A More Sustainable Suburb? Analyzing the Relative Sustainability of Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack, British Columbia

Abstract

Given that more Canadians than ever before are living in auto-dependent suburban environments, sustainable suburban development has become a critical planning issue. Planners should identify and analyze suburban neighbourhoods that reflect more sustainable development and design. Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack, British Columbia, is one such neighbourhood, redeveloped on the former Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Chilliwack by the Canada Lands Company (CLC). The CLC is a self-financing Crown corporation that protects the Canadian public interest in terms of sustainable redevelopment and management of surplus federal land. Therefore, analysis of Garrison Crossing can reveal lessons for more sustainable suburban development and investigate the performance of this unique organization. Using modified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Development criteria, this report analyzes the sustainability of Garrison Crossing relative to three comparable projects in the suburban British Columbia Lower Mainland: Bedford Landing in the Township of Langley and East Clayton and Rosemary Heights in the City of Surrey.