Regional Growth Strategy preparation and adoption

Regional districts may voluntarily initiate a regional growth strategy by resolution of the regional district board. Provincial government approval is not required for the initiation or adoption of a regional growth strategy.

The process for preparing a regional growth strategy is also largely left up to each regional district. Some regional districts have undertaken extensive research and assessed several options, while others took a more strategic and high-level approach. In all cases, the preparation of a regional growth strategy involves engagement with all levels of government and the public, including collaboration and consensus building.

The regional growth strategy is developed through an interactive process involving all affected local governments and enacted by a bylaw of the regional board. Before it is adopted, a regional growth strategy must be accepted by the affected local governments. Affected local governments include the council of each municipality within the regional district, the board of each adjoining regional district, and in the case of the Metro Vancouver Regional District, the TransLink board of directors. If an affected local government objects to provisions in the proposed regional growth strategy, the Local Government Act includes options ranging from non-binding resolution such as mediation, to binding settlement processes that help all parties reach agreement in a timely manner.

The regional district must consider whether the plan should include a public hearing to provide an opportunity for persons, organizations and authorities to make their views known before the regional growth strategy is submitted for acceptance.

Building consensus

The acceptance and the effective implementation of a regional growth strategy is dependent on buy-in to the process, ongoing involvement and commitment by all affected agencies. There are two mechanisms included in the regional growth strategy legislation to achieve consensus and positive working relationships: consultation plans and intergovernmental advisory committees.

Consultation plans

The legislation requires that the regional district board consult with the individuals, organizations and authorities who they consider will be affected by the strategy and adopt a consultation plan.

As part of developing a consultation plan, the board must consider the need for a separate public hearing before the adoption of a regional growth strategy. Public hearings allow opportunities for First Nations, the public, education boards, and stakeholders to provide input well before a growth strategy comes to the board for approval. Consultation plans provide flexibility and maintain the integrity of the consultation process while facilitating the more efficient development of a regional growth strategy.

Intergovernmental advisory committees

Once a regional district has initiated a regional growth strategy, an intergovernmental advisory committee is established. This committee provides a forum for senior local government staff, senior provincial government staff, and in the case of the Metro Vancouver Regional District, a representative from TransLink appointed by the TransLink board of directors. Representatives of other invited authorities and organizations may also advise the regional board on the development of the regional growth strategy and help coordinate actions, policies and programs as they relate to the strategy. First Nations and invited representatives of other authorities or organizations may also advise the regional board on the development of the regional growth strategy and help coordinate actions, policies, and programs as they relate to the strategy.

Reaching agreement

The regional growth strategy collaborative planning model encourages dialogue to support the building of consensus among local governments on decision-making related to growth in the regional district. Given differing planning priorities and values, disputes can emerge.

The legislation encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution processes to reach mutual agreement. The minister responsible for local government may appoint facilitators to assist local governments to reach agreement on the acceptance of regional growth strategies. If local governments are unable to reach agreement, the Minister will direct the parties to either a non-binding resolution process (mediation) or a binding settlement process.

• Reaching Agreement on Regional Growth Strategies (PDF, 231KB)
• Learn more about intergovernmental dispute resolution