Metro Vancouver

Overview
Metro Vancouver is a regional federation governing the Greater Vancouver area, comprising 21 municipalities, one electoral area and one treaty First Nation. It plans and delivers key services including drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, regional parks, affordable housing, air quality regulation and regional planning.

Core Services

• Water supply and treatment: Manages Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam watersheds and reservoir systems serving over 2.7 million residents with high‑quality drinking water.
• Liquid & solid waste: Operates sewage treatment and recycling programs to protect public health and environment.
• Air quality & climate action: Implements the Clean Air Plan and Climate 2050 strategy to reduce pollution and GHG emissions.
• Regional parks: Oversees around 23 regional parks offering recreation, conservation education and habitat protection.
• Affordable housing: Through Metro Vancouver Housing, delivers over 3,400 non‑profit rental homes supporting seniors, families and those challenged by affordability.

Governance & Structure

• Operates under the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), with a Board of Directors made up of elected officials from its member jurisdictions.
• Includes four legal entities: MVRD, Greater Vancouver Water District, Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, and Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation.
• Strategic priorities are set collaboratively across municipalities through planning, data sharing and joint policy development.

Regional Planning & Growth

• Guides land use and infrastructure planning across a 2,878 km² region with about 2.64 million residents.
• Provides data tools like the Housing Data Book and mapping resources to aid decision-making.

Community Impact

• Drinking water infrastructure and watershed conservation maintain long-term supply reliability.
• Waste and sewage systems reduce environmental risks and increase recycling rates.
• Regional parks promote outdoor access, mental health and ecosystem stewardship.
• Housing initiatives deliver key social supports in the face of affordability pressures.

Conclusion
Metro Vancouver is a mature regional governance model striking a balance between service delivery, environmental stewardship, and planning for urban growth. With stable utilities and parks systems, it continues evolving governance, climate, and housing strategies to support livability across one of Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.