By Spencer Hall, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) is planning to review all of its official community management plans, with plans in Electoral Area A and Electoral Area H set to be reviewed first.
According to a report from Kenna Jonkman, General Manager of Development Services with the RDFFG, official community plans describe the long-term vision of a community and contain objectives and policies that guide decisions on regional district planning and land use management.
She added these plans need to be revised to ensure they align with the community’s needs and wants, as well as the District’s strategic priorities, which include strengthening Indigenous relationships, what role the District will play in climate adaptation and mitigation, economic health, and supporting agriculture in the region through the District’s regional agricultural strategy.
Jonkman said the first plan to be reviewed is for Electoral Area A – Salmon River Lakes, which the board adopted in 1997. At its September 14th meeting, the District board authorized entering into a competitive bid process for consultant services to conduct the review and update the Salmon River-Lakes plan.
Each six-phase review will take about 12-24 months to complete and includes a technical review, community engagement, and feedback gathered from intergovernmental agencies.
Jonkman expects work on the Salmon River-Lakes plan to begin at some point in 2024.
“Once that project has its foundation and footing, then we anticipate going back to the board to authorize the request for proposal for the Electoral Area H official community plans. I envision that happening at some point in 2024, or early 2025,” Jonkman said.
