The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Metro Vancouver Chapter is adding its voice and support to the broad-based coalition of business, labour, environment, student, community, health and other groups, known as the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition.
“The RAIC Metro Vancouver Chapter is launching a campaign to visually engage the public in understanding the potential impact of their vote,” said Sean Ruthen, RAIC Metro Vancouver Chapter Chair. “As architects, and as a non-profit organization dedicated to impelling design that improves quality of life, we feel this is an important issue to support vision, as it will have significant social, environmental and economic impacts on our built realm – now and for future generations. It is our hope that with approximately 1,500 registered architects and over 400 firms in the province, we can meaningfully empower informed decision-making around this historic choice for residents.”
The design of our built environment is intrinsic to the overall health, wellbeing and quality of life of our society, and it is important for everyone to understand this. Better transit and transportation helps ensure that we can continue to live in compact, connected communities – ones that enable healthy interrelationships with nature, while discouraging negative transportation choices and impacts (such as pollution, congestion, lack of affordable mobility choices, increased commute times, etc.).
“With 1 million new residents moving to the region by 2041, we must act now to protect our quality of life. If enacted, the Mayor’s Council decision will bring with it significant transportation improvements that will enhance the quality of life in our region,” said Mr. Ruthen. “The RAIC Metro Vancouver Chapter urges Metro Vancouver residents to support the YES vote and to actively preserve the benefits of a safe and healthy environment for our region.”
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About the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) vision is to be the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, demonstrating how design enhances the quality of life, while addressing important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s mission is to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture.
About Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Metro Vancouver Chapter: The Architecture Canada
RAIC Metro Vancouver Chapter was formed as a voice for Architects and Architecture in British Columbia and represents all national RAIC members currently residing in the Metro Vancouver region. It is part of the RAIC national organization and, as such, shares in its common goal of advocating for responsible design that enhances quality of life and addresses important societal issues.
One comment
I am very surprised by this. More and expanded road systems, in particular, will only make it easier for commuters, which is the stated objective. Far greater effort needs to be made to encourage businesses to relocate out to the valley so more (most) people will be able to find employment close to where they can afford to live. The assumption now is that everyone and everything needs to be force-funnelled westward into Vancouver. It does not have to be this way.