LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 AGENDA LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting Friday, May 2, :00 a.m. 2 nd Floor Boardroom 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia Please advise Georgeta Stanese at (604) if you are unable to attend. Chair, Director Derek Corrigan, Burnaby Vice Chair, Director Darrell Mussatto, North Vancouver City Director Suzanne Anton, Vancouver Director Malcolm Brodie, Richmond Mayor Peter Fassbender, Langley City Director Gary Gibson, Electoral Area A Director David Hocking, Bowen Island Director Don MacLean, Pitt Meadows Mayor Gordon Robson, Maple Ridge Director Joe Trasolini, Port Moody Director Dianne Watts, Surrey Director Maxine Wilson, Coquitlam Director Michael Wright, Port Coquitlam

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3 April 21, 2008 NOTICE TO THE GVRD LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE You are requested to attend a Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008, in the 2 nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA A G E N D A 1.1 May 2, 2008 Regular Meeting Agenda Staff Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for May 2, 2008, as circulated. 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 2.1 April 15, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes Staff Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held April 15, 2008, as circulated. 2.2 April 4, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes Staff Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the minutes of its special meeting held April 4, 2008, as circulated. 3. DELEGATIONS No items presented. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented. 5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 5.1 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Designated Speaker: Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department That the Land Use and Transportation Committee: a) Review and provide initial comments on the report dated April 22, 2008, titled Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy. b) Direct staff to invite other members of the Board to attend the June 6, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting to review the Working Draft Regional Growth Strategy. LUT-1

4 5.2 Summary of Municipal Comments on Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver Discussion Guide Designated Speaker: Lee-Ann Garnett, Senior Regional Planner Policy and Planning Department Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated April 11, 2008, titled Summary of Municipal Comments on Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver Discussion Guide. 5.3 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy & Transportation Designated Speaker: Heather Schoemaker, Manager, Corporate Relations Land Use and Transportation Committee Recommendation: That the Board: a) Forward the report dated March 31, 2008 titled Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy and Transportation to member municipalities, and other related agencies for their information and comment; and b) Direct staff to consider this report in the context of updating the Regional Growth Strategy. 5.4 Manager s Report Designated Speaker: Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated April 18, 2008, titled Manager s Report. 6. INFORMATION ITEMS 6.1 TransLink News Release, dated April 18, 2008, Northwest Route Chosen For Evergreen Line. 6.2 Correspondence from City of Coquitlam regarding Livability Accord Between High Growth Municipalities. 7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. 8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 9. ADJOURNMENT Staff Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee conclude its regular meeting of May 2, 2008.

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7 GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 2.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Land Use and Transportation Committee held at 9:01 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 in the 2 nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. PRESENT: Chair, Director Derek Corrigan, City of Burnaby (arrived at 9:07 a.m.) Vice Chair, Director Darrell Mussatto, City of North Vancouver Director Suzanne Anton, City of Vancouver Director Malcolm Brodie, City of Richmond Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley Director Gary Gibson, Electoral Area A Councillor David Hocking, Bowen Island Mayor Gordon Robson, District of Maple Ridge (arrived at 9:19 a.m.) Director Dianne Watts, City of Surrey (departed at 11:22 a.m.) Director Maxine Wilson, City of Coquitlam (arrived at 9:08 a.m.) Director Michael Wright, City of Port Coquitlam ABSENT: Director Don MacLean, City of Pitt Meadows Director Joe Trasolini, City of Port Moody ALSO PRESENT: GVRD Board Chair, Director Lois Jackson, Corporation of Delta STAFF: Johnny Carline, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department Klara Kutakova, Assistant to Regional Committees, Corporate Secretary s Department Vice Chair Mussatto chaired the meeting in the absence of the chair. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 1.1 April 15, 2008 Regular Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee: a) amend the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for April 15, 2008 by adding the following: i. item 3.2 Ron Toigo, Shato Holdings ii. item 3.3 Bruce McDonald, Delta resident iii. item 3.4 Ross Clouston, Talisman Homes Ltd. iv. item 3.5 Peter Duffey, Delta resident v. item 3.6 Susan Jones, Delta resident vi. item 3.7 The Corporation of Delta; and b) adopt the agenda as amended. CARRIED Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 1 of 6 LUT-5

8 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 2.1 March 7, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held March 7, 2008, as circulated. CARRIED 2.2 February 26, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes 3. DELEGATIONS It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held February 26, 2008, as circulated. CARRIED 3.1 Richard Balfour, Metro Vancouver Planning Richard Balfour, Metro Vancouver Planning Coalition, suggested that a redefinition of the Regional Growth Strategy goals is needed to ensure sustainable regional growth. The following actions were recommended: reclamation of ALR lands lost in the last two decades to urban or industry urban sprawl re-thinking (inclusion of satellite towns and hilltowns) local government reorganization transportation mode shift from cars to rail Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 3.2 Ron Toigo, Shato Holdings Ron Toigo, Managing Director, Shato Holdings, requested the Committee to support Delta s request to amend the Livable Region Strategic Plan by removing a portion of land in the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club (TGCC) site from the Green Zone. The presenter provided the following arguments in support of the request: Board directions adopted at the June 2007 Board meeting were met; the matter was considered by the Agriculture Land Commission and the Delta Council held public meetings the developer agreed to rezone 150 acres of farmland from the industrial zone to the agriculture zone and agreed to transfer 10.6 acres of farmland to Delta the project went through an intense public consultation and received major support from the community; the project is also supported by Delta Council and the business community the applicant is working with a number of agencies, such as Tsawwassen First Nations, Canadian Wildlife Services, to receive their approval Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 2 of 6 LUT-6

9 9:07 a.m. Director Corrigan arrived at the meeting and assumed the chair. 9:08 a.m. Director Wilson arrived at the meeting. Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 3.3 Bruce McDonald, Delta resident Bruce McDonald, Delta resident, spoke in support of the proposed TGCC redevelopment. The referral of the request would be unfair and would cause unnecessary delay to a project that went through an extensive public consultation process, has received an overwhelming support of the community, and has made a concerted effort to minimize environmental impacts. 9:19 a.m. Mayor Robson arrived at the meeting. 3.4 Ross Clouston, Talisman Homes Ltd. Ross Clouston, project manager, Talisman Homes Ltd., provided an outline of the environmentally sustainable measures incorporated in the proposed TGCC redevelopment, highlighting the following: LEED certification has been secured by a bond in favour of the Corporation of Delta the developer has applied for the Audubon International certification a number of environmental initiatives will be undertaken, such as geothermal heating and cooling of the buildings and implementation of stormwater management for irrigation systems residents will be served by TransLink bus service, two electric vehicles will be provided for residents use, and bike paths will be developed store and a café will be built on site the developer will continue to consult with the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 3.5 Peter Duffey, Delta resident Peter Duffey, Delta resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed TGCC redevelopment. The delegate requested that the amendment be considered in concert with the Regional Growth Strategy review. He expressed concerns about the proposed Comprehensive Development Permit area in the Delta Bylaw 6610, which would include the complete golf course area, not only the proposed development building area, and requested that a viable Green Zone be preserved and urban sprawl be reduced. The delegate also questioned validity of Delta s bylaws 6657 and The bylaws were considered at a public hearing at which public was refused permission to speak on the grounds that the information is pertinent to the Bylaw 6610, which has already passed third reading. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 3 of 6 LUT-7

10 Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 3.6 Susan Jones, Delta resident Susan Jones, Delta resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed TGCC redevelopment. The delegate requested the Committee to review the implications of the land removal from the middle of 138 acres in the Green Zone, arguing that isolated development, remote from Tsawwassen s Town Centre, is not consistent with the intent of the Green Zone and the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 3.7 The Corporation of Delta Kip Gaudry, Director, and Thomas Leathem, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development Department, Corporation of Delta, requested the Committee to accept the Corporation of Delta s request to amend the Livable Region Strategic Plan Green Zone by removing the TGCC lands from the Green Zone. Metro Vancouver has all information necessary to make a decision on the application without deferring the application to the Regional Growth Strategy review process. The Committee was requested to approve alternative c) of the staff report, outlining the approval process, with the addition of a specific timeframe and a request that staff bring forward an amendment to the Fraser Sewerage Area boundary following the approval of the Green Zone amendment bylaw. Executive Summary was distributed at the meeting and is retained with the April 15, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented. 5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 5.1 Request from the Corporation of Delta to Amend the Livable Region Strategic Plan Green Zone (Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club) Report dated April 2, 2008 from Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department, responding to a request from the Corporation of Delta to amend the Livable Regional Strategic Plan to remove 11.5 hectares from the Green Zone to enable a housing development in conjunction with a golf course on the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club site. The Committee spoke in favour of the recommendation presented by the delegates from the Corporation of Delta. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 4 of 6 LUT-8

11 It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Board accept the Corporation of Delta s request to amend the Livable Region Strategic Plan Green Zone and: i. direct staff to report on a bylaw to amend the Livable Region Strategic Plan to remove a portion of the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club from the Green Zone, and that this report and bylaw be considered at the April 25, 2008 Board meeting, for 1 st and 2 nd reading and referral to a Public Hearing, and that the public hearing be scheduled approximately one month after the April 25, 2008 Board meeting; ii. request the Corporation of Delta to submit a Regional Context Statement Amendment to be processed concurrent with or subsequent to the bylaw; and iii. direct staff to bring forward an amendment to the Fraser Sewerage Area boundary following the approval of the Green Zone amendment bylaw by the Board. CARRIED The Committee requested that the Corporation of Delta demonstrate its commitment to the Regional Growth Strategy and that efforts be maximized to develop the proposed project as a complete community. Request of staff Staff was directed to report, in conjunction with the final reading of the bylaw, on how comments could be made regarding the importance of maximized efforts to build the project as a complete community. 5.2 Additional Feedback from the Preliminary Public Consultation Process on Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy Report dated April 3, 2008 from Lee-Ann Garnett, Senior Regional Planner, Policy and Planning Department, providing a summary of the submissions received on Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy following the Committee s last meeting of March 7, It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Board receive for information the report dated April 1, 2008, titled Additional Feedback from the Preliminary Public Consultation Process on Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy. CARRIED 5.3 Report on 2006 March Census Results on Travel Patterns Report dated March 31, 2008 from Neil Spicer, Planning Analyst, Policy and Planning Department, providing a summary of census results from the 2006 Census data release pertaining to journey to work travel patterns. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated March 31, 2008, titled Report on 2006 March Census Release on Metropolitan Travel Patterns. CARRIED Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 5 of 6 LUT-9

12 5.4 Manager s Report Report dated April 2, 2008 from Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department, informing about property assessments for Strachan Point, Electoral Area A and April release of 2006 census results related to employment. 11:22 a.m. Director Watts departed the meeting. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated April 2, 2008, titled Manager s Report. CARRIED 6. INFORMATION ITEMS 6.1 March 2008 Regional Indicators 7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the March 2008 Regional Indicators. CARRIED 8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 9. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee conclude its regular meeting of April 15, CARRIED (Time: 11:25 a.m.) Klara Kutakova, Assistant to Regional Committees Derek Corrigan, Chair e-rim FINAL Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Page 6 of 6 LUT-10

13 GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 2.2 Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Land Use and Transportation Committee held at 9:05 a.m. on Friday April 4, 2008, 2 nd Floor East meeting room, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia to discuss the development of the Regional Growth Strategy. PRESENT: Chair, Director Derek Corrigan, Burnaby (arrived at 9:06 a.m.) Director Suzanne Anton, Vancouver (arrived at 9:17 a.m.) Director Malcolm Brodie, Richmond (departed at 11:01 a.m.) Mayor Peter Fassbender, Langley City Director Gary Gibson, Electoral Area A Councillor David Hocking, Bowen Island Director Don MacLean, Pitt Meadows (arrived at 9:06 a.m.) Mayor Gordon Robson, Maple Ridge (arrived at 9:14 a.m.) Director Joe Trasolini, Port Moody Director Dianne Watts, Surrey Director Maxine Wilson, Coquitlam (arrived at 9:10 a.m.) Director Michael Wright, Port Coquitlam ABSENT: Vice Chair, Director Darrell Mussatto, North Vancouver City ALSO PRESENT: GVRD Board Vice-Chair, Director Peter Ladner, Vancouver STAFF: Johnny Carline, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department Marla Minichiello, Assistant to Regional Committees, Corporate Secretary s Department Director Ladner was appointed chair in the absence of the chair and vice-chair. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 9:06 a.m. Directors Corrigan and McLean arrived at the meeting. Director Corrigan assumed the position of chair. 1.1 April 4, 2008 Special Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee adopt the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for April 4, 2008, as circulated. CARRIED Minutes of the Special Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Friday, April 4, 2008 Page 1 of 4 LUT-11

14 2. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 2.1 Development of the Draft Regional Growth Strategy Report dated April 4, 2008 from Hugh Kellas, Manager, Policy and Planning Department, together with an on-table copy of the presentation titled: A Livable and Sustainable Region: Preliminary Regional Growth Strategy Concepts. On-table presentation dated April 4, 2008 was provided and is retained with the April 04, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee agenda package. An overview of the development of the new regional growth strategy was provided. Staff outlined the key drivers, proposed goals, plan maps, comparison to the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LRSP) and next steps in the Regional Growth Strategy Review process. 9:10 a.m. Director Wilson arrived at the meeting. Discussion ensued relative to the following: changing goal 4 from a housing goal to development of a complete and resilient community goal communities are focussing on housing as a sense of completeness 9:14 a.m. Mayor Robson arrived at the meeting. regional centre maps now includes Surrey Metro Centre building up of municipal centres adding activity centres, local centres subject to what municipalities are working on critical to have the strong connection between land use and transportation 9:17 a.m. Director Anton arrived at the meeting. concentration of growth along transit routes emphasis on bike routes, walking, improved transit to reduce green house gases provide maps of the sub-regions outlining streets involved in individual cities and analysis enabling discussion at both conceptual and particular levels dialogues with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) on Abbotsford airport industrial development and connections with transit Abbotsford to follow the same patterns other municipalities are following as part of the regional growth strategy undertake in separate sectors identification of the urban containment areas and green zones direction from the committee to communicate with the municipalities first Minutes of the Special Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Friday, April 4, 2008 Page 2 of 4 LUT-12

15 discussion on the regional role on these decisions - regional control, regional guidelines. factors critical in the analysis: preservation of Industrial Lands, agriculture lands and municipal guidelines discuss fundamental reason for having a regional plan with those municipalities that do not think it is important to have a regional plan established a contract among municipalities that needs enforceability and allowances for change mutually agreed upon by parties food security - include language in the key drivers about food security and the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) climate change is a goal but want to see it as a driver green house gases how does it translate to the regional plan when we have a climate change driver and what is the linkage with the proposed goals green house gases - cities to measure green house gases and be accountable municipalities to set their own targets for green house gas reduction based on recommendations from the region convey to the public and our councils what Metro Vancouver is doing and why communicate the message to public on what our mutuality on this issue: food security and interest in the ALR demonstrate what municipalities are doing is having an effect on green house gas reduction o reduction in use of single vehicle occupancy o encourage more pedestrian and bicycle travel o transit usage 25% of trips in Burnaby o review measures that made that work and look at what we are going to target for the future Maple Ridge s concerns are that the regional strategy plan does not include the following: o a proposed concept bus but no express bus o industrial lands not included on the map o existing and future major road network not considered o No account for the relationship with mission o 20,000 houses going up on our border o 4000 acres of industrial land underway o converted sub divisions back to industrial land with no roads Request of staff Staff was requested to meet with Maple Ridge council and staff with respect to their concerns. agriculture and food security no lack of agriculture land but it does not produce anything sustainability a concern for our region now and in the future use of term employment lands in reference to industrial lands creating a clearer picture of what is being protected include sub divided categories outlining usage for employment lands bringing forward what we are trying to accomplish 2 issues providing guidance: Minutes of the Special Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Friday, April 4, 2008 Page 3 of 4 LUT-13

16 o o Higher density around public transit to reduce the need for the use of single occupant vehicles and increase the use of transit centres parking requirements in new condominium developments makes housing unaffordable elements of a good strategic plan are having a system to measure results in review processes at regional or sub-regional levels and adjust as needed need indicators providing framework for municipalities to be successful discuss with TransLink what Metro Vancouver s views are of the future of transportation within the community Request of staff: Staff was requested to include in Metro Vancouver s statement why we need an agreement between municipalities, why it should be enforceable, and at what level. 11:01 a.m. Director Brodie departed the meeting 3. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated February 13, 2008 regarding the Regional Growth Strategy. CARRIED It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Land Use and Transportation Committee conclude its special meeting of April 4, CARRIED (Time 11:03 a.m.) Marla Minichiello Assistant to Regional Committees Derek Corrigan, Chair ERIM # FINAL Minutes of the Special Meeting of the GVRD Land Use and Transportation Committee held on Friday, April 4, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LUT-14

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19 5.1 Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: May 2, 2008 To: From: Land Use and Transportation Committee Christina DeMarco, Division Manager, Policy and Planning Department Date: April 22, 2008 Subject: Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Recommendations: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee: a) Review and provide initial comments on the report dated April 22, 2008, titled Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy. b) Direct staff to invite other members of the Board to attend the June 6, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting to review the Working Draft Regional Growth Strategy. 1. PURPOSE This report transmits the Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy and outlines next steps in preparing a Draft Strategy for public consultation. 2. CONTEXT The preparation of a new regional strategy is one of a number of Metro Vancouver management plans being prepared under the framework of the Sustainable Region Initiative. The current regional growth strategy, known as the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LRSP), has been in place since The Draft Strategy will replace the LRSP and has a time horizon to the year This draft has been prepared as a preliminary working draft in order to advance discussion on the potential key elements of the plan and effective implementation measures. Some parts of the Draft are not yet complete, such as the population projections and housing targets which are being discussed with the Technical Advisory Committee. Following review of the working draft by the Land Use and Transportation Committee, and further input from the Technical Advisory Committee, a new draft will be prepared for the Committee s review. Initial Consultation In November 2007, Metro Vancouver released the document titled Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver as the basis for discussion on a new regional growth strategy. LUT-17

20 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: May 2, 2008 Page 2 of 6 The purpose of the discussion document was to begin a dialogue to identify the growth management issues and challenges being faced in the region, to identify possible goals and strategies that would respond to those challenges, and to solicit input as to the role of the region, the member municipalities, and other partners in achieving the goals and strategies. The issues have also been discussed in the Sustainable Region Initiative dialogues. The municipal submissions along with submissions received from the public and from business and community organizations have been forwarded to the Land Use and Transportation Committee meetings since the beginning of the year. Report 5.2 titled Summary of Municipal Submissions from the Preliminary Public Consultation Process on Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy provides a summary of municipal feedback. The feedback received from municipalities, the public, and community and business groups was used to help prepare the Preliminary Working Draft Growth Strategy. The general consensus from this feedback was that a goals only plan is not likely to achieve regional growth strategy objectives. Public feedback was weighted toward more regulation at the regional level to ensure regional goals are met. Among municipal responses, many stated that more details on the implementation mechanisms were required before an implementation option could be chosen. There was a strong message that the local land use regulation system be used to the fullest extent possible and to use regional regulation only in the cases where it was the most appropriate mechanism to secure regional goals. Key Elements for the Proposed Regional Growth Strategy The Working Draft builds on the current LRSP and many of the principles and elements are similar, such as building a compact region, creating complete communities, expanding transportation choices and protecting the region s rich natural assets. The sustainability lens applied to this management plan has resulted in more attention to social and economic issues, through a heightened emphasis on housing affordability and a specific goal and strategies on the economy. The climate change challenge along with peak oil has resulted in implementation measures that hasten Metro Vancouver s progress in creating a transitoriented region and reducing the urban footprint. The vision and goals presented in the Discussion Guide were generally supported. Based on feedback received, a new goal was created to emphasize the importance of complete communities and for the need for communities to build in resiliency, particularly in the face of climate change and rising energy prices. Food security has been added in the key challenges section as well as policies to reinforce the protection of food-producing lands. The Strategy directions were generally supported with the suggestions to add new strategies to support the complete communities goal. In response to the critique that the LRSP was not precise enough to lead to effective implementation, the proposed Draft Strategy format outlines clearly the specific actions to be undertaken by Metro Vancouver, the municipal members, and other governments and agencies. The key elements proposed in the Working Draft are summarized below. Urban Containment: Urban and Non-Urban Areas LUT-18

21 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: May 2, 2008 Page 3 of 6 There will be continued pressure, parcel by parcel, to expand the urban footprint. Regional analysis, however, demonstrates that urban growth can be accommodated within areas already designated for urban uses. The Draft Plan includes an Urban Development Area that clearly marks the extent of urban growth for the plan duration, to This action is most effective if implemented at the regional level and responds to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to provide a more cost-effective transit system and to help protect natural assets. The proposed boundaries generally follow lands that are designated as Urban in existing Official Community Plans. Urban Centres and Transit Corridors The development of a network of centres has been a key feature of past regional plans and they are steadily emerging on the regional landscape. The Draft Strategy proposes to continue to emphasize the importance of centres as the focus for major employment, services and higher density housing. This form of development promotes complete communities, jobs close to home, and a compact, transit-oriented region. A new centre designation for Surrey is proposed, Surrey Metro Centre, to highlight the importance of developing a vibrant downtown for the south and eastern parts of the region. Regional Town Centres are proposed to be called Regional City Centres to strengthen their focus and to recognize the key role they play in providing central locations for jobs, services and higher density housing throughout the region. A number of additional Municipal Town Centres are also proposed. Policies are also proposed that signal the importance of transit corridors as the priority development areas for higher density housing. Industrial Areas A regional industrial land designation is proposed in the Draft Strategy to help protect industrial lands for industrial activities. The cumulative result of local decisions on industrial land has resulted in significant amounts of land being converted to non-industrial uses. A continuation of these trends is likely to result in an inadequate supply of industrial land to meet the needs of the regional economy. Most municipal submissions recognize this dilemma and suggest that some degree of protection of industrial lands at the regional level is necessary but that the regional implementation mechanism would need to be flexible enough to recognize local conditions and existing zoning. Some of the municipal submissions suggested broadening the industrial designation to Employment Areas to allow for office and retailing uses. This option was considered but not included in the Draft Strategy for a number of reasons. Office and retailing functions are key catalysts to building vibrant, prosperous centres. Permitting these uses in industrial areas would reduce access for customers and employees, particularly by transit. While it is anticipated the transit access will improve to some of the industrial areas, the Urban Centres offer better regional transit access, allow many people to walk to work, and provide worker amenities, shops, and services. Allowing commercial uses in industrial areas also results in industrial land prices being escalated and increased traffic, detracting from the efficiency of the industrial areas. The proposed Industrial Area boundaries generally follow lands that are designated as Industrial in existing Official Community Plans. LUT-19

22 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: May 2, 2008 Page 4 of 6 Rural Areas A regional Rural land use designation is proposed to help limit the extent of urban development, protect natural areas and maintain current rural residential areas for that purpose. More discussion is needed on the appropriate density for these areas but the intention is that these areas do not receive urban services, including sewerage facilities. The proposed Rural Area boundaries generally follow lands that are designated as Rural in existing Official Community Plans. Green Zone and Agricultural Designations The LRSP protected recreation, ecological and agricultural lands through the Green Zone designation. Given the very different nature of agricultural lands from recreation and ecological lands, it is proposed that two separate designations be included in the Draft Growth Strategy. The heightened emphasis on food security and the importance of local food production reinforces the need for a separate designation. The Green Zone and Agricultural Area follow boundaries that have been identified in municipal Regional Context Statements. There are a number of areas identified as Areas Under Municipal Consideration in Regional Context Statements and it is anticipated that their status will be resolved in the Draft Strategy. There are also requests to the Metro Vancouver Board from Maple Ridge and Delta for a regional growth strategy amendment to exclude parcels of land from the Green Zone. Recommendations on these parcels will be included at the Draft Growth Strategy stage. Strategies and actions are proposed to help protect the biodiversity of the region and help build ecological and recreation corridors throughout the region. Affordable Housing Targets Housing affordability has emerged as a key regional issue. While the Federal and Provincial governments have major roles to play in providing affordable housing, municipal governments can make an important contribution in providing homes for low and moderate income households. An action item from the Metro Vancouver Affordable Housing Strategy is to set affordable housing targets in the Regional Growth Strategy. Housing needs at the subregional level have been estimated and subregional housing targets are proposed for the Draft Strategy. Linkages to Transportation Transportation provision is the responsibility of TransLink and the Province. However, transportation demand is strongly influenced by land use patterns and in turn land use patterns are influenced by transportation supply and pricing. Integrating land use and transportation is essential at the regional scale to provide for an efficient cost-effective regional transportation system. It is proposed that the Draft Strategy contain a Regional Transit Map and a Regional Roads Network and accompanying policies to demonstrate the transportation system required to meet regional growth strategy goals. Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Process LUT-20

23 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: May 2, 2008 Page 5 of 6 There has been much discussion on the need for a less onerous process to amend the Regional Growth Strategy. Draft provincial legislation (Bill 27 tabled April 21, 2008) includes a minor amendment process giving individual regional districts the responsibility for determining what constitutes a minor amendment and what voting procedures would be required to adopt an amending bylaw. The Draft Growth Strategy suggests a two-thirds weighted vote to change a land use designation. Further discussion is required once new legislation is in place. Next Steps Staff will continue to work with the Technical Advisory Committee on completing the Draft Plan. A working session will be held with TAC to review the preliminary draft and their feedback will be forwarded to the Land Use and Transportation Committee. Large scale maps will be provided to TAC members for their review and comment prior to release of the Draft Regional Growth Strategy. It is proposed that a revised Draft Regional Growth Strategy be considered at the June 6 th, 2008 Land Use and transportation Committee meeting, and that other members of the Board be invited to participate. This discussion may lead to the Draft being referred to the Board for release for public consultation. Following release of the Draft Strategy, public consultation will involve extensive consultations with individual municipalities and subregional discussions. Consultation will also include First Nations, TransLink, other governments, business and community groups as well as and broad public consultation. Details of the proposed public program will be presented at the June workshop. 3. ALTERNATIVES It is recommended that the Land Use and Transportation Committee: a) Review and provide initial comments on the report dated April 22, 2008, titled Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy. b) Direct staff to invite other members of the Board to attend the June 6, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting to review the Working Draft Regional Growth Strategy. Alternatively, the Land Use and Transportation Committee could suggest an alternative process leading to the completion of a Draft Regional Growth Strategy. 4. CONCLUSION The preparation of a new regional strategy is one of a number of Metro Vancouver management plans being prepared under the framework of the Sustainable Region Initiative. The attached preliminary working draft has been proposed to advance discussion on the potential key elements of the plan and effective and practical implementation measures. Following initial review by the Land Use and Transportation Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee, a revised Draft Growth Strategy will be prepared. Once the Metro Vancouver Board releases the Draft Strategy for municipal and public consultation, there will be further consultation with member municipalities, subregional discussions, consultation with business and community groups as well as broad LUT-21

24 Preliminary Working Draft of Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: May 2, 2008 Page 6 of 6 public consultation. Details of a proposed public program will be presented in the June workshop. Attachment: Metro Vancouver s Growth Strategy: Actions for a Sustainable Region (Incomplete Draft) (Provided under separate cover) LUT-22

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27 Regional Growth Strategy Feedback from Municipalities Page 1 of Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: May 2, 2008 To: From: Land Use and Transportation Committee Lee-Ann Garnett, Senior Regional Planner, Policy and Planning Department Date: April 11, 2008 Subject: Summary of Municipal Comments on Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver Discussion Guide Recommendation: That the Land Use and Transportation Committee receive for information the report dated April 11, 2008, titled Summary of Municipal Comments on Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver Discussion Guide. 1. PURPOSE This report reviews the consultation process with municipalities for Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy and includes a summary table of municipal input. 2. CONTEXT In November, 2007, Metro Vancouver released the document entitled Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver as the basis for discussion on a new regional growth strategy. The purpose of the discussion document was to begin a dialogue to identify the growth management issues and challenges being faced in the region, to identify possible goals and strategies that would respond to those challenges, and to solicit input as to the role of the region, the member municipalities, and in some cases, other partners in achieving the goals and strategies. Metro Vancouver forwarded the discussion document to all member municipalities with an invitation to make a presentation at a council meeting. Thirteen municipalities requested a Metro Vancouver staff presentation. Eleven municipal councils provided a written submission. Other municipalities have used the preliminary public consultation phase to learn about the issues, and have indicated they will respond to a draft regional growth strategy. Twelve community meetings were held in eight subregions. Municipal Councils were informed of the meetings and invited to attend. The eleven municipal submissions along with submissions received by the public and by business and community organizations and groups have been forwarded to the Land Use and Transportation Committee meetings since the beginning of the year. A table is attached, which summarizes the feedback of the municipalities. The submissions have identified strategies where there is general municipal support and strategies that require further research, clarification or discussion. Some submissions also identified specific items for Metro Vancouver staff to discuss with individual municipalities. The submissions have been very valuable in the preparation the draft Regional Growth Strategy. 3. ALTERNATIVES None presented. LUT-25

28 Summary of Municipal Comments on Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver Discussion Guide Land use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: May 2, 2008 Page 2 of 2 4. CONCLUSION This report summarizes the municipal preliminary consultation process on Metro Vancouver s Regional Growth Strategy and includes a table that summarizes all written municipal submissions. Attachment: Regional Growth Strategy Feedback from Municipalities (provided under separate cover) LUT-26

29 5.3 Sustainable Region Initiative Committee Meeting Date: April Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: May 2, 2008 To: From: Sustainable Region Initiative Committee Land Use and Transportation Committee Heather Schoemaker, Manager, Corporate Relations John MacFarlane, Senior Program Manager, Corporate Relations Date: March 31, 2008 Subject: Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy & Transportation Land Use and Transportation Committee Recommendation: That the Board: a) Forward the report dated March 31, 2008 titled Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy and Transportation to member municipalities, and other related agencies for their information and comment; and b) Direct staff to consider this report in the context of updating the Regional Growth Strategy. Sustainable Region Initiative Committee Recommendation: That the Board receive the report dated March 31, 2008 titled Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy and Transportation, for information. 1. PURPOSE To provide information to the Land Use and Transportation Committee and the Sustainable Region Initiative Committee on the four regional Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues on Role of the Region Economy and Transportation. 2. CONTEXT Focusing on the Role of the Region Economy and Transportation, the dialogues posed a scenario and series of questions to participants. The rapidly expanding global economy is forcing us to make decisions. How do we balance the requirements of a regional transportation network, environmental improvement and livability while supporting the demand for goods movement for the continent? How do we ensure a robust economy for the future? What's Metro Vancouver's role? What follows is a synthesis of the discussion details on the individual dialogues can be found in Attachment 1, with more detailed Summary Notes available on the Metro Vancouver website. Attachment 2 provides a schedule and details on the 2008 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues and Attachment 3 captures the media coverage. LUT-27

30 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy & Transportation Page 2 of 4 Sustainable Region Initiative Committee - April 23, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee - May 2, KEY MESSSAGES The discussion tended to focus on specific issues relating to transportation or the regional economy as separate themes it appeared that the participants in this dialogue did not perceive a strong link between the two themes as an integrated package. Integration of transportation and the regional economy began to form a stronger concept in this dialogue. Integrating Transportation & The Economy - Initial discussions tended to focus on specific issues relating to transportation or the regional economy as separate themes it appeared that participants did not initially perceive a strong link between the two themes as an integrated package. - Many participants expressed the view that the regional economy should embrace a flow of services, ideas and capital. - The region has assumed the role of a gateway city to North America because it is in a unique geographical position for goods arriving from and departing for China and the Orient. Seeing Ourselves as Part of a Larger Economic Entity - The region is not seen as a closed-off system that can operate separately from the rest of the continental or global economy. - Many forces impacting the region cannot be successfully dealt with at the municipal level in isolation from neighbours. A coordinated common approach for the whole economic region would work better. - Acting as a region may require tax base sharing. - Utilizing regional growth management as a tool to reduce impact on the climate should be a significant goal. Providing & Paying For Infrastructure - There was a strong sentiment that perhaps some of the current infrastructure proposals for the region s transportation network were now inappropriate as we enter a post-peak oil economy. - It was suggested that building the right infrastructure for the future regional community requires a re-think of current infrastructure proposals. - Ensuring that there is affordable housing for people was seen as an important element in building a sustainable regional economy. Compact & Sustainable Communities - All sectors in the region need to work to make communities more compact and more efficient. This should be encouraged through stronger regional growth management planning. - There are successful initiatives in other jurisdictions. Our plans need to reflect that we are implementing evidence of success from other sources. - Since housing costs can drive the sprawl it was suggested that ensuring the availability of affordable housing was one method for slowing undesirable attributes of growth. Accepting Density LUT-28

31 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues: Role of the Region Economy & Transportation Page 3 of 4 Sustainable Region Initiative Committee - April 23, 2008 Land Use and Transportation Committee - May 2, Increases in density concerned many of the participants. There is a need to work to find a densification formula that is acceptable to a significant regional constituency. - New approaches - such as the introduction of nodes of densification were deemed by some to be more acceptable. - At the same time we need to be able to accommodate population growth which continues as a result of the booming economy. Innovative Land Use Planning - The region is very livable but it may not be fully sustainable in its current form. - The protection of agricultural land, transportation corridors, and industrial lands for their highest and best use should be a planning and zoning priority. - Managing current conflicts between agriculture and urban land use demands will be critical to future food security. - Incorporating new research into our planning to support the decision-making process was seen as an important consideration. Goods Movement - There is still a need to move goods to and through the region from the port and airport in today s economy, but those needs may be in transition and require different infrastructure in the future. - It was suggested that the region s future will be bound up with the whole of Cascadia perhaps with only one international airport for that region. Sustainable Future Road Transport - Externalities need to be considered in the calculation of the benefit analysis of transit versus highway development. - There needs to be incentives to encourage people to do the right thing and for governments to make the best choices in developing future road-based transit. Impacts of Peak Oil & Rising Energy Costs - Energy costs are increasing dramatically the price of oil has doubled in the two years that these dialogues have been ongoing. - Future energy impacts on the planning of future infrastructure development need to be calculated when options are chosen. Reducing Reliance on Road Travel - Many participants urged the introduction of a range of road pricing options and the use of incentives to reduce reliance on road travel. - Investment in transit infrastructure and extension of service was frequently raised in discussion as a key element in future models. Environmental Impacts of Transportation - Transportation was widely viewed as a major environmental impact in the region that must be managed to mitigate potential harm. - The use of single occupant cars was viewed as a very poor business case for the economy, use of regional infrastructure and the environment. Stimulating new more efficient transportation models may be more environmentally sustainable than accommodating the current model. - Making communities more compact would reduce greenhouse gases by making transportation more efficient. Role of the Region LUT-29