Vancouver Connects

Staying the course

During this time of ambiguity and transition, I want to be clear that the City of Vancouver is working to stay the course for the future that we plotted before the recent change of federal administrations.

The City remains committed to our long-term vision, continuing key initiatives despite federal policy changes. Your priorities: community safety, homelessness, economic opportunity, livability and affordable housing, guide our work and investments.

City projects and programs such as the construction of a bridge shelter, vehicle electrification, complete streets and the update of our comprehensive plan continue to drive these priorities forward. Learn more about our priorities for the year ahead in my latest update. 

On March 5, the City closed the Mill Plain sound wall encampment. Like all our emergency response efforts, this process prioritized compassionate outreach and connecting those living outside to services and shelter. 

Over the last six months, we partnered with the Vancouver Housing Authority and the Council for the Homeless to speed up creating additional space for individuals living outside to access shelter. A $1M Affordable Housing Fund grant provided rental assistance to current Safe Stay residents to make it possible.

• 24 people moved into supportive shelter at a City Safe Stay/Park
• 35 people were offered safe storage of their belongings for 60 days
• Vancouver Police Department made 15 arrests, 12 of those individuals received citations into Community Court 

The area is now closed to camping under the City’s emergency order.

Main Street Promise construction is underway to make downtown more accessible, vibrant and pedestrian friendly. Small businesses are open and they need your support now more than ever! Parking and getting to your favorite business may be easier than you think. 

Ever park at a big box retail store? On average, you’re walking 200-300 feet from your car to the front doors. And once inside, the walking continues. You’ll travel about 1,500 feet to get to your typical dairy section.  

Within three blocks of the Main Street Promise corridor, there are 2,321 public parking spots available – even more if you’re using private lot options. With 80 spaces closed due to construction, you’ll still average seven parking spots within a four-minute walk to your destination. Just four short minutes to your favorite coffee, tea or nibbles!

With more than 300 businesses on Main Street alone, there’s plenty to check out.  Explore Main Street. 

When a property owner decides they want to make a change on their property, those changes have to meet the City’s zoning code, among other regulations. The zoning code lays out requirements for building height, what uses are allowed, how much open space is required, where parking can go, and much more.

The rules in the zoning code get updated regularly to make sure they support the community’s vision, and right now, they’re going through a BIG update as part of the comprehensive plan process.

Learn about what different kinds of development could be allowed where you live, work, or play by exploring the land use possibilities for Vancouver’s future! Later this spring, you'll have the opportunity to comment on a report that describes the potential environmental impacts of the land use possibilities.

Protecting public health and providing a safe water supply is a top priority for Vancouver. We are monitoring, researching, and planning how to resolve the challenge of PFAS in our water supply. Our efforts are on track to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) implementation deadline of 2029 for PFAS treatment solutions.

Water samples taken from wellfields on Feb. 19 were, as expected based on previous sampling, above the EPA's maximum contaminant levels at eight of our nine wellfields. Learn more about PFAS and view all sampling results.