Evolution of Vancouver’s transit-oriented communities

Second only to our fervent belief that yoga clothes are appropriate for all daily activities, being smug about our city’s status as one of the most beautiful, and livable cities in the world is probably the most annoying trait of Vancouverites. But who cares? Yoga can happen anywhere at any time! Also, it’s true, Vancouver is beautiful and livable.

We can’t take credit for the ocean and the mountains, but a lot about what makes Vancouver livable is an urban planning strategy that is necessitated by a limited supply of buildable land, and an ever-increasing population.

Two innovations have been the hallmarks of Vancouver urban planning: The mixed-use, tower and podium building approach that has kept downtown vibrant and busy, and also the Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) planning in the city and out to the surrounding Metro areas.

Metro Vancouver’s commitment to a transit-oriented land use approach goes back to the 1975 Livable Region Plan that envisioned a transit-oriented regional community of compact urban centres linked by frequent-transit corridors. This approach was reaffirmed in the 1996 Livable Region Strategic Plan, and continues to be a key direction in the new Regional Growth Strategy being formulated to go forward into the 2050s.

Transit-oriented communities create walkable neighbourhoods with access to transit, services and businesses, the goal being that people drive less, walk and cycle more, use more transit and less energy. This promotes a more healthy, active population that uses fewer resources, creates less pollution and less urban sprawl through increased density around transit nodes. To this end, a partnership between Metro Vancouver, Translink, municipalities, the province of
BC and other stakeholders has created an action plan based upon The Six D’s: Destinations, Distance, Design, Density, Diversity, and Demand Management.

Destinations: Coordinate land use and transportation

When land use and transportation are well-coordinated, transit can provide fast, direct, and cost-effective access to more destinations for more people.

Distance: Create a well-connected street network

A well-connected street network shortens travel distances, making it possible for people to quickly and conveniently walk or cycle to where they want to go, or to easily connect with transit enroute to their destination.

Design: Create places for people

Transit-oriented communities are carefully designed with the needs of people in mind. Whether walking, cycling, pushing a stroller, catching a bus, or using a mobility device, people of all
ages and abilities should be able to access and enjoy a comfortable, safe, delightful, and inviting public realm.

Density: Concentrate and intensify activities near frequent transit

Transit-oriented communities concentrate most growth and development within a short walk from frequent transit stops and stations.

Diversity: Encourages a mix of uses

A vibrant mix of land uses helps to create complete, walkable neighbourhoods around transit stations and stops, and supports a transit system that is well-utilized throughout the day.

Demand Management: Discourage unnecessary driving

Transit-oriented communities discourage unnecessary driving and promote walking, cycling, and transit.

This transit-oriented community plan is going to change the way Vancouver and Surrey both look in the coming decade, with the expansion of the Skytrain to UBC and through Surrey out to Langley. New Home + Condo will be following how this will affect particular neighbourhoods and the potential challenges and opportunities that come along with this evolution.

Related reading

Transit-oriented developments offer connectedness

Master-planned communities