Beran, Jenny, "Promoting Residential Intensification in the Municipalities of the Greater Vancouver Regional District"

Residential intensification in many of its forms has established itself in the municipalities of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD). However, intensification has not yet been recognized and accepted by municipalities as an effective method of meeting urban problems such as the lack of affordable housing or environment and fiscal problems related to sprawl. While there are some policies in place guiding specific forms of intensification, they address intensification in a fragmented manner. Therefore, intensification is currently taking place in a random manner without the municipalities understanding of the role of intensification in meeting broad municipal goals.

With the proper planning, intensification can contribute to meeting many community needs. However, in order to achieve the full benefits of intensification it is imperative that municipalities approach intensification in a comprehensive manner with a broad understanding of the role that intensification will play in the communitv.

Through an exploration of the methods of residential intensification, a review of the intensification efforts in the GVRD, and an examination of the factors influencina intensification, the thesis develops recommendations in support of intensification. The thesis then draws the recommendations into a Municipal Action Plan as a strategy for the promotion of intensification in the municipalities of the GVRD.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on November 14, 2000.