In 2025, we completed the first phase of technical review and public engagement. This included:

• A community survey with 358 responses
• An open house with more than 100 attendees
• Meetings with residents’ associations
• A focus group with business, tourism, and development representatives

We shared the results in the “What We Heard” report in July 2025.

In February 2026, a staff report was presented to the Electoral Areas Services Committee outlining project progress, the need for additional technical work, and the updated 2026 timeline. The report is available in the Document Library.

The feedback showed strong interest in protecting the environment, maintaining rural character, and addressing water, drainage, and septic concerns. Many residents supported only limited, incremental change. Others expressed interest in modest growth near services.

At the same time, the initial technical review showed that we need clearer information about servicing and environmental limits before drafting policies. Key questions include:

• How much water is available?
• Where are septic systems under stress?
• What are the drainage and flood risks?
• Which ecosystems need stronger protection?

To answer these questions, we are completing a set of short, targeted studies in early 2026:

• An on-site sewage analysis
• An environmental baseline assessment
• Rainwater management review
• A high-level community wastewater servicing benchmark

This work does not mean growth is planned. It ensures that any draft policies are grounded in real constraints and risks.

Our 2026 workplan is structured in three steps:

1. Complete foundational studies (winter–spring 2026)
Finish the technical work and integrate the results.

2. Release a draft plan (late spring 2026)
Share the draft on Engage Comox Valley, host an open house, and invite feedback.

3. Bylaw process (summer 2026)
Advance the plan through Committee, Board readings, referrals, and a public hearing.

We are aiming to complete the process before the October 17, 2026 local government election, if timelines allow.

You can follow updates and view reports here:
https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/saratogaLAP

Thank you to everyone who participated last year. More opportunities for review and input will be provided when the draft plan is released.