Metro Vancouver 2040

FImplementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57GPerformance Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Table A.1: Population, Dwelling Unit and Employment Projections forMetro Vancouver Subregions and Municipalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Table A.2: Housing Demand Estimates by Tenure for Metro Vancouver Subregions (10 Year Estimate). . 69Table A.3: Rental Housing Demand Estimates by Household Income for Metro Vancouver Subregions(10 Year Estimate). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Table A.4: Housing Demand Estimates by Tenure and Household Income for Metro VancouverSubregions and Municipalities (10 Year Estimate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Map B.1: Frequent Transit Network Concept (provided by TransLink) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Map B.2: Major Road Network, Highways and Gateways (provided by TransLink) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73List of MapsMap 1:Metro Vancouver Municipalities and Electoral Area .Map 2:Regional Land Use Designations.Map 3:Urban Containment Boundary and General Urban Areas .Map 4:Urban Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Map 5:Rural Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Map 6:Industrial and Mixed Employment Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8111528Map 7: Agricultural Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Map 8:Conservation and Recreation Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Map 9:Regional Recreation Greenway Network .Map 10: Natural Features and Land Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Map 11: Local Centres, Hospitals and Post-Secondary Institutions .Map 12: Special Study Areas and Sewerage Extension Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65List of FiguresFigure 1: The Metro Vancouver Sustainability Framework.Figure 2: Metro Vancouver’s Interconnected Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Figure 3: How Land Use and Transportation Actions Address Climate Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Figure 4: Relationship Between the Regional Growth Strategy and Official Community Plans . . . . . . . . . 58List of TablesTable 1: Linkages Between Metro Vancouver Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Table 2: Metro Vancouver Dwelling Unit and Employment Growth Targetsfor Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Table 3: Guidelines for Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas .Table 4: Regional Growth Strategy Implementation Framework.vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

A The Sustainability Framework:Context for the Regional Growth StrategySince 2002 Metro Vancouver has formally putsustainability at the core of its operating andplanning philosophy and advanced its role as aleader in the attempt to make the region one whichis explicitly committed to a sustainable future. Thiscomprehensive endeavour became known as theSustainable Region Initiative, or more familiarly as the“SRI”. In 2008, Metro Vancouver’s Board adopted aSustainability Framework outlining its vision, mission,values, sustainability imperatives, and sustainabilityprinciples. Depicted in Figure 1, the SustainabilityFramework provides the foundation for MetroVancouver’s suite of plans, including the RegionalGrowth Strategy.1 1111

Figure 1The Metro Vancouver Sustainability FrameworkREGIONAL VISION The highest quality of life embracing cultural vitality, economic prosperity, social justice andcompassion, all nurtured in and by a beautiful and healthy natural environment. Achieved by an unshakeablecommitment to the well-being of current and future generations and the health of our planet, in everything we do.METRO VANCOUVER ROLE AND MISSION Serve the region and attain excellence in meeting these responsibilities.Plan for the future by developing and using an integrated system of plans. Facilitate collaboration with localgovernments and citizens.VALUES Integrity is our foundation. Passion for our work and pride in our accomplishments are our drivers.Respect for the public and compassion in our relationships are our guideposts.SUSTAINABILITY IMPERATIVES Have regard for local and global consequences and long-term impacts. Recognizeand reflect the interconnectedness and interdependence of systems. Be collaborative.SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES Protect and enhance the natural environment. Provide for ongoing prosperity.Build community capacity and social cohesion.these are the foundation for Metro Vancouver’s three interconnected roles:ServicesPolicyPolitical ForumProviding services tolocal governments andtheir communitiesDeveloping and usingan integrated systemof plans; includessome regulatoryresponsibilitiesBuilding and facilitatingcollaborative processesamong governmentsand citizensDrinking WaterUTILITIESLiquid WasteSolid WasteParks and GreenwaysENVIRONMENTAir QualityClimate Change and EnergyEcological HealthAffordable HousingGrowth ManagementCultural Grantsand InformationLabour RelationsFoodRegional Emergency ManagementOther issues including:TransportationPolicingEconomic DevelopmentPortsProgress towards a sustainable region is measured byMETRICS, TARGETS and KEY DELIVERABLESwhich establish strategic priorities and key activities2PHYSICAL& SOCIALDEVELOPMENT

B Scope and Linkages to Other PlansThe Local Government Act establishes authority forthe Regional Growth Strategy. The Local GovernmentAct states that the purpose of a Regional GrowthStrategy is to “promote human settlement that issocially, economically and environmentally healthy andmakes efficient use of public facilities and services,land and other resources”.Table 1, Linkages Between Metro Vancouver Plans,summarizes major links where actions identified inother Metro Vancouver plans affect the RegionalGrowth Strategy, and conversely where actions inthis Strategy make a contribution to the goals of theother Metro Vancouver anceParks &GreenwaysWaterLiquidWasteGreenways Plan. Similarly, the strategies and actionsset out in the Regional Growth Strategy are intendedto contribute to improvements in air quality andreductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as calledfor in the Air Quality Management Plan, by directingurban development in ways that encourage energyefficient built form and vehicle travel patterns.FoodSystemFIGURE 2 Metro Vancouver’s Interconnected PlansMetro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy is oneplan among a suite of interconnected managementplans developed around Metro Vancouver’sSustainability Framework. The Regional GrowthStrategy focuses on land use policies to guide thefuture development of the region and supportthe efficient provision of transportation, regionalinfrastructure and community services. In combinationwith other management plans, Metro Vancouver’sRegional Growth Strategy can help meet the region’spriorities and mandates and support the long-termcommitment to sustainability.The Regional Growth Strategy provides the land useframework for planning related to utilities (water, liquidwaste and solid waste), transportation, housing and airquality. Reciprocally, the Drinking Water, Liquid Wasteand Solid Waste Management Plans set the utilityframeworks within which the Regional Growth Strategymust be developed. Further, the housing elementsin the Regional Growth Strategy help implementthe Metro Vancouver Affordable Housing Strategywhile the environmental policies have importantlinkages with the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks andTransLink is the regional transportation authorityresponsible for planning, managing, and operatingthe regional transportation system. TransLink isrequired to provide a regional transportation systemthat supports Metro Vancouver’s Regional GrowthStrategy, air quality and greenhouse gas reductionobjectives, and the economic development of theregion. TransLink’s long range plan (maps shown asreference in Appendix B), sets out transportationstrategies for the road and transit networks as wellas other matters affecting the regional transportationsystem, in support of the Regional GrowthStrategy, provincial and regional environmentalobjectives, and the economic development of thetransportation service region. The Regional GrowthStrategy and regional transportation plans must bemutually reinforcing to be successful.If and when First Nations develop land managementplans, Metro Vancouver and the respective FirstNations and adjacent municipalities shouldendeavour to coordinate with each other to ensure,to the extent possible, that the Regional GrowthStrategy, municipal Official Community Plans, andFirst Nations’ land management plans are respectfuland supportive of each other.Other important partners include: the federalgovernment and the province, other authoritiesand agencies, as well as residents, non-profitorganizations and business associations. Thefederal government has jurisdiction and fundingresponsibilities for such matters as trade andtransportation facilities, such as the ports andairports, and the provincial government fortransportation planning, education and healthfacilities, which all have significant impacts onland use patterns. Both senior governments havefunding responsibilities for affordable housing.3

TABLE 1Linkages Between Metro Vancouver PlansAIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANA compact urban area includingtransit-oriented developmentreduces greenhouse gas andcommon air contaminant emissionsfrom transportationReducing air emissions, includinggreenhouse gas emissions, iscomplementary to protecting theregion’s te communities promotewalking, cycling, transit, andreduced trip distances which reducegreenhouse gas and common aircontaminant emissionsProtecting forests and green spacethrough Rural / Agricultural /Conservation and Recreation areascontribute to better air quality andsequesters carbonDRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT PLANProvision of clean, safe drinking water isintegral to complete communities and asustainable economyINPUTProtected watersheds protect theregion’s conservation landsRegionalGROWTHStrategyA compact urban area generally usesinfrastructure more efficiently andplaces less demands on the overallsystemOUTPUTProtection of conservation landsreinforces protection of sources ofdrinking water (i.e. watersheds)INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANCompact development makescollection of garbage, recycling, andcompost more efficientProvision of waste management servicesis integral to complete communitiesand a sustainable economyINPUTRegionalGROWTHStrategyOUTPUTMulti-unit dwellings generallyproduce less solid waste per capita,however, recycling rates from multiunit dwellings are significantly lowerthan single-detached unitsEncourages development thatwould be conducive to recoveringresources from the solid wastestream (e.g. areas suitable for districtenergy)4

Linkages Between Metro Vancouver PlansINTEGRATED LIQUID WASTE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANProvision of liquid waste services isintegral to complete communities and asustainable economyCoordinates expansion of sewerageinfrastructure capacity with urbandevelopmentLimits development and expansionof sewerage service into rural,agricultural or conservation andrecreation areas which contributes toan effective and affordable serviceINPUTRegionalGROWTHStrategyOUTPUTEncourages integrated stormwatermanagement plans throughout theregionEncourages development thatwould be conducive to recoveringresources from the liquid wastestream (e.g. areas suitable for districtenergy)REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM STRATEGYPromotes agricultural viability, especiallyfor food production, and supportsprotection of agricultural landsINPUTRegionalGROWTHStrategyOUTPUTProtects agricultural lands with anemphasis on food productionPARKS AND GREENWAYS PLANProtects and enhances recreation andconservation lands including naturalfeatures, biodiversity, and connectivitythroughout the regionINPUTGreenways and parks encourage walkingand cyclingRegionalGROWTHStrategyOUTPUTProtects Conservation andRecreation areas and supportspreservation and enhancementof active and passive parks andgreenways systems, as well as othernatural areas, regionally significanthabitat, and public recreationfacilitiesCompact urban growth reduces theecological footprint of development(per capita)AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGYIncludes estimates of housing needsAffordable housing with a range ofhousing options is an essential part ofcomplete communitiesINPUTRegionalGROWTHStrategyRequires municipalities to prepareHousing Action PlansOUTPUTSupports higher densities andintensification which provide adiversity of (more affordable)housing optionsNote: Table for reference only, see section 6.13.25

C Challenges and ResponsesChallengesMetro Vancouver has experienced substantial growthover the past decades, adding more than onemillion people in a generation. Strong populationgrowth is likely to continue. The key challenge is toaccommodate growth in ways which both advancelivability and sustainability. To accomplish this, theRegional Growth Strategy addresses the followingissues:Accommodating Growth To AdvanceLivability and SustainabilityThe region is expected to continue to grow by over35,000 residents per year. Growth without sprawlimplies greater density of development. Carefullystructured, this can reduce congestion, improvethe economics of transportation infrastructure andpublic services, increase the viability of retail andservice centres, foster the creation of vibrant centresof culture and community activities, and maintain anattractive and diverse urban environment.Building Healthy, Complete CommunitiesAs the region’s population both ages and growsin number, providing affordable and appropriatehousing for residents at various stages of their lives isan ongoing challenge. Additionally, ensuring accessto the key elements of a healthy social community– shops, personal services, community activities,recreation, employment, culture, entertainment anda safe and attractive public environment – requirescareful planning primarily at the local scale, but also,to some extent, regionally.Supporting Economic ProsperityMetro Vancouver has a diversified economic base,including trade and commerce, manufacturing, goodsdistribution, professional services, tourism, educationand agriculture. The region connects with, and serves,a resource-rich province and has strong gatewaylinks to the North American and Asia-Pacific regions.The challenge for the Regional Growth Strategy isto ensure an adequate supply of space for industryand commerce throughout the region, locatedappropriately to their needs and in a manner thatsupports an efficient transportation system on whichthe economy depends.6Protecting the Natural EnvironmentMany of Metro Vancouver’s natural assets are ofnational and international significance. Managedproperly, they also provide the basics of life –breathable air, potable water and nutritious food.The challenge is to protect these assets for thebenefit of current and future generations in theface of a growing population and associated urbandevelopment and impacts which can threaten theirintegrity and quality.Responding to Climate Change Impacts andNatural Hazard RisksThe major natural hazard risks facing the MetroVancouver region include earthquakes, floods, andslope instability. Many of these are exacerbated bythe global threat of climate change. The challenge isto prepare for and mitigate regional natural hazardsand reduce the greenhouse gas emissions whichcan increase many of these risks, not only throughmitigation strategies, but also through land use andtransportation patterns generally.Protecting Agricultural Land to SupportFood ProductionComprising over 50,000 hectares of the region,agricultural lands are an important asset. Theheightened importance of producing fresh, regionallygrown food to meet economic, environmental,health and food security objectives reinforce theneed to protect the region’s rich agricultural lands.The challenge for the Regional Growth Strategy is toprotect the agricultural land base and to encourageits active use for food production.ResponsesTo respond to these challenges, the Regional GrowthStrategy sets out a series of strategies and actionsfor Metro Vancouver and member municipalitiesarranged under five key goals intended to achieve thedesired outcomes.

Create a CompactUrban AreaMetro Vancouver’s growthis concentrated in compactcommunities with access to arange of housing choic

Number 1136, 2010". This Bylaw may be cited as "Metro Vancouver 2040 Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw". READ A FIRST TIME this 12th day of November, 2010 . Amended by the Greater Vancouver Regional District Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Bylaw No. 1150, 2011, on October 28, 2011. iii