Vancouver Plan

On November 14 2019, we started our planning process by asking questions to understand the challenges and priorities of our residents. As part of the consultation, the Vancouver Plan team launched a website which provides updates on planning processes, insight on how to get involved, and the opportunity to stay connected to what we're doing by signing up for the Vancouver Plan newsletter.

During initial meetings that took place, Vancouver City Councillors were paired with different social and demographic groups, such as the youth environmental group Sustainabiliteens, business association presidents and other community leaders, and Chinese-Canadian elders and Indigenous youth in Strathcona.

Conversations with local First Nation governments Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh began in order to discuss how engagement and communication could move forward in a good way with respect to each communities' distinct protocols and ways of working.

In October 2019 at the international EcoCity Conference in Vancouver, youth climate activist Xiye Bastida from NYC spoke with Planning General Manager, Gil Kelley. Taking some time away from her classes, Ms. Bastida explained how the power of youth movement lies in its ability to tackle every sector and how t's both international and intersectional.

The current movement is bringing forward youth, indigenous and female voices. Gil thanked her for her effort and assured here how we are going to work hard to do better for the future generations - which is the key priority for the Vancouver Plan.

For the first time in 20 years, the City of Vancouver will undertake a city-wide planning process. The plan will address the social, economic, environmental and cultural aspects of daily life, in addition to land-use and transportation planning while integrating key considerations of reconciliation, equity and resiliency. The goal is to enable people, communities, and future generations to thrive. You can view the Council report here.

The Vancouver Plan will be developed during a three-year period (2019 - 2022), and will guide future priorities for the City of Vancouver into 2050 and beyond.

The planning process will:

• Ask the fundamental question: 'What kind of city do we want to become over the coming decades, and why?'
• Acknowledge the colonial history of Vancouver, and the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations care and stewardship of this land.
• Broadly engage residents, workers, employers, institutions, non-profits, civic and neighbourhood groups throughout the city.
• Highlight key choices, trade-offs and strategies that will allow us to realize a shared vision for the future.
• Align with, and inform, existing planning and policy efforts at the City and by other regional agencies.

On November 13, 2018 Vancouver City Council directed staff to expedite the development of a city-wide plan (view Council direction here). A long-term, city-wide plan would establish a clear framework to address rising issues in Vancouver such as housing affordability, environmental and social health. It would also address the need for long-term clarity around land-use, leveraging long-term capital investments and programs with senior levels of government, and encouraging a culture of innovation.

"Creating a long-term plan that takes into account the needs of all residents - current and future - is a positive and proactive way to collectively guide our future," said Mayor Kennedy Stewart.