What We've Heard

Public consultation in Phase 1 (November 2020 – March 2021) included an online public survey and a month-long virtual Public Open House.

Citizens were asked to share their experiences within the VMC and to provide ideas and preferences for the area’s future, including travel patterns to and from the VMC and uses for the places and spaces within the downtown core.

Over 350 people responded to the online survey and told us:

  • They like how close the VMC is to public transit, major highways and amenities.
  • They are concerned about congestion with traffic and people, as well as access to park space.
  • Their top three most critical issues regarding building a successful downtown core are:
  1. developing more parks and open spaces;
  2. implementing community services and facilities; and
  3. ensuring sufficient parking.


The month-long Virtual Public Open House included a series of three short videos, discussion forum and interactive ideas board. Over 350 members of the public explored the engagement page and 53 people contributed ideas and suggestions. We heard that a future vision of VMC should include:

  • housing variety (including rental units, affordable housing and family-sized units)
  • small, local retail and dining
  • a hub for arts, culture and entertainment
  • built form variety and high-quality design
  • a connected transportation network
  • public spaces for building community


Read the Phase 1 Engagement Summary here.

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