Community Circles for OCP for the Electoral Areas (Bylaw 4373)

Here's what it's all about!

The Cowichan Valley is changing. A lot! Over the next several decades, our region will experience population growth, an evolving economy and climate change, among many other things. To prepare for that future, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is developing an Official Community Plan for the Electoral Areas (Bylaw 4373).

And this is where we need your help. A plan like this is really only useful if it reflects the voices of actual community members. We need your input in developing this official community plan and one of the ways we are asking for your thoughts is through Community Circles.

What is a Community Circle?

A Community Circle is a small group of people having a guided discussion about the Cowichan Valley’s future. It’s a way for community members to gather on their own time and develop ideas that will help inform the OCP for the Electoral Areas and shape the Cowichan Valley's future. Community Circles will be held virtually and are open to all ages and inclusive. There will be two types of Community Circles:

CVRD Led Community Circles

CVRD led Community Circles will be led by a CVRD facilitator. CVRD led Community Circles will focus on the OCP Policy Goals in April. In May, the CVRD will lead Community Circles to get your input on developing Area Plans for the electoral areas.

Community Led Community Circles

Community led Community Circles will be led by volunteer facilitators. Community led Community Circles, held any time in April or May, will focus on a specific OCP Policy Goals or ideas for the development of Area Plans. Gather with an existing group or bring together a group based on shared geography or interest in a common topic.

See the calendar of CVRD led Community Circle events

Watch the 'Community Circles' VIDEO to learn how to form your own Community Circle.

Community Circle Toolkit

• Q&A - a brief question and answer document to explain each OCP for the Electoral Areas Policy Goal. (Policy Goal Q&As located on the right side of this page)
• Workbook - a place to record the thoughts and ideas your group generates during a Community Circle. There is a workbook to complete per Policy Goal and Area Plan. Workbooks can be completed and submitted online to the CVRD, and ideas from them will be compiled into an Ideas Book. Printed copies are available to pick up at CVRD, 175 Ingram Street, Duncan. (Policy Goal workbooks are located below. Area Plan workbooks are located here.
• Facilitator's Guide - a guide to help you facilitate your own Community Circle is located here.