The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues is the latest outreach component of the Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI). As the title implies, this series of high-profile debates and discussions is intended to help decision makers shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views which hopefully challenge and stimulate fresh thought on a range of regional issues.

Building on the success of its 2006 and 2007 series, Metro Vancouver is partnering with Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Metro Vancouver to launch an expanded program of dialogues as part of the 2008 Sustainable Region Initiative.

“Our dialogue sessions in 2006 generated a wealth of information that will help us all — politicians, business, community advocates and citizens alike as we work towards a sustainable future for Metro Vancouver,” said Metro Vancouver Board Chair Lois Jackson. “As a result of our successes, we have been asked and have agreed to work with partners across the region to host additional sessions in the coming year”.

Regional dialogues are intended to assist decision makers shape the future of the region by inviting a range of views which challenge conventional wisdom and stimulate fresh thought on regional issues. The sessions explore topics such as housing, industry, labour and immigration, drugs and crime, regional economy, transportation, energy and agriculture.

“Expert panelists and highly–engaged participants have provided fresh and stimulating perspectives on regional issues,” said Chair Jackson. “And while Metro Vancouver may not be able to tackle all the challenges on its own, it can certainly serve as a catalyst in identifying actions and working, with partners, towards their implementation”.

In addition to six sessions at the SFU Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver will host 18 sessions in three regional groupings — South of the Fraser, the Central/Northeast Sector and the North Shore (see schedules below). A special dialogue on Agriculture was scheduled for March in Langley.