The West Vancouver OCP is a document that sets out the objectives and guidelines for the City’s land use. It has four phases, each addressing a different issue. The District is currently in phase three of a four-part process to update the OCP. This phase focuses on the health and environment. The next phase will address transportation and land use.
Health
West Vancouver residents enjoy a high quality of life and good health, as evidenced by a high life expectancy, high income, high education levels, and good access to health care and social supports. However, this trend may not continue as the area’s population ages and the availability of affordable housing decreases. Fortunately, residents in West Vancouver are able to live close to public transportation, which encourages social interaction and promotes physical activity.
The West Vancouver municipal government recently approved an official community plan (OCP) that calls for the development of 5,000 units in the mountainside municipality. This will accommodate a projected population growth of 10,000 people by 2041. The plan includes three hundred and fifty apartment buildings and 500 coach houses, as well as senior housing units.
The OCP also includes an OCP policy for ground-oriented infill housing. The project is aimed at creating affordable housing opportunities for young families, empty nesters, and moderate-income earners. The concept is also a good fit for the OCP’s 2.1.7 policy.
Land use
The District of West Vancouver is in the midst of a four-part process to update the Official Community Plan. Among other things, this new document sets policies and objectives for the city. Many aspects of the plan have not been addressed, including the quality of life of residents. However, this latest document does address zoning and the use of land for residential purposes. Among other things, zoning can limit nuisances and minimize negative impacts.
The West Vancouver OCP also addresses transportation. It aims to reduce driving by one-third and increase trips by active transportation. It also proposes a multi-use trail that will run from Horseshoe Bay to North Vancouver. There are also several other aspirational projects in the plan, such as a ferry service. The plan also discusses the need for affordable housing and childcare for residents.
As the City’s guiding policy document, the OCP balances the needs of diverse groups in the community. It is designed to provide a degree of certainty about the future of the community, while still being flexible enough to accommodate change and innovation. In addition, the OCP will serve as a guide to future development.
In April and May, the District of West Vancouver received public comments on the draft Area Development Plan. The final ADP is expected to be presented to council later this fall. The proposed Cypress Village development would transfer development rights and density from Eagleridge to Cypress Village, while protecting the Eagleridge ecological area.
Areas designated for commercial residential mixed use level 3 are intended for high-density residential and commercial uses. These areas may also include secondary rental units, provided that they comply with the appropriate conditions. A single family home on a single-family residential lot may not exceed 1.75 FSR.
Transportation
The lack of transportation options in West Vancouver is an issue that has been growing for years, affecting both traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Because transportation is one of the largest contributors to local GHG emissions and has many other adverse effects, finding ways to reduce the effects is an obvious solution. West Vancouver has long recognized the need for more alternative modes of transportation and has set goals to improve transit and active transportation options in the city.
The Mayors’ Council Plan calls for $7.5 billion in transportation improvements over the next ten years. Designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, the plan will be implemented in phases that will align with the delivery of new services and projects. Phase one will include $2 billion in transit and road improvements. Phase two will include an 18% increase in bus service and the introduction of seven new B-Lines.
The new West Vancouver official community plan will provide for a variety of housing types, including ground-oriented infill housing. The proposal includes nine infill homes, including one uphill duplex and two downhill duplexes. The proposal also calls for 500 senior housing units. In addition to these, the OCP also calls for 500 coach houses, 1,000 ground-oriented multi-family units, and 3,500 apartments.
The City of West Vancouver owns the Blue Bus public transit system. It contracts with TransLink to run the service, but the city is able to initiate new transit services. For instance, it can prioritize connections between Dundarave and Park Royal. It can also design road patterns that support transit. Additionally, it can facilitate the development of a new North Shore B-Line bus service.
Moovit is a great app that makes it easy to navigate public transportation in Vancouver. The app allows users to find the fastest route to their destination, as well as find alternative routes or times. With over ninety million users, Moovit is an excellent transit app. It provides real-time transit information, including bus time and the nearest stops.
Public engagement process
The public engagement process of the West Vancouver OCP has been an effective way to gather input from the community on the proposed OCP. The process gathered input on various topics, and the team was able to incorporate this into the draft OCP. In addition, a video was produced that showcased the community’s input and highlights important areas of the plan.
The process also involved several meetings and workshops. These workshops focused on the draft OCP and key strategies. Participants provided feedback on two broad options for allocating the Regional Transportation Development Cost Charge. They also gave input on a proposal for a supportive housing project at the Quality Inn. A facilitator was involved throughout the process to gather feedback.
In addition to the community meetings, Ideaspace also organized two tenant information sessions and two community open houses. They also provided training to VNHS staff and board members on public engagement and led a project website that included online display panels and a feedback form. They also coordinated the West Vancouver OCP public engagement process by facilitating two interactive public engagement events that immersed participants in discussions and explored the perspectives of residents.
The latest phase of the planning process has begun, and participants are encouraged to contribute their ideas. The feedback will be used to further develop the draft plan and present it to City Council for review. The final version is expected in spring 2022. The Vancouver Plan will be a strategic long-range plan for the city to guide the city through 2050.
The District of West Vancouver has begun a three-phased planning process to develop the Official Community Plan. The first phase is the Planning the Upper Lands, which is aimed at creating a sustainable urban community in Eagleridge. The second phase is the Area Development Plan, which will guide development for the next 20-25 years.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.