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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 Community Services Chapter 4 Community Services Social Sustainability Institutional Heritage Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 1 4.1 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES The following principles reflect the shared community values of Maple Ridge residents and provide a framework for the Social Sustainability policies in the Official Community Plan: 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 8 Unique and enjoyable communitfes and places are created through community improvements, quality design, less obtrusive signage, pedestrian friendly environments, accessibility and viewscapes. “Citfes have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody”. Jane Jacobs BACKGROUND Social sustainability is an integral part of the functfon and vibrancy of the community. Social sustainability occurs when systems and relatfonships are in place that supports the ability of current and future generatfons to create healthy and liveable communitfes. Socially sustainable communitfes are equitable, diverse, connected, democratfc and provide a good quality of life. Furthermore, a truly sustainable community is grounded by three equally important elements: community health; economic health; and environmental health. The District of Maple Ridge Official Community Plan aims to address the need for social sustainability through addressing all three elements. Economic health elements have been incorporated into the employment, agricultural, commercial and industrial policies. The environmental, heritage, agricultural and residentfal policies respond to the importance of protectfng and enhancing the natural and built environment. The social sustainability policies represent the third element in enhancing sustainability in the District of Maple Ridge. Furthermore, all three elements are intertwined as concepts throughout the Official Community Plan. Chapter 4, Page 2 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Principle 10 Citfzens keenly appreciate the importance of public partfcipatfon in community and neighbourhood planning processes. 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 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 36 Integratfng growth with services, infrastructure, and schools is desirable for the future of Maple Ridge. (also see Principles 38 and 44) 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. ISSUES  Maple Ridge is a diverse community with a growing number of youth, seniors, recent immigrants, disabled, and economically disadvantaged, each requiring access to a variety of services, facilitfes and supports.  There is a growing recognitfon by service providers that citfzen involvement and access to services results in a healthier and safer community for all, and can improve an individual’s sense of belonging, empowerment, and quality of life.  There is also recognitfon that there are social and individual benefits from parks and leisure services in the community that may include a reductfon in crime rates, nurturing strong families, integratfng groups and individuals of diverse backgrounds within the community, and fostering neighbourhood identfty and spirit.  There is no one root cause, or solutfon to social issues, therefore a cooperatfve and integrated approach is required. Partnerships and the establishment of community connectfons are an integral component of healthy communitfes, and are crucial to the successful provision of services and facilitfes. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 3 4.1.1 SOCIAL PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Guiding Principles, adopted by the Social Planning Advisory Committee are intended to provide a broad policy framework upon which social sustainability policies are based. The Guiding Principles are:  Equity: The community provides equitable opportunitfes and outcomes for all its members, partfcularly the poorest and most vulnerable. Equity is a fundamental concept and should be utflized as a filter by which all other principles are viewed.  Social Inclusion and Interconnectedness: Residents are involved in setting and working towards collectfve and community goals. The community provides processes, systems, and structures that promote connectedness within and outside the community at both an informal and instftutfonal level.  Quality of Life: Individuals and communitfes have economic security, their basic needs are met and they have the confidence that they live in a safe, supportfve and healthy environment that promotes a good quality of life. They then are able to contribute to their own well-being and to engage in community life.  Diversity: The community promotes and encourages diversity by respectfng, honouring and celebratfng the diversity in the community.  Adaptability: Communitfes and individuals with the opportunity and ability to respond appropriately and creatfvely to change result in a more resilient community. 4.1.2 COMMUNITY WELLNESS COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES OBJECTIVES  To foster connectfveness based on establishing and maintaining networks, discussion, a sharing of informatfon, collectfve problem solving, and by providing opportunitfes for shared experiences.  To provide opportunitfes for citfzens to contribute positfvely to the community through volunteering; the provision of leadership development and support; and the empowerment of community members to identffy needs, set prioritfes, and develop a common vision. Chapter 4, Page 4 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014  To support, develop and maintain community networks of service providers and community organizatfons, providing tools to assist in building consensus, and opportunitfes to meet, share informatfon and to collaborate.  To respond to diverse community needs for affordable and appropriate recreatfon, leisure and cultural actfvitfes, programs and services.  To provide a range of cultural and leisure facilitfes and services that meet the needs of a growing community.  To support Community Development as a model to define, shape and deliver services in the community and to explore ways to work with citfzens to improve their sense of belonging, empowerment and quality of life. POLICIES 4 - 1 The District of Maple Ridge in cooperatfon with the Social Planning Advisory Committee will work in collaboratfon with stakeholders, including but not limited to BC Housing and the Health Authority to prepare a Social Plan to guide the social development of the community and address resident concerns with social issues. 4 - 2 Maple Ridge will work with citfzens and community organizatfons to encourage independence and promote neighbourhood connectfveness through the use of a community development model. 4 - 3 Maple Ridge will assist the Fraser Health Region to plan for appropriate community health facilitfes and services for our changing and growing populatfon. 4 - 4 Maple Ridge will assist the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board to ensure quality library services in our community. 4 - 5 Maple Ridge supports the cooperatfve and community use of facilitfes belonging to the Municipality, School District, local churches and other agencies, as neighbourhood centres for gatherings; accessing educatfonal, recreatfonal, leisure and volunteer opportunitfes; and promotfng capacity building and leadership development in the community. 4 - 6 Maple Ridge will work in cooperatfon with School District No. 42 and other educatfon providers to antfcipate and strategically plan for new educatfonal facilitfes to support populatfon growth that arises from new development. Community Development Promotfng individual and community growth by empowering community members to take responsibility for leisure services by identffying their own needs, setting prioritfes and developing and actfng on a common vision. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 5 4 - 7 Maple Ridge supports the provision of both public and private educatfon facilitfes to serve a broad range of interests, educatfonal needs and age groups. Maple Ridge will locate community level and neighbourhood level parks adjacent to secondary schools and elementary schools, wherever possible. 4 - 8 Maple Ridge will ensure that parks, leisure and cultural facilitfes and services are provided for in the changing and growing community in accordance with the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Parks, Recreatfon and Culture Master Plan, taking into account the joint delivery of services in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. 4 - 9 Maple Ridge will partner with Regional and Provincial agencies, and neighbouring municipalitfes to advance the implementatfon of theRegional Recreatfon Greenway Network, embedded within the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy. 4 - 10 Maple Ridge recognizes that access to parks and green spaces greatly enhances community health and individual quality of life, and will contfnue to maintain and enhance the large network of trails and green space. 4 - 11 Maple Ridge recognizes the relatfonship between individual and community health, pride and sense of belonging by supportfng community building initfatfves such as festfvals and community beautfficatfon initfatfves. 4 - 12 Maple Ridge will encourage opportunitfes for decentralizatfon and integratfon of community services at the community and neighbourhood level. 4 - 13 Maple Ridge recognizes the importance of arts and culture to the community, and will support the implementatfon of the Ridge Meadows Arts and Culture Policy and Plan, and the development of a comprehensive public art initfatfve. 4.1.3 CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS OBJECTIVES  To provide opportunitfes for citfzens to increase their understanding of the community and to have a voice in decisions being made that affect them in their community life. The Metro Vancouver Regional Recreatfon Greenway Network identffies regionally significant recreatfonal greenways that are required to connect major parks. Chapter 4, Page 6 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014  To encourage resident partfcipatfon on Council Advisory Committees to provide opportunitfes for input into decision making and to improve the understanding of municipal processes. POLICIES 4 - 14 Maple Ridge supports a range of Council Advisory Committees that reflect the community’s values, and respond to issues of concern, to assist in their decision making process. The District is committed to ensuring that the mandate of each committee is current, supports the Principles embodied in the Official Community Plan, and can provide guidance to Council on issues of importance in the community. 4 - 15 Maple Ridge will provide opportunitfes for citfzens to engage in meaningful discussions regarding community issues with this input being provided to Council to assist in their decision making process. Development Informatfon Meetfngs in accordance with Council Policy are required to provide residents with an opportunity to review development proposals and to identffy issues early in the development process. 4 - 16 Maple Ridge will provide educatfonal and leadership opportunitfes to promote community understanding of municipal processes, community development and build strong community networks. 4.1.4 DIVERSE POPULATION OBJECTIVES  To respect, honour and celebrate the diversity in the community.  To provide opportunitfes for the most vulnerable members of the community to partfcipate in the community decision making process.  To encourage the provision of services and facilitfes that are affordable, respectiul and accessible to a diverse populatfon.  To partfcipate with social service agencies, health providers, non-profit agencies, and individuals to reduce homelessness in the community. Citizen Engagement is achieved when all members of the community are offered access to opportunitfes to collaborate on decisions that affect them. The ability to engage citfzens and to connect all members of the community is integral to sustainability. A connected community where individuals take pride in, and care for, their neighbours and neighbourhoods, and as a result, the community is a better place to live for everyone. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 7 POLICIES 4 - 17 Maple Ridge supports the provision of municipal services and policies that respect, honour and celebrate diversity in the community. 4 - 18 Maple Ridge recognizes that maintaining the diversity of neighbourhoods contributes to the overall health of the community and encourages building connectfons between diverse groups to promote understanding, respect and interdependency. 4 - 19 Maple Ridge will encourage all members of diverse populatfons, including the most vulnerable, to partfcipate in community issues that affect them; by offering opportunitfes for educatfon, and meaningful collaboratfon with youth, seniors, immigrant, ethnic populatfons and those faced with poverty. 4 - 20 Maple Ridge promotes support to people of all ages to assist them in overcoming personal barriers to partfcipate in recreatfonal, cultural and educatfonal services, and programs that are affordable, respectiul, and accessible. 4 - 21 Maple Ridge supports and encourages building connectfons between diverse groups to promote understanding, respect, and interdependency. 4 - 22 Maple Ridge encourages the development of accessible quality child care facilitfes throughout the community, and will encourage the provision of space for child care in all assisted rental housing projects developed under senior government programs. 4 - 23 Maple Ridge encourages the development of seniors care facilitfes throughout the community that are conveniently located near transit and other services. 4 - 24 Maple Ridge will encourage that opportunitfes and services be available to enable persons with disabilitfes to functfon independently, and will work with the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues to encourage the full partfcipatfon of all citfzens, in all aspects of community life. 4 - 25 Maple Ridge supports the Regional Homelessness Plan and its guiding principles, and will partfcipate on Regional committees that coordinate the response to homelessness, drug abuse and other issues notfng that senior government are the primary providers of social services. Diverse Population Policies should respect, honour and celebrate diversity in our community. All community members are encouraged to partfcipate and have opportunitfes to contribute to their community in a meaningful way. Chapter 4, Page 8 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 4.1.5 SAFETY AND SECURITY OBJECTIVES  To contfnue to support the provision of police and fire service throughout the community.  To contfnue to reduce opportunitfes for crime through the design of safe buildings and facilitfes in the community. POLICIES 4 - 26 Maple Ridge will contfnue to provide fire protectfon services to maintain a safe and secure community, in accordance with the Fire Department Master Plan. 4 - 27 Maple Ridge will contfnue to provide police protectfon services to maintain a safe and secure community, and will develop a policing services master plan that will include community policing initfatfves. 4 - 28 Maple Ridge supports Crime Preventfon Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and will encourage existfng and new developments to incorporate CPTED principles and promote safety audits. Projects may be required to submit an independent CPTED study for review early in the development review process. 4 - 29 Maple Ridge recognizes the link that exists between neighbourhood connectfveness and capacity to issues of safety and security, and supports initfatfves designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, and the development of neighbourhood crime preventfon programs. 4 - 30 Maple Ridge will contfnue to support community policing initfatfves involving citfzens as volunteers in crime preventfon and as contributors in establishing appropriate responses to public safety issues as they arise. Socially Sustainable Communities are equitable, diverse, connected, democratfc and provide a good quality of life. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 9 4.2 INSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES The following principles reflect the shared community values of Maple Ridge residents and provide a framework for the Instftutfonal policies in the Official Community Plan: 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’. Principle 36 Integratfng growth with services, infrastructure, and schools is desirable for the future of Maple Ridge. (also see Principles 38 and 44). 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. ISSUE  Small and large scale instftutfonal facilitfes are required in the District, and provide a range of much needed services to residents. However, these facilitfes are often large in scale, and if not planned properly may adversely impact surrounding residentfal neighbourhoods. BACKGROUND The Instftutfonal designatfon applies to diverse uses that meet specific community needs. While some instftutfonal uses are appropriate only in a limited number of locatfons within the Urban Area Boundary, other instftutfonal uses are best located in rural areas. Uses that serve a localized populatfon are appropriately located throughout the municipality. Chapter 4, Page 10 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 OBJECTIVE  To meet community needs in the provision of accessible instftutfonal facilitfes while minimizing potentfal conflicts. POLICIES 4 - 31 Small scale or locally serving instftutfonal facilitfes that can be located throughout the community include: schools, community halls, parks and recreatfon facilitfes, museums, firehalls, and places of worship. These uses will be permitted in rural and urban areas subject to parking requirements, access, compliance with zoning bylaws, and compatfbility with adjacent land uses. 4 - 32 Public Service Uses, which provide essentfal services such as water, sewer, electrical, telephone, or other similar services will be permitted throughout the community subject to pertfnent government regulatfons. 4 - 33 Large Scale Instftutfonal Facilitfes such as public hospitals, congregate care facilitfes, and private hospitals should: a) be within the Urban Area Boundary; b) be conveniently located near public transit; c) have direct access to a collector, arterial, TransLink major road or Provincial Highway as identffied in the Maple Ridge Transportatfon plan; d) where considered necessary, require the completfon of a transportatfon impact study; and e) respect the neighbourhood context and natural features. 4 - 34 Proposed expansions in the range of uses or size of existfng Large Scale Instftutfonal Facilitfes must be evaluated on their impacts to the adjacent neighbourhood, to the transportatfon network, to existfng services and facilitfes, and to the surrounding community and its natural features. The redevelopment or reuse of instftutfonal facilitfes for other than instftutfonal use is encouraged, providing that the transportatfon network servicing and infrastructure can support the use. 4 - 35 An Instftutfonal use may be considered in rural areas provided that the use, character, and related programs of the operatfon respects rural character, is sited to minimize conflicts with adjacent rural neighbours, and existfng on-site services and infrastructure can support the use. 4 - 36 Maple Ridge supports the establishment of child-care facilitfes in Residentfal, Instftutfonal, Commercial and Industrial land use designatfons subject to compliance with District bylaws and regulatfons. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 11 4 - 37 To meet the needs of a growing and changing populatfon, appropriate facilitfes and services will be planned in consultatfon with Provincial and Regional agencies and authoritfes, including the Fraser Health Region. Chapter 4, Page 12 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 4.3 HERITAGE PRINCIPLES The following principles reflect the shared community values of Maple Ridge residents and provide a framework for the Heritage policies in the Official Community Plan: 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 31 It is important to undertake detailed planning work on the basis of neighbourhood planning. BACKGROUND The geography of the District, full of watercourses and ravines along the north shore of the Fraser River, was influentfal in the historical settlement of Maple Ridge. By the turn of the century, several distfnct communitfes had developed into self sufficient places with unique characteristfcs, each with their own post-office, general store, school, community hall, churches, and with railway statfons in all but three. The impressive ridge of high land parallel to the Fraser River, with its stand of huge western broad leafed maple trees, gave Maple Ridge its name at the tfme of incorporatfon in 1874. Residents of Maple Ridge value the heritage of the community and recognize that heritage structures, and cultural and natural landscapes keep Maple Ridge unique and from looking like “everywhere else.” There is a strong recognitfon that Maple Ridge needs to foster its history to maintain the Community’s strong sense of place. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 13 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. 4.3.1 HERITAGE RECOGNITION ISSUES Heritage Information Base  A comprehensive inventory of the built, natural and cultural landscape resources within the District has not been compiled. Evaluatfon criteria to determine the eligibility of a property, feature, actfvity, building or landscape feature for consideratfon as a heritage resource will need to be developed. First Nations Heritage  Involvement of the local First Natfons’ in heritage conservatfon actfvitfes has been limited. Identfficatfon of all culturally important heritage resources is needed to foster a greater understanding and appreciatfon of all the heritage resources with the District. OBJECTIVE  To develop a process that is inclusive of all communitfes for identffying heritage resources that are significant to the community, including natural, built and cultural heritage. POLICIES 4 - 38 Maple Ridge will work cooperatfvely with the Community Heritage Commission and other relevant groups and organizatfons to establish an informatfon database of all types of built, natural and cultural heritage resources within the District, including evaluatfon criteria for each type. This inventory would be updated on an ongoing basis evolving and responding to theoretfcal and practfcal changes in the heritage arena. 4 - 39 Maple Ridge will work with local First Natfons communitfes to help ensure the conservatfon of significant First Natfons heritage resources. 4 - 40 Maple Ridge will encourage the conservatfon and designatfon of significant heritage structures, and natural and cultural landscape features in each neighbourhood. Chapter 4, Page 14 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 4.3.2 HERITAGE MANAGEMENT ISSUES  A comprehensive heritage management framework that addresses a broad range of heritage resources requires future work.  A clearly defined process for evaluatfng development applicatfons that have heritage-related issues currently does not exist. In additfon, the District does not have a set of conservatfon guidelines or standards to be applied when a development applicatfon is reviewed. Consequently, past development practfces have impacted heritage resources and heritage conservatfon efforts.  The District should have a formal heritage incentfve program in place to aid heritage conservatfon initfatfves.  The tools available under Provincial legislatfon could be used more effectfvely by the District to help conserve its heritage resources. OBJECTIVE  To provide a framework for municipal staff, the Community Heritage Commission, property owners and the public to better manage situatfons involving identffied or potentfal heritage sites. POLICIES 4 - 41 Maple Ridge will contfnue to recognize significant heritage areas and will consider identfficatfon of these areas as Heritage Conservatfon Areas or Heritage Districts to ensure development that respects their heritage character and historic context. 4 - 42 Maple Ridge, in consultatfon with the Community Heritage Commission, will work to establish a comprehensive heritage management framework that incorporates categories that address informatfon and resource requirements, conservatfon incentfves, educatfon and awareness programs; and utflizes and considers a wide range of planning tools enabled by provincial legislatfon. 4 - 43 The development applicatfon review process will include an opportunity to evaluate the overall impact of proposed development on the heritage characteristfcs and context of each historic community or neighbourhood. Conservatfon guidelines and standards should be prepared to aid in this evaluatfon and provide a basis from which recommendatfons can be made to Council. 4 - 44 Maple Ridge will endeavour to use tools available under Provincial legislatfon more effectfvely to strengthen heritage conservatfon in the District. Other planning tools will also be utflized where appropriate to establish a comprehensive approach to heritage management in the District. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 15 4 - 45 Maple Ridge will assist the financial aspects of heritage resource management by: a) supportfng the efforts of the Community Heritage Commission, which may include financial assistance requests from the Heritage Commission evaluated by Council on a program or project basis; b) working cooperatfvely with the Community Heritage Commission in fund raising efforts for the conservatfon of heritage resources; c) supportfng and promotfng effectfve marketfng of heritage resources to potentfally interested businesses; d) supportfng heritage tourism efforts; e) encouraging local organizatfons, including the Community Heritage Commission to pool resources and develop partnerships to strengthen heritage conservatfon actfvitfes throughout the community. 4.3.3 HERITAGE EDUCATION ISSUE  Public awareness of heritage resources within the District could be improved. OBJECTIVE  To raise public awareness of heritage resources within Maple Ridge. Chapter 4, Page 16 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 POLICY 4 - 46 Maple Ridge will collaborate with the Community Heritage Commission, other local organizatfons, and the general public in order to develop specific programs and to increase public support and interest in heritage conservatfon actfvitfes. 4.3.4 HISTORIC COMMUNITIES ISSUES  Hammond, The Ridge, Port Haney/Haney, Albion, Yennadon, Websters Corners, Whonnock and Ruskin are recognized as the historic neighbourhoods of Maple Ridge. Brought to life by the coming of the railroad in the 1850’s, these communitfes were to a high degree self-sufficient with at least one store, a post office, one or more churches, a school, and a community hall; all but three had a railway statfon. The Communitfes Map (Figure 1) identffies these historic neighbourhoods with approximately defined borders.  In the 1900’s, increased settlement outside the core of the historic areas created new neighbourhoods such as the area now called East Haney and Thornhill. The community of Thornhill, on the southern slope of Grant Hill, straddles the border between Albion and Whonnock communitfes. Silver Valley is also recognized as a new community. OBJECTIVE  To recognize the historic and new communitfes that formed the District of Maple Ridge. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 4, Page 17 POLICY 4 - 47 Historic and new communitfes identffied on the Communitfes Map will form the general boundaries for the preparatfon of future neighbourhood plans. The specific boundaries for area planning are identffied on the Area Plan map (Figure 6).