Urban Studies

Metro Vancouver is growing rapidly and urban development patterns may no longer align with the regional vision that has helped shape the area’s land use over the last 50 years. This study explores some recent land use and transportation decisions in Metro Vancouver, as well as the political dynamics and decision-making processes that have influenced the region through a series of case studies. Specifically, this report aims to summarize the current state of the region in the context of land use and transportation planning decisions and the intergovernmental collaboration and processes underpinning these decisions. This report also examines the success and legacy of the “Cities in a Sea of Green Vision” LMRPB vision and pathways forward.

New Westminster’s most significant cultural, economic and natural asset, the riverfront, is slated for major change. How is the city going to balance history, housing, business and tourism, while creating a vibrant and welcoming space for all? Watch the videos below to see how this discussion took shape at the Urban Challenges Forum on January 17, 2018.

Truth and Reconciliation is spoken about a lot, but what does it actually mean for cities and individual citizens? Learn some uncomfortable truths of New Westminster history, how the city is responding to Truth and Reconciliation, and why it’s the responsibility of all citizens to effect change.

Transportation infrastructure is a hot button topic in Metro Vancouver. Paying for transit, bridges, tunnels, roads and moving goods and people costs money. So, who pays for it all? How will mobility pricing work in the City of New Westminster? How will the cost affect the average consumer? Watch the videos from the Urban Challenges Forum 3 to learn how this part of a bigger conversation unfolded at this Urban Challenges Forum.

The fentanyl crisis is new, but the opioid crisis is not. Watch the videos below to learn about how fentanyl fits within a pattern of opioid crises that goes back to the 1970s; the overlapping issues of homelessness, addiction, mental illness and criminality; how police are responding and the ethical challenges they face; and long-term solutions based on a practical understanding of the larger issues.

This public forum provided a hard look at the political, historical and social roots of the homelessness crisis in Canada and the Metro Vancouver region and explored how our perception of housing has shifted from home to commodity. Also discussed was how the City of New Westminster has emerged as a leader in fighting homelessness.

Bringing the Neighbours Into Infill provides analysis of two case studies of innovative public engagment processes in the Metro Vancouver region, both of which resulted in a significant change in resident attitudes toward infill and smaller housing development. 

This report provides an overview of the Bringing the Neighbourhood Into Infill partnership project, its motivation, key priority messages, and next steps. It also presents the results of a representative sample survey of Metro Vancouver residents on their attitudes toward infill development.