given this uncertainty Belcarra may be willing to
consider the use of a Temporary Use Permit to test the viability of a particular business.
However, it may be possible to encourage provision of some commercial services by creating a
more flexible approach to home-based businesses. This could reduce vehicle trips out of the
community to obtain day-to-day necessities and reduce the community's carbon footprint.
This may be achieved by allowing:
-
exterior alterations to dwellings to create separate business entrances so long as the
character of the Village is maintained;
-
retail uses as a primary business function;
-
up to two businesses per dwelling and up to 4 employees (providing adequate parking on-
site); and
-
an increase in the size that the home-based business(es) could occupy to a space
compatible with that allowed for a secondary suite (approximately 1000 sq.ft.).
It is a policy of Council to:
Approach the SFU or UBC Schools of Business or other similar institution
to undertake a Commercial Viability Assessment study to identify viable
business opportunities in Belcarra.
Update the Zoning Bylaw to provide guidelines for potential commercial
uses identified in the commercial Viability Assessment Study or elsewhere
and consider supporting future rezoning for development that is
appropriately located, primarily serves local needs and provides local
employment.
Review and amend the definition and regulation of home-based
businesses in the Zoning Bylaw to consider allowing convenience retail
sales and to better support local business opportunities.
Consider support for applications for temporary use permits to support
development of local serving commercial activities.
Note
Support small-scale commercial development in parks, such as kayak
rentals, concession stands, and food trucks.
POLICY HCLU 16.
POLICY HCLU 17.
POLICY HCLU 18.
POLICY HCLU 20.
POLICY HCLU 19.
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Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU):
Conservation & Recreation
The 'Conservation and Recreation' designation is intended to protect environmentally sensitive
areas and guide recreation in Belcarra's regional and provincial parks.
It is a policy of Council to:
Collaborate with Metro Vancouver, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and BC Parks on
park planning initiatives within təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and
Say Nuth Khaw Yum/Indian Arm Provincial Park.
Connect existing Village community trails to regional park trail networks as
identified in the Metro Vancouver's Regional Parks Plan (2022) and
Regional Greenways 2050.
Advocate preservation of lands designated Conservation and Recreation
by Metro Vancouver within Belcarra Regional Park subject to the
resolution of uses permitted in Parcel 48 as noted in the Village-GVRD
Agreement (1983) and in Policy HCLU 10.
Require the dedication of land or payment in lieu for a new
neighbourhood park space in the Farrer Cove area as a condition of a
proposed subdivision.
Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU): Civic Institutional
The 'Civic Institutional' designation is intended to accommodate civic uses that are essential to the
community. Within Belcarra, these civic uses include the Village Hall, fire hall, multi-sport court,
public works yard, and waste and recycling depot. These civic uses are identified on Figure 10 -
Community Facilities Map. (Note: The multi-use court is a municipal community facility under a 25-
year licence from Metro Vancouver with an option for an additional 25 years and is designated as
"Civic Institutional" on the land use designation maps within the OCP.)
The multi-sports court is in disrepair and needs restoration to be useful to the community again. This
facility once was a centre of community social and recreational activity run by the community itself.
When re-vitalized, the facility could represent one of the few opportunities to create (or re-create)
a place where residents can gather to play and socialize. A restoration plan is needed to restore this
facility and to provide possible other sports activities such as basketball, pickleball, horseshoes and
bocci. The municipality could also initiate discussions with community members to see if there is a
renewed interest in operating this facility.
It is a policy of Council to:
Consider permitting the development (or redevelopment) of civic uses
within areas designated 'Civic Institutional' on Figure 9 - OCP Land Use
Designations Map.
Renovate and improve the existing multi use court and assess the Village's
need for additional space to accommodate new civic uses.
POLICY HCLU 21.
POLICY HCLU 22.
POLICY HCLU 23.
POLICY HCLU 24.
POLICY HCLU 25.
POLICY HCLU 26.
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Consult with Metro Vancouver and the Sasamat Volunteer Fire
Department about their existing and anticipated space needs and support
Metro Vancouver's efforts to acquire land to accommodate expansion as
required.
Work with utility providers to accommodate new services as required.
Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU): Civic Marine
The 'Civic Marine' designation applies to the foreshore and riparian lands along Marine Avenue.
These areas, where recreational wharves are located, are critical components of the terrestrial and
marine ecosystems. These areas must be carefully managed to ensure their environmental
integrity is not compromised. The VFPA is not accepting new dock development in Bedwell Bay
while this important conservation research is undertaken.
It is a policy of Council to:
Collaborate with Tsleil-Waututh Nation to promote public education
potentially through the design and installation of interpretive signage
around Bedwell Bay.
Develop a public education program to raise awareness of Bedwell Bay's
sensitive marine environment and riparian habitat.
Maintain Belcarra's invasive species control program along Marine
Avenue.
Prioritize planting native species appropriate to the foreshore area around
Bedwell Bay.
Support Vancouver Fraser Port Authority habitat enhancement
opportunities such as boulder clusters and cobble beds for habitat
complexity.
Support Vancouver Fraser Port Authority identification of 'no-go' zones for
specific environmentally sensitive areas to minimize disturbance of the
foreshore intertidal habitat and shallow subtidal eelgrass or kelp beds by
users.
Support Vancouver Fraser Port Authority designation of a "no anchoring"
zone at the head of Bedwell Bay to protect the eelgrass beds from damage
due to recreational boats anchoring.
Identify, and improve, if necessary, designated public waterfront / beach
accesses to discourage uses in areas subject to erosion and vegetation
loss.
POLICY HCLU 27.
POLICY HCLU 28.
POLICY HCLU 29.
POLICY HCLU 30.
POLICY HCLU 31.
POLICY HCLU 32.
POLICY HCLU 33.
POLICY HCLU 34.
POLICY HCLU 35.
POLICY HCLU 36.
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Housing, Community & Land Use Designation Policies (HCLU) Policies:
Natural Tidal
Lands designated 'Natural Tidal' reflect those designated as "Important Environmental Areas" by the
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA). These areas hold significant environmental value to both
the upland terrestrial environment and the marine environment. These intertidal zones are
important habitats for fish and birds. These zones are also key areas for food and shelter for other
plant and animal life and VFPA prohibits the development of new recreational docks in these areas.
It is a policy of Council to:
Support the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to ensure natural tidal areas
are protected for their environmental and intrinsic value.
Consult the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to ensure the designation of
natural tidal areas remains current.
8) Communication, Collaboration, and Reconciliation (CCR)
Belcarra is located on the traditional territory of Tsleil-Waututh Nation in təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra). As well, the
Province of British Columbia, Metro Vancouver, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority have jurisdiction over
specific lands within the Village boundaries. TransLink (the regional transit authority) provides transit service to the
community, and Belcarra shares municipal boundaries with the City of Port Moody and the Village of Anmore. As
such, it is important that Belcarra maintain strong working relationships with its neighbours, agencies, and more
other levels of government. These relationships must be built on respect, trust, and ongoing communication and
dialogue.
Belcarra is home to roughly 700 residents who care deeply about their community. Belcarra residents are engaged,
involved, and eager to learn more about municipal affairs. Belcarra residents are advocates for open communication
and transparent decision-making and support a governance model grounded in meaningful engagement. The
following policies provide a framework for communication, engagement, and decision-making with respect to land
use planning and other municipal matters.
Communication, Collaboration, and Reconciliation Policies (CCR):
Relationship with Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Reconciliation will only happen when respect is earned, knowledge is shared, and meaningful
communication is established. Belcarra's current residents share many of the same stewardship
goals with the Tsleil-Waututh and this OCP provides many ways to work together to achieve these
shared goals.
It is a policy of Council to:
Strengthen relationships with Tsleil-Waututh Nation by meeting
government-to-government on a regular basis.
Collaborate and partner with Tsleil-Waututh Nation to develop protocols
for communication related to land use matters and to identify and protect
places of cultural and historical significance.
POLICY HCLU 37.
POLICY HCLU 38.
POLICY CCR 1.
POLICY CCR 2.
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Consider the referral of Official Community Plan updates, major land use
and development proposals to Tsleil-Waututh Nation for consultation and
review.
Honour Tsleil-Waututh traditions, culture, and knowledge through place-
making, and wayfinding projects.
Communication, Collaboration, and Reconciliation Policies (CCR):
Relationships with Neighbouring Jurisdictions and Government Agencies
It is a policy of Council to:
Strengthen relationships with municipalities within the Northeast sub-
region (Anmore, Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam) by meeting
with their Chief Administrative Officers and Directors of Planning on a
regular basis.
Work with neighbouring jurisdictions and government agencies on matters
related to land use planning, infrastructure development, traffic,
transportation and transit improvements, and affordable housing for the
betterment of the Northeast sub-region.
Communication, Collaboration, and Reconciliation Policies (CCR):
Relationship with the Belcarra Community
It is a policy of Council to:
Provide publicly accessible information on proposed Official Community
Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, changes to municipal infrastructure
and/or servicing via the municipal website, email distribution list, and/or
community message boards.
Aim to provide residents with at least two weeks' notice of a public
engagement session.
Strive for inclusive, accessible public engagement that is conducted in a
neutral, fair, and open manner.
Continue to encourage public participation at public hearings and other
meetings of Council.
Continue to publish agendas, minutes, and recordings of all Council
meetings except those items discussed In-Camera.
Continue to respond to community inquiries within a reasonable
timeframe.
POLICY CCR 3.
POLICY CCR 4.
POLICY CCR 5.
POLICY CCR 6.
POLICY CCR 7.
POLICY CCR 8.
POLICY CCR 9.
POLICY CCR 10.
POLICY CCR 11.
POLICY CCR 12.
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9) Implementation (IM)
The OCP is a living and working document -- a plan that is not only referenced, but periodically updated to respond
effectively to emerging priorities, opportunities, and constraints. This adaptive approach involves learning from
implementation successes and failures to improve the policies of the plan over time. A continuous cycle of
monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting will better enable Belcarra to measure how well the municipality is achieving
the strategic goals of the OCP.
Implementation Policies (IM): OCP Planning Process
It is a policy of Council to:
Support an Official Community Plan planning process that is cyclical and
repeated once every 5-10 years.
Link the Official Community Plan to the municipal Strategic Plan, Strategic
Priorities Work Plan and Budget processes.
Obtain periodic reports on implementation of the Official Community Plan
as community needs change or funding opportunities are made available.
Ensure Tsleil-Waututh Nation is advised of the renewal and potential
amendments to the Official Community Plan and consulted when
appropriate.
Implementation Policies (IM): Monitoring and Evaluating
It is a policy of Council to:
Develop an Official Community Plan monitoring and evaluation program
that:
1. Identifies priorities for plan implementation.
2. Identifies and collects data needed to establish performance
indicators.
3. Measures both quantifiable and quantifiable outcomes to
determine what progress is being made to implement the Official
Community Plan.
4. Report annually on Official Community Plan implementation
progress.
Implementation Policies (IM): Reporting and Engaging
It is a policy of Council to:
Publish periodic progress reports on the Village website as they may
become available to strengthen transparency, accountability, and
community engagement in the decision-making process.
POLICY IM 1.
POLICY IM 2.
POLICY IM 3.
POLICY IM 4.
POLICY IM 5.
POLICY IM 6.
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Implementation Policies (IM): Adjusting
It is a policy of Council to:
Consider strategic amendments to the content of the Official Community
Plan outside the regular five-year review in response to new
opportunities, unforeseen events, results of the annual evaluation.
POLICY IM 7.
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APPENDIX A
Indigenous History
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) kindly provided a comprehensive 477-page
document titled Tsleil-Waututh Nation's History, Culture and Aboriginal
Interests in Eastern Burrard Inlet prepared by Jesse Morin, PhD, in 2015. Using
this very large document as reference, the following is a brief synopsis of the
Coast Salish and TWN historical presence in the Belcarra area of Indian Arm.
Coast Salish people were the pre-contact inhabitants of the Gulf of Georgia,
Puget Sound, and Lower Fraser regions, now commonly called the "Salish Sea".
They are bound by related languages, cultures, and a very long history of
interaction. The Salish Sea region has long been considered a distinctive "natural
region", and the pre-contact Coast Salish economy and social organization is
generally considered as an adaptation to the specific ecological and
environmental attributes of that region. Anthropologists describe pre-contact
Coast Salish people as marine-oriented hunter-gatherers, or hunter-gatherer-
fishers.
Individual Coast Salish First Nations are associated with a watershed (or
equivalent bounded region) to which they hold collective territorial rights and interests. Such territorial
associations are derived from members of an individual First Nation's genealogical links to 'First Ancestors' who
first populated a region. Coast Salish territorial areas and collective tribal rights were predicated on deep ancestral
connections to specific places.
From a Coast Salish perspective, the world as known today began when the First People appeared into a chaotic
and dangerous world. In some cases, the First People fell from the sky, in other cases they appeared out of the
earth, or were transformed from animals. These First People became the First Ancestors of the social groups we
now term First Nations. The Tsleil-Waututh First Ancestors were transformed from a wolf and created from the
sediments of Burrard Inlet. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation translates the name 'Tsleil-Waututh' as meaning "the people
of the inlet," referring to Burrard Inlet, and refers to Burrard Inlet as 'Tsleil-Wat' or 'Tsleil-Waut'.
It is highly significant that the Coast Salish world had undergone a very heavy mortality before contact. Mortality
rates of up to 90% have been described by some historians for a 1782 smallpox epidemic. Entire villages and
groups were decimated including the once numerous Tsleil-Waututh population. If 90% of the population suddenly
died a decade before 'First Contact' in 1792, then the observers at 'First Contact' were not witnessing an
indigenous culture that had remained unchanged for centuries. They were witnessing a survivor population
rebuilding their societies and social groups. A second smallpox epidemic occurred much later (circa 1858-62) and
is specifically described as almost annihilating the Tsleil-Waututh population living at Tum-tumay-whueton
(Belcarra Park).
In June 1792, the George Vancouver expedition (British) explored the Salish Sea including Burrard Inlet. Indigenous
people were encountered at Point Grey and near First Narrows. Peter Puget (of the Vancouver expedition)
described the north shore of Burrard Inlet as apparently being "well inhabited". Puget's accounts referred to the
Tsleil-Waututh villages at Sleil-Waututh/Tat-ose (Burrard IR No.3), Whey-ah-wichen (Cates Park), Say-umiton
(Strathcona Park), and Tum-tumay-whueton (Belcarra Park) -- all known ancestral Tsleil-Waututh village sites with
corresponding archaeological sites and evidence of late prehistoric (~1600 and later) and early historic
occupations.
Also in June 1792, the Galiano and Valdez expedition (Spanish) explored the Salish Sea including Burrard Inlet and
Indian Arm. Indigenous people were encountered at Point Grey, near First Narrows, and at Indian River.
Settlements were inferred, but not observed at First Narrows. A small settlement was observed at Indian River.
The Spanish indicated that the indigenous name for Burrard Inlet was "Sasamat".
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Wolf (Guardian Spirit)
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Many Tsleil-Waututh oral histories are located at Tum-tumay-whueton (Belcarra Park) which was the primary
home of Tsleil-Waututh's hereditary chiefs (Waut-salk and Sla-holt), and Tsleil-Waututh oral history places their
relocation from Tum-tumay-whueton to the north shore at around 1853-62 (during the time of Governor James
Douglas). Some historical evidence suggests an earlier move around 1830-40, but there is also an apparent eye-
witness account in 1864 by Stephen Decker of a native encampment at Tum-tumay-whueton.
In 1863, an English-speaking colonial official and Judge H.P.P. Crease identified the village at Burrardview (later
Burrard IR No.3) as "Large Indian Ranch (Squamish) owned by Lillooet", indicated the village at Roche Point as
"Slillooet Indians, Tum-tumay-whueton", and the North Vancouver area as "Lillooet Indians ground". It is notable
here that there were no indigenous settlements at either Belcarra, indicating Tsleil-Waututh's relocation to Sleil-
Waututh prior to that time, or Seymour Creek, indicating that this village had not yet been re-occupied.
At present, Tsleil-Waututh is a Central Coast Salish First Nation in the Metro Vancouver area with three reserves: IR
No. 3 (the primary community) in North Vancouver, IR No. 4 and IR No. 4a on the banks of the Indian River.
Membership stands at about 500 persons. The current Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a federally recognized First Nation
governed by an elected chief and four councillors. The current Tsleil-Waututh Nation also recognizes a hereditary
chief -- Chief Ignatius Ernest George Sla-holt -- who can trace his genealogy and the Tsleil-Waututh hereditary
chieftainship back to the mid-1700s. In addition, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has a Traditional Council of eight family
heads who meet periodically to discuss major issues and relay those discussions back to their respective families.
The Tsleil-Waututh Consultation Area represents an approximation of Tsleil-Waututh's recent or modern
harvesting area, including both Tsleil-Waututh territory, and the territories of other First Nations. Tsleil-Waututh
access to the resources of other First Nation's territories was predicated on kinship connections to those other
communities and permission seeking along Coast Salish protocols. The Tsleil-Waututh Consultation Area
represents an area of Tsleil-Waututh's indigenous interests and includes all of Tsleil-Waututh's traditional territory,
but the Consultation Area is not coterminous or equivalent to Tsleil-Waututh territory. Tsleil-Waututh's
Consultation Area encompasses much of the Lower Mainland region, Howe Sound, and the Squamish Valley. The
Tsleil-Waututh traditional territory is centered on Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm and the lands draining therein -- a
natural watershed unit.
Drawing by Edward Parker Bedwell (BC Archives PDP02119)
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Archaeological sites located in Belcarra and adjacent areas
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Appendix B
Metro 2050
Regional Context Statement
1
METRO 2050 REGIONAL CONTEXT STATEMENT
Metro 2050 Targets
In the following section please outline the Official Community Plan policies (or equivalent) that demonstrate your
member jurisdiction's contribution to reaching the regional federation's regional growth strategy targets. Please
also provide supplementary information on how these policies, along with any other applicable plans or strategies,
will work together to contribute to meeting these regional targets. For the environmental and housing targets,
Metro 2050 recognizes that the targets are regional in scale and long term to the year 2050; member jurisdiction
local context is expected.
Metro 2050 Regional Targets
Goal 1 Create a Compact Urban Area Targets
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
1.1.9 b) Provide member jurisdiction
population, dwelling unit, and
employment projections, with reference
to guidelines contained in Table 1, and
demonstrate how local plans will work
towards accommodating the projected
growth within the Urban Containment
Boundary in accordance with the
regional target of focusing 98% of
residential growth inside the Urban
Containment Boundary
N/A Belcarra is designated RURAL
and has only residential, Civic
Institutional and
Conservation/Recreation land uses.
See OCP Figure 9- OCP Land Use
Designation Map.
Without securing additional
land for residential
development from the Crown
or through resident initiatives
to subdivide existing lots it is
unlikely the Village will be able
to meet its projected 1% per
year growth rate of 86 net new
dwelling units through to 2050.
1.2.24 a) provide dwelling unit and
employment projections that indicate
the member jurisdiction's share of
planned growth and contribute to
achieving the regional share of growth
for Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas as set out in Table 2
(Dwelling Unit and Employment Growth
Targets for Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas)
Regional Targets for Residential Growth
by Location:
-
All Urban Centre Types: 40%
-
Frequent Transit Development
Areas: 28%
Regional Targets for Employment Growth
by Location:
-
All Urban Centre Types: 50%
-
Frequent Transit Development
Areas: 27%
See Tables 1 and 2 of OCP
Population targets may be met
or exceeded as older
population age out of
community and larger
household families move in.
Any employment projection is
based on expansion of home-
based businesses, continuing
work from home employment
opportunities and the
aspiration to have a
neighbourhood café/corner
convenience store
1.2.24 b) ii) include policies and actions
for Urban Centres and
N/A
2
Frequent Transit Development Areas
that: focus and manage growth and
development in Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
consistent with guidelines set out in
Table 3 (Guidelines for Urban Centres
and Frequent Transit Development
Areas) and demonstrate how that growth
will contribute to the Urban Centre and
Frequent Transit Development Area
targets set out in Table 2 and Action
1.2.13
1.2.13 Implement the strategies and
actions of the regional growth strategy
that contribute to regional targets as
shown on Table 2 to:
a) focus 98% of the region's dwelling
unit growth to areas within the
Urban Containment Boundary;
b) focus 40% of the region's dwelling
unit growth and 50% of the region's
employment growth to Urban
Centres; and
c)
focus 28% of the region's dwelling
unit growth and 27% of the region's
employment growth to Frequent
Transit Development Areas.
See above
Population growth in Belcarra
is not expected to be a
significant portion of the 2%
growth projected for the Rural
areas. The HNA projected the
need for 87 units over the next
27 years
Goal 3 Protect the Environment, Address Climate Change, and Respond to Natural Hazards
Targets
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
3.2.7 a) identify local ecosystem
protection and tree canopy cover
targets, and demonstrate how these
targets will contribute to the regional
targets in Action 3.2.1:
-
increase the area of lands protected
for nature from 40% to 50% of the
region's land base by the year 2050;
and
-
increase the total regional tree
canopy cover within the Urban
Containment Boundary from 32% to
40% by the year 2050.
Belcarra is 69% regional and
provincial park and conservation
lands. The tree canopy is 94%.
Policy NE5 + 6 will protect and
enhance these areas by buffering
them from adjacent Rural uses
(housing + civic uses)
N/A
.
3.3.7 a) identify how local land use and
transportation policies will contribute to
meeting the regional greenhouse gas
Policy CC3 NE32+33 Promote non-
vehicular uses and advocates for
additional transit service. Policy NE
3
emission reduction target of 45% below
2010 levels by the year 2030 and
achieving a carbon neutral region by the
year 2050;
34 will reduce municipal emissions.
Policies CC1 to 12
Goal 4 Provide Diverse and Affordable Housing Choices Target
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
4.2.7 a) indicate how you will, within the
local context, contribute toward the
regional target of having at least 15% of
newly completed housing units built
within all Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas combined,
to the year 2050, be affordable rental
housing units (recognizing that
developing affordable rental housing
units in transit-oriented locations
throughout the urban area is supported)
N/A. Belcarra is in neither of
these areas however it will
review its Zoning Bylaw with the
intention of making changes to
allow more secondary suites,
coach houses and low-density
multi-unit development where
septic and water provisions are
available to meet rental,
affordability and other
community housing needs.
Zoning Bylaw reviewed in 2018
Housing Needs Report
completed in 2021
Metro 2050 Goal 1: Create a Compact Urban Area
Describe how the OCP and other supporting plans and policies contribute to this Goal:
Village of Belcarra is designated "Rural" in Metro 2050 and has no commercial or multi-unit land to develop a
village centre. It is almost exclusively developed as single-family homes on large lots and is surrounded by
provincial and regional park land. Development is limited by absence of sewer service and limited volumes of fresh
water. The OCP seeks to reduce residents' need to travel by vehicles out of the community for all goods and
services by proposing to allow home based retail sales and to provide a broader range of housing types by
adjusting the Zoning and Subdivision requirements to provide more secondary suites, coach houses, duplex,
triplex and fourplex where servicing requirements can be met. Future residential development will require
resolution of entitlements with respect to identified Crown Lands and the establishment of legal road access to
Farrer Cove. Some subdivision of larger lots in other parts of Belcarra may also occur in order to support meeting
goals to increase affordable, rental and seniors housing opportunities while still maintaining the rural character of
the Village.
Goal 1 Targets
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
1.1.9 b) Provide member jurisdiction
population, dwelling unit, and
employment projections, with reference
to guidelines contained in Table 1, and
demonstrate how local plans will work
towards accommodating the projected
growth within the Urban Containment
Boundary in accordance with the
regional target of focusing 98% of
residential growth inside the Urban
Containment Boundary
See response above
The figures provided for
population, dwelling unit and
employment are based on a
projection of a 1% annual
growth rate. Population may
increase more rapidly as empty
nesters age out of the
community and families with
children replace those 1 and 2
person households
4
1.2.24 a) provide dwelling unit and
employment projections that indicate
the member jurisdiction's share of
planned growth and contribute to
achieving the regional share of growth
for Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas as set out in Table 2
(Dwelling Unit and Employment Growth
Targets for Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas)
Regional Targets for Residential Growth
by Location:
-
All Urban Centre Types: 40%
-
Frequent Transit Development
Areas: 28%
Regional Targets for Employment Growth
by Location:
-
All Urban Centre Types: 50%
-
Frequent Transit Development
Areas: 27%
N/A
Population growth in Belcarra
is not expected to be a
significant portion of the 2%
growth projected for the Rural
areas. Total population growth
expected is 213 in next 30 years
The HNA projected the need
for 87 units over the next 30
years
1.2.24 b) ii) include policies and actions
for Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
that: focus and manage growth and
development in Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
consistent with guidelines set out in
Table 3 (Guidelines for Urban Centres
and Frequent Transit Development
Areas) and demonstrate how that growth
will contribute to the Urban Centre and
Frequent Transit Development Area
targets set out in Table 2 and Action
1.2.13
1.2.13 Implement the strategies and
actions of the regional growth strategy
that contribute to regional targets as
shown on Table 2 to:
a) focus 98% of the region's dwelling
unit growth to areas within the
Urban Containment Boundary;
b) focus 40% of the region's dwelling
unit growth and 50% of the region's
employment growth to Urban
Centres; and
N/A
Population growth in Belcarra
is not expected to be a
significant portion of the 2%
growth projected for the Rural
5
c)
focus 28% of the region's dwelling
unit growth and 27% of the region's
employment growth to Frequent
Transit Development Areas.
areas. Total growth expected is
213 in next 30 years
The HNA projected the need
for 87 units over the next 30
years
Strategy 1.1: Contain urban development within the Urban Containment Boundary
Policy 1.1.9
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
Depict the Urban Containment Boundary on a map, generally
consistent with the Regional Land Use Designations map (Map
2)
Village of Belcarra is not within
the Urban Containment
Boundary
b)
Provide member jurisdiction population, dwelling unit, and
employment projections, with reference to guidelines
contained in Table 1, and demonstrate how local plans will
work towards accommodating the projected growth within
the Urban Containment Boundary in accordance with the
regional target of focusing 98% of residential growth inside
the Urban Containment Boundary
See response in Targets section
c)
Include a commitment to liaise regularly with Metro
Vancouver Liquid Waste Services and Metro Vancouver Water
Services to keep them apprised of the scale and timeframe of
major development plans as well as specific plans to separate
combined sewers
The Village is not on the
regional sewage network and is
not scheduled to be within the
timeframe of this OCP. The
Village has its own water
service with capacity to
accommodate future growth
projected. Other residential
growth will be dependant on
private wells and watercourses.
Any new development will
require approval by Fraser
Health Authority for septic
service.
d)
Integrate land use planning policies with local and regional
economic development strategies, particularly in the vicinity
of the port and airports, to minimize
potential exposure of residents to environmental noise and
other harmful impacts
N/A
Strategy 1.2: Focus growth in Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
Policy 1.2.24
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
provide dwelling unit and employment projections that
indicate the member jurisdiction's share of planned growth
and contribute to achieving the regional share of growth for
Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas as set
out in Table 2 (Dwelling Unit and Employment Growth Targets
for Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas)
See response in Targets section
6
b)
include policies and actions for Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas that:
N/A
i)
identify the location, boundaries, and types of Urban Centres
and Frequent Transit Development Areas on a map that is
consistent with the guidelines set out in Table 3 (Guidelines
for Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas)
and Map 4
N/A
ii)
focus and manage growth and development in Urban Centres
and Frequent Transit Development Areas consistent with
guidelines set out in Table 3 (Guidelines for Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas) and demonstrate how
that growth will contribute to the Urban Centre and Frequent
Transit Development Area targets set out in Table 2 and
Action 1.2.13
See response in Targets section
iii)
encourage office development to locate in Urban Centres
through policies, economic development programs, or other
financial incentives
N/A
iv)
support modal shift by establishing or maintaining reduced
residential and commercial parking requirements in Urban
Centres and FTDAs and consider the use of parking maximums
N/A
v)
consider the identification of appropriate measures and
neighbourhood plans to accommodate urban densification
and infill development in Urban Centres, Frequent Transit
Development Areas, and, where appropriate, Major Transit
Growth Corridors in a resilient and equitable way (e.g. through
community vulnerability assessments, emergency services
planning, tenant protection policies, and strategies to enhance
community social connectedness and adaptive capacity)
N/A
vi)
consider support for the provision of child care spaces in
Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
N/A
vii)
consider the implementation of green infrastructure
N/A
viii)
focus infrastructure and amenity investments (such as public
works and civic and recreation facilities) in Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas, and at appropriate
locations within Major Transit Growth Corridors
N/A
ix)
support the provision of community services and spaces for
non-profit organizations
N/A
x)
consider, where Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas overlap with Employment lands, higher
density forms and intensification of commercial and light
industrial
N/A
xi)
take appropriate steps to avoid or mitigate the negative
health impacts of busy roadways on new or redeveloped
residential areas
N/A
c)
Include policies for General Urban lands that:
N/A
7
i)
identify General Urban lands and their boundaries on a map
generally consistent with Map 2
N/A
ii)
exclude new non-residential Major Trip- Generating uses, as
defined in the Regional Context Statement, from those
portions of General Urban lands outside of Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas and direct new non-
residential Major Trip-Generating uses to Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
N/A
iii)
encourage infill and intensification (e.g. row houses,
townhouses, mid-rise apartments, laneway houses) in
appropriate locations within walking distance of the Frequent
Transit Network;
N/A
iv)
encourage neighbourhood-serving commercial uses
N/A
d)
with regards to Actions 1.2.16 and 1.2.24 c) ii), include a
definition of "non-residential Major Trip- Generating uses"
that includes, but is not limited to, the following uses: office or
business parks, outlet shopping malls, post-secondary
institutions, and large-format entertainment venues
N/A
e)
consider the identification of new Frequent Transit
Development Areas in appropriate locations within Major
Transit Growth Corridors, as part of the development of new
or amended area or neighbourhood plans, or other
community planning initiatives
N/A
f)
consider long-term growth and transportation planning
coordination with adjacent municipalities, First Nations,
TransLink, and Metro Vancouver for transit corridors that run
through or along two or more adjacent jurisdictions
N/A
Strategy 1.3: Develop resilient, healthy, connected, and complete communities with a range
of services and amenities
Policy 1.3.7
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
support compact, mixed use, transit, walking, cycling and
rolling-oriented communities
Policies M1-7 and NE12 speak
to efforts to map, expand,
maintain and improve local
trails and to encourage others
to improve end-of-trip facilities
for park users. Policy HCLU 21
connect these local trails to the
Regional Park Plan(2022) and
the Regional Greenways 2050
network and. Policies M9, 10,
22 + 23 direct improvements to
be made on local streets to
improve pedestrian and rolling
uses safety
8
b)
locate and support community, arts, cultural, recreational,
institutional, medical/health, social service, education and
child care facilities, and local serving retail uses in Urban
Centres or areas with good access to transit
Policies HCLU 16-20 support a
study to identify viable retail
opportunities to reduce local
travel and better serve regional
park visitors. They also
recommend reviewing the
Zoning Bylaw to consider
allowing home-based retail
businesses.
c)
provide and encourage public spaces and other place-making
amenities and facilities (e.g. community gardens, playgrounds,
gathering places, etc.) in new and established
neighbourhoods, for all ages, abilities, and seasons, to support
social connections and engagement
Policy HCLU 26 provides for the
renovation of the existing
sports court and Policy HCLU
11 +24 would provide for a
new park area and equipment
if a subdivision master plan for
Farrer Cove is undertaken by
local owners in the future.
d)
respond to health and climate change-related risks by
providing equitable access to:
Policy HCLU 26 see above
i)
recreation facilities
Policy HCLU 26 Restores sports
court in disrepair.
ii)
green spaces and public spaces (e.g., parks, trails, urban
forests, public squares, etc.)
Policy NE7 direct actions to
pursue net ecosystem gains
(instead of no net loss) when
developing infrastructure in
regional conservation and
recreation area, Polices NE19-
22 direct the partnership and
development of an Invasive
Species Management Plan.
Policies NE24+25 express
support of programs and
initiatives to become a "Bear
Smart" community while
Policies NE26-28 and NE29
express support for protecting
the rough-skinned newt and
improving water quality and
shorelines of Bedwell Bay.
Policies HCLU 8, 13, 14 and 23
provide Council the option to
determine whether to accept
land or payment-in-lieu as a
means to obtain a new park
space if a subdivision master
plan is created to guide future
development of Farrer Cove
should legal road access be
created by the residents.
iii)
safe and inviting walking, cycling, and rolling environments,
including resting spaces with tree canopy coverage, for all
ages and abilities
Policies M 1- 7 speak to efforts
to map, expand, maintain and
improve local trails while
9
Policies M 9-10 incorporate
universal access design and
trail integration considerations
in road works. Policies M 39 +
40 support others to improve
activities and food options in
the regional park. Policy HCLU
22directs efforts to connect
local pathways and trails to the
regional network.
e)
support the inclusion of community gardens (at-grade,
rooftop, or on balconies), grocery stores and farmers' markets
to support food security, and local production, distribution
and consumption of healthy food, in particular where they are
easily accessible to housing and transit services
Policy HCLU 26 Refresh sports
courts and consider adding
seating, community gardening
boxes and new sport activities
such as a horseshoe pitch or
bocce court.
f)
consider, when preparing new neighbourhood and area plans,
the mitigation of significant negative social and health
impacts, such as through the use of formal health and social
impact assessment methods in neighbourhood design and
major infrastructure investments
Policies HCLU 2-7 direct the
review of zoning and
subdivision requirements to
provide additional rental stock
in secondary suites and coach
houses, smaller lot sizes and
house sizes, to consider multi-
units on larger serviced lots
and to develop new low
density multi-dwelling design
guidelines that preserve the
Village's semi-rural character.
Policies HCLU 13, 14 + 24 are
designed to work together to
provide a new park space in
Farrer Cove if residents work
together to develop a
Subdivision Master Plan if legal
road access is established.
g)
provide design guidance for existing and new neighbourhoods
to promote social connections, universal accessibility, crime
prevention through environmental design, and inclusivity
while considering the impacts of these strategies on identified
marginalized members of the community
Policies HCLU 11 and HCLU 3 +
M 9 provide opportunities to
improve accessibility and social
connections through
subdivision master planning
and incorporation of universal
design principles in housing
and mobility developments..
h)
consider where appropriate, opportunities to incorporate
recognition of Indigenous and other cultures into the planning
of Urban Centres, FTDAs, and other local centres
Policies NE 3, 8, 15 + 28 and
HCLU 29 identify opportunities
to collaborate with or support
Tsleil-Waututh stewardship
initiatives. Policy HCLU 21
recognizes the Tsleil-Waututh
rights to the Crown Lands that
form the Village's residential
land bank. Policies CCR1-4
10
reflect Council's commitment
to strengthen relationships,
develop protocols to improve
communications (especially in
relation to land use and the
inclusion of way-finding
projects and recognition of
places of cultural and historical
significance) and to refer OCP
and major land use and
development proposals for
consultation and review by the
Tsleil-Waututh.
Strategy 1.4: Protect Rural lands from urban development
Policy 1.4.3
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify Rural lands and their boundaries on a map generally
consistent with Map 2
See Figure 6: Metro Vancouver
2050 Land Use Designations
b)
limit development to a scale, form, and density consistent
with the intent for the Rural land use designation, and that is
compatible with on-site sewer servicing
Policies FS 16-19 recognizes
that all development requires
sewage disposal permits and
approval of an adequate
source of fresh water from the
health authorities. Policies
HCLU 1-7 set out housing
policies that are in keeping
with the semi-rural nature of
the community while at the
same time addressing current
housing needs
c)
specify the allowable density and form, consistent with Action
1.4.1, for land uses within the Rural regional land use
designation
Policies HCLU 4 to 7 make
provisions for the review of the
Zoning Bylaw and the
consideration of additional
secondary suites and coach
houses and some limited
opportunities for multi-unit
developments where
community housing needs are
met and the designs fit with
the character of the
community.
d)
prioritize and support agricultural uses within the Agricultural
Land Reserve, and where appropriate, support agricultural
uses outside of the Agricultural Land Reserve
N/A
e)
support the protection, enhancement, restoration, and
expansion of ecosystems identified on Map 11 to maintain
ecological integrity, enable ecosystem connectivity, increase
natural carbon sinks and enable adaptation to the impacts of
climate change
The parts of Belcarra identified
on this map of Environmentally
Sensitive Areas are either
regional or provincial parks.
OCP Policies HCLU 21, and 29
11
to 37 propose to collaborate
with the Tsleil-Waututh, Port
Authority, regional and
provincial park authorities in
the management and
development of these places.
Metro 2050 Goal 2: Support a Sustainable Economy
Describe how the OCP and other supporting plans and policies contribute to this Goal:
Belcarra's OCP recognizes that creating even one viable commercial stand-alone business may not be possible
given the Village's small population. It also recognizes that the all employment (other than self -employment),
social, educational and retail service needs require local residents to travel by vehicle (primarily) outside of the
community to get them. Policies HCLU 16 to 18 provide for a commercial viability assessment to determine what,
if any retail service might be financially viable, to update the Zoning Bylaw to establish a commercial zoning
schedule and to review and amend the definition of "home based business" to consider allowing retail uses, more
employees and larger spaces for employment activities within the single-family residential unit.
Strategy 2.1 Promote land development patterns that support a diverse regional economy
and employment opportunities close to where people live
Policy 2.1.10
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
include policies to support appropriate economic
activities, as well as context-appropriate built form for
Urban Centres, Frequent Transit Development Areas,
Industrial lands, and Employment lands
N/A
b)
support the development and expansion of large-scale
office and retail uses in Urban Centres, and lower-scale
uses in Frequent Transit Development Areas through
policies such as: zoning that reserves land for
commercial uses, density bonus provisions to encourage
office development, variable development cost charges,
and/or other incentives
N/A
c)
discourage the development and expansion of major
commercial uses outside of Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas and that discourage the
development of institutional land uses outside of Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
N/A
Strategy 2.2 Protect the supply and enhance the efficient use of industrial land
Policy 2.2.9
Section
Policy Text
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify the Industrial and Employment lands and their
boundaries on a map generally consistent with Map 7
N/A. There are no Industrial or
Employment Lands designated in
Belcarra.
12
b)
identify Trade-Oriented lands, if applicable, with a
defined set of permitted uses that support inter-
regional, provincial, national, and international trade
(e.g. logistics, warehouses, distribution centres,
transportation and intermodal terminals) and location
needs (e.g. large and flat sites, proximity to highway,
port, or rail infrastructure) on a map consistent with the
goals in the regional growth strategy. Strata and/or small
lot subdivisions on these lands should not be permitted
N/A
c)
include policies for Industrial lands that:
i)
consistently define, support, and protect industrial uses,
as defined in Metro 2050, in municipal plans and bylaws,
and ensure that non-industrial uses are not permitted
N/A
ii)
support appropriate and related accessory uses, such as
limited-scale ancillary commercial spaces, and caretaker
units
N/A
iii)
exclude uses that are not consistent with the intent of
Industrial lands and not supportive of industrial
activities, such as medium and large format retail uses,
residential uses, and stand- alone office uses, other than
ancillary uses, where deemed necessary
N/A
iv)
encourage improved utilization and increased
intensification/densification of Industrial lands for
industrial activities, including the removal of any
unnecessary municipal policies or regulatory barriers
related to development form and density
N/A
v)
review and update parking and loading requirements to
reflect changes in industrial forms and activities, ensure
better integration with the surrounding character, and
reflect improvements to transit service, in an effort to
avoid the over- supply of parking
N/A
vi)
explore municipal industrial strategies or initiatives that
support economic growth objectives with linkages to
land use planning
N/A
vii)
provide infrastructure and services in support of existing
and expanding industrial activities
N/A
viii)
support the unique locational and infrastructure needs
of rail-oriented, waterfront, and trade-oriented
industrial uses
N/A
ix)
consider the preparation of urban design guidelines for
Industrial land edge planning, such as interface designs,
buffering standards, or tree planting, to minimize
potential land use conflicts between industrial and
sensitive land uses, and to improve resilience to the
impacts of climate change
N/A
x)
do not permit strata and/or small lot subdivisions on
identified Trade-Oriented lands
N/A
13
d)
include policies for Employment lands that:
i)
support a mix of industrial, small scale commercial and
office, and other related employment uses, while
maintaining support for the light industrial capacity of
the area, including opportunities for the potential
densification/intensification of industrial activities,
where appropriate
N/A
ii)
allow large and medium format retail, where
appropriate, provided that such development will not
undermine the broad objectives of the regional growth
strategy
N/A
iii)
support the objective of concentrating larger- scale
commercial, higher density forms of employment, and
other Major Trip-Generating uses in Urban Centres, and
local-scale uses in Frequent Transit Development Areas
N/A
iv)
support higher density forms of commercial and light
industrial development where Employment lands are
located within Urban Centres or Frequent Transit
Development Areas, and permit employment and
service activities consistent with the intent of Urban
Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas, while
low employment density and low transit generating
uses, possibly with goods movement needs and impacts,
are located elsewhere
N/A
v)
do not permit residential uses, except for:
- an accessory caretaker unit; or
- limited residential uses (with an emphasis on
affordable, rental units) on lands within 200 m of a
rapid transit station and located within Urban Centres
or Frequent Transit Development Areas, provided that
the residential uses are located only on the upper
floors of buildings with commercial and light industrial
uses, where appropriate and subject to the
consideration of municipal objectives and local
context.
N/A
e)
include policies to assist existing and new businesses in
reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, maximizing
energy efficiency, and mitigating impacts on ecosystems
NA
f)
include policies that assist existing and new businesses
to adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce
their exposure to natural hazards risks, such as those
identified within the regional growth strategy (Table 5)
N/A
Strategy 2.3 Protect the supply of agricultural land and strengthen agricultural viability
Polic
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
14
a)
specify the Agricultural lands within their juris- diction,
denoting those within the Agricultural Land Reserve, on
a map generally consistent with Map 8
N/A. There are no Agricultural lands
in Belcarra
b)
consider policies and programs that increase markets
and the distribution of local food in urban areas to
strengthen the viability of agriculture and increase
availability of local food for all residents
N/A
c)
include policies that protect the supply of agricultural
land and strengthen agriculture viability including those
that:
i)
assign appropriate land use designations to protect
agricultural land for future generations and discourage
land uses on Agricultural lands that do not directly
support and strengthen agricultural viability
N/A
ii)
encourage the consolidation of small parcels and
discourage the subdivision and fragmentation of
agricultural land
N/A
iii)
support climate change adaptation including:
- monitoring storm water, flooding, and sea level rise
impacts on agricultural land,
- implementing flood construction requirements for
residential uses, and
- maintaining and improving drainage and irrigation
infrastructure that support agricultural production,
where appropriate and in collabo- ration with other
governments and agencies
N/A
iv)
protect the integrity of agricultural land by requiring
edge planning along the Urban Containment Boundary
and adjacent to agricultural operations through activities
such as screening, physical buffers, roads, or
Development Permit area requirements
N/A
v)
demonstrate support for economic development
opportunities for agricultural operations that are farm
related uses, benefit from close proximity to farms, and
enhance primary agricultural production as defined by
the Agricultural Land Commission Act
N/A
vi)
align policies and regulations, where applicable, with the
Minister's Bylaw Standards and Agricultural Land
Commission legislation and regulations
N/A
Po
li
Section
Policy
Supplementary Information
15
In partnership with other agencies and organizations,
support agricultural awareness and promote the
importance of the agricultural industry, the importance
of protecting agricultural land, and the value of local
agricultural products and experiences
N/A
Metro 2050 Goal 3: Protect the Environment, Address Climate Change, and
Respond to Natural Hazards
Describe how the OCP and other supporting plans and policies contribute to this Goal:
It should be noted that all lands designated Conservation/Recreation in the Metro 2050 RGS are either in the
regional or provincial parks or are Crown Lands. Village policies will not apply directly to those lands. Belcarra has
about 95% tree coverage overall. Additional residential development is limited and should not affect the future
tree canopy significantly with careful siting of new development and replanting of landscaping..
Goal 3 Targets
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
3.2.7 a) identify local ecosystem
protection and tree canopy cover
targets, and demonstrate how
these targets will contribute to the
regional targets in Action 3.2.1:
-
increase the area of lands
protected for nature from 40%
to 50% of the region's land
base by the year 2050; and
-
increase the total regional tree
canopy cover within the Urban
Containment Boundary from
32% to 40% by the year 2050.
Policies NE 1-7 supports VFPA and
Tsleil-Waututh Nation's efforts to
protect local eelgrass beds and
riparian, marine and estuarine
environments..
Policies NE 10 + 11 supports other
jurisdictions' efforts to increase
regional park land while Policies
NE17 +18 outline Village policy on
municipal and private property
regarding tree retention.
Policy HL 4 considers development
of an Interface Wildfire DPA to
protect the community from
wildfires
Policies HL 11 -17 outline protective
measures to be taken or
recommended to protect both
residential and park areas from
forest fires, slope stability, soil
erosion and other natural hazards.
16
3.3.7 a) identify how local land use
and transportation policies will
contribute to meeting the regional
greenhouse gas emission reduction
target of 45% below 2010 levels by
the year 2030 and achieving a
carbon neutral region by the year
2050;
Policies NE 7 + 13 reflect a
philosophical change in approach to
the relationship between the
environment and development.
These policy statements direct new
development to strive to improve
the environment not just mitigate so
there is no net loss to the
environment. Policies NE 32-34
direct Council to promote active
transportation measures, advocate
for additional public transit service
to regional and provincial parks and
to reduce vehicle emissions from
municipal vehicles and equipment.
Policies CC 1-12 direct Council to
uphold their commitment to the BC
Climate Action Charter and to
develop a Climate Action Plan, to
require GHG reductions new
buildings and those undergoing
significant renovation, to continue
requiring demolition waste to be
diverted from landfill.
Policies CC 14 directs work to
connect Belcarra with the Regional
Greenway 2050 Plan while Policies
CC 17, 19 and 22 encourages bike
parking and charging points in parks
and at Village Hall, new
development to include low impact
alternative/renewable energy
sources and adopts a "Green
Procurement" policy for civic
purchases.
Policies M 1- 7 speak to efforts to
map, expand, maintain and improve
local trails while Policies M 9-10
incorporate universal access design
and trail integration considerations
in road works.
Policies M31 -35 and M37 advocate
MV develop a "Visitor Use
Management Strategy" to better
manage parking and traffic issues at
the regional park and collaborate
with stakeholders to do the same at
the provincial park. They also
continue to restrict by regional park
By far the largest source of GHG
emissions from transportation
sources is from visitors to the
regional and provincial parks.
However, the 700 local residents are
also major contributors as they
must leave the community for
almost all goods and services they
require.
The third source of GHG's in the
community is from the
preponderance of very large single-
family homes. Current Zoning allows
for single family homes of between
5400 square feet and 9200 square
feet plus any part of the basement
more than 4 feet below ground.
17
visitors to outside the residential
areas of the Village.
Policies M41 -43 provides support
for prioritizing rideshare, transit and
bicycle access to the regional park.
Policies HCLU 4, 5,6 make
provisions for the review of the
Zoning Bylaw and the consideration
of additional secondary suites and
coach houses, smaller lots and
some limited opportunities for
multi-unit developments where
community housing needs are met
and the designs fit with the
character of the community.
Strategy 3.1: Protect and enhance Conservation and Recreation lands
Policy 3.1.9
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify Conservation and Recreation lands and their
boundaries on a map generally consistent with Map 2
See OCP Figure 6- Metro Vancouver
2050 Land Use Designations Map
b)
include policies that support the protection and
enhancement of lands with a Conservation and
Recreation land use designation, which may include the
following uses:
i)
drinking water supply areas
Policy HCLU22 advocates
preservation of Conservation and
Recreation lands known as Parcel 48
subject to the resolution of uses
permitted as noted in the Village-
GVRD Agreement (1983). This is
Crown land and negotiations will
involve the Province, MV, and the
Tsleil-Waututh.
ii)
environmental conservation areas
iii)
wildlife management areas and ecological
reserves
Policy M15 designates Tum-Tunay-
Whueton Drive as the only vehicle
access to the regional park picnic
and staging area while protecting
the migration of the Rough-skinned
Newt from road traffic. Policy NE 26
supports MV's conservation efforts.
iv)
forests
Policy NE22 supports MV and
provincial efforts to manage invasive
species in C/R areas. Policy HL 8
encourages boat access only owners
to purchase portable fire pumps to
reduce the risk of fires spreading
18
while Policy HL 12 directs staff to
continue exploring ways to increase
water storage capacity for fire
fighting. Policy HL 11 encourages MV
and Port Moody to install fire
hydrants along Tum-Tumay-
Whueton Drive.
Policies HL 22 to 25 advocates BC
Wildfire Service develop a strategy
to prioritize aerial fire response for
MV parks and Crown lands, continue
to support the FireSmart program
and develop a Wildfire Assessment
and update the Community Wildfire
Resilience Plan every 5 years. Policy
HL 28 advocates the development of
a Fire and Fuel Management Plan for
Crown and regional lands near
Belcarra while HL4 supports the
development of a Wildfire DPA
permit requirement for new
development..
v)
wetlands (e.g. freshwater lakes, ponds,
bogs, fens, estuarine, marine, freshwater,
and intertidal ecosystems)
Policies NE30 + 31 support local
initiatives to clean up local beaches
and shorelines. Policies HCLU 29-37
provide direction to collaborate with
the Tsleil-Waututh to design and
install signage around Bedwell Bay,
maintain the invasive species control
program, prioritize planting native
species and support VFPA efforts to
enhance habitat and establish no-go
and no-anchoring zones in Bedwell
Bay.
vi)
riparian areas (i.e. the areas and vegetation
surrounding wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers)
Policy NE3 direct collaboration with
VFPA and TWN to monitor, protect
and enhance riparian, marine and
estuarine environments
vii)
ecosystems not covered above that may be
vulnerable to climate change and natural hazard
impacts, or that provide buffers to climate change
impacts or natural hazard impacts for communities
Policy NE2 supports protection of
local eelgrass beds while Policy NE9
supports development of "Dark Sky"
policies so wildlife can retain their
normal life-cycles.
viii)
uses within those lands that are appropriately located,
scaled, and consistent with the intent of the designation,
including:
o
major parks and outdoor recreation areas;
o
education, research and training facilities, and
associated uses that serve conservation and/or
recreation users;
o
commercial uses, tourism activities, and public,
cultural, or community amenities;
Policy NE6 supports uses consistent
with the intent of MV conservation
and recreation designation while
Policy NE7 directs efforts to achieve
net ecosystem gains when
developing in regional conservation
and recreation areas.
19
o
limited agricultural use, primarily soil-based; and
-
land management activities needed to minimize
vulnerability / risk to climate change impacts
c)
Include policies that:
i)
protect the integrity of lands with a Conservation and
Recreation regional land use designation from activities
in adjacent areas by considering wildland interface
planning, and introducing measures such as physical
buffers or development permit requirements
Policy NE5 protects conservation
and recreation areas by buffering
them from adjacent uses while
Policy NE7 directs efforts to achieve
net ecosystem gains when
developing in regional conservation
and recreation areas. Also see Policy
NE 13 & 14.
ii)
encourage the consolidation of small parcels,
and discourage subdivision and fragmentation
of lands with a Conservation and Recreation
regional land use designation.
N/A
Policy 3.2.7
Section
Policy Text
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify local ecosystem protection and tree canopy
cover targets, and demonstrate how these targets will
contribute to the regional targets in Action 3.2.1
See response in Targets section
b)
refer to Map 11 or more detailed local ecological and
cultural datasets and include policies that:
i)
support the protection, enhancement, and
restoration of ecosystems through measures
such as land acquisition, density bonusing,
development permit requirements, subdivision
design, conservation covenants, land trusts, and tax
exemptions
Policy NE 13&14 requires ecosystem
restoration and improvement where
possible as DP condition.
Policies NE19,20, 21,22 outline
partnership and actions to manage
invasive species.
Policies HCLU 12 & 15 incentivizes
development of SD master plan for
Farrer Cove while Policy HCLU 24
requires the inclusion of a new
neighbourhood park space in the SD
master plan.
Policy HCLU 23 advocates
preservation of lands designated
Conservation and Recreation within
the regional park subject to the
resolution of uses permitted in
Parcel 48 as noted in the Village-
GVRD Agreement (1983)
20
ii)
seek to acquire, restore, enhance, and protect
lands, in collaboration with adjacent member
jurisdictions and other partners, that will enable
ecosystem connectivity in a regional green infrastructure
network
Policies NE15 + 16 support research
and work of MV and others to
identify, protect and enhance ESA's
and to update local ESA maps.
iii)
discourage or minimize the fragmentation of
ecosystems through low impact development
practices that enable ecosystem connectivity
N/A
iv)
indicate how the interface between ecosystems and
other land uses will be managed to maintain ecological
integrity using edge planning, and measures such as
physical buffers, or development permit requirements.
Policies NE23-26 outline efforts to
become a "Bear Smart" community
and to protect the Rough-skinned
Newt.
Policy HL 1-10 outline efforts to
support the FireSmart initiative,
bolster local fire fighting abilities and
develop a coordinated Emergency
Response Plan with neighbouring
municipalities.
Policy HL 11 encourages MV and Pt.
Moody to install fire hydrants on
Tum-Tumay-Whueton Drive
Policies HL13-21 outline
requirements for development on
steep slopes
Policies HL22-28 outline efforts to
support development of an aerial
fire response strategy and a Fire and
Ruel Management Plan for MV parks
and Provincial lands , undertake a
Wildfire Hazard Assessment and
update the Community Wildfire
Resilience Plan
Policy FS 15 directs adoption of an
Integrated Stormwater Management
Plan
c)
Include policies that:
i)
support the consideration of natural assets and
ecosystem services in land use decision-making and land
management practices
Policy NE 17 - Support the
management of trees on
municipal property through the
Managing Trees, Views, and
Landscapes Bylaw.
ii)
enable the retention and expansion of urban
forests using various tools, such as local tree
canopy cover targets, urban forest management
strategies, tree regulations, development permit
requirements, land acquisition, street tree planting, and
Policy HL 17 requires new
construction to be sited to maximize
retention of existing trees and
groundcover
21
reforestation or restoration policies, with consideration
of resilience
Policies NE 13 + 14 strive for net
ecosystem gains when development
occurs and Policy NE 17 supports
tree management on public land by
local bylaw.
iii)
reduce the spread of invasive species by
employing best practices, such as the implementation of
soil removal and deposit bylaws, development permit
requirements, and invasive species management plans
Policies NE19,20, 21,22 outline
partnership and actions to manage
invasive species.
iv)
increase green infrastructure along the Regional
Greenway Network, the Major Transit Network,
community greenways, and other locations, where
appropriate, and in collaboration with Metro Vancouver,
TransLink, and other partners
Policy M5 directs collaboration with
MV to implement the 2050
Greenway Vision while Policy M10
integrates local trails with road
infrastructure where possible,
Policy HCLU 22also directs local trails
to connect to the MV Regional Parks
Plan (2022) and Regional Greenways
2050.
v)
support watershed and ecosystem planning, the
development and implementation of Integrated
Stormwater Management Plans, and water conservation
objectives.
Policy FS 15 directs adoption of an
Integrated Stormwater Management
Plan
Policies FS 9-13 outline Belcarra's
efforts to conserve water by
monitoring consumption with the
SCADA system, restricting watering
and installing water meters on new
construction, updating the Fees and
Charges Bylaw and publishing water
conservation information on the
Village website.
Strategy 3.3: Advance land use, infrastructure, and human settlement patterns that reduce
energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, create carbon storage opportunities, and
improve air quality
Policy 3.3.7
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify how local land use and transportation policies
will contribute to meeting the regional greenhouse gas
emission reduction target of 45% below 2010 levels by
the year 2030 and achieving a carbon neutral region by
the year 2050
See response in Targets section
b)
identify policies, actions, incentives, and / or strategies
that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions, create carbon storage opportunities, and
improve air quality from land use, infrastructure, and
settlement patterns, such as:
Policies NE 32- 35 outline efforts to
improve air quality by promoting
active transportation measures,
advocating for additional transit to
reduce regional trips, to convert the
municipal fleet vehicles and
equipment to low emission and
22
publishing local and regional air
quality information.
Policies CC1- 12 outline efforts to
develop a Climate Action Plan, to
support the BC Energy Step Code, to
require GHG reductions for buildings
undergoing significant renovations
and require demolition waste be
diverted away from the landfill and
to encourage recycling and salvage
where possible.
Policies HCLU 4 + 16 to 20 provide
direction to consider amending the
Zoning Bylaw to allow more smaller
scale single family and multi-family
development and supporting a local
serving commercial zone and change
to the definition of home-based
business to allow retail sales in order
to mitigate the requirement of
residents having to drive out of the
community to obtain all goods and
services
Policy CC 21 also supports amending
the Zoning Bylaw to create a
commercial zoning to serve the local
community and reduce travel for
shopping and services.
i)
existing building retrofits and construction of new
buildings to meet energy and greenhouse gas
performance guidelines or standards (e.g. BC Energy
Step Code, passive design), the electrification of building
heating systems, green demolition requirements,
embodied emissions policies, zero-carbon district energy
systems, and energy recovery and renewable energy
generation technologies, such as solar panels and
geoexchange systems, and zero emission vehicle
charging infrastructure
Policies CC 19-29 outline steps to be
taken to encourage use of low
impact alternative/renewable
energy sources in new construction
or significant renovations, adopt a
Green Procurement policy
Policies CC 4,5,6,7- see box above
Policy CC 12-continue to increase
energy efficiency in municipal
facilities ,reducing waste and
compost going to the landfill
Policies CC17 + 18 encourage
installation of secure bike parking
and electronic charging stations at
regional park and Village Hall
23
ii)
community design, infrastructure, and programs that
encourage transit, cycling, rolling and walking
Policies M1-10, 22 + 23 provide
direction to map existing municipal
trails, add end-of -trip facilities at the
Village Hall, sports court and
regional park, apply for funding for a
Belcarra Active Transportation Plan,
direction for transit/safety
improvements and to connect to the
2050 Greenway Vision Sasamat
Greenway and include universal
access design in future road and trail
projects.
Policies M 31, 33 + 34 encourage MV
and others to develop a Visitor Use
Management Strategy to address
traffic, congestion and parking
problems to regional and provincial
parks and to increase transit service
to Belcarra and the parks.
c)
focus infrastructure and amenity investments in Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas, and at
appropriate locations along Major Transit Growth
Corridors
There are no Urban Centres or
commercial development in the
Village. A rural community.
Strategy 3.4 Advance land use, infrastructure, and human settlement patterns that improve
resilience to climate change impacts and natural hazards
Policy 3.4.5
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
include policies that minimize risks associated
with climate change and natural hazards in existing
communities through tools such as heat and air quality
response plans, seismic retrofit policies, and flood-
proofing policies
Policy FS 15 adopt an Integrated
Stormwater Management Plan
Policy HL 2 promotes development
of a Emergency Response Plan and
HL 12 provides direction in ways to
increase water storage capacity for
fire fighting, Policies HL 13-20
provide direction for prevention of
damage to the natural environment
when developing on steep slopes.
Polices HL 22,23, 24 & 25 set out
steps to protect regional and
provincial parks from wildfires, to
continue with local FireSmart
initiatives and to undertake a
Community Wildfire Resilience Plan.
Policy CC 2 directs development of a
Climate Action Plan
b)
include policies that discourage new development in
current and future hazardous
Policies HL 19-21 discourage new
development within the 200 year
24
areas to the extent possible through tools such as land
use plans, hazard-specific Development Permit Areas,
and managed retreat policies, and where development
in hazardous areas is unavoidable, mitigate risks
floodplain of creeks draining into
Indian Arm.
Policies HL 2, 4 +5 direct
collaboration with the Fire
Department to develop a Belcarra
Emergency Response Plan, to
coordinate this work with other
stakeholders and to publish the Plan
on the Village website.
Policy 3.4.6
Section
Policy
Incorporate climate change and natural
hazard risk assessments into planning and location
decisions for new municipal utilities, assets, operations,
and community services.
Current facilities, assets and
community services will meet future
needs in the OCP time frame.
Policy 3.4.7
Section
Policy
Integrate emergency management, utility
planning, and climate change adaptation principles when
preparing land use plans, transportation plans, and
growth management policies.
See above
Policy 3.4.8
Section
Policy
Adopt appropriate planning standards,
guidelines, and best practices related to climate change
and natural hazards, such as flood hazard management
guidelines and wildland urban interface fire risk
reduction principles.
Policy NE 7 & 13 introduces the
concept of net ecosystem gains
when development occurs.
Policy HL 19 discourages new
development within the 200year
floodplain of local creeks and Policy
HL 20 protects new waterfront
development from rising sea level.
See also Policy HL 23&24.
Policies CC1 + 2 upholds municipal
commitment to the BC Climate
Action Charter and to develop a
Climate Action Plan for Belcarra.
Policy CC 4 supports the BC Energy
Step Code goal of reaching net zero
for new construction by 2032 while
Policies CC 9 and FS 18 encourage
use of best practices for both septic
and innovative sewage disposal
systems.
25
Policy HCLU 8 directs the use of the
Parkland Acquisition Best Practices
Guide in the possible development
of a future park in the vicinity of
Farrer Cove.
Metro 2050 Goal 4: Provide Diverse and Affordable Housing Choices
Describe how the OCP and other supporting plans and policies contribute to this Goal
Without resolution of the residential/subdivision potential of the lands in Special Study Areas 1 and 2 the Village
can only meet additional housing demand by subdivision of existing developed lots. All development is limited by
the ability to provide septic and water services. The community has developed on very large lots for the most part
and the current Zoning Bylaw allows very large houses to be built on these lots. The Housing Needs Assessment
identified the need for some smaller houses, additional rental units and some form of cluster or multi-unit housing
to allow aging residents an opportunity to remain housed in the community. The OCP addresses these issues by
proposing to allow additional secondary suites and additional coach houses on larger lots, some duplex, triplex or
fourplex development and some consolidation of smaller lots and higher density if a seniors independent living
type of multi-unit development could be achieved.
Goal 4 Targets
Policy with Target
Applicable OCP Policies
Supplementary Information
4.2.7 a) indicate how, within the
local context, contribute toward the
regional target of having at least
15% of newly completed housing
units built within all Urban Centres
and Frequent Transit Development
Areas combined, to the year 2050,
be affordable rental housing units
(recognizing that developing
affordable rental housing units in
transit-oriented locations
throughout the urban area is
supported)
N/A
Strategy 4.1 Expand the supply and diversity of housing to meet a variety of needs
Policy
4 1 8
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
indicate how you will work towards meeting
Policy HCLU 2 directs a review of
the Zoning Bylaw and subdivision
26
estimated future housing needs and demand, as
determined in their housing needs report or assessment
requirements to identify
opportunities to create more small
lots, smaller houses and more
flexibility in the number of
accessory units allowed per lot.
b)
articulate how local plans and policies will meet the need
for diverse (in tenure, size, and type) and affordable
housing options
See above
c)
identify policies and actions that contribute to the
following outcomes
i)
increased supply of adequate, suitable, and
affordable housing to meet a variety of needs
along the housing continuum
See below
ii)
increased supply of family-friendly, age-friendly, and
accessible housing
Policy HCLU 3 supports siting and
building relaxations to
accommodate aging-in-place.
Policy HCLU 6 makes provision for
lot consolidation and higher
permitted density to accommodate
a senior's independent type of
housing or that includes active play
space for children or major trail
connection.
iii)
increased diversity of housing tenure options,
such as attainable homeownership, rental, co-op housing,
rent-to-own models, and cohousing
Policy HCLU 4 would allow
consideration of additional
accessory units on a single-family
lot if parking and sewage
requirements can be met. This
would increase the rental stock
available and may make home
ownership more affordable.
Policy HCLU 6 above could be
developed as co-housing or cluster
housing or an Abbeyfield type of
seniors development
iv)
increased density and supply of diverse
ground-oriented and infill housing forms in
low-density neighbourhoods, such as duplex,
four-plex, townhouse, laneway/coach houses, and
apartments, particularly in proximity to transit
Policy HCLU 5 allows consideration
of duplex, triplex or fourplex
housing forms in the RS 1 zone
under conditions. Current zoning
allows multiple single-family
homes, duplex, triplex on large lots
zoned RM 1 or RM 2 but having
only boat access. The RS 1 zone has
road access, water service and is
close to transit.
v)
integration of land use and transportation
planning such that households can reduce their combined
housing and transportation costs
Policy M 23 identify the need for
more bus shelters and other safety
improvements
Policies M 32 & 33 direct
collaboration with TransLink and
27
others to optimize transit service to
Belcarra and the major parks.
Policies HCLU 2 to 6 directs a
review of the Zoning Bylaw to
address housing needs and
affordability by examining lot and
building sizes, density and housing
built forms
Policies HCLU 17 and HCLU 19 seek
ways to provide for the
development of small scale, local
serving retail business so residents
do not have to drive out of the
community for every good or
service.
vi)
increased social connectedness in multi-unit housing
See Policy HCLU 6 above
vii)
integrated housing within neighbourhood
contexts and high quality urban design
Policy HCLU 7 directs the
development of Design Guidelines
for low density multi-unit dwellings
that new development fits into the
neighbourhood and enhances the
semi-rural character of the
community.
viii)
existing and future housing stock that is low
carbon and resilient to climate change impacts
and natural hazards
Policy CC 19 encourages inclusion
of low impact
alternative/renewable energy
sources in new construction.
Policy CC 4 supports BC Energy Step
Code goal of reaching net zero
energy for new construction by
2032
Policy 4.1.9
Section
Policy
Prepare and implement housing strategies or action plans that:
a)
are aligned with housing needs reports or assessments,
and reviewed or updated every 5-10 years to ensure that
housing strategies or action plans are based on recent
evidence and responsive to current and future housing
needs
OCP housing policies are based on
the community's housing needs as
expressed in the Belcarra Housing
Needs Assessment Report (2021)
and Metro 2050
28
b)
are based on an assessment of local housing
market conditions, by tenure, including assessing housing
supply, demand, and affordability
SEE ABOVE
c)
identify housing priorities, based on the
assessment of local housing market conditions,
household incomes, changing population and
household demographics, climate change and
natural hazards resilience, and key categories of local
housing need, including specific statements about special
needs housing and the housing needs of equity-seeking
groups
SEE ABOVE
d)
identify implementation measures within their
jurisdiction and financial capabilities, including actions set
out in Action 4.1.8
See Above
Strategy 4.2 Protect tenants and expand, retain, and renew rental housing supply
Policy 4.2.7
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
indicate how they will, within their local context,
contribute toward the regional target of having at least
15% of newly completed housing units built within all
Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
combined, to the year 2050, be affordable rental housing
units (recognizing that developing affordable rental
housing units in transit-oriented locations throughout the
urban area is supported)
See response in Targets section
b)
articulate how local plans and policies will mitigate
impacts on renter households, particularly during
redevelopment or densification of Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
N/A
c)
identify the use of regulatory tools that protect and
preserve rental housing
Residential Tenancy Act
d)
identify policies and actions that contribute to the
following outcomes:
i)
increased supply of affordable rental housing in proximity
to transit and on publicly-owned land
Policies HCLU 2, 4, 5, 6.and 11 are
described above and could provide
increased rental stock. The RS 1
zone is served by transit (See Figure
7 OCP Transportation Map)
ii)
increased supply of market and below-market
rental housing through the renewal of aging
purpose-built rental housing and prevention of
net rental unit loss
There is only single-family homes,
some with secondary suites or a
coach house, in Belcarra
Policy HCLU 6 provides opportunity
for co-housing
Policy HCLU11 could create
municipal lots for future residential
development if land negotiations
with MV, Province and Tsleil-
Waututh were successful
iii)
protection and renewal of existing non-market
rental housing
There is no non-market housing in
Belcarra
29
iv)
mitigated impacts on renter households due to
renovation or redevelopment, and strengthened
protections for tenants
N/A
v)
reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from
existing and future rental housing stock, while considering
impacts on tenants and affordability
N/A
Policy 4.2.8
Section
Policy
Supplementary Information
Prepare and implement housing strategies or action plans that:
a)
encourage the supply of new rental housing and mitigate
or limit the loss of existing rental housing stock
See Policies HCLU 2 and HCLU 4
above
b)
encourage tenant protections and assistance for renter
households impacted by renovation or redevelopment of
existing purpose-built rental housing
N/A. There is no purpose built
rental in Belcarra except for any
existing secondary suites or
coach houses.
c)
cooperate with and facilitate the activities of Metro
Vancouver Housing under Action 4.2.2
If the negotiations under Policy
HCLU 10 were successful a
multi-unit site could be created
for local seniors and low-income
residents, subject to septic
sewer approval, in partnership
with MVHC or other non-profit
housing provider.
Strategy 4.3 Meet the housing needs of lower income households and populations
experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Policy 4.3.7
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
indicate how they will collaborate with the Federal
Government, the Province, and other partners, to assist in
increasing the supply of permanent, affordable, and
supportive housing units
If the negotiations under Policy
HCLU 10 were successful a
multi-unit site could be created
for local seniors and low-income
residents, subject to septic
sewer approval, in partnership
with MVHC or other non-profit
housing provider.
b)
identify policies and actions to partner with other levels
of government and non-profit organizations in order to
create pathways out of homelessness and contribute to
meeting the housing and support needs of populations
experiencing or at risk of homelessness
N/A
Policy
4 3 8
Section
Policy
Supplementary Information
Prepare and implement housing strategies or action plans that
a)
identify opportunities to participate in programs with
other levels of government to secure additional housing
units to meet the housing needs of lower
income households
See Policy HCLU 10 above
30
b)
identify strategies to increase community acceptance and
communicate the benefits of affordable and supportive
housing development
N/A
c)
are aligned with or integrate plans to address
homelessness, and identify strategies to reduce the total
number of households that are in core housing need and
populations experiencing or at risk of homelessness
N/A
Metro 2050 Goal 5: Support Sustainable Transportation Choices
Describe how the OCP and other supporting plans and policies contribute to this Goal:
Strategy 5.1 Coordinate land use and transportation to encourage transit, multiple-
occupancy vehicles, cycling and walking
Policy 5.1.14
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify land use and transportation policies and actions to
encourage a greater share of trips made by transit, shared
mobility options, cycling, walking, and rolling
Policies M 1 map local trails), M 3
(improve local trails), M 4
(provide end-of-trip facilities at
Village Hall, sports court and
major parks), M 7 (connect to
Sasamat Lake), M 9 (universal
design), M10 (integrate trails),
M14 (limit park access), M 22+23
(road safety improvements),
M30,31,32,34 (to address transit,
traffic, congestion and parking
problems caused by Metro and
Provincial parks. Details are
provided above.
Policies HCLU 17 to 19 identify
potential avenues to provide
some local commercial and retail
outlets to curtail need to drive
out of community for every good
or service.
b)
support the development and implementation of
transportation demand management strategies, such as:
parking pricing and supply measures, transit priority
measures, end-of-trip facilities for active transportation and
micro-mobility, and shared mobility services
There is no on-street parking
allowed in the Village of Belcarra.
Policy M 35 provides for
welcoming signage for transit,
cyclists and pedestrians.
Policy M 6 advocates MV provide
end-of-trip facilities and Policy
M 7 encourages MV to improve
the connection to Sasamat Lake.
Policy M20 directs support for
31
the creation of a community ride
share program.
Policies M 30,31,32 all support
MV and others to address traffic,
parking, congestion and
insufficient transit service to both
provincial and regional parks in
Belcarra.
c)
manage and enhance municipal infrastructure
in support of transit, multiple-occupancy vehicles, cycling,
walking, and rolling
Policies M 22 identifies potential
locations where road
improvements would provide for
pedestrian and cyclist safety
while Policy M 9 directs universal
design be included in road and
trail work. Policy M 13 designates
Bedwell Bay Road as the MRN
route to the Village. Policy M 21
expresses support for the
development of a community
ride share program.
Policy CC 17 (and others)
advocates installation of secure
bike parking and electric charging
stations at Village Hall and sports
court
d)
support the transition to zero-emission vehicles
Policies CC 17 & 18 and CC 29
supports the transition of
municipal vehicle and equipment
to zero emission models by 2040.
Policy M 37 encourages MV to
provide charging stations for
both park visitors and park
employees
e)
support implementation of the Regional
Greenway Network and Major Bikeway Network, as
identified in Map 10
Policy M 5 and CC 14 support
development of the 2050
Greenway Vision by supporting a
new multi-use path through
Belcarra to connect to the
Sasamat Greenway in the future.
f)
support implementation of local active transportation and
micro-mobility facilities that provide direct, comfortable, all
ages and abilities connections to the Regional Greenway
Policy M 8 identifies a funding
source to undertake an Active
Transportation Plan and Policy
M 22 outlines some possible road
32
Network, Major Bikeway Network, transit services, and
everyday destinations
safety improvements to
encourage more pedestrian and
micro-mobility use.
Policy CC 13 direct Council to
promote low carbon forms of
transportation while Policy CC 16
would expand the active
transportation network to make
it the most convenient option for
short trips.
Strategy 5.2 Coordinate land use and transportation to support the safe and efficient
movement of vehicles for passengers, goods, and services
Policy 5.2.6
Section
Policy
Applicable OCP Policies
Adopt Regional Context Statements that:
a)
identify routes on a map for the safe and efficient
movement of goods and service vehicles to, from, and
within Urban Centres; Frequent Transit Development Areas;
Major Transit Growth Corridors; Industrial, Employment,
and Agricultural lands; ports; airports; and international
border crossings
N/A
b)
identify land use and related policies and actions that
support the optimization and safety of goods movement via
roads, highways, railways, aviation, short sea shipping, and
active transportation
N/A
c)
support the development of local and regional
transportation system management strategies,
such as the provision of information to operators of goods
and service vehicles for efficient travel decisions,
management of traffic flow using transit priority measures,
coordinated traffic signalization, and lane management
N/A
d)
identify policies and actions that support the
protection of rail rights-of-way, truck routes, and access
points to navigable waterways in order to reserve the
potential for goods movement
N/A
e)
identify policies and actions to mitigate public
exposure to unhealthy levels of noise, vibration, and air
pollution associated with the Major Road Network, Major
Transit Network, railways, truck routes, and Federal /
Provincial Highways
N/A
f)
identify policies and actions that anticipate the land and
infrastructure requirements for goods movement and
drayage, such as truck parking, zero-emission vehicle
charging infrastructure, and e-commerce distribution
centres, and mitigate any negative impacts of these uses on
neighbourhoods
N/A
MAPS SCHEDULE
-
Figure 1 - OCP Context
-
Figure 2 - OCP Aerial Photograph
-
Figure 3 - OCP Neighbouring Jurisdictions
-
Figure 4 - OCP Parks and Recreation
-
Figure 5 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas
-
Figure 6 - Metro Vancouver Land Use Designations
-
Figure 7 - OCP Transportation
-
Figure 8 - OCP Water Infrastructure
-
Figure 9 - OCP Land Use Designations
-
Figure 10 - OCP Community Facilities
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