Vision and Guiding Principles

VISION
The Regional Growth Strategy has a new, exciting vision of the future. Refining the original vision statement was the starting point for the discussion at the Elected Officials Forum. Councillors, mayors and electoral area directors from throughout the region discussed the direction of the Regional Growth Strategy and what a desired regional future would look like. A new vision statement was developed from the themes of those contributions. This is a vision that truly reflects the Region! The Board of Directors adopted the Regional Growth Strategy Vision statement on June 17th, 2009.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is a unique region that will continue to be recognized for its diverse natural habitats, robust economies, outstanding recreational opportunities and the high quality of urban and rural lifestyles provided in established communities. As such, the Board of Directors of the RDNO will strive to conserve and enhance the very reasons that make the North Okanagan so attractive by ensuring:

• Growth is managed to reflect our social, environmental and economic values;
• The Region's natural constraints to growth are water availability, agricultural lands, and environmentally-sensitive areas;
• Rural and urban lifestyle choices are maintained through designated growth areas and urban boundary management;
• Agricultural lands are protected and a sustainable regional food system is supported and encouraged;
• A strong, sustainable, and diverse economy that reflects our values and the identities of our communities;
• Our natural systems, including air, land and water, are respected and protected; and
• Inclusive, accountable and effective governance based upon a foundation of regional cooperation.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The challenges represented by the identified growth issues will be addressed throughout the Regional Growth Strategy process. Although the Regional District consists of six member municipalities and five electoral districts that face unique future growth situations, a common long-term strategy will equip all levels of local government with a common sustainable vision of the future. On February 20th, 2007, the Regional Growth Management Committee resolved to incorporate the 10 Smart Growth Principles into the Terms of Reference as guiding principles for the Regional Growth strategy process.
"Smart growth" principles will guide the future discussion regarding the goals, objectives, and strategies which will address the growth issues that face the Region. The following smart growth principles ensure that growth is fiscally, environmentally and socially responsible and recognize the connections between development and quality of life.

1. Mix land uses - Each neighbourhood has a mixture of homes, retail, business, and recreational opportunities.
2. Build well-designed compact neighbourhoods - Residents can choose to live, work, shop and play in their communities. People can easily access daily activities, viable transit, and local businesses.
3. Provide a variety of transportation choices - Neighbourhoods are attractive and have safe infrastructure for a variety of transportation options.
4. Create diverse housing opportunities - People in life stages and income levels can afford a home in the neighbourhood of their choice.
5. Encourages growth in existing communities - Investments in infrastructure are used efficiently and development is concentrated in existing neigbourhood.
6. Preserve open spaces, natural beauty, and environmentally sensitive areas - Development respects natural landscape features and considers aesthetic, environmental, and financial values.
7. Protect and enhance agricultural lands - A secure and productive land base, such as BC's Agricultural Land Reserve, provides food security, employment, and habitat, and is maintained through urban containment.
8. Utilize smarter and cheaper infrastructure and green buildings - Green buildings and other sustainable systems can save both money and the environment in the long run.
9. Foster a unique neighbourhood identity - Each community is unique, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
10. Nurture engaged citizens - Communities belong to those who live, work, and play there. Engaged citizens participate in community life and decision-making.

Smart growth strategies are intended to integrate land-use and infrastructure planning, fiscal and taxation measures, sustainable energy and regional governance.  The effective implementation of smart growth policies can generate mutually reinforcing benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, the protection of ecologically significant areas and prime agricultural lands, reduced energy, water, and resource use, reduced infrastructure costs and increased transportation efficiencies.