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METRO VANCOUVER — It appears Metro Vancouver is slated for significant growth over the next 25 years, the latest projections indicate.

“Accurate projections help guide us as we work to build a resilient, sustainable region,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, in a statement. “This updated data allows us to work effectively with member jurisdictions, utilities, and other partners to plan for housing, jobs, and critical infrastructure while maintaining the quality of life that makes this region so unique.”

Key findings include:

• A net annual average of 50,000 new residents will move to the region each year, up from the historical average of 35,000.
• The regional population is projected to reach four million by the year 2045, nine years earlier than previously projected.
• The number of dwelling units is projected to reach 1.72 million by 2050.
• The region is expected to add about 21,000 net new units annually from 2021 to 2051.
• By 2050, the region is projected to reach 2.1 million jobs, averaging 22,500 net new jobs per year

The updated projections take into consideration recent census data, evolving federal immigration policy and trends in non-permanent residents.

In addition, about two-thirds of the new dwelling units added to the region are expected to be apartments.

Vancouver and Surrey are anticipated to take 45 per cent of the future housing growth. In the job market, the professional/technical and health/welfare sectors are projected to grow the most over the next three decades.

Metro Vancouver is using this data to help shape Metro 2050, the region’s shared vision of how projected population, housing and job growth will be managed over the next 30 years.

“This long-range plan strives to manage anticipated growth coming to the region and was co-created and supported by all municipalities, TransLink and other regional agencies,” the release reads. “Metro Vancouver analyzes and shares data in support of Metro 2050, including producing projections for population, housing, and employment.”