Hazardous Areas Development Permit Area - Bowen Island Municipality

Development in hazardous areas: what do you think?

Bowen Island Municipality is considering regulating development in hazardous areas on Bowen Island and is considering a future Hazardous Development Permit Area. The establishment of a new Development Permit Area would require an amendment to Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002.

Background

Bowen Island Municipality’s 2010 Official Community Plan mapped a Development Permit Area for the Protection of Steep Slopes. In 2011, a draft Steep Slopes Bylaw (Bylaw No. 296) was proposed, but not passed. In 2017, the need for a steep slopes Development Permit Area was re-iterated in the Island Community Plan. The Plan also proposed the establishment of an environmentally sensitive areas bylaw.

The Municipality recently received a report from a University of British Columbia Sustainability Scholar, identifying a Hazardous Areas Development Permit Area that includes lakes and wetlands, coastal erosion and flooding areas, steep slopes hazard areas, and stream erosion and flooding areas. It also recommends permit “triggers,” process, and requirements. This report was presented to Council at the July 26, 2021 Council Meeting.

An amendment to Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002, would be required prior to establishing a new development permit area. Staff are actively seeking input from the public now, before the preparation of a draft amendment.

Thanks for your feedback

Virtual Open House meetings were held by Zoom on December 8 and 9, 2021. In addition, staff displayed posters at Municipal Hall and were available to present and answer questions December 6-10, 2021 for those who prefer in-person engagement.

The online survey was available until 11:59pm on Monday, January 31, 2022. Paper surveys and informational materials were also available at Municipal Hall. A report summarizing community feedback will be available by February 28^th, 2022.