COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT: Membership to the Urban Development Institute - Capital Region

Membership to the Urban Development Institute - Capital Region

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report dated September 6, 2023, from the Director of Development Services titled “Membership to the Urban Development Institute” be received for information.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information about the Urban Development Institute (UDI) - Capital Region and the benefits for being a member of the Institute.

BACKGROUND:

UDI Capital Region is a non-profit association, supporting industry professionals and affiliates with the information, education and representation they need to thrive in the local development industry. Eligible members include municipalities, crown corporations, government, charities & non-profits, educational institutions, developers/builders, architects, engineers, construction companies, consultants, commercial brokers, law firms, and realtors, to name a few.

In January 2023, the Town of View Royal became a member of the Urban Design Institute – Capital Region. Other government members of the local UDI chapter include Capital Regional District, City of Langford, City of Colwood, District of Sooke, Township of Esquimalt, District of Oak Bay and the City of Victoria. The annual membership fee for a local government is $600.00.

DISCUSSION:

UDI Capital Region represents as a partner in community building and states the following on the website:

“We are committed to working with communities and governments to build balanced, well-planned, sustainable communities. We promote thoughtful urban planning, steady growth, and responsible development practices, improving affordable housing and job opportunities within the local industry.”

There are several benefits associated with being a UDI member, which include the following:

• remain informed of policy changes at the municipal, regional and provincial level;
• receive information on current market trends and projections;
• network and build partnerships with industry professionals, and find solutions to shared challenges;
• attend professional development opportunities virtually or in-person on topics related to land use and development that are relevant to the region. Members receive a reduced registration fee to attend events;
• establish UDI liaison group where local developers, engineers, architects and other consultants who do business in View Royal can meet with department heads to discuss any emerging issues and how UDI may be able to assist with policy initiatives and provide feedback;
• promote engagement events through the UDI network to seek input from various local stakeholder groups who work, live and/or invest within the Town of View Royal on draft policies, studies, projects and plans.
• transparency to all stakeholders represented by the varied membership of UDI.

Since the Town became a member of UDI, staff have attended a few UDI events and learning opportunities related to housing and building healthy communities, received several updates on legislative changes at the provincial level, updates on current projects taking place in neighbouring municipalities, etc.

CONCLUSION:

UDI represents many stakeholders involved in all facets of land development and planning, and supports the industry through research, professional development and education, and relationship building. Staff wish to continue benefiting from the membership opportunities provided by UDI for another year given the number of projects that are earmarked for 2024 and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. Staff recommend that Council receive this report for information.