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Resources and Studies

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This resources and studies section contains key projects and studies completed by Regional Planning in recent years. Although this is not a comprehensive list, if you do not see the project you are looking for please contact regionalplanning@metrovancouver.org to request further information or resources.
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Regional Industrial Lands Strategy Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-industrial-lands-strategy-report.pdfRegional Industrial Lands Strategy ReportIndustrial lands are crucial to supporting a prosperous and sustainable regional economy. Industrial lands accommodate over one-quarter of the region’s total employment, and contribute to the region’s economic well-being, along with important linkages to transportation, trade, and taxation matters. Across the region, Metro Vancouver’s industrial lands serve as home to a wide range of employment activities that, in turn, play a crucial role in supporting the broader regional, provincial, and national economies.
Metro 2050 Implementation Guideline - Industrial and Employment Landshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-implementation-guideline-industrial-and-employment-lands.pdfMetro 2050 Implementation Guideline - Industrial and Employment LandsThe Metro 2050 Implementation Guideline – Industrial and Employment Lands provides guidance on industrial land objectives, as well as how planning policies, market conditions, site locations, industrial sectors, and local contexts all influence the implementation of these objectives.
Stratification of Industrial Land in Metro Vancouver 2018https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/stratification-of-industria-land-in-metro-vancouver.pdfStratification of Industrial Land in Metro Vancouver 2018Metro Vancouver is coordinating the development of a Regional Industrial Lands Strategy. The Strategy will provide a vision for the future of industrial lands in Metro Vancouver and actions for achieving the vision. This was created in September 2018.
Metro 2050 Map 7 - Industrial and Employment Landshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-map-7.pdfMetro 2050 Map 7 - Industrial and Employment LandsView the Regional Growth Strategy - Industrial and Employment Lands map.
Metro 2050https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050.pdfMetro 2050Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy, Metro 2050, is a long-range vision for how the region will manage population, dwelling unit, and employment growth forecasted to come to this region over the next 30 years. It contains goals, strategies, and policies to shape and accommodate growth in a way that supports the development of a compact urban area and complete communities, and which protects important lands such as Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural, Industrial, and Rural lands.
Metro Vancouver Growth Projections – 2024 Updatehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-vancouver-growth-projections-2024-update.pdfMetro Vancouver Growth Projections – 2024 UpdateMetro Vancouver has updated the growth projections from Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy. This update includes the estimates (2021 baseline) and projections (from 2022 to 2051) for population, dwelling unit, and employment, presented under three scenarios.
Economic Impact of Industrial Lands in Metro Vancouverhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/economic-impact-of-industrial-lands-in-metro-vancouver.pdfEconomic Impact of Industrial Lands in Metro VancouverMetro Vancouver, in its commitment to lead the advancement of the Regional Industrial Lands Strategy, has undertaken an analysis to quantify and describe the economic value generated by sectors operating on industrial lands within the region. The study’s findings inform the implementation of the Regional Industrial Lands Strategy, a collaborative effort led by regional agencies and organizations. This study is an update to the prior study released in early 2019.
Japanese Beetle Guidebookhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/japanese-beetle-guidebook.pdfJapanese Beetle GuidebookThe impacts of invasive species on ecological, human, and economic health are of concern in the Metro Vancouver region. Successful control of invasive species requires concerted and targeted efforts by many participants. This document - “Guidebook for Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) in the Metro Vancouver Region” - is one of a series of species-specific guides developed for use by practitioners (e.g., local government staff, crews, project managers, contractors, consultants, developers, stewardship groups, and others who have a role in invasive species management) in this region.
Urban Tree List for Metro Vancouver in a Changing Climate https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/urban-forest-trees-list.pdfUrban Tree List for Metro Vancouver in a Changing Climate An easy to download and print list of over 300 tree species assessed for suitability to the current and projected future climate in the Metro Vancouver region. Essentially a short version of the trees listed in the database.
Metro 2050 Map 3 - Urban Containment Boundary and General Urban Landshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-map-3.pdfMetro 2050 Map 3 - Urban Containment Boundary and General Urban LandsView the Regional Growth Strategy - Urban Containment Boundary and General Urban Lands map.
Metro 2050 Map 1 - Metro Vancouver Regionhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-map-1.pdfMetro 2050 Map 1 - Metro Vancouver RegionView the Regional Growth Strategy - Metro Vancouver Region map.
Regional Tree Canopy Cover and Impervious Surface in Metro Vancouver 2020https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-tree-canopy-cover-impervious-surface-2020.pdfRegional Tree Canopy Cover and Impervious Surface in Metro Vancouver 2020A technical report of the results of Metro Vancouver's tree canopy cover, impervious surface, and potential planting area analysis for 2020 and compares the findings to those from 2014.
Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing (TOAH) Study Phase 2 - Reducing the Barrier of High Land Cost 2019https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/reducing-barrier-high-land-cost.pdfTransit-Oriented Affordable Housing (TOAH) Study Phase 2 - Reducing the Barrier of High Land Cost 2019This report mainly focuses on affordable, transit-oriented rental housing. To explore possible solutions to the affordable rental housing challenge, in 2017 Metro Vancouver entered into a partnership with BC Housing, BC Non Profit Housing Association, TransLink, Vancity Credit Union, the Urban Development Institute, the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and CMHC to try to tackle the challenge of affordable rental housing supply, especially in locations with good access to public transit. This all-hands-on-deck response is indicative of the magnitude of the problem and the recognition by the public, private, and non-profit sectors of the need for action.
Invasive Species and Toxic Plant Disposal Options for Practitioners and Commercial Customershttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/invasive-species-toxic-plant-disposal-options.pdfInvasive Species and Toxic Plant Disposal Options for Practitioners and Commercial CustomersThe following list is intended for use by practitioners and commercial customers, not by residents. Residents who wish to dispose of invasive plants or soil containing invasive species should contact their municipality directly for disposal advice.
2023 Survey of Licensed Child Care Spaces and Policies in Metro Vancouver https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/survey-of-licensed-child-care-spaces-in-metro-vancouver-2023.pdf2023 Survey of Licensed Child Care Spaces and Policies in Metro Vancouver This document presents the findings of an inventory of licensed child are spaces and a region-wide survey of policies and regulation relating to the provision of child care spaces.
Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book 2023https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-vancouver-housing-data-book-2023.pdfMetro Vancouver Housing Data Book 2023The Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book brings together a large collection of regional and municipal level data from a variety of sources in order to provide a comprehensive look at the region's housing market and the people impacted by it.
Metro 2050 Mapshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-maps.pdfMetro 2050 MapsView Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy maps.
Metro 2050 Executive Summaryhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-executive-summary.pdfMetro 2050 Executive SummaryAn executive summary of Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy. This 4-page document provides an overview of the vision, principles, goals, strategies, targets, and new policies in Metro 2050.
Himalayan Blackberry Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/himalayan-blackberry-best-practices-management.pdfHimalayan Blackberry Best Management PracticesHimalayan blackberry was first introduced in British Columbia in the nineteenth century as a berry crop, but has more recently been recognized as an invasive species. Academic institutions, government, and non-government organizations continue to study this species in British Columbia.
European Chafer Beetle Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/european-chafer-beetle-best-management-practices.pdfEuropean Chafer Beetle Best Management PracticesAs researchers and practitioners learn more about the biology and control of European chafer beetle in British Columbia, it is anticipated that the recommended best management practices may change over time and this document will be updated.
Metro Vancouver Growth Projections - Methodology Report 2021https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-vancouver-growth-projections-methodology-report.pdfMetro Vancouver Growth Projections - Methodology Report 2021Projection modelling is intended to promote collaboration and consistency among provincial, regional, and municipal planning agencies and establish a common basis of information, assumptiosn, and growth and policy implementation methods. This methodology report was created in 2021.
Municipal Measures for Affordable and Diverse Housing 2018https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/municipal-housing-measures-matrix-2018.pdfMunicipal Measures for Affordable and Diverse Housing 2018This matrix identifies the policies, programs and measures used by municipalities across the region to promote affordable and diverse housing.
Himalayan Blackberry Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/himalayan-blackberry-fact-sheet.pdfHimalayan Blackberry Fact SheetHimalayan blackberry was first introduced to BC as a berry crop. This plant can grow almost anywhere. It spreads by seed (from birds and people spreading berries) and by rooting from stems that touch the ground. As a result, it is one of the most widespread invasive plants in Metro Vancouver.
Regional Parking Study Technical Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-parking-study-technical-report.pdfRegional Parking Study Technical ReportA Regional Parking Study Technical Report.
Food Flows in Metro Vancouver Executive Summary 2020https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/food-flows-in-metro-vancouver-executive-summary.pdfFood Flows in Metro Vancouver Executive Summary 2020The Food Flows in Metro Vancouver study estimates the volume and value of food imported and exported from the Metro Vancouver region and the methods used to transport this food to and from international sources, the US, other provinces and within BC.
Regional Affordable Rental Housing Target - Metro 2050 Implementation Guidelinehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-implementation-guideline-regional-affordable-rental-housing-target.pdfRegional Affordable Rental Housing Target - Metro 2050 Implementation GuidelineA guideline about discussions between member jurisdictions, the regional district, and other partners about the growth of affordable rental housing near transit across the region.
Survey of Licensed Child Care Spaces and Policies in Metro Vancouver 2019https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/survey-of-licensed-child-care-spaces-policies-metro-vancouver-2019.pdfSurvey of Licensed Child Care Spaces and Policies in Metro Vancouver 2019This report presents the findings of an inventory of licensed child care spaces and a region-wide survey of policies and regulations relating to the provision of child care spaces.
American Bullfrog Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/american-bullfrog-fact-sheet.pdfAmerican Bullfrog Fact SheetAmerican bullfrogs are large, robust frogs native to eastern North America that have become well established on BC’s south coast. First introduced as a delicacy for human consumption, they have since escaped or been released into natural areas in the Metro Vancouver region. Bullfrogs reproduce rapidly and thrive in human-disturbed habitats, allowing these invasive amphibians to establish and spread quickly. They are voracious predators that eat a variety of prey, including smaller bullfrogs and other frog species
Cherry Laurel Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/cherry-laurel-best-management-practices.pdfCherry Laurel Best Management PracticesCherry laurel is a fast-growing woody evergreen tree or shrub that is a commonly used as an ornamental hedge plant (Klinkenberg, 2020). It is native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, in areas surrounding the Black Sea including Turkey, Serbia, Bulgaria, the Caucasus and Iran and has been widely introduced in other parts of Europe, Australia and in North America west of the Cascade Mountains.
Metro 2050 Map 2 - Regional Land Use Designationshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-map-2.pdfMetro 2050 Map 2 - Regional Land Use DesignationsView the Regional Growth Strategy - Regional Land Use Designations map.
Policy Review Summary – Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areashttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-policy-summary-urban-centres.pdfPolicy Review Summary – Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development AreasUrban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas (FTDAs) are the key focal areas for the connection between growth, development, and transit investment in the region.
Regional Food System Strategy 2011https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-food-system-strategy.pdfRegional Food System Strategy 2011The Regional Food System Strategy is focused on how actions at the regional level can moves us toward a sustainable, resilient and healthy food system while recognizing that the Metro Vancouver foods system is affected by influences at the global scale.
Poison Hemlock Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/poison-hemlock-fact-sheet.pdfPoison Hemlock Fact SheetPoison hemlock is one of the world’s most poisonous plants. Originally from Europe and North Africa, it is thought to be the plant that killed Socrates in 399 B.C. It prefers to grow along streams, ditches, roadsides, trails, forest edges, fields, and other previously-disturbed areas.
European Chafer Beetle Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/european-chafer-beetle-fact-sheet.pdfEuropean Chafer Beetle Fact SheetEuropean chafer beetles were first discovered in British Columbia in 2001 in lawns and turfgrass. They have since spread across the Metro Vancouver region. The beetles can spread quickly because they have a short life cycle and can fly. They can also be spread in infested soil, grass and garden plants.
Knotweed Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/knotweeds-best-management-practices.pdfKnotweed Best Management PracticesNative to regions in Asia, knotweeds were first introduced to British Columbia in 1901 as a cultivated horticultural specimen (Barney 2006). In the last few decades knotweeds have gained attention as one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world (Lowe, Browne and Boudjelas 2000). They are included as one of the top ten invasive species for control in BC (Invasive Species Council of British Columbia 2017) and they are high priority species for management in the Metro Vancouver region.
English and Irish Ivies Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/english-and-irish-ivies-best-management-practices.pdfEnglish and Irish Ivies Best Management PracticesEnglish ivy (Hedera helix) and Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica) are native to Europe and western Asia. English ivy was introduced to North America during the earliest days of colonialism (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, 2018) and has become increasingly problematic in natural and human-altered landscapes throughout the Metro Vancouver region. Ivy spreads vegetatively and by seed and it tolerates a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions. Ivy’s ability to take over forest understories, suppress the growth of native species, and alter the tree canopy makes it a serious invader.
English Holly Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/english-holly-best-management-practices.pdfEnglish Holly Best Management PracticesNative to Europe, northern Africa and Asia, English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is prized and grown for its bright red berries and spiny, dark green evergreen foliage. It has been widely used in gardens and is still farmed commercially for decorations, floral arrangements and as a landscape plant in the Pacific Northwest. Holly is grown on farms on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley.
Ecological Health Framework 2018https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/ecological-health-framework.pdfEcological Health Framework 2018Ensuring ecological health is one of the priorities identified in Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Framework. In the Framework, Metro Vancouver commits to protect and restore an interconnected network of habitat and green space.
Common Periwinkle Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/common-periwinkle-best-practices-management.pdfCommon Periwinkle Best Management PracticesCommon periwinkle is a low-growing trailing evergreen plant that was introduced to North America in the 1700s as an ornamental plant (Evergreen, 2015). It is native to northern Spain, western France, and parts of central and southern Europe. It has escaped cultivation in BC and spread into forests, forming dense groundcover and crowding out native plants.
Metro 2050 Implementation Guideline Regional Growth Strategy Amendmentshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-implementation-guideline-regional-growth-strategy-amendments.pdfMetro 2050 Implementation Guideline Regional Growth Strategy AmendmentsMetro 2050 may be amended from time to time to maintain consistency between local and regional land use designations, plans, and targets. This implementation guideline provides information on Regional Growth Strategy amendment types, common examples, submission requirements, and process details.
English Holly Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/english-holly-fact-sheet.pdfEnglish Holly Fact SheetNative to Europe, northern Africa and Asia, English holly can grow in a variety of environments. This hardy plant spreads both by roots and seeds that are easily moved by birds, which make it a serious threat to forests. Unfortunately, many garden centres still sell English holly as a garden or hedge plant.
European Fire Ant Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/european-fire-ants-best-management-practices.pdfEuropean Fire Ant Best Management PracticesThe European fire ant was first recorded in British Columbia in 2010. It has impacted many communities in Metro Vancouver, and several other areas in the province. Its distinctive swarming and stinging behaviour has given it high profile as one of the region’s most alarming invasive species.
What Works - Securing Affordable and Special Needs Housing through Housing Agreementshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/securing-affordable-and-special-needs-housing-through-housing-agreements.pdfWhat Works - Securing Affordable and Special Needs Housing through Housing AgreementsThis award-winning (Planning Institute of British Columbia, 2020) resource guide from the “What Works” series provides information to support local governments as they develop Housing Agreements to secure affordable and special needs housing.
Reed Canarygrass Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/reed-canarygrass-best-management-practices.pdfReed Canarygrass Best Management PracticesThe status of reed canarygrass is complicated – there has been confusion about whether the species is entirely introduced or whether it is native to the Pacific Northwest and has expanded its range through human intervention.
Scotch Broom Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/scotch-broom-best-management-practices.pdfScotch Broom Best Management PracticesScotch broom is native to Mediterranean Europe and was introduced on Vancouver Island as an ornamental plant in the 1850s (Graham n.d.). It was subsequently intentionally planted along highways to stabilize the soil with its deep roots (King County 2008). In recent years it has been recognized as an invasive species locally. Academic institutions, government, and non-government organizations continue to study this species in British Columbia.
Metro 2050 Map 10 - Regional Greenway Network and Major Bikeway Networkhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-map-10.pdfMetro 2050 Map 10 - Regional Greenway Network and Major Bikeway NetworkView the Regional Growth Strategy - Regional Greenway Network and Major Bikeway Network map.
Regional Tree Canopy Cover and Impervious Surfaces 2019https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/ecological-health-tree-canopy-cover-impervious-surfaces.pdfRegional Tree Canopy Cover and Impervious Surfaces 2019This report contains an analysis of the tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces in Metro Vancouver. Measuring tree canopy cover is a relatively simple way to determine the extent of the urban forest and the magnitude of services it provides. Impervious surfaces are associated with many of the negative effects of urbanization such as increased temperatures (the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect) and flood risk, along with impacts to stream health through disrupted hydrological cycles and poor water quality.
Hedge Bindweed Best Management Practiceshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/hedge-bindweed-best-practices-management.pdfHedge Bindweed Best Management PracticesHedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium subsp. sepium) is a familiar sight from spring until fall in urban natural areas and gardens in Metro Vancouver. It is found twining around other plants and structures, often forming a tangled mass (Melymuka & Bradtke, 2013). It is a persistent plant that spreads by underground stems and roots that can resprout from fragments of these structures left in the soil.
Metro Vancouver Costs of Providing Infrastructure and Services to Different Residential Densities Study 2023https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/costs-of-providing-infrastructure-and-services-to-different-residential-densities.pdfMetro Vancouver Costs of Providing Infrastructure and Services to Different Residential Densities Study 2023A foundational principle of Metro 2050 is directing growth to the right places. This includes the efficient provision and use of infrastructure, increasing transit ridership, and protecting natural and agricultural areas, while supporting the building of compact complete communities. To better understand the costs and revenues associated with “urban” versus “sprawl” residential development in the region, Metro Vancouver completed a study exploring municipal infrastructure capital and operating costs for different residential forms and densities, and property taxation and utility fees on a per unit and per capita basis.
Cherry Laurel Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/cherry-laurel-fact-sheet.pdfCherry Laurel Fact SheetCherry laurel is a fast-growing woody tree or shrub that is a commonly planted in gardens or as a hedge. It is native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, and has escaped cultivation in many areas, including southwestern BC.

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