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About Urban Centres
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​Urban Centres are transit-oriented communities with diverse populations, a range of employment opportunities, public spaces, and lively cultural and entertainment amenities. These characteristics make Urban Centres ideal locations to direct and accommodate growth in our region.


Metro Vancouver has a network of 26 connected Urban Centres  ranging in size and character. The Metro Core, Surrey Metro Centre and 7 other Regional City Centres are regional-scaled activity hubs.  The smaller, Municipal Town Centres are more local-serving Centres that showcase the region’s diverse history and culture. As we continue to grow, Frequent Transit Development Areas are additional locations for growth, providing services and amenities to a more local population.

 

What does an Urban Centre look like?

Although each Urban Centres is unique, successful Centres have some common elements:

  • A diversity of housing types and tenures that respond to an aging population, changing family and household characteristics and the full range of household incomes and needs across the region.
  • Sufficient office and commercial space ensures that there are jobs and services close to home.
  • Sustainable transportation options that reduce traffic, energy consumption and air pollution.
  • A high quality pedestrian environment that promotes walking, cycling and transit, and creates vibrancy. 
  • Ample amenities such as parks, greenways and other recreational opportunities, as well as an abundance of social and cultural activities that create a strong sense of place and community while fostering active and healthy living. 

To learn more, read the Regional City Centre Profiles , which include historic land use pictures, and transportation, economic, housing and demographic statistics.

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Metro Vancouver acknowledges that the region’s residents live, work, and learn on the shared territories of many Indigenous peoples, including 10 local First Nations: Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Matsqui, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo, Squamish, Tsawwassen, and Tsleil-Waututh.

Metro Vancouver respects the diverse and distinct histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, which collectively enrich our lives and the region.