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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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Metro 2050 – 2024 Annual Performance Monitoring Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-annual-performance-monitoring-report-2024.pdf Metro 2050 – 2024 Annual Performance Monitoring Report View the Metro 2050 – 2024 Annual Performance Monitoring Report
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.
Regional Long-Range Growth & Transportation Scenarios Final Technical Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-long-range-growth-strategy-scenarios-technical-report.pdfRegional Long-Range Growth & Transportation Scenarios Final Technical ReportThis project has been carried out through a collaborative effort between TransLink and Metro Vancouver. It expands on a longstanding partnership between the two organizations in planning for the future of the region.
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.
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 2050 – 2023 Annual Performance Monitoring Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-annual-performance-monitoring-report-2023.pdfMetro 2050 – 2023 Annual Performance Monitoring ReportView the Metro 2050 – 2023 Annual Performance Monitoring Report
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.
Housing and Transportation Cost Burden Study Update 2025https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/housing-and-transportation-cost-burden-study-update-2025.pdfHousing and Transportation Cost Burden Study Update 2025Metro Vancouver has released an updated study showing the growing burden of housing and transportation costs in the region. Created by Metro Vancouver in collaboration with Steer Group, the study highlights spatial patterns of household expenditures and explores the role of transit and rental housing in supporting affordability.
Regional Parking Study Final Report 2025https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-parking-study-final-report-2025.pdfRegional Parking Study Final Report 2025Metro Vancouver has released the Regional Parking Study, to help planners, developers, and decision makers understand parking use trends and guide planning and development decisions. Created by Metro Vancouver in collaboration with Bunt Engineering, it includes a database of parking use with over 33,000 parking stalls and 217 buildings. Municipal scale data is provided to support local analysis and policy development.
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.
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.
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 – 2025 Updatehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-vancouver-growth-projections-update.pdfMetro Vancouver Growth Projections – 2025 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.
Office Development in Metro Vancouver’s Urban Centres 2018https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/office-development-in-metro-vancouvers-urban-centres-update.pdfOffice Development in Metro Vancouver’s Urban Centres 2018An updated report that explores the factors that influence regional-scale office development and occupancy decisions, identifies challenges and opportunities for office potential in Metro Vancouver's Urban Centres. This report is an update and supersedes the Office Development in Metro Vancouver’s Urban Centres Update Report in 2015. This update was made in 2018.
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.
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.
Common Periwinkle Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/common-periwinkle-fact-sheet.pdfCommon Periwinkle Fact SheetCommon periwinkle (also known as Vinca, periwinkle, and small periwinkle) is a low-growing trailing evergreen plant that was introduced to North America in the 1700s as a garden ornamental and medicinal herb. It has escaped cultivation in BC and spread into forests, forming dense groundcover and crowding out native plants.
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.
Farm Tax Class Income Threshold Investigation 2015https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/farm-tax-class-income-threshold-investigation.pdfFarm Tax Class Income Threshold Investigation 2015Metro Vancouver has requested the services of Upland Agricultural Consulting to complete a review of the qualifications for BC Assessment’s Farm tax classification and to investigate whether changes to the requirements are warranted. This investigation serves as a follow‐up to a report by KM Consulting that provided an analysis ofseveral farm property tax policies that could be used to either increase actively farmed land or discourage the non‐farm uses of agricultural land.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spurge Laurel Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/spurge-laurel-fact-sheet.pdfSpurge Laurel Fact SheetSpurge laurel, an evergreen shrub from Eurasia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean regions, was introduced to North America as a garden plant. It is long-lived, able to spread long distances by seed, and commonly found growing in gardens or under trees in forests.
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.
What Works: Affordable Housing Initiatives in Metro Vancouver Municipalitieshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/affordable-housing-initiatives-in-metro-vancouver-municipalities.pdfWhat Works: Affordable Housing Initiatives in Metro Vancouver MunicipalitiesThis resource guide from the “What Works” series provides information for municipalities on effective municipal measures for facilitating affordable housing, including some local examples of successful municipal initiatives.
Short Sea Shipping in Metro Vancouver – Facts in Focus 2015https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/short-sea-shipping-facts-in-focus.pdfShort Sea Shipping in Metro Vancouver – Facts in Focus 2015An overview of short sea shipping in the Metro Vancouver region, current forms and volumes of goods movement, related transportation infrastructure, relationship to other types of goods movement, and potential expansion. (File revised on June 8, 2015)
Metro Vancouver Growth Projections – A Backgrounder 2018https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/methods-in-projecting-regional-growth-overview.pdfMetro Vancouver Growth Projections – A Backgrounder 2018Metro Vancouver’s mandate in preparing, implementing and monitoring Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping our Future (Metro 2040), the regional growth strategy, requires a variety of land use and development analytics.
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.
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.
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.
Delta Regional Context Statement – 2024https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/regional-context-statement-delta-2024.pdfDelta Regional Context Statement – 2024Delta Official Community Plan 2024, Housing Our Future
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.
Metro 2050 Implementation Guideline - Regional Context Statementshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-2050-implementation-guideline-regional-context-statements.pdfMetro 2050 Implementation Guideline - Regional Context StatementsThe Metro 2050 Implementation Guideline - Regional Context Statements provides guidance to member jurisdictions on the development, submission, and acceptance for Regional Context Statements.
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.
Census - Population 2016https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/census-bulletin-population-2016.pdfCensus - Population 2016This bulletin is part of an analytical report series that focuses primarily on trends and issues related to Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping our Future (Metro 2040), the regional growth strategy, along with other related local government policy topics.
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.
Bamboo Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/bamboo-fact-sheet.pdfBamboo Fact SheetBamboos are a large group of fast-growing evergreen grasses that are often grown as ornamental plants and commercial crops for fabric, biofuel, paper pulp, and construction materials. Unfortunately, bamboo has escaped cultivation worldwide and is commonly found in landscaped areas, forests, and streams in Metro Vancouver.
Metro 2050 Mapshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro2050-maps.pdfMetro 2050 MapsView the Regional Growth Strategy maps
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.
English and Irish Ivies Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/english-and-irish-ivies-fact-sheet.pdfEnglish and Irish Ivies Fact SheetThere are two species of ivy present in Metro Vancouver – English ivy and Irish ivy. Both were introduced from Europe and western Asia as garden groundcover plants. Ivy can cover the forest floor and engulf trees, and is considered a serious invasive plant in the Metro Vancouver region. Unfortunately, many garden centres still sell several varieties of ivy.
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.
Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book 2025https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/metro-vancouver-housing-data-book-2025.pdfMetro Vancouver Housing Data Book 2025The 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 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.
Knotweeds Fact Sheethttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/knotweeds-fact-sheet.pdfKnotweeds Fact SheetKnotweeds are aggressive plants that were introduced from regions in Asia. They are some of the most destructive invasive plants in the world and are considered a high priority to manage.
Metro Vancouver Natural Hazard Data Inventory - Final Reporthttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/natural-hazard-data-inventory-report.pdfMetro Vancouver Natural Hazard Data Inventory - Final ReportThe Metro Vancouver Natural Hazard Data Inventory Final Report accompanies the Metro Vancouver Natural Hazard Data Inventory, providing additional detail on the project methods, results, possible next steps, and limitations.
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.
Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants - Brochurehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/Documents/invasive-plant-brochure.PDFHelp Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants - BrochureMany plants have been introduced to this region from other continents. Some of these plants are considered ‘invasive’ because the predators and diseases from their native regions are not here to keep them under control, so they spread rapidly and can cause many problems.
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

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