Official Community Plan

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EQUITY

Cities are home to people from all walks of life. Yet the ways that cities have been traditionally planned have not considered the needs and experiences of all people. Equitable cities are those in which all people can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential (PolicyLink, 2018). There is growing awareness about how cities can disproportionately benefit or harm entire groups of people due to their income, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, religion, and/or (dis)abilities (American Planning Association, retrieved from planning.org in 2021). Issues such as gentrification and lack of inclusivity in community engagement are the outcomes of inequitable city building, sometimes due to systemic practices and processes that are unknowingly upheld by decision makers.

Considering the needs of future generations is another equity consideration with important ecological, social, and economic implications. Considering the needs of people not yet born is referred to as intergenerational equity. This OCP challenges some traditional planning practices that can result in policies, programs, and regulations that disproportionately impact and stymie the progress of some equity-priority groups . Through policies on topics ranging from affordable housing to public participation, this OCP applies an equity lens and seeks to honour the lived experiences of all of Courtenay’s peoples.

“ Equity priority groups ” are people who often face

discrimination or other forms of systemic disadvantage. They include but are not necessarily limited to persons of colour, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIAP individuals & women.

COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

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Cities have always had a large influence on the health of the people who live there. Research shows that our built environment has as much influence on our health, quality of life, and well-being as our genetic code. Indeed, where we live, work, play, learn, and access our services significantly affects how long and well we live. For example, in walkable neighbourhoods, residents are less likely to be obese and suffer from illnesses that can be related to lifestyle, such as Type 2 diabetes. Likewise, in neighbourhoods that have a mix of shops and services, residents are more likely to trust their neighbours and feel they belong. A growing body of research has shown that our sense of belonging and connectedness to others – as well as our access to green space – has a tremendous impact on our physical and mental health. This OCP accounts for the diverse and complex ways in which the urban environment impacts well-being. It takes a systems-based approach to well-being, considering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and communities, and the natural ecosystems of which we are all a part.

City of Courtenay OCP Background Report PART A Foundations