What is a Framework Plan?
A Framework Plan is a long-term vision to guide change and development over a 20-30 year horizon. Once complete, the plan will identify land uses, open spaces, and mobility networks.

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Where we are in the process

The team consulted with citizens throughout the scope of this project. This included 8 in-person open houses, 3 virtual open houses, a presentation at the 2024 People’s Assembly, and various meetings with youth and elders. The team is now in the process of preparing the final Framework Plan document, which will be considered by Council in early 2025.

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About the Lands
The Huu-ay-aht ḥahuułi (traditional territory) is located in the Barkley Sound region on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The territory contains lands that are owned by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and other areas such as the town of Bamfield which are under separate jurisdiction.

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Scope of the Framework Plan

The Framework Plan is primarily focused on lands within the Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s Treaty Settlement Lands (TSL). Huu-ay-aht First Nations also has land holdings outside of the TSL in Bamfield and within the broader territory, which will be planned for as part of the Framework Plan. Given the land holdings in Bamfield, ambitions for these lands will need to be considered as part of the Bamfield OCP update. The Map below outlines the extent of the Framework Plan.

Framework Plan Mission Statement & Principles:

Through the work completed by the project team to date and based on input and priorities heard from engagement to-date, the following Emerging Mission Statement and Principles have been developed to help guide the Framework Plan project.

Emerging Mission Statement:

The Plan envisages a connected network of distinct, healthy, and sustainable coastal communities with a wide range of uses that support the needs of citizens and residents, celebrates Huu-ay-aht culture, and fosters a growing diversity of businesses and economies. Overtime, the ḥahuułi will attract additional citizens to return, and draw visitors to experience the area’s natural beauty.

Emerging Principles:

Emerging Ideas:

The Framework Plan is being shaped by 5 structuring ideas that the project team has created based on feedback received, that physically organize land uses, mobility, and open spaces.

Click here to read more about the 5 Structuring Ideas

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The Project Team

Huu-ay-aht First Nations oversees the Framework Plan and has selected a development partner and consultant to undertake this study.

The Huu-ay-aht First Nations has selected Forum Asset Management as the preferred partners to support the creation of a sustainable and circular economy through the development of a Framework Plan that unites financial prosperity with the Nation’s Sacred Principles and strategic priorities.

As partners, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Forum retained Urban Strategies Inc., a Canadian award-winning urban design and planning consultancy firm, to lead the preparation of a Framework Plan and the engagement program.

Phase 3 Engagement (September 2024):

In September 2024, the team returned for the third round of engagement, hosting sessions in Anacla, Port Alberni, and virtually. These engagements were focused on sharing the updates from the feedback received to date to further develop the Framework Plan for the ḥahuułi.

During these rounds of engagement, 80+ participants were in attendance. 40 in Port Alberni, 35 in Anacla, and 10 virtually throughout the three open houses.

Materials for Round 2 Engagements

Phase 2 Engagement (June & August 2024):

The team was back in June 2024, for the second round of engagement, in Bamfield, Port Alberni and virtually. They engaged with citizens on the emerging vision for the ḥahuułi.

During these rounds of engagement, 118 participants were in attendance. 52 in Port Alberni, 25 in Bamfield, 19 in Victoria, 16 in Vancouver, and six virtually throughout the three open houses.

Materials for Round 2 Engagements

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Phase 1 Engagement (March 2024):

We finished our first round of engagement in March 2024, which included Open Houses in Anacla, Port Alberni and online. At these Open Houses we introduced the project, timeline and team, and asked citizens what their priorities are.

We heard:

• Plan for a Diversity of Housing Types, Tenures, and Affordability Levels
• Desire for new community facilities
• Desire for multi-purpose culture and learning spaces
• Prioritize Cultural and Eco Tourism
• Support for sustainable and Indigenous-owned businesses
• Support for improved connections on the lands
• Preserve natural areas and habitats
• Celebrate Huu-ay-aht culture and history

View Photos From our first round of engagements

Materials from Round 1 Engagement:

Register to Open House here:

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