The Fraser Valley is growing quickly, and planning for that growth is as important as ever.
As of 2020, the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) was home to more than 330,000 residents. FVRD says that by 2050, the population could increase by as much as 56 per cent to around 500,000.
By 2050, there could be an additional 1.5 million people living in the Lower Mainland.
To help with growth planning, they want to hear from residents about their hopes, dreams, complaints, and any other feedback about life in the FVRD.
That means they want to hear from residents of the Fraser Valley Region (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Hope, Kent, Harrison and electoral areas), as well as those who visit, work, and do business in the region. And they’re giving some guidance and background to help move it along.
The FVRD has been working on a regional growth strategy for years, and have come up with a draft plan. It’s available for viewing on their website, haveyoursay.fvrd.ca/rgs.
A two-month public consulation process has just begun, and there are several ways to share opinions, stories and comments. The final day to comment is Sept. 30.
Fraser Valley Future 2050 is a high-level policy plan being created to help guide long-term growth in the region. FVRD planners say it covers a wide range of topics, all of which are interconnected, including transit, housing, parks and natural areas, economic development, and environmental issues from a regional perspective.
There will also be a series of discussion forums on the document, the Fraser Valley Future 2050. They are available by registering on the website listed above.
In mid-August, there will also be an online survery.
The FVRD makes up about 11 per cent of the Lower Mainland’s population and is the third largest regional district in the province by population.
There are several ways to communicate with the FVRD planners on this subject, either by telling your own story, joining the discussion forums, taking a survey and asking questions. There are already several stories on the website available for others to read.
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