Unpacking and Redesigning the Town of Qualicum Beach Development Review Processes

Municipalities manage the approvals processes for real estate development applications. There are a range of approvals that may be sought by a landowner including amendments to Official Community Plans and zoning as well as permits for development and building. In 2019, in response to widespread expressions of frustration, the BC Government undertook the Development Approvals Process Review – a study of development approvals processes in BC municipalities. The study found a lot of room for improvement in the current development process and noted an improved process means more clear communication between all groups and smoother approvals which will have many social and economic benefits. Vancouver Island university, in partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach and a dozen other local governments, have received a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to work on improving this process through research, analysis and development of a toolbox of best practices and resources.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pamela Shaw

Student:

Partner:

Town of Qualicum Beach

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public administration

University:

Vancouver Island University

Program: