Place

It is no understatement to say that many people from all over the world were dazzled by the natural beauty of this region during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

When people think of metro Vancouver, it’s the natural gifts of our region they remember ― the sea, the mountains, the trees, the mild climate, and how close we are to nature. Often it is these natural gifts that have drawn people to move here, and they will continue to drive immigration in the future.

Another attractive feature is the relative safety of our cities. Though some may worry about gang violence in the region, our crime rates are actually very low compared to other North American cities. Rates of violent crime, property crime and vehicle thefts are all down.

As more people “find out” about Vancouver, immigration will increase. As our region grows, our infrastructure must keep pace. We will need viable options for getting around (increased transit, light rail connections, and bike lanes). We will need sustainable methods of transportation and waste disposal.

Even now, regional governments are working to implement better systems. But it’s important not to be complacent, to keep up the momentum, to plan now for what this place will be in the future.