March 2026 Update: Public hearing scheduled for modified Ambleside Centre LAP

On March 30, 2026, Council modified the proposed Ambleside Centre LAP to retain existing OCP policies for the two "special sites" on the 1400 block north Marine Drive and 1600 block south Marine Drive. As modified, the bylaw and plan received first reading and a public hearing was scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Proposed Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan

A consolidated history of the LAP process to date and Council’s March 30, 2026 full resolution follows.

Council endorsed an approach in June 2022 to create an Ambleside LAP. In July 2023, it advanced a framework directing the sequential consideration of the apartment, commercial (Ambleside Centre), and neighbourhood areas. The amendment of OCP policies and Zoning Bylaw regulations for the apartment area followed in July 2024.

The LAP focus, including community engagement, has been on Ambleside Centre since Fall 2024. Council received a draft plan in January 2025 and considered a revised plan in May 2025. The LAP did not receive first reading at that time. On March 30, 2026 Regular Council Meeting resolved:

THAT opportunities for consultation on the proposed Official Community Plan amendment, with persons, organizations, and authorities, as outlined in the report from the Senior Manager of Community Planning & Sustainability dated April 25, 2025, be endorsed as sufficient consultation for purposes of section 475 of the Local Government Act.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be modified by replacing Schedule A Guidelines BF-C 3 Policies 3.2.2.a and 3.2.3.a (regarding 1600 block south Marine Drive and 1400 block north Marine Drive, respectively) with Official Community Plan Policy BF-C 4, and by revising associated amendment bylaw text and figures as required for alignment.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be read a first time, as modified.

THAT proposed “Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 4985, 2018, Amendment Bylaw No. 5386, 2026”, be presented at a public hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Hall Council Chamber and via electronic communication facilities, and that notice be given of the scheduled public hearing.