June 2024

In 2021, we launched a planning process for the area around Rupert and Renfrew Skytrain stations that aims to guide growth while advancing reconciliation, adding more housing choices, enhancing ecosystem services, and supporting job growth and active transportation. This area is home to Still Creek, one of the few remaining visible streams in Vancouver and a key piece of our stormwater management. A Still Creek enhancement study will help us consider the future of this ecosystem and the important services it provides.
 
Land-use planning shapes neighbourhood design, transportation networks, economic growth, and housing opportunities, which collectively helps us reach our Climate Emergency Action Plan goal of having 90% of Vancouver residents living within an easy walk or roll of their daily needs. Area plans like this one also advance the implementation of Vancouver Plan to create a more liveable city for everyone.
 
Staff are currently sharing what they’ve heard so far about the Rupert Renfrew Station Area Plans in this Engagement Summary in advance of launching the next round of engagement later this month.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Learn about the Still Creek Enhancement Study.
 
Participate in the Rupert Renfrew Station Area Plan engagement process: Join the in-person launch event June 29 at the Renfrew Park Community Centre and/or fill out the online survey when it launches the week of June 24. Sign-up for updates here.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, VANCOUVER PLAN, RAIN CITY STRATEGY

Kid Commute: a Walking School Bus Initiative is dedicated to promoting active transportation, reducing carbon pollution, and strengthening youth’s mental and physical well-being through student walking groups at schools across the city. 
 
The program, started in September by the Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCYBC), has students embracing walking as a mode of transport. So far, trained volunteers have led 45 kids from three Vancouver schools over a total of 3,188km — avoiding an estimated 750kg of carbon pollution!
 
“In a world where everything is rushed …, it’s nice to have a program where things slow down and we go back to the days of allocating the time to walk to school,” explained mom and John Norquay PAC Chair Hannah.
 
Kid Commute is made possible through partnerships with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, TransLink, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver School District.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Read more about Kid Commute and consider volunteering as a Kid Commute Walk Leader.
 
Stay connected to SCYBC and City of Vancouver for updates!
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Nearly 60% of carbon pollution in Vancouver comes from heating and hot water with even more associated with construction of new buildings. Last week, Council approved two important reports that will cut carbon pollution from buildings and advance Big Moves 4 and 5 under the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

As technology improves, we regularly update building codes to keep pace. Beginning in 2027, new efficiency standards will come into effect for water heaters in detached homes at the time of replacement, helping reduce carbon pollution and can save residents money over time. With a range of higher-efficiency options on the market, residents can choose what’s best for their household.  

Council also approved staff recommendations to align the Vancouver Building By-law Building with recent provincial building code updates. This means mass timber construction will be allowed up to 18-storeys and will be allowed in more building types like schools and light industrial buildings. Mass timber construction can reduce carbon pollution of construction by 25-45%, improves energy efficiency, stimulates regional economic development, has a high level of fire safety, and reduces construction time, cost, and community impact.

YOUR TURN

Read the Council reports for more details: water heaters here and mass timber here.

Learn about high efficiency options for your home:

• Visit the Home Energy Navigator
• If your home is the Hastings-Sunrise Neighbourhood, register here for a free Climate Friendly Homes Program assessment by the Youth Climate Corps to learn more about available rebates, benefits of heat pumps, healthy landscapes and fostering community networks. 

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Reallocating road space for people is a priority for Vancouver Plan and Transportation 2040 and enables more plazas and patios, builds community, encourages sustainable transportation and supports local businesses. This summer, Water Street is transforming into a pedestrian zone which will bring:

• Places for people to gather and socialize.
• Expanded patios and vending opportunities for local businesses.
• Art installations and storytelling courtesy of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
• Opportunities for live music, performance, and interactive activities.
• A peer-based community ambassador program to check-in with businesses and provide outreach services to people experiencing homelessness or other unmet social needs.
• New Mobi by Rogers Public Bike Share Stations by Alexander Street and Carrall Street, and Cambie Street and Cordova Street.

 
YOUR TURN:
 
Learn more about the Water Street pilot and view the map of the area.

Starting in July, visit Gastown to experience this space and support local businesses.

SUPPORTING: TRANSPORTATION 2040, VANCOUVER PLAN, CLIMATE EMERGENCY