HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 Community Context
Chapter 1
Community
Context
Vision Statement
Population and Housing Trends
Legislative Context
Regional Context Statement
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 1
1.1 VISION STATEMENT
PRINCIPLES
Principle 1
Protectfon of agricultural lands is considered a strong element of protectfng environmental values.
Principle 2
Agriculture is an important part of the community’s character and economy. Citfzens value methods
to enhance and protect a diversity of agriculture in Maple Ridge.
Principle 3
A comprehensive assessment of the ALR is important to ensure compatfbility between municipal
objectfves and the objectfves of Metro Vancouver and the ALC.
Principle 4
The community recognizes that components of the built and natural environments contribute to the
character of Maple Ridge and sense of community, and in turn, ‘placemaking’.
CORPORATE MISSION STATEMENT
To promote a safe and livable community for our present and future citfzens.
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN OVERALL VISION STATEMENT
The District will strive to protect its Community Values into the future, as it becomes more
vibrant and prosperous, offering residents a strong local economy, stable and special
neighbourhoods, thoughtiul development, a diversity of agriculture, and respect for the built
and natural environment.
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN PRINCIPLES
Maple Ridge residents have identffied 45 community principles that reflect the community’s
vision of the future, and form the framework for the policies contained within the Official
Community Plan.
Chapter 1, Page 2 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 5
Building a unique community character is critfcal to ensuring that Maple Ridge does not succumb to
pressure and becomes like “everywhere else.” It requires strong politfcal and community
commitment and attentfon to a variety of aspects (landscapes, built form, heritage, mix of uses,
urban design, services, etc.).
Principle 6
The community recognizes the need to foster the history of Maple Ridge and enhance historic areas.
Principle 7
Special places and neighbourhoods are valued as significant components of the larger community,
each with unique attributes.
Principle 8
Unique and enjoyable communitfes and places are created through community improvements,
quality design, less obtrusive signage, pedestrian friendly environments, accessibility and viewscapes.
Principle 9
A clear, well-artfculated, long-lastfng and certain vision of the future that is community-driven is
valuable to local planning processes.
Principle 10
Citfzens keenly appreciate the importance of public partfcipatfon in community and neighbourhood
planning processes.
Principle 11
An expeditfous and fair approval system is a critfcal part of an effectfve planning process.
Principle 12
Collaboratfon with other authoritfes, including but not limited to the ALC and Metro Vancouver, is
essentfal to ensuring that municipal objectfves can be met.
Principle 13
Culture and recreatfon are vital components of a healthy community.
Principle 14
The community recognizes the importance of public school constructfon occurring concurrently with
development.
Principle 15
Citfzens favour efforts to pursue the establishment of a post-secondary instftutfon in Maple Ridge to
provide more local opportunitfes.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 3
Principle 16
The Downtown is a very important part of Maple Ridge and would benefit from a variety of planning
and design actfvitfes that improve its role as a key community node.
Principle 17
Maple Ridge views the promotfon of economic development (jobs) as being very important to
developing a balanced community – one that is not a dormitory suburb.
Principle 18
Economic development is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, addressing
transportatfon, housing, the downtown, marketfng, incentfves and policy.
Principle 19
There is value in identffying new lands for commercial and
industrial uses to secure locatfons for future employment that will
help to create a balanced community. Citfzens prefer locatfons
where commercial and industrial actfvitfes ‘fit’ within the
community context.
Principle 20
The community has a preference for economic development that
includes clean, high pay, low environmental impact, and
manufacturing and high tech industries. The community also
supports alternatfve employment generators.
Principle 21
Home-based businesses are recognized as beneficial to the
community.
Principle 22
Initfatfves such as providing more shopping opportunitfes and
emphasizing smaller stores, local merchants and better use of existfng areas (no strip malls,
concentrate in commercial nodes, etc.) are supported because they are central to achieving a
balanced community.
Principle 23
The community values the protectfon of environmentally sensitfve areas including, water (for its
intrinsic value, habitat and aquifer recharge), areas of natural beauty, forests, etc.
”We value the rural
character and green spaces
with the diversity of
landscapes and visual
spaces together with the
distfnct historical
neighbourhoods and a
vibrant downtown core in
a community that is proud
of citfzen leadership and
involvement.”
Source: Group Vision
created during OCP Visioning
Sessions, March 2006.
Chapter 1, Page 4 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 24
The community recognizes the environmental contributfon made by lands within the ALR (also see
Principle 1).
Principle 25
Providing access to nature by way of a trails system is important as a means to optfmize recreatfonal
resources in an environmentally friendly way.
Principle 26
There is value in integratfng natural features of the environment into development through planning
and design.
Principle 27
Overall environmental protectfon demands a comprehensive, “smart growth” approach.
Principle 28
Pursue a more contained and densified urban environment. Finish developing existfng areas within
an urban boundary before going to new areas and reserve new areas (e.g. Thornhill) based on careful
analysis of opportunitfes and constraints.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 5
Principle 29
The community values a wide range of housing choices that provide a variety and mix of housing
type, density, lot size, character, tenure, and affordability.
Principle 30
Achieving a balanced community requires that commercial and industrial land development keep
pace with residentfal development.
Principle 31
It is important to undertake detailed planning work on the basis of neighbourhood planning.
Principle 32
The community recognizes that heritage value must not be lost as enhancements to existfng
neighbourhoods, including infill and other actfvitfes to strengthen neighbourhoods, occur in the
future.
Principle 33
Amenitfes and design are valued as being integral to development.
Principle 34
An integrated system of centres or nodes is supported as an important framework for community
development.
Principle 35
Respect for the landscapes of Maple Ridge should shape community design, contributfng to a sense
of place and better fit with landforms. (also see Principle 26)
Principle 36
Integratfng growth with services, infrastructure, and schools is desirable for the future of Maple
Ridge. (also see Principles 38 and 44)
Principle 37
Housing choice is critfcal to meetfng the diverse needs of current and future residents of Maple Ridge
– special needs, singles, young families and an aging populatfon. (also see Principal 29)
Principle 38
Expanding services concurrently with development is regarded by the community as good planning
and development practfce.
Principle 39
A healthy community depends on social services that meet the needs of a diverse populatfon.
Chapter 1, Page 6 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 40
A well-planned transportatfon network is central to providing transportatfon choices that
accommodate multf-modal transportatfon within the community, and connectfng with other places.
Principle 41
The need to address the east-west road capacity issue is recognized as important.
Principle 42
Improved community bus service is important to provide connectfons between neighbourhoods and
transit services.
Principle 43
The community desires more frequent West Coast Express trains, with safer pedestrian access to
statfons.
Principle 44
Adequate roadway capacity, especially for emergency vehicles, is an important component of
developing new areas.
Principle 45
Citfzens value a pedestrian friendly environment that includes a trail network for horses, walking and
cycling for recreatfon and access to amenitfes, employment, and services. (also see Principle 25)
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 7
1.2 POPULATION & HOUSING TRENDS
1.2.1 POPULATION PROFILE
A Rapidly Growing Population
Maple Ridge has experienced rapid growth over the last 30 years, more than doubling in populatfon to 76,052
people as of the 2011 Census of Canada count. Populatfon growth has increased the urban segment of the
community, however Maple Ridge stfll retains its agricultural roots.
The populatfon for the District of Maple Ridge is projected to be 108,900 in 2031.
According to the District of Maple Ridge 2003 Community Survey, people living in Maple Ridge enjoy the
small town feeling, rural character, access to the outdoors, community spirit, and appreciate the recreatfonal
and other amenitfes offered in the community. These attractfve features, combined with relatfvely lower
housing prices, are a strong draw, partfcularly for younger families.
Maple Ridge has a much higher proportfon of young families and children than other municipalitfes in the
Lower Mainland. In additfon, the ethnic profile of the District is dissimilar from the rest of the Lower
Mainland with a much smaller proportfon of visible minoritfes.
An Aging Population
The average age in Maple Ridge in 2011 was 40.2 years, which is the same as the rest of the Lower Mainland.
However, the number of seniors is antfcipated to increase significantly in the coming decades as the ‘Baby
Boom’ generatfon ages.
A Family Oriented Population
Maple Ridge has a higher proportfon of youth, aged 19 years and younger, than other areas of the region.
This can be attributed to the appeal of the District to young families in their child-rearing years.
Chapter 1, Page 8 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Household Profile
As with most Canadian communitfes, average household size in Maple Ridge has been declining steadily over
the last three decades. As of 2011 the average household size in Maple Ridge was 2.71 persons per dwelling.
Population Pyramids for Maple Ridge, 2011 and 2001
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 9
As a result of declining household sizes, housing in Maple Ridge has been growing at a faster rate than
populatfon over the last 30 years. However, this trend towards smaller household size has been tempered by
the District’s draw for young families in their child rearing years. As a result, Maple Ridge has a much higher
average household size than most other communitfes in the Lower Mainland.
Household Size Distribution, Maple Ridge and Metro Vancouver, 2011
1.2.2 HOUSING PROFILE
Although single-detached houses are the dominant housing style, the share of the total housing stock has
been declining over the last 25 years in favour of higher density development such as low-rise apartments
and row houses. This change has largely been precipitated by smaller household sizes, higher land costs, and
affordability issues. This trend towards a broader mix of dwelling types is consistent with other areas in the
Region. Another Regional trend is the increasing proportfon of families living in housing forms, other than
single family. The mix in new housing has created a more diverse community in terms of residentfal homes.
The availability of affordable housing is an issue in Maple Ridge, partfcularly for rental accommodatfon, a
situatfon which the District shares with other municipalitfes in the Lower Mainland. There is a need for
diverse forms of affordable housing ranging from studio units for single adults to three bedroom units for
families. The demand for seniors housing is antfcipated to increase as the populatfon in Maple Ridge and the
Lower Mainland ages over the coming decades.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4-5persons 6 or more
personsPercentage of Private Households (%)Househould Size Distribution, Maple Ridge and Metro
Vancouver, 2011
Maple Ridge Metro Vancouver
Chapter 1, Page 10 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Housing for seniors in Maple Ridge and the Lower Mainland is showing a trend towards increased specialized
housing, including the development of congregate care residences, care homes, and retfrement residences.
For example, congregate care residences have increased significantly in the Lower Mainland between l998
and 2002.
1.2.3 POPULATION AND HOUSING PROJECTIONS
The average household size is expected to contfnue to decline, primarily due to changing family compositfon.
The declining trend means a larger number of households over the next three decades and a demand for new
housing, even if the populatfon were to remain statfc. The decline in average household size also suggests an
increased demand for smaller homes and other ground-oriented units and apartments.
Future transportatfon improvements, such as constructfon of the Golden Ears Bridge and replacement of the
Pitt River Bridge, may accelerate populatfon growth for Maple Ridge.
The populatfon is projected to increase to approximately 109,000 in 2031 with housing capacity being
reached after 2021. After 2031, as the average household size decreases and the populatfon ages, the
populatfon may decline.
The share of the populatfon aged 55 years and older will increase dramatfcally and account for over 34% of
the populatfon by 2031. The median age of the populatfon is also expected to increase from 36.3 years to
44.6 years over the same tfme period.
The demand for single-detached homes will shift in the future due to declining average household size. Many
smaller households will consider other ground-oriented units and apartments to meet their housing needs,
partfcularly if housing prices remain high. There will likely be a significant increased demand for apartments
and ground-oriented units such as row houses in the coming decades.
The percentage of single-detached homes is expected to decrease from a level of 65% in 2001 to 52% by 2021
and remain at that level untfl 2031. The number of apartment units will almost double to 7,100 units and
other ground oriented units will more than double to 11,600 units in 2031.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 11
1.3 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT
An Official Community Plan must comply with the relevant legislatfon and policy documents of other levels of
government.
1.3.1 PROVINCIAL CONTEXT
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan recognizes the policies and programs of the Provincial Government.
In accordance with Sectfon 877 and 878 of the Local Government Act, the Official Community Plan includes
objectfves, policies and maps in the following areas:
1. Detailed policies and maps to guide the locatfon, amount, type and density of residentfal development to
meet antfcipated housing needs for at least 5 years;
2. Detailed policies and maps that indicate the approximate locatfon, amount and type of proposed
commercial, industrial, instftutfonal, agricultural, recreatfonal and public utflity land uses;
3. A map showing the approximate locatfon and area of gravel deposits suitable for future extractfon;
4. Policies that place restrictfons on the use of hazard lands and on lands designated as Conservatfon areas;
5. Maps that illustrate the approximate locatfon of major roads and sewer and water systems;
6. A map indicatfng the approximate locatfon and type of public facilitfes such as schools and parks;
7. Detailed policies respectfng affordable housing, rental housing, and special needs housing;
8. Objectfves and policies relatfng to social needs, social well-being, social development, and community
wellness;
9. Policies and objectfves to enhance and promote farming in the community and on lands designated in
the Agricultural Land Reserve; and
10. Policies and objectfves that protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural environment and natural
features of the community.
Chapter 1, Page 12 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 13
1.4 REGIONAL CONTEXT STATEMENT
On July 29, 2011, The Metro Vancouver Board of Directors approved the Metro Vancouver 2040 Regional
Growth Strategy Bylaw, pursuant to Sectfon 863(1) of the Local Government Act.
Part 25 of the Local Government Act requires that an Official Community Plan must include a Regional
Context Statement that is accepted in accordance with Sectfon 866 of the Local Government Act by the Board
of the Regional Government, in this case Metro Vancouver. The Regional Context Statement must identffy
the relatfonship between the municipal Official Community Plan and the Regional Growth Strategy and if
applicable, how the OCP will be made consistent with the Regional Growth Strategy over tfme.
The Metro Vancouver 2040 Regional Growth Strategy is organized into five main goals:
Goal 1: Create a Compact Urban Area
Goal 2: Support a Sustainable Economy
Goal 3: Protect the Environment and Respond to Climate Change Impacts
Goal 4: Develop Complete Communitfes
Goal 5: Support Sustainable Transportatfon Choices
The RGS also includes Regional Land Use Designatfons that are aimed at achieving the five goal areas of the
Plan and include:
General Urban
Industrial
Mixed Employment
Rural
Agricultural
Conservatfon and Recreatfon
In additfon a Regional Urban Containment Boundary has been established as a long-term area for urban
development across the Region, within which nine urban centres have been identffied, including the Maple
Ridge Town Centre.
Chapter 1, Page 14 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN – STUDIES CURRENTLY UNDERWAY (JULY 2013)
The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking a number of significant studies that are antfcipated to
result in policy amendments to the Official Community Plan (as of July 2013). These studies include:
Commercial and Industrial Strategy – that will provide updated employment projectfons and policy
recommendatfons that strengthen the employment base (commercial, industrial and other employment
opportunitfes) within the District.
Strategic Transportatfon Plan – that will provide long-term directfon for transportatfon network
development and improvements, and may include revisions to the Major Corridor Network (OCP Figure
4), as well as other policy-related recommendatfons.
Environmental Management Strategy – that will strive to connect the existfng policy basis contained
within the Official Community Plan with environmental and watercourse development permit guidelines
and other Official Community Plan policies.
Housing Actfon Plan – as a requirement of the Regional Growth Strategy, that will follow Maple Ridge
Council’s consideratfon of potentfal bylaw amendments (e.g. Zoning Bylaw, Parking Bylaw) related to
Secondary Suites and Temporary Residentfal Uses.
Albion Flats Area Plan- preparatfon of an area plan for the Albion Flats area of Maple Ridge, currently
designated as a Special Study Area within the Regional Growth Strategy.
Populatfon and Dwelling Unit Projectfons – will be undertaken by the District to align with the Regional
Growth Strategy projectfons prior to 2018.
Each of the above projects is expected to contain policy recommendatfons that will be evaluated by District
staff and within the context of the Regional Growth Strategy. It is antfcipated that these studies will
contribute to Maple Ridge working toward consistency with the Regional Growth Strategy.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 15
GOAL 1: CREATE A COMPACT URBAN
AREA
“Metro Vancouver’s growth is concentrated in compact communities with access to a range of
housing choices, and close to employment, amenities and services. Compact transit-oriented
development patterns help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, and support both the
efficient use of land and an efficient transportation network.”
STRATEGY 1.1: CONTAIN URBAN DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE URBAN CONTAINMENT BOUNDARY
Role of Municipalities:
Strategy 1.1.3a) Depict the Urban Containment Boundary
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies the Urban Area Boundary. This
boundary is generally consistent with the Urban Containment Boundary identffied on the Maple Ridge
Regional Context Statement - Regional Land Use Designatfons map.
1.1.3b) Provide municipal population, dwelling unit and employment projections
The 2041 RGS includes estfmated projectfons for the District of Maple Ridge that are intended to provide
guidance to assist in regional and local planning. The estfmated projectfons for Maple Ridge are:
Populatfon = 132 000
Dwelling Units = 50 900
Employment = 48 000
The District’s estfmated projectfons are a guide for long-range planning purposes only and are the result
of a comprehensive demographic analysis completed as part of the 2006 Official Community Plan update.
The projectfons are generally consistent with the 2041 RGS as follows:
Populatfon = 118,000*
Dwelling Units = 45,000*
Employment = 42 500**
Chapter 1, Page 16 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
*The populatfon and dwelling unit projectfons are taken from the proposed updates to the RGS projectfons
identffied by Metro Vancouver that are reflectfve of the 2011 Census. The targets included are the low range
for both populatfon and dwelling units, as identffied by Metro Vancouver
**Employment projectfons have been taken from The Commercial & Industrial Strategy: 2012 – 2041
prepared by G.P. Rollo & Associates, as received by Maple Ridge Council on November 26, 2012.
STRATEGY 1.2: FOCUS GROWTH IN URBAN CENTRES AND FREQUENT TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Strategy 1.2.6a) Provide dwelling unit and employment projections that indicate the municipal
share of planned growth and that contribute to achieving the regional share of growth for Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 1.3 Assumptfons and Targets identffies the populatfon,
density, housing and commercial projectfons for the Regional Town Centre to 2021 as follows:
Populatfon = 21,750 (approximately 24% of the total populatfon)
Density = 70 to 100 persons per hectare
Housing = 11,065 dwelling units (approximately 32.5% of total housing)
Commercial goal to create between 0.25 to 0.75 new jobs for every new dwelling unit in the
Town Centre.
The District of Maple Ridge will work toward undertaking a review of the populatfon, density, housing
and commercial goals within the Town Centre Area Plan boundaries, which forms the extent of the
Regional City Centre. This review will be to better align the projectfons for the Regional City Centre with
the overall populatfon, dwelling units and employment projectfons for the entfre District.
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Frequent Transit Development Areas in Maple Ridge.
The Official Community Plan is consistent with the RGS.
1.2.6b) Include policies for Urban Centres which:
i) Identify the general location, boundaries and types of Urban Centres on a map
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan identffies the boundaries of the Town Centre Area Plan,
which aligns with the locatfon of the Regional Town Centre identffied on Map 2: Regional Land Use
Designations of the RGS.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 17
ii) Focus growth and development in Urban Centres
Chapter 2 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 – Compact & Unique Community.
10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfons 1.2.1 Goals and Objectfves; 1.3 Assumptfons and Targets; 3.2
General Land-Use Requirements, policies 3-1 and 3-3.
iii) Encourage office development through policies and/or other financial incentives, such as zoning that
reserves capacity for office uses and density bonus provisions;
Chapter 6.3 Commercial Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.3.1 Commercial Strategy, policy 6-20.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Chapter 3.2 General Land Use Requirements, policies 3-1 and 3-2
iv) In coordination with the provision of transit service, establish or maintain reduced residential and
commercial parking requirements in Urban Centres, where appropriate
10.4 Town Centre Area Plan parking standard; Sectfon 5.0 Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network, policies
5-4, 5-5 and 5-6.
1.2.6c) Include policies for Frequent Transit Development Areas which:
i) Identify on a map, in consultation with TransLink, the general location and boundaries of Frequent Transit
Development Areas
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Frequent Transit Development Areas in Maple Ridge.
ii) Focus growth and development in Frequent Transit Development Areas
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Frequent Transit Development Areas in Maple Ridge.
iii) In coordination with the provision of transit service, establish or maintain reduced residential and
commercial parking requirements in Urban Centres, where appropriate
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Frequent Transit Development Areas in Maple Ridge.
1.2.6d) Include policies for General Urban areas which:
i) Identify the General Urban areas and their boundaries on a map generally consistent with the Regional Land
Use Designations map (Map 2).
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies lands designated Urban
Residential; Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Parks and Conservation and Urban Reserve that are
located within the Urban Area Boundary. These land uses are generally consistent with the Regional Land
Use Designatfons of “General Urban”, “Industrial” and “Conservatfon and Recreatfon” identffied on the
Maple Ridge Regional Context Statement - Regional Land Use Designatfons map.
Chapter 1, Page 18 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
ii) Ensure development in General Urban areas outside of Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development
Areas are generally lower density that development in General Urban areas within Urban Centres and
Frequent Transit Development Areas
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policy 2-3.
Sectfon 10.1 Area Planning of the Official Community Plan establishes the area planning program for the
District. In additfon, Sectfons 10.2 – Albion Area Plan; 10.3 Silver Valley Area Plan; and 10.4 Town Centre
Area Plan establish policies and guidelines for development within each of the area plan boundaries.
Sectfon 3.1.3 Residentfal Designatfons, Urban Residentfal policies 3-18 1) Neighbourhood Residentfal and
3-18 2) Major Corridor Residentfal.
Sectfon 3.1.4 Residentfal Infill and Compatfbility Criteria, policies 3-19, 3-20 and 3-21.
iii) where appropriate, identify small scale Local Centres in the General Urban areas that provide a mix of
housing types, local-serving commercial activities and good access to transit.
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Local Centres in the District of Maple Ridge.
However, the following OCP policies reflect the spirit and intent of a ‘local centre’ as identffied in the
RGS:
Sectfon 6.3.5 Community Commercial Node, policies 6-26, 6-27, 6-28 and 6-29.
Sectfon 6.3.6 Neighbourhood Commercial Centres, policies 6-30, 6-31, 6-32 and 6-33.
Sectfon 6.3.8 Historic Commercial, policies 6-37, 6-38 and 6-39.
Chapter 10.3 Silver Valley Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2 River Village and 5.2.3 Main Street Commercial
Areas.
iv) exclude non-residential major trip-generating uses, as defined in the Regional Context Statement, from
those portions of General Urban areas outside of Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policy 7-11.
v) encourage infill development by directing growth to established areas, where possible;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policy 2-3.
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, Sectfon 3.1.4 Residentfal Infill and Compatfbility Criteria, policies 3-19, 3-20 and
3-21.
1.2.6e) Include policies that, for Urban Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas that
overlay Industrial, Mixed Employment, or Conservation and Recreation areas, the Industrial,
Mixed Employment, and Conservation and Recreation intent and policies prevail, except in the
Mixed Employment areas contained within the overlay area;
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 2.2.1 Protectfon of Natural Features, policies 2-1, 2-2, 2-13,
2-14 and 2-15.
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Frequent Transit Development Areas or Mixed
Employment lands within the District of Maple Ridge.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 19
1.2.6f) for Urban Centres, Frequent Transit Development Areas and General Urban areas, include
policies which:
i) support continued industrial uses by minimizing the impacts of urban uses on industrial activities;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, policy 2-1.
Sectfon 6.4.1 Industrial Lands, policies 6-40, 6-41 and 6-42.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments for the
support, protectfon and intensificatfon of industrial land uses.
ii) encourage safe and efficient transit, cycling and walking;
Chapter 7.3 Transit
Chapter 7.4 Cyclists
Chapter 7.5 Pedestrians
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2 Defining the Transportatfon Network.
iii) implement transit priority measures, where appropriate;
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5.
Chapter 7.3 Transit, policies 7-16 through 7-24.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2 Defining the Transportatfon Network, policies 5-12 and
5-13.
iv) support district energy systems and renewable energy generation, where appropriate.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 2.2 Integratfng Green Infrastructure, policy 2-19.
Chapter 5.5 Air Quality, policies 5-39 & 5-40.
Chapter 5.6 Preparing for Climate Change.
STRATEGY 1.3: PROTECT RURAL AREAS FROM URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Strategy 1.3.3a) identify the Rural areas and their boundaries on a map generally consistent with
the Regional Land Use Designations map (Map 2);
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies land uses outside of the Urban
Area Boundary that include Agricultural, Park, Parks Within the ALR, Forest, Rural Residentfal, Suburban
Residentfal, Estate Suburban Residentfal and Conservatfon. These land uses are generally consistent with
the Regional Land Use Designatfons of “Rural” and “Conservatfon and Recreatfon” identffied on the
Maple Ridge Regional Context Statement - Regional Land Use Designatfons map.
Chapter 1, Page 20 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
1.3.3b) limit development to a scale, form, and density consistent with the intent for the Rural
land use designation, and that is compatible with on-site sewer servicing;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policies 2-4 and 2-6.
Chapter 2.2 .2.2 Land Use Designatfons, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Suburban Residential, Estate
Suburban Residential.
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, Sectfon 3.1.3 Residentfal Designatfons, Rural Residentfal policies 3-6 through 3-9,
Suburban Residentfal policies 3-10 through 3-13 and Estate Suburban Residentfal policies 3-14 through
3-17.
Chapter 9.1 Municipal Services, Sectfon 9.1.2 Septfc Systems, policies 9-5 and 9-6.
1.3.3 c) include policies which:
i) specify the allowable density and form, consistent with Action 1.3.1, for land uses within the Rural land use
designation;
Sectfon 3.1.3 Residentfal Designatfons policies 3-6 through 3-17.
ii) support agricultural uses within the Agricultural Land Reserve, and where appropriate, outside of the
Agricultural Land Reserve.
Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community policy 2-6.
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfons 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy and 6.2.2
Sustainable Agriculture.
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 21
GOAL 2: SUPPORT A SUSTAINABLE
ECONOMY
“The land base and transportation systems required to nurture a healthy business sector are
protected and supported. This includes supporting regional employment and economic growth.
Industrial and agricultural land is protected and commerce flourishes in Urban Centres throughout
the region.”
STRATEGY 2.1: PROMOTE LAND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS THAT SUPPORT A DIVERSE REGIONAL
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT CLOSE TO WHERE PEOPLE LIVE
Role of Municipalities:
2.1.4 a) include policies that support appropriate economic development in Urban Centres,
Frequent Transit Development Areas, Industrial and Mixed Employment areas;
Chapter 6.1 Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, policies 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments for the
support, protectfon and intensificatfon of industrial land uses.
Chapter 6.3 Commercial Opportunitfes, policies 6-18, 6-20 and 6-21.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 1.2 – 8 Guiding Sustainability Principles, Sectfon 1.2.1 Goals
and Objectfves, Principles: 1 Each Neighbourhood is Complete 6 Jobs are close to home; and 7 The Centre
is distfnctfve, attractfve and vibrant.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 3.2 General Land-Use Requirements policies 3-1, 3-2, 3-3,
3-5, 3-6, 3-9, 3-14 and 3-15.
2.1.4 b) support the development of office space in Urban Centres, through policies such as zoning
that reserves land for office uses, density bonus provisions to encourage office development,
variable development cost charges, and/or other financial incentives;
Chapter 6.3 Commercial Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.31 Commercial Strategy policies 6-17, 6-18 and 6-21.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 3.2 General Land-Use Requirements, policies 3-2 and 3-6.
Chapter 1, Page 22 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
2.1.4 c) include policies that discourage major commercial and institutional development outside
of Urban Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas;
The Maple Ridge Regional City Centre is intended to serve as the main commercial area within the District
and provides a number of significant municipal services and facilitfes. It is also intended to be the primary
locatfon for any future post-secondary or technical instftutfonal uses that do not require special site
characteristfcs found elsewhere in the District.
Chapter 4.2 Instftutfonal, policies 4-31 through 4-37.
Chapter 6.3 Commercial Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.3.1 Commercial Strategy, policy 6-22.
2.1.4 d) show how the economic development role of Special Employment Areas, post secondary
institutions and hospitals are supported through land use and transportation policies.
Chapter 6.5 Additfonal Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.5.5 Post Secondary Educatfonal
Instftutfons.
STRATEGY 2.2: PROTECT THE SUPPLY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND
2.2.4 a) identify the Industrial areas and their boundaries on a map generally consistent with the
Regional Land Use Designations map (Map 2);
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies land designated as Industrial
and Rural Resource. These lands are generally consistent with the Regional Land Use Designatfon of
“Industrial” identffied on Maple Ridge Regional Context Statement - Regional Land Use Designatfons
map.
2.2.4 b) include policies for Industrial areas which:
i) support and protect industrial areas;
Chapter 6.4 Industrial Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.4.1 Industrial Lands, policies 6-40 through 6-46.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments for the
support, protectfon and intensificatfon of industrial land uses.
ii) support appropriate accessory uses, including commercial space and caretaker units;
Sectfon 6.4.2 Business Parks, policy 6-47.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 23
iii) exclude uses which are inconsistent with the intent of industrial areas, such as medium and large format
retail, residential uses (other than industrial caretaker units where necessary), and stand-alone office uses
that are not supportive of industrial activities;
Within the District, ‘business parks’ are intended to provide a range of light industrial uses and supportfng
industries. They are not considered to be the primary locatfons for office uses (restricted to a maximum
of 25% of the total floor area of the development) or for professional and/or personal services.
Sectfon 6.4.2 Business Parks, policy 6-49.
Sectfon 6.5.3 Large Format Retail.
iv) encourage better utilization and intensification of industrial areas for industrial activities;
Sectfon 6.4.1 Industrial Lands, policies 6-41, 6-42 and 6-44.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments for the
support, protectfon and intensificatfon of industrial land uses.
2.2.4 c) identify the Mixed Employment areas and their boundaries on a map generally consistent
with the Regional Land Use Designation map (Map 2);
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
2.2.4 d )include policies for Mixed Employment areas which:
i) support a mix of industrial, commercial, office and other related employment uses, while maintaining
support for established industrial areas, including potential intensification policies for industrial activities,
where appropriate;
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
Chapter 6.1 Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, policy 6-4.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments that may
support a greater mix of employment-based land uses within the municipality.
ii) allow large and medium format retail, where appropriate, provided that such development will not
undermine the broad objectives of the Regional Growth Strategy;
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
Chapter 6.1 Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, policy 6-4.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments that may
support a greater mix of employment-based land uses within the municipality.
Chapter 1, Page 24 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
iii) support the regional objective of concentrating commercial and other major trip-generating uses in Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas;
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
Chapter 6.1 Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, policies 6-1 through 6-4.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments that may
support a greater mix of employment-based land uses within the municipality.
iv) where Mixed Employment areas are located within Urban Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas,
support higher density commercial development and allow employment and service activities consistent with
the intent of Urban Centres or Frequent Transit Development Areas;
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
Chapter 6.1 Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, policies 6-1 through 6-4.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments that may
support a greater mix of employment-based land uses within the municipality.
v) allow low density infill / expansion based on currently accepted local plans and policies in Mixed
Employment areas and support increases in density only where the Mixed Employment area has transit
service or where an expansion of transit service has been identified in TransLink’s strategic transportation
plans for the planned densities;
The Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Mixed Employment lands within the District of Maple
Ridge.
Note: The District of Maple Ridge is currently undertaking the preparatfon of a Commercial and Industrial
Land Use Strategy that is antfcipated to result in Official Community Plan policy amendments that may
support a greater mix of employment-based land uses within the municipality.
2.2.4 e) include policies which help reduce environmental impacts and promote energy efficiency.
Chapter 5.5 Air Quality, policies 5-39 through 5-42.
Note: The District is currently undertaking an Environment Management Strategy that may recommend
Official Community Plan amendments to include additfonal policies that promote energy efficiency.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 25
STRATEGY 2.3: PROTECT THE SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY
WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FOOD PRODUCTION
Role of Municipalities:
2.3.6 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) specify the Agricultural areas and their boundaries on a map generally consistent with the
Regional Land Use Designations map (Map 2);
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies lands designated Agricultural
and Parks within the ALR. These land uses are generally consistent with the Regional Land Use
Designatfon of “Agriculture” identffied on the Maple Ridge Regional Context Statement - Regional Land
Use Designatfons map.
2.3.6 b) include policies to support agricultural viability including those which:
i) assign appropriate regional land use designations that support agricultural viability and discourage non-
farm uses that do not complement agriculture;
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policies 6-9 through 6-14.
ii) discourage subdivision of agricultural land leading to farm fragmentation;
Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policies 6-12 and 6-13.
iii) where feasible, and appropriate with other governments and agencies, maintain and improve
transportation, drainage and irrigation infrastructure to support agricultural activities;
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policy 7-9.
iv) manage the agricultural-urban interface to protect the integrity and viability of agricultural operations
(e.g. buffers between agricultural and urban areas or edge planning);
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policies 2-2, 2-4 and
2-6.
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy, policy 6-6. (Note:
Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan endorsed by Council Resolutfon R/09-516 in December 2009).
Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policies 6-10, 6-12 and 6-13.
Chapter 1, Page 26 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
v) demonstrate support for economic development opportunities for agricultural operations (e.g. processing,
agri-tourism, farmers’ markets and urban agriculture);
Sectfon 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy, policies 6-5 through 6-8.
Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policies 6-9 through 6-14.
vi) encourage the use of agricultural land, with an emphasis on food production;
Sectfon 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy, policies 6-7and 6-8.
vii) support educational programs that provide information on agriculture and its importance for the regional
economy and local food systems.
Sectfon 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy, policies 6-6 and 6-8. (Note: Maple Ridge Agricultural Plan
endorsed by Council Resolutfon R/09-516 in December 2009).
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 27
GOAL 3: PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
AND RESPOND TO CLIMATE
CHANGE IMPACTS
“Metro Vancouver’s vital ecosystems continue to provide the essentials of life – clean air, water
and food. A connected network of habitats is maintained for a wide variety of wildlife and plant
species. Protected natural areas provide residents and visitors with diverse recreational
opportunities. Strategies also help Metro Vancouver and member municipalities meet their
greenhouse gas emission targets, and prepare for, and mitigate risks from climate change and
natural hazards.”
STRATEGY 3.1: PROTECT CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS
Role of Municipalities:
3.1.4 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) identify the Conservation and Recreation areas and their boundaries on a map generally
consistent with the Regional Land Use Designations map (Map 2);
Schedule “B” of the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 6425-2006) identffies lands designated Conservatfon,
Forest, Park and Parks within the ALR. These land uses are generally consistent with the Regional Land
Use Designatfon of “Conservatfon and Recreatfon” identffied on the Maple Ridge Regional Context
Statement - Regional Land Use Designatfons map.
3.1.4 b) include land use policies to support the protection of Conservation and Recreation areas
that are generally consistent with the following:
i) public service infrastructure, including the supply of high quality drinking water;
Chapter 4.3 Heritage, Sectfon 4.3.1 Heritage Recognitfon, policy 4-40, and Sectfon 4.3.2 Heritage
Management, policy 4-45.
Chapter 5.4 Water Resources, policies 5-32 through 5-38.
ii) environmental conservation;
Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model, policies 5-1 through 5-8.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-9 through 5-16.
Chapter 5.4 Water Resources, policies 5-28 through 5-32.
Chapter 1, Page 28 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
iii) recreation, primarily outdoor;
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, policies 4-7, 4-9 and 4-10.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-15 and 5-16.
Chapter 10.3 Silver Valley Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2.7 River Village Parks, Sectfon 5.3.8 Blaney, Forest and
Horse Hamlets Parks and Schools and 5.4.5 Eco-Clusters Parks.
iv) education, research and training facilities and uses that serve conservation and/or recreation users;
Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, policies 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 and 4-8.
Chapter 6.5 Additfonal Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.5.1 Tourism.
Chapter 6.5 Additfonal Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.5.4 Forest.
v) commercial uses, tourism activities, and public cultural or community amenities that are appropriately
located, scaled and consistent with the intent of the designation;
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, policies 4-5, 4-7, 4-8, 4-10 through
4-13.
Chapter 6.5 Additfonal Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.5.1 Tourism, policies 6-54, 6-55
and 6-56.
3.1.4 c) include policies, where appropriate, that effectively buffer Conservation and Recreation
areas from activities in adjacent areas.
Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model, policy 5-8.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-10 through 5-13 and 5-17.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, Sectfon 5.3.1 Hillside Development, policies 5-20 through 5-24.
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policy 6-12(b).
STRATEGY 3.2: PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL FEATURES AND THEIR CONNECTIVITY
Role of Municipalities:
3.2.4 Adopt Regional Context Statements which include policies and/or maps that indicate how
ecologically important areas and natural features will be managed (as conceptually shown on
Map 10) (e.g. steep slopes and ravines, intertidal areas and other natural features not addressed
in Strategy 3.1).
Schedule “C” of the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan (Bylaw No. 6425-2006) identffies Natural
Features including conservatfon lands, forests and major parks; Fraser River 200 Year Floodplain, Kanaka
Creek Floodplain (interpreted) and Alouette River Floodplain, Canadian Wildlife Service Wetlands and the
Fraser River Escarpment.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 29
3.2.5 In collaboration with other agencies, develop and manage municipal components of the
Metro Vancouver Regional Recreation Greenway Network and connect community trails,
bikeways and greenways to the Regional Recreation Greenway Network where appropriate.
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, policies 4-8, 4-9 and 4-10.
Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model, policies 5-3, 5-7and 5-8.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-15 and 5-16.
Chapter 7.6 Multf-Use Equestrian Trails, policies 7-42 and 7-43.
3.2.6 Identify where appropriate measures to protect, enhance and restore ecologically
important systems, features, corridors and establish buffers along watercourses, coastlines,
agricultural lands, and other ecologically important features (e.g. conservation covenants, land
trusts, tax exemptions and ecogifting).
Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model, policy 5-8.
Chapter 5.4 Water Resources, policy 5-30.
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture, policy 6-12(b).
Chapter 8 Development Permit Guidelines, Watercourse Protectfon Development Permit Area Guidelines.
3.2.7 Consider watershed and ecosystem planning and/or Integrated Stormwater Management
Plans in the development of municipal plans.
Chapter 5.4 Water Resources, policies 5-28, 5-29, 5-32 and 5-33.
STRATEGY 3.3: ENCOURAGE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE THAT REDUCE ENERGY
CONSUMPTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
Role of Municipalities:
3.3.4 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) identify how municipalities will use their land development and transportation strategies to
meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets and consider how these targets will contribute to the
regional targets;
Chapter 5.6 Preparing for Climate Change, policies 5-43 through 5-45.
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-1, 7-3 and 7-4.
Chapter 1, Page 30 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3.3.4 b) identify policies and/or programs that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions, and improve air quality from land use and transportation infrastructure, such as:
existing building retrofits and construction of new buildings to green performance guidelines or
standards, district energy systems, and energy recovery and renewable energy generation
technologies, such as solar panels and geoexchange systems, and electric vehicle charging
infrastructure;
community design and facility provisions that encourages transit, cycling and walking (e.g. direct
and safe pedestrian and cycling linkages to the transit system);
Chapter 5.5 Air Quality, policies 5-39 through 5-42.
Chapter 5.6 Preparing for Climate Change, policies 5-43, 5-44 and 5-45.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 2.2 Integratfng Green Infrastructure, policies 2-21 through
2-24.
3.3.4 c) focus infrastructure and amenity investments in Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas, and at appropriate locations along TransLink’s Frequent Transit Network;
Chapter 9.1 Municipal Services, Sectfon 9.1.1 Municipal Infrastructure, policies 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3.
3.3.4 d) implement land use policies and development control strategies which support integrated
storm water management and water conservation objectives.
Chapter 5.4 Water Resources, policies 5-28, 5-30, 5-32 through 5-38.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 2.2.1 Protectfon of Natural Features.
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 31
STRATEGY 3.4: ENCOURAGE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE THAT
IMPROVE THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND NATURAL HAZARD RISKS
Role of Municipalities:
3.4.4 Adopt Regional Context Statements that include policies to encourage settlement patterns
that minimize risks associated with climate change and natural hazards (e.g. earthquake, flooding,
erosion, subsidence, mudslides, interface fires).
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-10 through 5-14, 5-18 and 5-19.
Sectfon 5.3.1 Hillside Development, policies 5-20 through 5-24.
3.4.5 Consider incorporating climate change and natural hazard risk assessments into the
planning and location of municipal utilities, assets and operations.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policy 5-9.
Chapter 5.6 Preparing for Climate Change, policy 5-43.
Chapter 9.1 Municipal Services, Sectfon 9.1.1 Municipal Infrastructure, policy 9-4
Sectfon 9.1.2 Septfc Systems, policies 9-5 and 9-6.
Sectfon 9.1.3 Waste Reductfon and Recycling, policies 9-7, 9-8 and 9-9.
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Chapter 1, Page 32 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
GOAL 4: DEVELOP COMPLETE
COMMUNITIES
“Metro Vancouver is a region of communities with a diverse range of housing choices suitable for
residents at any stage of their lives. The distribution of employment and access to services and
amenities builds complete communities throughout the region. Complete communities are
designed to support walking, cycling and transit, and to foster healthy lifestyles.”
STRATEGY 4.1: PROVIDE DIVERSE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING CHOICES
Role of Municipalities:
4.1.7 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) include policies or strategies that indicate how municipalities will work towards meeting the
estimate future housing demand as set out in Appendix Table A.4, which:
i) ensure the need for diverse housing options is articulated in municipal plans and policies, including
neighbourhood and area plans;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policies 2-1, 2-2, 2-3,
2-5 and 2-6.
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, sectfon 3.1.1 Housing and Land Requirements, policy 3-1.
Sectfon 3.1.2 Community Character and Sense of Place, policies 3-2, 3-3 and 3-5.
Sectfon 3.1.3 Residentfal Designatfons policies 3-8, 3-12, 3-15, 3-17, 3-18 (1) and (2).
Sectfon 3.1.4 Residentfal Infill and Compatfbility Criteria, policies 3-19 (1) and (2), 3-20 and 3-21.
Sectfon 3.1.5 Urban Reserve.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 3.2 General Land-Use Requirements, policy 3-1.
ii) increase the supply and diversity of the housing stock through infill developments, more compact housing
forms and increased density;
Sectfon 3.1.4 Residentfal Infill and Compatfbility Criteria
iii) in collaboration with the federal government and the province, assist in increasing the supply of affordable
rental units for households with low or low to moderate incomes through policies, such as density bonus
provisions, inclusionary zoning or other mechanisms, particularly in areas that are well served by transit;
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and Special Needs Housing, policies 3-27 through 3-33.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 33
iv) encourage and facilitate affordable housing development through measures such as reduced parking
requirements, streamlined and prioritized approval processes, below market leases of publicly owned
property, and fiscal measures.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 3.2 General Land-Use Requirements, policies 3-1, 3-7 and
3-8.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.0 Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network, Sectfon 5.1
Offering Transportatfon Choices, policy 5-4.
*Note: Sectfon 10.0 of the Off-Street parking and Loading Bylaw No. 4350-1990 (as amended), outlines
provisions for reduced parking standards for multf-family non-market housing, Seniors Independent
Living, Assisted Living, Supportfve Housing and Congregate Care facilitfes.
4.1.8 Prepare and implement Housing Action Plans which:
a) assesses local housing market conditions, by tenure, including assessing housing supply,
demand and affordability;
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and Special Needs Housing, policies 3-27, 3-28, 3-29 and 3-31.
Note: The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
4.1.8 b) identify housing priorities, based on the assessment of local housing market conditions,
and consideration of changing household demographics, characteristics and needs;
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and special Needs Housing, policies 3-27, 3-29, 3-30, 3-31 and 3-32.
Note: The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
4.1.8 c) identify implementation measures within the jurisdiction and financial capabilities of
municipalities, including actions set out in Action 4.1.7;
The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
4.1.8 d) encourage the supply of new rental housing and where appropriate mitigate or limit the
loss of existing rental housing stock;
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and special Needs Housing, policies 3-30 through 3-33.
Note: The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
4.1.8 e) identify opportunities to participate in programs with other levels of government to
secure additional affordable housing units to meet housing needs across the continuum;
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and special Needs Housing, policy 3-28.
Chapter 1, Page 34 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Note: The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
4.1.8 f) cooperate with and facilitate the activities of the Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation
under Action 4.1.5.
Chapter 3.2 Affordable, Rental and special Needs Housing, policy 3-28.
Note: The Maple Ridge Housing Actfon Plan is currently in preparatfon with an antfcipated Council
endorsement/adoptfon date in 2014.
STRATEGY 4.2: DEVELOP HEALTHY AND COMPLETE COMMUNITIES WITH ACCESS TO
A RANGE OF SERVICES AND AMENITIES
4.2.4 Include policies within municipal plans or strategies, that may be referenced in the
Regional Context Statements which:
a) support compact, mixed use, transit, cycling and walking oriented communities;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community.
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, Sectfon 3.1.2 Community Character and Sense of Place.
Sectfon 3.1.3 Residentfal Designatfons, policies 3-18 (1) and (2).
Sectfon 3.1.4 Residentfal Infill and Compatfbility Criteria.
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness Community & Cultural Services,
policies 4-2, 4-5, 4-7 through 4-11 and 4-13.
Chapter 7.3 Transit.
Chapter 7.4 Cyclists.
Chapter 7.5 Pedestrians.
Chapter 7.6 Multf-Use and Equestrian Trails.
Chapter 10.2 Albion Area Plan, Sectfon 10.2.6 Village Centre.
Chapter 10.3 Silver Valley Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2 River Village and Sectfon 5.3 Hamlets.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 1.2 8 Guiding Sustainability Principles, Sectfon 1.2.1 Goals
and Objectfves, Sectfon 3.2 General Land-Use Requirements, Sectfon 4.0 Park and Conservatfon, Sectfon
5.1 Offering Transportatfon Choices and Sectfon 5.2 Defining the Transportatfon Network.
4.2.4 b) locate community, arts, cultural, recreational, institutional, medical/health, social service,
education facilities and affordable housing development in Urban Centres or areas with good
access to transit;
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, Community & Cultural Services.
Sectfon 4.1.4 Diverse Populatfon.
Chapter 4.2 Instftutfonal.
Chapter 4.3 Heritage, Sectfon 4.3.2 Heritage Management.
Chapter 6.5 Additfonal Employment Generatfng Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.5.5 Post Secondary Educatfonal
Instftutfons.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 35
4.2.4 c) provide public spaces and other place-making amenities for increased social interaction
and community engagement;
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness Community & Cultural Services.
Sectfon 4.1.4 Diverse Populatfon, policies 4-18 and 4-19.
4.2.4 d) support active living through the provision of recreation facilities, parks, trails, and safe
and inviting pedestrian and cycling environments;
Chapter 4.1 Social Sustainability, Sectfon 4.1.2 Community Wellness, Community & Cultural Services,
policies 4-5, 4-7 through 4-13.
Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model, policies 5-7 and 5-8.
Chapter 5.3 Land Resources, policies 5-14, 5-15 and 5-16.
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policies 7-10, 7-11, 7-13 and 7-15.
Chapter 7.4 Cyclists.
Chapter 7.5 Pedestrians.
Chapter 7.6 Multf-Use and Equestrian Trails.
4.2.4 e) support food production and distribution throughout the region, including in urban areas,
roof top gardens, green roofs and community gardens on private and municipally-owned lands
and healthy food retailers, such as grocery stores and farmers’ markets near housing and transit
services;
Chapter 6.2 Agricultural Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.2.1 Economic Development Strategy.
Sectfon 6.2.2 Sustainable Agriculture.
4.2.4 f) assess overall health implications of proposed new communities, infrastructure and
transportation services, including air quality and noise, with input from public health authorities;
Chapter 2.1 Growth Management, Sectfon 2.1.2 A Compact and Unique Community, policy 2-5.
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, Sectfon 3.1.2 Community Character and Sense of Place, policy 3-5.
Chapter 5.5 Air Quality, policies 5-39 through 5-42.
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-1 and 7-4.
Chapter 10.1 Area Planning, policy 10-3.
4.2.4 g) support universally accessible community design;
Chapter 3.1 Residentfal, policy 3-1.
Sectfon 3.1.2 Community Character and Sense of Place, policy 3-5.
Chapter 7.5 Pedestrians, policy 7-38.
Chapter 1, Page 36 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
4.2.4 h) where appropriate, identify small scale Local Centres in General Urban areas that provide
a mix of housing types, local-servicing commercial activities and good access to transit. Local
Centres are not intended to compete with or compromise the role of Urban Centres and should
preferably be located within Frequent Transit Development areas;
Chapter 6.3 Commercial Opportunitfes, Sectfon 6.3.6 Neighbourhood Commercial Centres, policies 6-30,
6-32 and 6-33.
Sectfon 6.3.8 Historic Commercial, policies 6-37 through 6-39.
4.2.4 i) recognize the Special Employment Areas as shown on the Local Centres, Hospitals and Post
-Secondary Institutions map (Map 11). Special Employment Areas are located outside of Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas, and are region-serving, special purpose
facilities that have a high level of related transportation activity due to employee, student or
passenger trips.
Map 11 of the Regional Growth Strategy does not identffy any Special Employment Areas in the District
of Maple Ridge.
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 37
GOAL 5: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE
TRANSPORTATION CHOICES
“Metro Vancouver’s compact, transit-oriented urban form supports a range of sustainable
transportation choices. This pattern of development expands the opportunities for transit,
multiple-occupancy vehicles, cycling and walking, encourages active lifestyles, and reduces energy
use, greenhouse gas emissions, household expenditure on transportation, and improves air
quality. The region’s road, transit, rail and waterway networks play a vital role in serving and
shaping regional development, providing linkages among the region’s communities and providing
vital goods movement networks.”
STRATEGY 5.1: COORDINATE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION TO ENCOURAGE
TRANSIT, MULTIPLE-OCCUPANCY VEHICLES, CYCLING AND WALKING
Role of Municipalities:
5.1.6 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) identify land use and transportation policies and actions, and describe how they are
coordinated, to encourage a greater share of trips made by transit, multiple-occupancy vehicles,
cycling and walking, and to support TransLink’s Frequent Transit Network;
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-1 through 7-5.
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policies 7-9, 7-10, 7-11 and 7-15.
Chapter 7.3 Transit, policies 7-16 through 7-24.
Chapter 7.4 Cyclists, policies 7-25 through 7-33.
Chapter 7.5 Pedestrians, policies 7-34 through 7-41.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2 Defining the Transportatfon Network.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Figure 3 Future Rapid Transit Route identffies the potentfal future
locatfon of a rapid transit route along the Lougheed Highway in the Regional City Centre.
The District will work towards consistency between the OCP and RGS over tfme through the completfon
of the Maple Ridge Transportatfon Plan. (Note: The Transportatfon Plan is currently under preparatfon
with an antfcipated completfon in 2013.)
Chapter 1, Page 38 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.1.6 b) identify policies and actions that support the development and implementation of
municipal and regional transportation system and demand management strategies, such as
parking pricing and supply measures, transit priority measures, ridesharing, and car-sharing
programs;
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.1 Offering Transportatfon Choices, policies 5-4, 5-5 and
5-6.
The District will work towards consistency between the OCP and RGS over tfme through the completfon
of the Maple Ridge Transportatfon Plan. (Note: The Transportatfon Plan is currently under preparatfon
with an antfcipated completfon in 2013.)
5.1.6 c) identify policies and actions to manage and enhance municipal infrastructure to support
transit, multiple-occupancy vehicles, cycling and walking.
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-1, 7-4 and 7-5.
Chapter 7.2 Road Network, policies 7-10, 7-11 and 7-14.
Chapter 7.3 Transit, policies 7-16, 7-17, 7-19, 7-20, 7-23 and 7-24.
Chapter 7.4 Cyclists, policies 7-25, 7-26 and 7-29 through 7-33.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.1 Offering Transportatfon Choices, policies 5-1 and 5-2.
The District will work towards consistency between the OCP and RGS over tfme through the completfon
of the Maple Ridge Transportatfon Plan. (Note: The Transportatfon Plan is currently under preparatfon
with an antfcipated completfon in 2013.)
STRATEGY 5.2: COORDINATE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT THE SAFE
AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES FOR PASSENGERS, GOODS AND SERVICES
Role of Municipalities:
5.2.3 Adopt Regional Context Statements which:
a) identify routes on a map for the safe and efficient movement of goods and service vehicles to,
from, and within Urban Centres, Frequent Transit Development Areas, Industrial, Mixed
Employment and Agricultural areas, Special Employment Area, ports, airports and international
border crossings;
Figure 4 – Proposed Major Corridor Network Plan (2005 – 2031) identffies the current (Nov. 14, 2006)
and proposed major transportatfon routes within the District.
Note: The District is currently preparing a Transportatfon Plan which may include proposed changes to
Figure 4 – Proposed Major Corridor Network Plan (2005 – 2031).
5.2.3 b) identify land use and related policies and actions that support optimizing the efficient
movement of vehicles for passengers, Special Employment Areas, goods and services on the
Major Road Network, provincial highways, and federal transportation facilities;
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policies 7-1, 7-2 and 7-3.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 39
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policies 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, 7-12 and 7-14.
Note: The District is currently preparing a Transportatfon Plan that may include additfonal policies and
actfons that further address this Strategy.
5.2.3 c) support the development of local and regional transportation system management
strategies, such as the provision of information to operators of goods and service vehicles for
efficient travel decisions, management of traffic flow using transit priority measures, coordinated
traffic signalization, and lane management;
Chapter 7.1 Transportatfon, policy 7-1.
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policies 7-6 through 7-11.
Chapter 7.3 Transit, policy 7-18.
Note: The District is currently preparing a Transportatfon Plan that may include additfonal policies and
actfons that further address this Strategy.
5.2.3 d) identify policies and actions which support the protection of rail rights-of-way and access
points to navigable waterways in order to reserve the potential for goods movement, in
consideration of the potential impacts on air quality, habitat and communities.
Chapter 7.2 Road Network Plan, policies 7-12 and 7-13.
Chapter 10.4 Town Centre Area Plan, Sectfon 5.2.2 Enhancing the Multf-Modal Network, policy 5-13.
The District will work towards consistency between the OCP and RGS over tfme through the completfon
of the Maple Ridge Transportatfon Plan. (Note: The Transportatfon Plan is currently under preparatfon
with an antfcipated completfon in 2013.)
REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
6.2 REGIONAL CONTEXT STATEMENTS: PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATE MUNICIPAL FLEXIBILITY
6.2.7 A municipality may include language in its Regional Context Statement that permits
amendments to the municipality’s Official Community Plan to adjust the boundaries of regional
land use designations (or their equivalent Official Community Plan designation) within the Urban
Containment Boundary, provided that:
a) the municipality may re-designate land from one regional land use designation to another
regional land use designation, only if the aggregate area of all proximate sites so re-designated
does not exceed one hectare;
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan hereby permits such amendments.
Chapter 1, Page 40 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
6.2.7 b) notwithstanding section 6.2.7(a), for sites that are three hectares or less, the municipality
may re-designate land:
from Mixed Employment or Industrial to General Urban land use designation, if the site is
located on the edge of an Industrial or Mixed Employment area and the developable portion
of the site will be predominantly within 150 metres of an existing or approved rapid transit
station on TransLink’s Frequent Transit Network; or
from Industrial to Mixed Employment land use designation if the developable portion of the
site will be predominantly within 250 metres of an existing or approved rapid transit station
on TransLink’s Frequent Transit Network;
provided that:
the re-designation does not impede direct rail, waterway, road or highway access for
industrial uses; and
the aggregate area of all proximate sites that area re-designated does not exceed three
hectares;
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan hereby permits such amendments.
6.2.7 c) the aggregate area of land affected by all re-designations under section 6.2.7(a) and (b)
together cannot exceed two percent of the municipality’s total lands within each applicable
regional land use designation.
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan hereby permits such amendments.
6.2.8 A municipality may include language in its Regional Context Statement that permits
amendments to the municipality’s Official Community Plan to adjust the boundaries of the
municipality’s Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas, provided such boundary
adjustments meet the guidelines set out in Table 3 (Guidelines for Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas) of the Regional Growth Strategy.
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan hereby permits such amendments.
6.2.9 Municipalities will notify Metro Vancouver of all adjustments, as permitted by sections 6.2.7
and 6.2.8, as soon as practicable after the municipality has adopted its Official Community Plan
amendment bylaw.
The District of Maple Ridge will implement policy 6.2.9 of the Regional Growth Strategy.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 1, Page 41
6.2.10 If a municipality includes language in its Regional Context Statement that permits
amendments to the municipality’s Official Community Plan to adjust the boundaries of regional
land use designations within the Urban Containment Boundary or the boundaries of Urban
Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas, as permitted by sections 6.2.7 and 6.2.8
respectively, the prescribe adjustments do not require and amendment to the municipality’s
Regional Context Statement. All other adjustments to regional land use designation boundaries
will require and amendment to the municipality’s Regional Context Statement, which must be
submitted to the Metro Vancouver Board for acceptance in accordance with the requirements of
the Local Government Act.
The Maple Ridge Official Community Plan hereby permits such amendments.
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