Appendix B: Framework for Our Future Guiding Principles

Appendix B: Framework for Our Future Guiding Principles

On July 15, 1998 the Capital Regional District Board resolved to adopt the Framework for Our Future Agreement to guide the development of a regional growth strategy for the Capital Region. The Framework Agreement provided general guiding principles for the preparation of the Regional Growth Strategy. Twenty years later, in 2018, this framework endures as the foundation of the Regional Growth Strategy.

1. The Capital Region’s Growth Management Strategy is based on four fundamental principles:

Sustainability: actions to meet our needs today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and ensure the ongoing healthy functioning of the natural systems that sustain life.

Appropriateness: actions are appropriate to the aspirations and local conditions of the Capital Region, and do not simply reflect the uncritical application of ideas developed for other places and situations.

Continuity: the strategy will build on work that has already been undertaken by the Capital Regional District and its member municipalities, and will consider the thoughts and ideas contributed by individual residents and community associations.

Cooperation, Collaboration and Coordination: the Capital Regional District, local municipalities, provincial ministries and agencies, and regional residents will work together to develop and implement the strategy. First Nations, the Islands Trust, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District are neighbouring governments and will be invited to participate.

2. In addition, the development and evaluation of alternative solutions will pay due regard to the following 14 provincial goals set out in the Local Government Act:

a. Avoid urban sprawl; b. Minimize automobile use and encourage walking, cycling and efficient public transit; c. Move goods and people efficiently, making effective use of transportation and utility corridors; d. Protect environmentally sensitive areas; e. Maintain a secure and productive resource base, including the agricultural land reserve; f. Encourage economic development that supports the unique character of communities; g. Reduce and prevent air, land and water pollution; h. Ensure adequate, affordable and appropriate housing; i. Ensure adequate inventories of suitable land and resources for future settlement; j. Protect the quality and quantity of ground and surface water; k. Minimize the risks to settlement associated with natural hazards; l. Preserve, create and link urban and rural open space including parks and recreation areas; m. Plan for energy supply and promote efficient use, conservation and alternative sources of energy; and, n. Ensure good stewardship of land, sites and structures with cultural heritage value.