Official Community Plan
In BC, the Local Government Act allows all municipalities to prepare and adopt an Official Community Plan (OCP). An OCP is a bylaw that sets out the broad objectives and policies that guide decisions on planning, land use and provision of municipal services in the community. It also establishes a degree of certainty about the location and nature of community change to residents and landowners while providing a framework for guiding and managing future development and growth.
Sidney 20
Sidney’s draft Active Transportation Plan ready for public review
January 30, 2023
Sidney’s draft Active Transportation Plan ready for public review
Sidney, BC;
From February 1st to March 17th, the Town of Sidney is inviting members of the public to review a draft version of the Active Transportation Plan and share their feedback through an online survey or by writing activetransportation@sidney.ca.
The draft Active Transportation Plan is designed to serve as a roadmap to more people feeling supported and comfortable making active transportation, li
Planning Permits
Planning supports and oversees the functions of community wide land-use planning and site specific development planning. Planning is primarily responsible for managing growth and development through the administration of applicable land use bylaws and policies adopted by Council.
The following are the most common land use and development bylaws:
- Official Community Plan
- Zoning Bylaw
- Tree Preservation Bylaw
- Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw
Planning Projects
Current Projects
Learn more about major projects that the Development Services Department is currently working on. We invite you to look out for opportunities to join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Community Planning
Long range planning and policy development support the vision for Sidney’s future as identified in the Official Community Plan (OCP). In addition to the OCP and related documents, planning staff provide Council and various committees of Council with professional analysis and advice on planning-related issues.
Community planning initiatives aim to help make Sidney a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable place for current and future residents, businesses, and visitors. Planning staff wo
Active Transportation Plan
Following multiple public engagement and review periods, Council has approved Sidney’s first Active Transportation Plan.
The plan, developed by consultant Urban Systems, makes practical recommendations for the next 10 years with a series of actions to help people feel more comfortable making active transportation, like walking, cycling, and travelling by motorized scooter, a part of their lifestyle.
Some priority projects include the development of new sidewalks, improved crosswalks, an
Strategic Plan
Strategic planning is an important step for the Town of Sidney to set priorities, allocate limited financial and staff resources, guide the work of staff, and communicate to citizens. The plan is reviewed and updated by Council on an annual basis to monitor progress and update priorities as needed.
Following a strategic planning discussion held on January 24, 2025, Council updated the Town of Sidney’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The draft updated plan was available for public review before be
Town of Sidney Council Meeting Highlights: April 29, 2025
May 1, 2025
Town of Sidney Council Meeting Highlights: April 29, 2025
Sidney BC
Council approves Memorandum of Understanding for BC Transit hub in Sidney
In June 2024, Council provided approval in principle for the development of a transit hub in Sidney with a future Rapid Bus stop located on Seventh Street near the Mary Winspear Centre. After learning more about the potential design on April 29th, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding to support