Urban Containment

Urban Containment key summary measure

The Urban Containment Boundary (UCB) is one of the most important tools in Metro 2040. The UCB is intended to maintain a stable, long-term footprint for urban development. The establishment of the UCB reinforces the protection of agricultural, conservation and rural lands, and provides predictability for locating urban uses, major regional transportation and infrastructure investment.

Metro 2040 vision

Accommodate 98% of growth within the Urban Containment Boundary (the long-term stable footprint for urban development).

Urban Containment Boundary

The Urban Containment Boundary (UCB) is the stable, long-term footprint for urban development. The lands within the UCB have sufficient capacity to accommodate all of Metro Vancouver’s projected residential growth to 2041.

On Track

98% of growth occurred within the Urban Containment Boundary between 2011 and 2020

2021 Stats

HECTARES WITHIN THE UCB IN 2021

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HECTARES ADDED SINCE 2011

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Note: Urban Containment Boundary area are approximation based on Metro Vancouver GIS calculations.

Land Base