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The GVRD is currently undertaking a "Creating Our Future” program, which
will result in a new Regional Strategic Plan for Greater Vancouver. The
following three options have been identified for further discussion:

1. t Tren Vv t Polici t

This option reflects histcrical trends and concentrates growth in
areas south of the Fraser River and east of Delta. Downtown

Vancouver would maintain its role as the dominant employment center
in the region.

2. Fraser North Corridor Option

This option directs growth to the north side of Fraser River and east
of the Pitt River, away from agricultural lands to the south. A
number of secondary employment centers would be created north of the
Fraser River extending out into the Valley.

3. Compact Metropolitan Area Option

This third option focuses growth within the already-urbanized
portions of the region and the adjacent suburbs (ie. areas up to and
including Surrey and lands west of the Pitt River). Vancouver would
remain as the region's dominant employment center.

Additional policies of "Creating Our Future" stress the importance of
alternate forms of transportation (Policy 21), cooperation and consultation
between municipalities, the GVRD, and the Province (Policy 33), regional air
quality (Policy 8), and regional open space (Policy 16).

DISCUSSION:

Before any major decision on the Lion's Gate Bridge and Highway 1 are
made, it is important that the future of the region be determined. As the
Significance of the bridge and highway differs between growth options, any
changes should be consistent with the region's long-term goals and policies.

If Option 1 for regional growth is selected, the Lion's Cate Bridge has a
lower significance than Highway 1. As population is expected to continue to
expand into the South Fraser Valley, funds should be directed towards the
improvement of Highway 1 and the creation of additional east-west connectors.
Furthermore, if historical trends are followed, growth and development on the
North Shore is likely to be slower than in the Fraser Valley, a condition that
may not justify the expansion of the Lion's Gate Bridge at this time.

In the other two regional growth options, the Lion's Gate Bridge may have
relatively greater significance. Option 2 favours the preservation of
agricultural land by diverting growth to areas north of the Fraser River.
Option 3 focuses growth in municipalities adjacent to Vancouver City. The
North Shore may therefore have a role to develop further and absorb a greater
share of regional growth. Under these circumstances, expansion of the Lion's
Gate Bridge could be necessary.

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