On July 29, 2011, Metro Vancouver adopted the new Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). The Regional Growth Strategy builds on the region’s existing economic strengths to provide for a prosperous future by supporting a diverse commercial and industrial base, encouraging economic development, and recognizing the region’s role as a key gateway location. The Regional Growth Strategy Goal 2 - Support a Sustainable Economy - and a number of its strategies are important in contributing to that goal as follows:

2.1 Promote land development patterns that support a diverse regional economy and employment close to where people live

2.2 Protect the supply of industrial land

2.3 Protect the supply of agricultural land and promote agricultural viability with an emphasis on food production

The Regional Growth Strategy identifies Industrial and Mixed Employment land use designations as follows:

Industrial areas are primarily intended for heavy and light industrial activities, and appropriate accessory uses. Limited commercial uses that support industrial activities are appropriate. Residential uses are not intended.

Mixed Employment areas are intended for industrial, commercial and other employment related uses to help meet the needs of the regional economy. They are intended to continue to support industrial activities, and complement and support the planned function of Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas. Residential uses are not intended.

Metro Vancouver has completed a number of studies relating to industrial lands in the region, including an inventory of industrial land supply, industrial land utilization and demand, and industrial land intensification.

Inventory

 2010 Industrial Lands Inventory Study (2011)
 2005 Industrial Lands Inventory Study (2006)
 Metro Vancouver Industrial Lands Market Readiness Summary (2012)

Intensification

 Best Practices for the Intensive Use of Industrial Land Discussion Paper (2012)
 Summary Report: Opportunities for the Intensive Use of Industrial Land (2013)
 Higher Density Multi-Level Industrial Building Feasibility Study for Metro Vancouver (2013)
 Industrial Land Intensification Analysis (2011)

Utilization and Demand

 Monitoring Industrial Land Supply, Utilization and Demand (2012)

Metro Vancouver completed a discussion paper to support office development in Metro Vancouver’s Urban Centres by exploring the factors which influence regional-scale office development and occupancy decisions, and identifies challenges and opportunities for office potential in Urban Centres.

 Office Development in Metro Vancouver's Urban Centres Discussion Paper (2013)