Shape the Regional Growth Strategy
Consultation has concluded
RGS Update is Complete!
Thank you to those who participated in the public engagement process!
Fraser Valley Future 2050 was adopted by the FVRD Board on April 25, 2024. The plan maintains a shared vision for the future, informed by considerable engagement with residents, member municipalities, First Nations, the Province, and neighbouring regional districts.
The updated Regional Growth Strategy includes a greater emphasis on climate action, collaboration among all levels of government, and is a better reflection of the needs, contributions, and significance of the many First Nations whose territories the FVRD is located within.
Some of the more significant updates made to the RGS, aim to:
- Improve collaboration across all levels of government;
- Respect the rights, culture, and self-governance of First Nations communities;
- Include the interests of Indigenous Peoples and local First Nation Communities;
- Improve regional transit and transportation infrastructure;
- Expand public transit and active transportation networks;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced in the region;
- Expanded policies on housing choice and affordability and homelessness; and
- Improve preparation and response to frequent climate emergencies.
RGS implementation is already underway and will continue to be implemented through ongoing collaboration with member municipalities, adjacent regional districts, the Province, Indigenous communities, other agencies, and the public.
About the Project
The Fraser Valley is growing fast and we need an updated strategy that works for everyone. The FVRD is updating its Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) to reflect new legislation, growing relationships with Indigenous communities, and new challenges facing the region.
Fraser Valley Future 2050 is a high-level policy plan to help guide long-term growth in the region. It covers a wide range of topics, all of which are interconnected, and considers transit, housing, parks, and natural areas, economic development, and environmental issues from a regional perspective.
Regional districts use monitoring programs as part of RGS implementation. The 2023 RGS Monitoring Report and RGS Monitoring website provide important information and context through the evaluation of over thirty indicators based on RGS goals and policies.
What We Heard
Engagement for this project on Have Your Say has now concluded.
From August 3 to October 8, 2021, the FVRD heard from almost 400 residents, employees, business owners, and visitors as part of the public engagement for Phase 2 of the Regional Growth Strategy update, Fraser Valley Future 2050. Check out the public engagement results in this report.

Want to Learn More?
RGS Update is Complete!
Thank you to those who participated in the public engagement process!
Fraser Valley Future 2050 was adopted by the FVRD Board on April 25, 2024. The plan maintains a shared vision for the future, informed by considerable engagement with residents, member municipalities, First Nations, the Province, and neighbouring regional districts.
The updated Regional Growth Strategy includes a greater emphasis on climate action, collaboration among all levels of government, and is a better reflection of the needs, contributions, and significance of the many First Nations whose territories the FVRD is located within.
Some of the more significant updates made to the RGS, aim to:
- Improve collaboration across all levels of government;
- Respect the rights, culture, and self-governance of First Nations communities;
- Include the interests of Indigenous Peoples and local First Nation Communities;
- Improve regional transit and transportation infrastructure;
- Expand public transit and active transportation networks;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced in the region;
- Expanded policies on housing choice and affordability and homelessness; and
- Improve preparation and response to frequent climate emergencies.
RGS implementation is already underway and will continue to be implemented through ongoing collaboration with member municipalities, adjacent regional districts, the Province, Indigenous communities, other agencies, and the public.
About the Project
The Fraser Valley is growing fast and we need an updated strategy that works for everyone. The FVRD is updating its Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) to reflect new legislation, growing relationships with Indigenous communities, and new challenges facing the region.
Fraser Valley Future 2050 is a high-level policy plan to help guide long-term growth in the region. It covers a wide range of topics, all of which are interconnected, and considers transit, housing, parks, and natural areas, economic development, and environmental issues from a regional perspective.
Regional districts use monitoring programs as part of RGS implementation. The 2023 RGS Monitoring Report and RGS Monitoring website provide important information and context through the evaluation of over thirty indicators based on RGS goals and policies.
What We Heard
Engagement for this project on Have Your Say has now concluded.
From August 3 to October 8, 2021, the FVRD heard from almost 400 residents, employees, business owners, and visitors as part of the public engagement for Phase 2 of the Regional Growth Strategy update, Fraser Valley Future 2050. Check out the public engagement results in this report.

Want to Learn More?
Tell us your story
Whether you grew up in the Fraser Valley or you moved here as an adult, you have a story to tell and we want to hear it! Why do you or your family live in the Fraser Valley? What makes this region a great place to live, work, and play?
-
Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Facebook Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Twitter Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Linkedin Email No Choice But to Buy a House link
No Choice But to Buy a House
by Lillian Martin, over 4 years agoMy daughter and I arrived in Chilliwack in 1989 as a result of my having secured a teaching position at Fraser Valley College. With a bit of help from the bank of mom and some further help from a mortgage loan I purchased a home. The house was very affordable. My daughter and I settled into Sardis and began to make friends through work and school. Fast forward four years; my husband-to-be and I began dating. We moved in together about two years later. My husband's health issues meant we had to give up our home on Rockwell Drive and... Continue readingMy daughter and I arrived in Chilliwack in 1989 as a result of my having secured a teaching position at Fraser Valley College. With a bit of help from the bank of mom and some further help from a mortgage loan I purchased a home. The house was very affordable. My daughter and I settled into Sardis and began to make friends through work and school. Fast forward four years; my husband-to-be and I began dating. We moved in together about two years later. My husband's health issues meant we had to give up our home on Rockwell Drive and move into Agassiz where I still reside. Friends made here have helped me through some difficult times. Have in enjoyed the arts scene and the Rec Centre very much. Love the hiking trails in the area. -
Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Facebook Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Twitter Share No Choice But to Buy a House on Linkedin Email No Choice But to Buy a House link
No Choice But to Buy a House
by Lillian Martin, over 4 years agoMy daughter and I arrived in Chilliwack in 1989 as a result of my having secured a teaching position at Fraser Valley College. With a bit of help from the bank of mom and some further help from a mortgage loan I purchased a home. The house was very affordable. My daughter and I settled into Sardis and began to make friends through work and school. Fast forward four years; my husband-to-be and I began dating. We moved in together about two years later. My husband's health issues meant we had to give up our home on Rockwell Drive and... Continue readingMy daughter and I arrived in Chilliwack in 1989 as a result of my having secured a teaching position at Fraser Valley College. With a bit of help from the bank of mom and some further help from a mortgage loan I purchased a home. The house was very affordable. My daughter and I settled into Sardis and began to make friends through work and school. Fast forward four years; my husband-to-be and I began dating. We moved in together about two years later. My husband's health issues meant we had to give up our home on Rockwell Drive and move into Agassiz where I still reside. Friends made here have helped me through some difficult times. Have in enjoyed the arts scene and the Rec Centre very much. Love the hiking trails in the area. -
Share Longtime resident of Popkum BC on Facebook Share Longtime resident of Popkum BC on Twitter Share Longtime resident of Popkum BC on Linkedin Email Longtime resident of Popkum BC link
Longtime resident of Popkum BC
by AudM, over 4 years agoLong time resident 70 + yearsA Gray
Seen a lot of changes over the years. Our family had a small sawmill my folks run for years. We did selective logging and had beef cattle over the years. Its great to live and work here with my sons, making it a 4 generation homestead. We love the nature and untouched beauty of the mountains and area. Each day has its own beauty, even the rainy ones, wouldn't live anywhere else.
It's our home.
Long time resident 70 + yearsA Gray
Seen a lot of changes over the years. Our family had a small sawmill my folks run for years. We did selective logging and had beef cattle over the years. Its great to live and work here with my sons, making it a 4 generation homestead. We love the nature and untouched beauty of the mountains and area. Each day has its own beauty, even the rainy ones, wouldn't live anywhere else.
It's our home.
-
Share Long term Agassiz resident on Facebook Share Long term Agassiz resident on Twitter Share Long term Agassiz resident on Linkedin Email Long term Agassiz resident link
Long term Agassiz resident
by Sue Gadsby , over 4 years agoI have lived in Agassiz for close to 50 years and love it. My husband and I have raised 3 sons here and we hope to stay long past our retirements.We love the scenery, the hiking, the people, the community spirit, the Rec. Centre and more. This is home.
I have lived in Agassiz for close to 50 years and love it. My husband and I have raised 3 sons here and we hope to stay long past our retirements.We love the scenery, the hiking, the people, the community spirit, the Rec. Centre and more. This is home.
-
Share 20 years later... on Facebook Share 20 years later... on Twitter Share 20 years later... on Linkedin Email 20 years later... link
20 years later...
by Scott Medlock, over 4 years agoI grew up in North Delta in the lower mainland. It was a great place to grow up. 19 years ago I moved to Hope with my wife and 1 year old son for a Employment promotion opportunity. At first we thought we would stay for a couple of years and then move back to a larger community in the lower mainland since that is what we were used to.
Now, my son is in his 3rd year of university at UFV Abbotsford but still lives in Hope and my daughter is in grade 12. I thought North Delta was... Continue reading
I grew up in North Delta in the lower mainland. It was a great place to grow up. 19 years ago I moved to Hope with my wife and 1 year old son for a Employment promotion opportunity. At first we thought we would stay for a couple of years and then move back to a larger community in the lower mainland since that is what we were used to.
Now, my son is in his 3rd year of university at UFV Abbotsford but still lives in Hope and my daughter is in grade 12. I thought North Delta was a great place to live but Hope is the best!
We are surrounded by nature and people that make Hope a community in the truest sense of the word.
We wouldn't change a thing. This is a great place to live, work and play.
-
Share 30 year Valley girl on Facebook Share 30 year Valley girl on Twitter Share 30 year Valley girl on Linkedin Email 30 year Valley girl link
30 year Valley girl
by Kcdragonfly11, over 4 years agoI moved from the Tri-cities to Chilliwack in 1991, and moved to Abbotsford and Mission. Living in the Fraser valley to me means less crowds, more nature. However, at the current rate of growth - this is already rapidly disappearing. Growth is putting more pressure on our back country industries like forestry, is taking away ALR (how did Molsons get to build that monstrosity on farm land), mega homes not paying their fair share of property value using farm status loop holes, and favorite natural spacing are just overrun, while everyone grabs Instagram shots.I feel like I will soon... Continue reading
I moved from the Tri-cities to Chilliwack in 1991, and moved to Abbotsford and Mission. Living in the Fraser valley to me means less crowds, more nature. However, at the current rate of growth - this is already rapidly disappearing. Growth is putting more pressure on our back country industries like forestry, is taking away ALR (how did Molsons get to build that monstrosity on farm land), mega homes not paying their fair share of property value using farm status loop holes, and favorite natural spacing are just overrun, while everyone grabs Instagram shots.I feel like I will soon have to more North up country to get back to the quiet community life
-
Share where are the ranchers in abbotsford? on Facebook Share where are the ranchers in abbotsford? on Twitter Share where are the ranchers in abbotsford? on Linkedin Email where are the ranchers in abbotsford? link
where are the ranchers in abbotsford?
by marion, over 4 years agowe currently are in our early 60's and live in a very large 3 story home on a very large city lot. it had served us well while our children were young. we have been looking for a rancher or single family home - not in a strata - for at least 5 years. chilliwack is full of the right type of homes, but our grown children live here and our home is abbotsford. stratas have many appropriate homes, but the roads are so narrow that i question the safety of an ambulance or fire truck navigating it's way to... Continue readingwe currently are in our early 60's and live in a very large 3 story home on a very large city lot. it had served us well while our children were young. we have been looking for a rancher or single family home - not in a strata - for at least 5 years. chilliwack is full of the right type of homes, but our grown children live here and our home is abbotsford. stratas have many appropriate homes, but the roads are so narrow that i question the safety of an ambulance or fire truck navigating it's way to the front door. and the rules are based on the whims of the strata council (no bird feeders, can't paint your front door, etc. ). why can't council allow slightly narrow roads (not to the extremes of stratas) and have more ranchers built. there is a whole generation of people that would snap those up in a heartbeat. -
Share Country life on Facebook Share Country life on Twitter Share Country life on Linkedin Email Country life link
Country life
by Sonogirl , over 4 years agoI moved to chilliwack from Coquitlam in the early 80’s. the idea of a quiet country life is what drew me here. I’ve worked in healthcare my whole career. I’ve seen chilliwack change from a beautiful country town to an extension of Vancouver. It is no longer the gem it once was. Safety has become a prime concern and crime has spiked.the farmland is disappearing, replaced by large mansions and non ALR land use . What will we do when we have to import all of our food because we paved over our crops
I miss the quiet life... Continue reading
I moved to chilliwack from Coquitlam in the early 80’s. the idea of a quiet country life is what drew me here. I’ve worked in healthcare my whole career. I’ve seen chilliwack change from a beautiful country town to an extension of Vancouver. It is no longer the gem it once was. Safety has become a prime concern and crime has spiked.the farmland is disappearing, replaced by large mansions and non ALR land use . What will we do when we have to import all of our food because we paved over our crops
I miss the quiet life that drew me here
-
Share Looking for quiet country on Facebook Share Looking for quiet country on Twitter Share Looking for quiet country on Linkedin Email Looking for quiet country link
Looking for quiet country
by German lady, over 4 years agoWe settled in the eastern Fraser Valley in 1989, as we were looking for an acreage to raise kids and have a garden in a quiet country community. After my husband passed away I raised my daughter as a single parent and continued planting many , many flowers and creating a botanical garden with around 150 rhododendrons and azaleas. I grow most of our food and have a few chickens. The yard and garden definitely became a retreat for all kinds of wildlife as latest developments have robbed them from their habitats . Over time I have seen a lot... Continue reading
We settled in the eastern Fraser Valley in 1989, as we were looking for an acreage to raise kids and have a garden in a quiet country community. After my husband passed away I raised my daughter as a single parent and continued planting many , many flowers and creating a botanical garden with around 150 rhododendrons and azaleas. I grow most of our food and have a few chickens. The yard and garden definitely became a retreat for all kinds of wildlife as latest developments have robbed them from their habitats . Over time I have seen a lot of changes as more forests and meadows got turned into subdivisions.The road along the back side of our property became so noisy that sitting on our patio for quiet time is not possible anymore. I have also noticed a huge spike in crime, break ins into my shed, garage, and stealing. Another problem is the amount of garbage dumped along the road and into our property since some fast food chains and a liquor store opened not far from us. We chose this place once to be rural and now I feel this has all changed for the worse. I am still holding on to our oasis, but I don't know for how long I can. Farmland needs to stay put and growth and development must be stopped. The infrastructure (highway) can not take that much anymore. Everything is getting congested. We must protect the farmland for food .
-
Share Retiree Heaven on Facebook Share Retiree Heaven on Twitter Share Retiree Heaven on Linkedin Email Retiree Heaven link
Retiree Heaven
by KLG, over 4 years agoAfter living in Port Coquitlam for over 30 years, my husband and I decided to move into a single level home. We were retired and were tired of up and own stairs, inside and out. During many travels through the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan, we decided Chilliwack was someplace we would like to live in. The qualifications were:lots of single level homes, NOT ANYMORE.
close to the freeway for travel to the interior and the U.S.
near an airport and Costco - in Abbotsford.
a decent number of grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, etc.
and last but... Continue reading
After living in Port Coquitlam for over 30 years, my husband and I decided to move into a single level home. We were retired and were tired of up and own stairs, inside and out. During many travels through the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan, we decided Chilliwack was someplace we would like to live in. The qualifications were:lots of single level homes, NOT ANYMORE.
close to the freeway for travel to the interior and the U.S.
near an airport and Costco - in Abbotsford.
a decent number of grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, etc.
and last but not least, weather. The weather is great here.
The downside is that everytime we need something it seems we have to go to Abbotsford to get it. The TRAFFIC has become ridiculous. We need more roads in and out of this place. We would love to see a passenger train connect us to other areas. NOT SKYTRAIN.
Businesses have declined, more homeless people have come or been dumped here, the hospital is too small with the growing number of people not to mention a lack of doctors in all classifications.
There is a lack of space to expand due to ALR restrictions, and rightly so. We need to keep all our farm lands, but let them diversify so farmers can stay. Let them do events, have B & B's, or restaurants and wineries on sight.
Let's build up, not out. We already have lovely parks, lakes, and a river.
Signup Banner
Who's Listening
-
Planner
TAEmail stratplan@fvrd.ca
Timeline
-
Background research and project launch
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Phase 1 engagement
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Draft plan 1
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Referrals
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Plan refinement
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Draft plan 2
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Phase 2 engagement
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Plan refinement
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Final draft
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy has finished this stage -
Acceptance and formal adoption
Shape the Regional Growth Strategy is currently at this stage
FAQs
- What is a Regional Growth Strategy?
- What does a Regional Growth Strategy NOT do?
- Does the FVRD currently have a Regional Growth Strategy?
- How is the Regional Growth Strategy implemented?
- Has there been Indigenous engagement?
- Are First Nations Reserves subject to the RGS or the Agricultural Land Reserve Act?
- Does an RGS require provincial approval?
- How is the RGS adopted?
- What is a regional context statement
Related Documents
-
FINAL RGS Fraser Valley Future 2050 - Feb 2024.pdf (40.8 MB) (pdf)
-
2023 RGS Monitoring Report (6.24 MB) (pdf)
-
2019 RGS Monitoring Report (3.89 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD RGS Fact Sheets (7.05 MB) (pdf)
-
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (150 KB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Clean Economy Study (2.01 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Analysis 2020 (5.42 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Electoral Areas Housing Needs Report (9.08 MB) (pdf)
-
2020 FVRD Homeless Count and Survey Report (1.56 MB) (pdf)
-
draft FVRD Air Quality Management Plan (33.9 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Regional Trip Diary 2014 (1.99 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Air Quality Management Plan 2021 (3.75 MB) (pdf)
-
FVRD Rural Broadband Connectivity Study 2020 (25.7 MB) (pdf)
-
Freshet Flooding Agriculture Impacts 2017 (1.5 MB) (pdf)
-
Fraser Valley Agriculture Climate Adaptation Strategy 2018 (5.21 MB) (pdf)
-
Fraser Valley Agriculture Climate Adaptation Strategies 2015 (2.48 MB) (pdf)
-
RGS Update - Public Engagement Report (11.9 MB) (pdf)
-
Staff Report - Indigenous Engagement (93.5 KB) (pdf)