Overview/Update

After an extensive planning and consultation period, the East Fraserlands project is moving forward through the City of Vancouver's planning and approval process. Below is an overview of this process with updates on the progress of this exciting new waterfront community. Please check back regularly for future updates.

Note: For further information on the City of Vancouver's development and approval processes, please visit www.vancouver.ca.

Step 1: Policy Statement - PROCESS COMPLETED
A policy statement describes the general planning principles that will guide the future development of a site. This document addresses questions of land use, transportation, building form, community facilities and provides broad direction for how those questions will be answered in subsequent planning stages. By representing both public and private interests, a policy statement provides the general framework for further planning and decision-making.

Update: December 2004
The East Fraserlands Policy Statement was unanimously adopted by the Vancouver City Council in December of 2004 following a series of City of Vancouver staff workshops, public open houses and a community workshop.

Step 2: Official Development Plan - PROCESS COMPLETED
An Official Development Plan (ODP) provides a more detailed level of planning by expanding on the ideas established by the Policy Statement. The ODP will present the necessary framework for designing zoning, housing, amenity, servicing, shoreline policies, etc.

Update: February 2006
To initiate the ODP process, ParkLane, WesGroup and the City of Vancouver organized a comprehensive eight day Design Charette in April of 2005 to create a world class plan for the East Fraserlands community. Click here to get more information on this innovative public process, one of the first of its kind in Canada. From the work completed at this charette and subsequent meetings with city staff and the community, ParkLane/WesGroup completed their ODP document and submitted the first draft in January of 2006.

Update: November 2006
On November 14th, 2006, the East Fraserlands (EFL) ODP received unanimous approval by Vancouver City Council. Speaker after speaker from the local community came forward to give their full support of the ODP document and the work completed to date on this new development. The ODP will present the necessary framework for designing, zoning, housing, amenity, servicing, shoreline policies, etc.

Step 3: Rezoning - IN PROGRESS
Zoning guidelines are established by the City of Vancouver and are intended to encourage proper land use and building compatibility. Each area of land in the city has been designated/zoned for a particular use such as industrial, commercial, residential etc. When a landowner wishes to change the zoning of his/her land, he/she must apply to the City of Vancouver for rezoning. Once submitted, this application will be processed through the Director of Planning, the City's Urban Design Panel and City Council. The time required to process a rezoning can vary depending on the complexity of the project.

Update: February 2007
ParkLane/Wesgroup submitted the rezoning application for the first phase of East Fraserlands on February 28th 2007.  Proposed in the first phase of development are a variety of housing types, a neighbourhood retail district, parks, cycling and pedestrian ways, daycare facilities, a 30,000 sq. ft. community centre, enhancements to the Fraser River foreshore, public art and transit service improvements.
Click Here for the 1st phase rezoning map

Update: April 2007
On April 24th, 2007 East Fraserlands Master Plan wins Canadian Institute of Planners Award for Excellence.  Click here to read our Press Release for more information.

On Wednesday, April the 25th 2007 the Vancouver Urban Design Panel (UDP) reviewed the EFL’s first phase rezoning submission at a marathon session. The rezoning received unanimous approval from the UDP, another remarkable accomplishment for East Fraserlands.

Update: May 2007
The City of Vancouver hosted Open Houses on May 27th and May 30th, 2007 for the community to view and comment on the rezoning application for phase one of the development.

Update: June 2007
East Fraserlands has won the BC Smart Growth Award for best development proposal on June the 1st 2007 presented by the Smart Growth BC Foundation.
Click here to view the press release on this award.

Step 4: Development Permit
A development permit builds upon a rezoning by-law by providing greater detail for a particular building site. The applicant to use or develop property in accordance with the City's zoning regulations

Step 5: Building Permit
A building permit allows the applicant to construct the development proposal.