Strategies & Plans

The District of West Vancouver, along with members of the North Shore Congress, confirmed its commitment to children and families by signing the Child and Family Friendly Community Charter in October 2011. Signed by key North Shore decision-makers, including the Mayors of all three North Shore municipalities, the Charter provides guidance for specific strategies and solutions to improve the health and opportunities for children in the community.

The Field Sports Forum Working Group was made up of residents representing a cross section of field sport and community interests, to encourage and promote regular communication and collaboration between field sports groups and municipal staff and Council, and develop a Sport Field Master Plan for West Vancouver.

The Strategic Plan Working Group (2010) took the lead in developing a Strategic Plan, supported by a vision and mission statement.

On July 14, 2008, West Vancouver became a Signatory of the British Columbia Climate Action Charter.

The Charter called on BC communities to find ways to tackle the challenges posed by climate change, and to pledge to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.

The Climate Action Working Group was created to prepare and implement a Climate Action Plan for the community and the commercial and municipal operations in West Vancouver.

Guided by the findings and recommendations of The BC Climate Action Charter, the group was challenged to identify and initiate an adoptable set of programs and projects where identifiable reductions take place. West Vancouver has produced an inventory of the District’s GHG emissions, which shows that residents are responsible for 95% of emissions.  Therefore, meaningful reductions will require modifying the behaviour and life-styles of residents.

The Strategic Transportation Plan presents a vision for the future of transportation in West Vancouver and guides Council and staff towards 2025. The plan is informed by the Transportation & Mobility section of the Official Community Plan and the Environmental Plan. It was developed in close collaboration with residents through direct involvement of a multi-modal working group and public open houses.

The following documents are the outcome of several years of work directed by Council and undertaken by the Planning Department and various consultants to create a new direction and vision for Ambleside.

The Emergency Plan serves as a guide for Council and staff in order to prepare for, and respond to, major emergencies and disasters affecting the District. It is required by legislation, and this is the plan referenced in the District of West Vancouver Municipal Bylaw No. 4309 (2002), North Shore Disaster Bylaw No. 4485 (2006), and Section 6(2) of the Provincial Emergency Program Act.

The two key goals of the Cycling Network and Greenway Plan are to 1) increase bicycle and walking trips; and, 2) improve safety for cyclists and greenway users.

The Cycling Network and Greenway Plan was approved by Council in 2007. In June 2012, the Engineering Department reviewed the 2007 plan, updated the network map and presented an implementation strategy that was approved by Council. The Cycling Network Implementation Plan Report lays out a strategy for implementing on-street cycling route improvements, particularly in the Ambleside and Dundarave areas.

The plan lays out 10 high-level strategies and 39 recommended actions for developing a heritage conservation program for West Vancouver. The plan is to be implemented over a 10 to15-year time frame.

As part of the District's commitment to move towards a more sustainable future, Council adopted an Environmental Strategy that outlines how the environmental policies of the Official Community Plan will be put into action.

The strategy recognizes that environmental stewardship is the shared responsibility of the entire District and has been developed cooperatively by all municipal departments. The Environmental Strategy is designed to protect our natural resources and preserve ecosystems. 

In 1998, a group of residents formed the Lighthouse Park Preservation Society to: work to protect the natural integrity of the park given its unique natural history and vulnerability to urban pressures; promote public awareness of the natural features of Lighthouse Park; promote public support for its preservation; support the development of biological zones along the park boundaries; and, to work to prevent development encroaching on the park.

In 2004, after almost two years of planning and community involvement, Council approved the Lighthouse Park Management Plan. 

The Civic Youth Strategy was created in 2002 to give the youth of our community a chance to directly affect the decisions that matter to them the most and to give them a voice within the community and civic government.

The Civic Youth Strategy is not a project but an ongoing process and guideline for youth, staff, Council and community partners. The strategy is about changing the culture of municipal government, bringing about awareness of the positive contributions youth can make to their community, bringing a youth perspective to civic policy development and planning, and making municipal resources available to all youth. Achieving and maintaining these goals/vision requires a constant and persistent effort.

This Strategy won an award for Excellence for Innovation from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association in 2005.

It was updated and renewed for the period 2006–2010.

The Caulfeild Park Management Plan is a detailed plan that outlines specific work to be done to maintain the landscape of this beautiful shoreline park. Rocky shores, sandy beaches, and forested trails co-exist in this unique community space. The plan ensures that the natural environment, views, and walks are protected and maintained.

The plan was created by a task force in the mid-1990s, in consultation with residents and adopted by Council in 1996. Parks department staff are responsible for implementing the plan.