1

Metro Vancouver’sRegional Growth Strategy

Presentation to CouncilFeb. 09, 2009

2

Purpose

BackgroundPurpose of RGS

Enabling Regulations

Relationship with OCP

Current LRSP & Amendments Process

Goals & Objectives

Process

Key Issues

Next Steps

Presentation Outline

3

To update Council on Metro Vancouver’s Draft Regional Growth Strategy;

To highlight some of the key issues; and

To obtain any feedback.

Purpose

4

What is a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)?A long term regional framework for land use development (2040)

Applies to all 21 Muni’s. in the Metro Vancouver area

Established pursuant to Part 25 of the Local Government Act

Guides decisions related to growth and development in the region

Addresses issues that are region-wide

Links regional objectives with local planning

Background

5

Current Regional Growth Strategy The current Plan, known as the LRSP, was adopted by MV Board in 1996

The current plan can be amended with a 2/3 majority weighed vote of the MV Board

Recent changes (Bill 27 – 08) provide ability for alternate amending formulas as part of the new RGS

Background

6

Background

Relationship Between Regional Growth Strategy and the Official Community Plan

Regional GrowthStrategy

Official CommunityPlan (OCP)

Neighbourhood PlansZoning Bylaw

Development Permits

Regional ContextStatement

7

Protect the Green Zone

Build Complete Communities

Achieve a Compact Metropolitan Region

Increase Transportation Choices

Current Plan (LRSP) Strategies

8

Current LRSP

9

Metro Vancouver Sustainability Initiative

Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative

Guiding Principles:

Protect and enhance the natural environment;

Provide for ongoing prosperity;

Build community capacity and social cohesion

10

New RGS: Key Issues

Growth – population and jobs

Connecting land use and transportation

Supporting a prosperous economy

11

New RGS: Key Issues

Protecting the Region’s natural assets Expanding housing choices Responding to climate change

-

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

YEAR

GH

Gs

(ME

TR

IC T

ON

NE

S)

33% reduction from current levels by 2020

12

Public Meetings held throughout region (Nov. 07 to Jan. 08)

Discussions at Technical Advisory Committee (planning directors/staff)

Municipal responses

MV Board received Preliminary Draft on Oct. 24, 08

Revised Preliminary Draft back to Committee and Board in early 09

New RGS: Process

13

Create a Compact Urban Area

Support a Sustainable Economy

Protect the Green Zone

Develop Complete and Resilient Communities

Support Sustainable Transportation Choices

New RGS: Goals

14

Green Zone mapping

ALR exclusion process

Municipal Town Centres

Offices – Carvolth Business Park

Density guideline for rural areas

Transit to Aldergrove

Municipal autonomy/Regional regulation

Langley Issues

15

New RGS: Proposed Review Process

Initial Consultation on Options

Guide, Preliminary

Draft to Board in October,

2008

Completed Next steps in the process

Completion of Draft Strategy.

(early 2009) Board referral

for consultation

Consultation

Develop final Draft Plan and initiate formal

approval process

1st and 2nd reading

3rd reading and refer to affected

local governments

for acceptance

Public Hearing

120 days

Resolution of any disputes

Adopt the Regional Growth Strategy

16

Questions/Comments