FREMP > Estuary Management Plan > Area Designations

Area Designations are a cooperative planning tool used by FREMP partners and municipalities to develop a shared understanding of planned future uses of the foreshore within the Fraser River estuary. Area Designations are also used as a means to resolving disputes regarding acceptable foreshore uses in specific areas.

Area Designations are applied to the foreshore only. That is, they apply to lands and waters on the wetted side of the high water mark. The development of Area Designation Agreements, however, is intended to link the work of different jurisdictions, leading to better coordination between upland and foreshore planning. Area Designations are non-binding in a legal sense, but are respected as policy when FREMP partners develop and revise planning documents.

The action concerning area designations is found in the FREMP Estuary Management Plan Industrial and Urban Development Action Program. Specifically, the action is to complete the Area Designations where the parties are ready to move forward.

Six Area Designation Statements of Intent have been concluded: Richmond (1991), Burnaby (1993), White Rock (1997), New Westminster (1999), Surrey (2001), and Coquitlam (2002). The Delta Area Designation process is currently underway.

Area Designation Task Groups are convened and meet as needed to complete the Area Designation Process or revise existing Area Designations. To view a list of the FREMP partner staff participating in the Area Designation Task Groups, click here.