Big White Official Community Plan Update

Banner Photo Credit: Big White Ski Resort

We are looking for your input to update Big White’s Official Community Plan!

Big White is a four-season mountain resort, just an hour from Kelowna. Known for its famous “champagne powder” snow, it’s the second largest ski area in B.C., with 15 lifts and a ski-in/ski-out village. Around 1,000 people live here year-round, but the population grows during peak seasons with visitors and seasonal staff.

Most of the areas developed for the ski resort are within Crown land managed by Big White Ski Resort under agreement with the Province, while private lands at the base are managed by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (Regional District). The community’s growth and development plan for the privately owned lands - called the Official Community Plan - is nearly 25 years old and needs an update to reflect today’s realities, including challenges such as high housing costs, limited services, and climate risks.

An update to the Big White Official Community Plan is underway, focused on addressing these issues. The project was initiated in March 2023 by RDKB staff. When this RDKB staff member went on parental leave, a consultant, MODUS, was hired to continue guiding the OCP project to completion.

It is forecast to be completed in July 2026. The project is being completed in four broad phases:

• Phase 1: Project Initiation (March to April 2025)
• Phase 2: Explore (March 2025 to December 2025)
• Phase 3: Develop (January 2026 to April 2026)
• Phase 4: Finalize (May 2026 to July 2026)

The updated Big White Official Community Plan will:

• Align with the strategic directions, priorities, plans and policies of the Regional District;
• Align with the Master Plan currently in progress by Big White Ski Resort in concert with the Provincial Mountain Resort Branch;
• Account for changes in the community’s diverse population;
• Reflect the community context, trends, best practices, Provincial legislation and changing expectations related to land use planning;
• Incorporate public and interest-holder input; and
• Create a framework to guide land use and growth over the next 20 years.

Note: for more information on the relationship between the OCP land use designations and Provincial decision making on Crown lands within the Controlled Recreation Area, please see the FAQ section.

How to get involved

Round 1 of engagement is underway!

• Complete the online survey – launching in December!
  • Open between Friday, December 5th, 2025 to Friday, December 26th, 2025
• Join us for an open house on Friday, December 12th, 2025 at the White Crystal Inn

Stay Informed:

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is committed to keeping its community informed about the Big White OCP Update. Here’s how the community can stay informed:

• Check Join the Conversation regularly for updates
• Complete the online survey (launch December 5)
• Attend the Open House (December 12th)
• Attend Board of Directors Meetings (stay tuned for links)