A strategy for rural areas is a priority for the City of Mission.
After the city’s official community plan was adopted last month, council had a special meeting on Monday (June 9) to discuss a timeline for implementing notable projects, including its rural strategy.
The rural strategy incorporates all of Mission outside the urban growth boundary.
According to a presentation to council from long-range planning manager Mike Dickinson, it would protect rural character and design, provide guidelines on scale and density of rural residential development, identify a location for a park in Steelhead, identify community gathering places, and guide management of resource extraction.
“We've heard a lot from the residents and the communities in rural Mission about addressing their concerns, and we believe that this is something that should be dealt with in the immediate future,” Dickinson said.
The strategy would also incorporate suitable rural industrial and commercial uses. Dickinson said suitable development for the rural areas will be decided through discussion with the rural community and conversations with the consultant.
Meanwhile, the strategy would include engagement with the province on aquifer protection as well.
“It would mean consultation with the appropriate provincial departments and agencies to get an understanding– a broader understanding – of the long-term capacity of the aquifer… within the scope of this plan, it would be more of a start with the provincial agencies to get an overview of what really needs to be looked at for the longer term,” Dickinson said.
Per the presentation, the project would prepare an implementation plan and feature community engagement. A consultant would be required for the project with a six-month timeline and a budget of $50,000.
Mayor Paul Horn says the rural strategy is about form and character and preserving the natural environment.
“I think one of the biggest propellers for me in wanting this is the wholesale [land] clearing we've seen at some sites.... what I'm hoping we'll get to next is an ability to say, if you want to develop up there, you need to do it in a way that preserves the green,” Horn said.
Maintaining rural neighbourhoods was a prominent concern for locals at the public hearing for the official community plan in April.
Several speakers from the Steelhead and Stave Falls areas shared concerns that previous feedback wasn't incorporated into the plan.
Candace Koch, a director with the Steelhead Community Association, said it didn't appear to be a plan for the people.
"I stand here deeply concerned and frankly disillusioned by the document that's been put forward. The new version of the OCP opens the door to gentrification and deregulation. It risks altering the very character of Mission, particularly our rural communities. The plan does not reflect the heart of the feedback provided by hundreds of residents," Koch said.
Coun. Danny Plecas said at the time that engagement for the rural strategy was important to thoroughly discuss issues.
At the special council meeting on Monday, neighbourhood plans for the Lougheed Highway corridor and health and wellness hub were identified as priority studies, in addition to development permit area guidelines and housekeeping updates to the zoning bylaw. The development of a heritage plan was also unanimously approved by council.
The scope and timeline of the economic development strategy would be the subject of a discussion by the economic development committee, while staff will also report on next steps for the Cherry Avenue special study area.
