Are your daily needs within a 15- to 20-minute walk or quick transit’s distance from you?
The Village of Pemberton is looking for you to answer that question, and more, as part of its work under the provincially funded Complete Communities project during an April 8 session at the Legion.
“The Complete Communities Project measures completeness by evaluating how residents access their daily needs within close proximity of their homes,” according to a statement from the Village.
“[The event] will be an opportunity for Pemberton Valley community members to share their thoughts on housing, transportation, and access to essential services.”
In 2024, the Village of Pemberton was approved for $149,600 from the Complete Communities program, funded by the province. The program aims to help local governments and treaty First Nations in developing complete communities by “undertaking assessment to inform land use decision-making, considering housing needs, supply, and location, providing transportation options, including increased walkability; and making connections to infrastructure investment and servicing decisions.”
Pemberton’s project is being conducted in partnership with the Lil’wat Nation.
Under the B.C. Complete Communities program, administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, complete communities are communities—or subsections of larger communities—that provide diverse housing options to accommodate residents at every stage of life, and provide ample employment opportunities, amenities and services within a 15- to 20-minute walk.
Programs that advance local food security, regional transit, ensure access to grocery stores, and provide social spaces like libraries and parks help produce complete communities.
The completeness is assessed in four areas; housing, transportation, infrastructure, and daily needs, to improve residents’ access to their daily and regular needs.
“The outcomes of this project will supply evidence-based directions that can be implemented in future plans for both the Líl̓wat Nation and the Village of Pemberton,” the VOP said.
In addition to helping develop local economies, complete communities are a part of the province’s climate goals under the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030. By shortening a commute through better local employment options, or by providing adequate transit options, cars are displaced, reducing emissions.
The event is free and open to all members of the public. It starts at 5 p.m. on April 8 at the Pemberton Legion. Visit the event’s Facebook page to RSVP or for more information.
