Step 1 involved preliminary planning and engagement and sets the stage for a comprehensive planning process.

Background Studies

The planning process began in early summer with the preparation of background studies. Studies provide background and analysis necessary for land use planning. In this case, they also provided important information to support the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Business Case.

Background studies were initiated July 2019. They are comprehensive and usually undertaken by professional consultants or city staff. The following background studies were completed within the Fraser Highway SkyTrain corridor:

• Market Study: A review of development opportunity and analysis of market demand for residential and commercial land uses. It also includes estimates and projections of absorption rates of new development. 
  
  Fraser Highway Skytrain Corridor (Market Supply and Demand Study)
   
• Environmental Study: An assessment of riparian, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, as well as vegetation and significant tree canopy. This highlights areas of environmental sensitivity for consideration in land use planning.
  
  Fraser Highway Environmental Assessment
   
• Heritage Study: An inventory and assessment of key heritage buildings, trees and other features. It will also include a literature and archival scan of the Corridor. This will highlight areas and features of heritage significance for consideration in land use planning.
   
• Growth Forecasts: Preliminary population and employment forecasts will generate data for the SLS Business Case submission. This is part of the requirements to advance the SkyTrain project.

Community Engagement

We hosted a preliminary open house on November 13, 2019. It was accompanied by an online survey. Information from the open house and survey will help start developing a vision for the future of Fleetwood. 

• Display Boards
• What We Heard Report Step 1: Getting Started Engagement
• Live Graphic Recording

In spring 2020 we will began exploring options. The objectives were to:

• Build awareness and a vision for Fleetwood
• Gather public input on key objectives & report back
• Confirm plan boundaries
• Tackle big challenges; and
• Explore growth options

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the City focused on virtual engagement through this step in the planning process. This involved online surveys, virtual stakeholder meetings, online workshops and a social media campaign. Work during this step included:

• Developing a Vision and Plan Objectives
• Generating a Growth Concept
• Exploring opportunities for new parks, schools, and other community amenities.
• What We Heard Step 2a: Exploring Options – August 2020 
• What We Heard Step 2b: Exploring Growth Options – November 2020
• What We Heard Step 2c: Heart of Fleetwood – March 2021

Draft Elements of Plan

Once growth options were explored and a preferred growth concept and vision for Fleetwood emerged, we began developing draft elements of the plan. In spring 2021 we shared draft elements of the plan with the public.  This step involved comprehensive community engagement to help review and provide input.

Stage 1 (Draft) Plan

Drawing on this input, we developed a draft plan. In August 2021 we shared the draft plan with the public and asked for feedback. The draft plan includes:

• Land Use Concept
• Transportation Concept
• Parks and Open Space Concept

These three concepts provide the foundation for the plan. This step will conclude with Council endorsement of a preferred draft (Stage 1) plan. After that we will continue to work on refining the plan through Step 4.

Once Council has endorsed a draft (Stage 1) land use plan, staff will undertake the final (Stage 2) planning process. This process will include:

• Detailed engineering and financial analysis
• Refinements to land uses
• Community benefit planning
• Development of urban design guidelines

Stage 2 work will also include more opportunities for community engagement.

Once the Plan is ready staff will report back to Council seeking endorsement of the final (Stage 2) Fleetwood Plan. This step includes:

• Writing and editing the plan document
• Presenting the plan to Council for review
• Final plan endorsement from Council