Recent letters to the editor question the authenticity of Bowen’s Official Community Plan (OCP). Some of the language verges on a dismissive tone. The latter is unnecessary and unworthy of good governance. Democracy, true democracy, fosters diversity of views and celebrates community engagement. Bowen’s current OCP was built on both of those democratic foundations.
In 2009, the council of the day decided to undertake an Update of the 1996 OCP which, itself was considered at the time to be one of the most comprehensive OCP processes undertaken on any Gulf Island. (I was here and can attest to that fact.)
I was asked to chair the OCP Update Steering Committee. Council also appointed four citizens for a total committee composed of eight Bowen citizens. Shortly thereafter, when our municipal planner left to take a position with the GVRD, I was asked to assist by becoming the municipal contract planner. At the time (for those of us who were here and participated in the process), there was a sense that the process and the committee’s work was thorough and competent.
In my opinion, based upon working across British Columbia, Canada, and internationally, this was one of the most comprehensive OCP Updates completed in British Columbia. This was a careful, comprehensive, consultative process. There has not been a similar process on Bowen since that OCP Update. At the time, the Steering Committee’s work was celebrated. Today, it is easy to forget the extent of this volunteer group’s work; the level of engagement; the rich and diverse conversations.
That brings us to where we are now; a Bowen that seems more divided than ever; a Bowen where the dedicated work of a cross-section of citizens is discredited: over 700 participants in all. The OCP Update (like all OCPs) is not meant to be an economic development plan. It certainly sets out the framework for completing required economic development activity (e.g., it recommends the completion of an Economic Development Plan; the formation of a Business Improvement Association; and supports (amongst other things: home based businesses, cultural tourism, tourist accommodation and services). Contrary to some recent comments, the OCP Update does provide significant direction for the planning and development of Snug Cove by building on the excellent work of Bowen’s former planning consultant Michael Rosen.
Where do we go from here? I suggest that there needs to be a dial down of the rhetoric that seems to have become the norm; that the community of today recognize the work of the community of yesterday; that Bowen Islanders reflect on the wonderful strengths of our island and celebrate our unique character and identity while exploring our future in an open, welcoming way; and that we celebrate our diversity (of views, characters, ways of living and ways of knowing). It is through that diversity that there is strength, but only if we are willing and able to listen to the variety of voices in a respectful and non-judgmental way.
Dr. Dave Witty is a Registered Professional Planner, Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners and member of the Royal Architectural Society of Canada. He has practiced community planning and design nationally and internationally.
