OCP Review and Housing Needs Report 2024-2027 RFP

The City of Fernie is seeking proposals from qualified consultants, experienced with best practices and progressive land development principles, and with proven recent experience in preparation of Housing Needs Reports (the “Report”) and Official Community Plan bylaws (OCP – the “Bylaw”).

The work will include a phased approach, where Phase One will focus on an updated City of Fernie Housing Needs Report and Official Community Plan amendment related to the results of that Housing Needs Report. This work is meant to satisfy the legislation set out by the Province of BC’s Local Government Housing Initiatives set out in Bill 44.

Phase Two will include an overall update to the City’s Official Community Plan, including comprehensive community engagement, targeted consultations with key groups and stakeholders, and early and ongoing dialogue with the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi 'it First Nation Council. Phase Two tasks will include a plan audit, a technical review and policy gap analysis, updating the community vision and guiding principles, preparation of new policy options and drafting of next policy directions, and OCP schedule updates.

The City of Fernie has identified the review to the current Official Community Plan No. 2231, 2014, as a strategic priority of Council, and further, the City of Fernie must undertake a Housing Needs Report and Official Community Plan update to satisfy Provincial legislation related to the provision of Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing and Local Government Housing Initiatives. To accomplish the review and update of the OCP and Housing Needs Report, the City has endorsed an approach that will utilize the services of a consultant or consulting team to assist with the preparation of the technical and required components of the Bylaw and Report and to assist with developing and facilitating a robust consultation program.