Bowen’s first OCP was largely based on the Hirvonen Landscape Analysis of 1976:

http://www.library.for.gov.bc.ca/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=D23R879786516.470461&profile=mof&uindex=TL&term=Bowen%20Island%20a%20Landscape%20Analysis&aspect=basic_search&menu=search&source=~!forest

The Zoning Bylaw #36, then the 2002 LUB, in differing from OCP densities, were not unusual, though the latter was challenged unsuccessfully by then Bowen lawyer John Singleton. He claimed that all bylaws subsequent to an OCP must be consistent with it. The courts decided that the overall language of the OCP was of more importance than its density designations, and agreed that the floor/ceiling approach was indeed legal.

Despite the rhetoric and polarities about ‘density’, beyond OCP densities have been granted at Cates Hill and Cowan’s Point, and OCP parity densities with all of John Reid’s various rezonings. Really, OCP densities have been achieved in all but Sunset Estates, where the Islands Trust refused Murray Cypress’s amenity bonusing proposal, and Phase 1 of Cowan’s which came into play after Praxis went bust in the early 90’s after Trustee Dave Morgan was at left at odds with his co-trustee of the time.

Certainly, King Edward Bay, which was approved by Islands Trust during the reign of GVRD Director Gail Taylor and her compliant Trustee brother-in-law, far exceeded OCP densities.

As to how fast we should be developing lots, for the most part it has been ‘market absorption rates’ that have largely dictated that…

Michael Ignatieff came to a Metro Vancouver Board meeting earlier this year. He gave a short speech about ‘the recession’, and then the floor was opened up for questions. I pushed my speaker button quickly, and was probably about number 5 in the queue. Almost all the early questions were about infrastructure grant money, and were answered with veiled criticism as to how the Tories were bungling them.

Then it was my turn. Each questioner was identified by the chair, Lois Jackson before he/she was given the floor. When Iggy heard I was from Bowen Island, his entire demeanor changed. He had been leaning forward, eyes narrow, intent and focused. Now his arms were opened, he stepped back. He paused, and then said: “You know, people from this part of the country are very fortunate. And those of you from Bowen are very fortunate indeed.” That elicited laughs all around. “So I hope you’re not going to ask me about infrastructure money! ” . (Actually, I wasn’t and didn’t- I asked him about his view of Canada’s role on the world stage, and how that might differ from the current government’s view. He did not take the bait- he talked about emerging Asian opportunities.)

Anyway- that’s in answer to your editorial. Yes, we ARE very fortunate to live here.