City council approved $250,000 from the 2022 Capital Budget on Monday night to start the process of updating Moose Jaw’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw. 

Legislated by the provincial government, it recommends that cities review their OCP every five years. While changes have been made over the years, Moose Jaw’s current OCP was written in 2001 and approved by the provincial government in 2011. 

Moose Jaw’s OCP has also been flagged by the provincial government for needing an upgrade. 

“Typically, OCPs are visually appealing and showcase the city with photos, and they're easy to read. Our current OCP doesn't even have a picture in it, and no colour at all,” said Director of Planning and Development Michelle Sanson. 

Under the legislation, the OCP is a document that must include the following policies: 

  • Sustainable current and future land use and development in the municipality; 
  • Current and future economic development;  
  • The general provision of public works;  
  • The management of lands that are subject to natural hazards including, flooding, slope and instability;  
  • The management of environmentally sensitive lands;  
  • The coordination of land use, future growth patterns and public works with adjacent municipalities;  
  • Source water protection;  
  • Implementation of the OCP;  
  • The provision of municipal reserve for school purposes; and  
  • The management of lands that are in proximity to existing or proposed railway operations. 

The OCP and the zoning bylaw work hand-in-hand as the zoning bylaw is based on the OCP’s policies. 

City administration estimates it will take a least a couple of years to fully revamp the OCP, so they want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. 

Coun. Crystal Froese said an update to the OCP is long overdue. 

“We talk about modernization, I've read through our OCP and I've read other cities’ OCPs and, yeah, ours doesn't really cover what an OCP is really supposed to be, which is a framework for the future for the city, and it ties in all of the departments,” she said. 

Public consultation is expected to be a big part of this process, likely in the form of presentations, workshops, small meetings and surveys. This will give all stakeholders a voice, while also streamlining the public hearing process for the bylaw.

Council passed the budget request by a vote of 5-1 with Coun. Dawn Luhning opposed and Mayor Clive Tolley was absent.