“The Routley, Yorkson and Northeast Gordon neighbourhood communities illustrate how a ‘water-centric’ approach is changing the way that land is developed in Langley. Each neighbourhood features a different green innovation,” stated Ramin Seifi.
“I really wanted to be here today. The Showcasing Innovation Series is a major priority for me because this is where it happens. Later this morning I will be chairing a meeting of the Metro Vancouver Board, and I will tell them about where I was this morning. And I will get them excited about hosting showcasing events in their municipalities too,” stated Mayor Lois Jackson.
“At the 2005 consultation workshop hosted by the City of Surrey, Metro Vancouver municipalities told us that they wanted to hear firsthand from those who are implementing green infrastructure, and they want to see what it looks like. In response to this need, 2006 was the first year of the Showcasing Innovation Series. In Year Two, our aim was to continue promoting region-wide networking and sharing of lessons learned, explained Paul Ham.
“The event attracted over 60 people, including a contingent from Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast. The audience comprised representatives from Metro Vancouver, thirteen municipalities, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a half-dozen private sector organizations, and several non-government organizations. Included in the audience were senior managers and on-the-ground practitioners,” reports Kim Stephens.
“The Township of Langley is a community of 100,000 of which 80% of the land area is within the Agricultural Land Reserve. This presents a delicate balance between the preservation of agricultural land and the continued pressure for urban development. It is within this context that the staff and Council champion the theme of harmony and integration as we endeavour to focus on ‘green’ initiatives and programs,” stated Councillor Charlie Fox.
“UniverCity is implementing innovative new zoning policies, mandatory green building requirements, and new density bonusing program that has been developed in partnership with the City of Burnaby. The approach that UniverCity is taking will achieve a LEED Silver equivalent,” stated Dale Mikkelsen
“When we refer to designing with nature, we are borrowing from Ian McHarg and the title of his 1969 book. We are consistent with what McHarg intended in terms of ecological planning and letting the landscape inform development. In practical terms, what designing with nature means…is essentially a restatement of Smart Growth principles,” stated Ray Fung.
Delsom Estates represented the largest tract of undeveloped land in North Delta. “From the inception of the redevelopment project, sustainability was a first principle.“ recalls Marcy Sangret, “Delta staff initiated a “checklist” of environmental, social and economic sustainability elements to be considered for a mixed use community.”
Resource protection – for groundwater supply and fisheries habitat – is the driver for implementing green infrastructure in Langley and the Township is developing a Sustainability Charter. “This is intended to be a high-level policy document that helps guide the Township toward sustainability on the ground. A big part of developing the document will be engaging the community,” states Ramin Seifi.
“At UniverCity residents have parks, trails, playgrounds and discounted transit, and have access to the university’s recreational facilities and other amenities. In effect, our role is much like that of a City Hall. We are facilitating the partnership between the university and the community. We are doing event planning and promoting community involvement,” reports Nancy McCuaig.
