A Neighbourhood Plan outlines a detailed vision for future development in a relatively small area. Compared to an Official Community Plan (OCP), a Neighbourhood Plan is more specific and focused on particular topics. The Bouchie-Milburn Neighbourhood Plan will identify a strategic approach to future development, environmental issues and other land use related priorities that may be identified by the community.

The project is scheduled to run from Spring 2019 through to completion in early 2020. Community engagement will occur over the summer and fall of 2019. If you live in the Bouchie and Milburn Lakes area, keep your eyes out for more information about how you can participate in this project. Watch for CRD newsletters and surveys at gathering places in the Bouchie-Milburn community.

Please note the project timeline is subject to change. Many competing priorities can come up at the CRD office, especially during wildfire season.

This work is being done by planning staff at the CRD. The project is overseen by the Bouchie-Milburn Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is made up primarily of Electoral Area B Advisory Planning Commission members, plus additional community members from the Bouchie-Milburn neighbourhood. The steering committee provides important advice to CRD staff on the overall direction and focus of the project.

Over the length of the project there are many ways to get informed and provide your input. We encourage all community members to participate! Information will be available on this web page (www.cariboord.ca/BMNP) and on the CRD’s Facebook feed.

• Posters and project newsletters will be distributed to neighbourhood businesses and community groups. Watch for them and pick one up!
• Two online surveys will be conducted – one in June/July 2019, and one in late Summer/early Fall. Paper copies of the surveys will also be available.
• Two public interactive booths will be held by CRD staff at local community events. The first one will be at the Bouchie Community Market and Garage Sale on June 30 at the Bouchie Community Hall.
• The surveys and public events will help staff in developing the draft plan. A public open house and a public hearing will be held later in the fall, after a draft of the plan is completed.
• As background documents, community surveys and information posters are produced, they will be posted on this web page.
• You can also email or talk to the project lead directly. Nigel Whitehead, Senior Planner (nwhitehead@cariboord.ca).

So far, discussions with the Steering Committee have identified the following topics for consideration in the Neighbourhood Plan:

Undeveloped properties, and properties too small for septic systems.

• Safe multi-use and non-motorized (walking, biking, equestrian) connections between different locations in the neighbourhood.
• Recognition that community recreation is important (riding arena and equestrian trails, ball fields, community parks, ATVing, lake accesses, community hall). Desire to encourage a strong community, especially encouraging new residents to get involved.
• Concerns with parking around lake accesses in the summer.
• Concerns with aging septic systems and their potential impact on the water quality of Milburn and Bouchie Lakes.

These issues are just a starting point and we look forward to hearing from community members to further refine and add to these issues.

The CRD’s Bouchie-Milburn Neighbourhood Plan is separate from the Friends of Bouchie-Milburn Society and their work. The Bouchie-Milburn Neighbourhood Plan project intends to hear from all interested community members and will work with many various community groups throughout the area.