Land Use Planning and Transportation

Land Use Planning and Transportation

Guide and manage growth in a manner which is consistent with the principles of sustainable development and complete communities.
- New Westminster Official Community Plan

By managing urban land use to create compact communities (which use existing infrastructure) municipalities can reduce costs to build and service infrastructure, use tax dollars more efficiently and create more livable, socially inclusive communities.

 

Well-designed compact communities encourage the use of local services and walkability which can increase support for local businesses and healthy lifestyles. More pedestrian movement in neighbourhoods creates more opportunities for social interaction and exchange. New Westminster is well positioned (given its existing infrastructure) and is working towards embracing more of these sustainable land use principles!

Did you know?
In the region, over 40% of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are transportation-related.

Smart Growth Canada Network helps to advance the implementation of smart growth and sustainability principles across the country. For more information, please visit the Smart Growth website.

Sustainable Development

New Westminster’s Sustainability Report Card assists landowners or developers and their consultants to create sustainable projects and advances the City’s sustainability objectives such as the protection of open space and natural areas, accessibility and transportation choice. All applications for Zoning Bylaw amendments as well as development permits are required to complete the checklist.

A new Downtown Community Plan was developed and adopted by Council in October 2010. While former Downtown plans have focused primarily on the social and economic goals of the community, this Plan comprehensively addresses all three areas of sustainability through the inclusion of key environmental goals and strategies.  

Transportation Choices

The City has been working towards reducing automobile dependence and vehicle emissions and is providing transportation choice by:

- improving transit facilities

- encouraging independence from
   the automobile

- promoting walking and cycling

- supporting transportation choice
   and managing demand

- regulating parking requirements
   to promote sustainability

- updating the OCP
   (Transportation)

The City adopted a Pedestrian Charter in 2008 and in 2010 the City produced a Bike Route and Information Guide that outlines cycling routes and facilities in New Westminster.

For information on active transportation and transportation choices, check out these websites:
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)
Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC)
Translink