Shape the Regional Growth Strategy

We are hosting a series of discussion forums reflecting the Fraser Valley Future 2050 eight RGS goals. 

How can I participate? 

• Post a comment on a topic that interests you; or
• ‘like’ existing comments.

Your input lets us know if we are on the right track and provides additional guidance on how to address the challenges our region faces today and in the future. Be sure to check in often as the discussions unfold and take shape. Discussions are open until October 8, 2021.

Register before September 30, 2021, and be eligible to win one of four $50 Visa gift cards. 

Strong partnerships are needed to achieve the goals outlined in the RGS and ensure the region as a whole is working toward a common future. The FVRD is committed to maintaining strong, collaborative, and respectful relationships with all levels of government, Indigenous governments, health authorities, non-profits, the private sector, and the public to work together on shaping the future of the region.

RGS Goal

Achieve our common goals for the future of the region by encouraging collaboration between jurisdictions, cultures, and neighbours.

Key Policy Directions

1. Build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and governments
2. Work together to ensure success

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Collaboration Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS - Indigenous Peoples (p.12) Defining growth (p.14) Collaboration (p. 20) 
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Optional - Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BC) 

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for Collaboration, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. How can collaboration between Indigenous communities and local governments be improved?
3. What does meaningful collaboration between governments, the private sector and the public look like?
4. What are some examples of collaboration done well? Why was it effective?

The economy of the Fraser Valley is strong, diverse and expanding. Agriculture remains at the core of our economy and leads in technology and innovation. Building complete communities that provide residents with jobs and services close to where they live can improve employment opportunities and contribute to local self-sufficiency and resiliency.

RGS Goal

To realize the region’s economic potential by providing opportunities in employment and education that will grow the economy by building on the region’s strengths.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Create opportunities for employment and education
2. Promote growth and development in agriculture
3. Protect employment lands
4. Work to attain the Region’s full tourism potential

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Economic Strength & Resiliency Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS - Economic Strength & Resiliency section (p. 22)
• Optional - FVRD Clean Economy Report 

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for economic strength and resiliency, are we on the right track?
2. What are your concerns about economic stability in this region?
3. How might the anticipated population growth positively or negatively impact your work, business or industry? Is this reflected in the RGS policies?
4. How can the region support the agricultural economy?

With population growth expected across all age demographics, an important factor in maintaining a high quality of life is the ability to uphold physical and mental health and to provide access to the supports needed for healthy living. The availability of nutritious and affordable food and opportunities for recreation and cultural activities are also important components to living well.

RGS Goal

To ensure everyone is able to maintain a high quality of life, regardless of age, income or ability.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Promote  healthy and inclusive living
2. Support arts and culture initiatives
3. Protect and enhance parks and recreation lands

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Living Well Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS - Living well section (p.26)
• Optional - Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Analysis 
• Optional - Experience the Fraser Initiative 

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for living well, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. How might changing demographics and anticipated population growth impact your ability to participate in the physical or social activities you enjoy? 
3. What other components, such as access to childcare or other services, are important for creating an equitable region and living well?

It is expected that 90% of the regional growth will be within the Regional Growth Boundaries. Encouraging the development of communities where all residents live within a short distance to a good school, reliable transit, a place to buy fresh food, and outdoor greenspace is important for the efficient use of infrastructure and supporting environmental sustainability. Another important component for building healthy communities is maintaining a diverse range of housing so that all residents, no matter age, income or ability, will be able to have a place to call home. 

RGS Goal

To create compact, complete communities that strengthen urban centres, maintain rural character and offer choice and affordability in housing.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Concentrate growth in urban centres
2. Maintain the character of rural communities in electoral areas
3. Promote sustainable regionally scaled resort development
4. Ensure housing choice and affordability

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Community Building Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS – Community Building section (p. 32)
• Optional - FVRD Electoral Areas Housing Needs Report
• Optional - 2020 Homelessness Survey

Questions for discussion?

1. Considering the policy directions for complete communities, are we on the right track with these policies? Is there anything that should be added?
2. How might changing demographics and anticipated population growth impact you or your family's ability to access affordable and appropriate housing?
3. How might your or your family's housing needs change in the next 10, 20, or 30 years?

As the region’s population grows and development pressures increase, balancing the impacts of growth with the cultural and ecological sensitivity of the environment is essential to maintaining a healthy natural environment on which we all depend on. The connection to the natural environment has significant cultural values and plays an important role in spiritual and physical well-being.   

Goal

To protect the air, water and biodiversity on which we depend.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Monitor, study, protect and improve air quality
2. Protect watershed health
3. Protect biodiversity

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Ecosystem Health Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS – Ecosystem health section (p. 40)
• Optional - Draft Air Quality Management Plan

Questions for Discussion?

1. Considering the policy directions for protecting ecosystem health, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. How can we better support and protect the environment?
3. How can we improve public education on the importance of the region's ecological health?

As the region strives for higher levels of choice and efficiency in transportation systems, integrated transportation and land use planning will be essential. While a wider range of transportation options contribute to improved mobility for all residents, promoting compact, mixed-use development within established community centres can also reduce car dependency and encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation

RGS Goal

To develop a safe and efficient transportation system for people and goods that promotes transit, walking and cycling, and minimizes the transportation system’s impact on air quality.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Create a region-wide network of affordable and convenient transportation options that safely and efficiently facilitates the movement of people and goods. 
2. Promote active and alternative forms of transportation that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Transportation and Mobility Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS – Transportation and mobility section (p. 42)
• Optional - FVRD Regional Trip Diary 2014

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for transportation and mobility, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. Are there regional priorities you feel are missing from the list of transportation priorities (RGS page 44)?
3. What transportation system improvements might inspire you to choose active modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling?
4. What transportation system improvements might inspire you to take public transit?

Communities in the Fraser Valley are feeling pressure to upgrade and expand their infrastructure to address growing demand and aging assets. To manage this, communities within the region have expressed interest in finding ways to collaborate to be more cost-effective and share the burden of liability. The Region is also committed to finding solutions to effectively manage waste without impacting air quality. To reach the goal of a 90% diversion rate by 2024, commitment and innovation are required of public and private sectors, as well as increased public education.  

Emergency services help to encourage public preparedness ensuring that we are prepared in the event of an emergency and that plans are in place to mitigate any disasters. 

RGS Goal

To provide efficient, sustainable and cost-effective services that contribute to compact and sustainable growth.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Provide safe and efficient access to basic utilities
2. Ensure responsible management of solid waste
3. Ensure public safety through emergency management planning
4. Minimize the impact of large-scale utility corridors that traverse the region

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Infrastructure and Services Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS – Infrastructure and Services section (p. 42)
• Optional - FVRD Broadband Connectivity Study 
• Optional - FVRD Solid Waste Management Plan
• Optional - Freshet Flooding and Fraser Valley Agriculture: Evaluating Impacts and Options for Resilience

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for Infrastructure and services, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. How might the FVRD contribute to services that support compact and sustainable growth?
3. How might changing demographics and anticipated population growth impact the region’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency?

Through a combination of efforts to reduce the consumption of energy, increase energy efficiency, prioritize clean energy and reduce GHG emissions, the region will work toward achieving its GHG reduction targets. Taking action will help to reduce energy costs, and contribute to a healthier future for both FVRD residents and our neighbours. 

RGS Goal

To increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to minimize the region’s impact on global climate change, and to mitigate impacts of climate change on our Region.

Key Policy Directions:

1. Promote energy efficiency and the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
2. Reduce the region's impact on climate change and develop the capacity to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region

Before joining this discussion, check out the following information:

• Energy and Climate Change Fact Sheet
• Draft RGS – Energy and Climate Change section (p.52)
• Optional - Fraser Valley Agriculture Climate Adaptation Strategy
• Optional - Climate and Agriculture Initiative BC

Questions for Discussion

1. Considering the policy directions for energy and climate change, are we on the right track? Is there anything missing?
2. Have you noticed changes in the environment in recent years? What are your main concerns regarding climate change in the region?
3. Are there any additional policies that can help support this goal of the RGS?