Bowen Island Municipality is currently updating our Official Community Plan (OCP) to help manage growth and development for the coming decades. An OCP is a roadmap that guides Bowen Staff, Council, developers, and residents in building a diverse and resilient community, supporting strong infrastructure and asset management, and protecting local ecosystems responsibly.
A lot has changed on Bowen since the last OCP was adopted in 2011. The island has welcomed new residents, experienced emerging development and environmental pressures, and witnessed community priorities shift towards environmental sustainability and addressing housing needs.
The OCP update presents an opportunity to re-align the community’s long-term community vision with current realities and future aspirations. It will help Bowen Planning Staff and Council explore exciting opportunities for sustainable growth, protect the beautiful natural environment that surrounds the island, and tackle key issues like housing needs, mobility challenges, and climate change.
Along with the efforts of Bowen Staff and the OCP Steering Committee (OCPSC), the Municipality has hired a consultant, McElhanney, to support the public engagement and OCP revision process.
The Municipality’s goal for this OCP update is to support long-term sustainability and thoughtful development on the Island, while preserving and enhancing the unique qualities that make life on Bowen so special. This OCP update is an important step toward building a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.
How to Participate:
Phase 1 of public engagement will begin on Thursday May 8, 2025 with a mix of in-person and online opportunities:
2 In-person engagement events on Saturday May 10, 2025, at the following locations:
| 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bowen Island Farmer’s Market 1041 Mount Gardner Road Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G1 | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Bowen Island Public Library 430 Bowen Island Trunk Road Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G1 |
Jane’s Walk is a free community led tour to explore local neigbourhoods through the eyes of residents. We welcome all modes of movement as we move together and share stories, discuss urban planning, and engage in dialogue about how the community can be more livable, inclusive, and connected.
Jane’s Walk will take place on May 22, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome and asked to meet in the square at the Bowen Island Public Library.
Online:
| Project Webpage | Official Community Plan Update – Bowen Island Municipality |
| Project Storymap Site | https://maps.mcelhanney.com/Vertisee/BowenIslandOCP/index.html |
| Vertisee Online Crowdsource Mapping Activity | https://maps.mcelhanney.com/Vertisee/BowenIslandCrowdsource/index.html |
| Online survey Open May 8 – June 9, 2025 | Phase 1 Survey – Bowen Island OCP Update |
Want to Learn More?
Visit our project website to learn more about the project and upcoming engagement opportunities.