On October 14, Council received a report for information on the YVR Initiatives Update, outlining several initiatives that may impact the City relating to flight paths and zoning. The report notes two main initiatives: 

Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project (VAMP) 

• The VAMP proposal introduces new flight paths over north and east Burnaby including the proposed flight paths for:  
• Runway 08, which enters Burnaby just east of Forest Grove and passes over Montecito, Holdom, Brentwood, and the Heights before exiting just south of Hastings Street; and 
• Runway 26L/R, which runs immediately south of Burrard Inlet over the Heights, Capitol Hill, Westridge, and the south slope of Burnaby Mountain, then turns southeast in a curving descent over the Lougheed area before exiting Burnaby airspace.  
• NAV CANADA has maintained that the proposed alignment of the flight paths over Burnaby is the only feasible alternative and cannot be pushed further north over Burrard Inlet as per Transport Canada regulations. NAV CANADA has indicated that the VAMP procedures will come into effect in November 2025, following the release of the community consultation report.  

Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulation (VIAZR) 

• Approach Surface (Big Bend): 
• Federal rules take precedence over local bylaws and restrict uses near airports that could interfere with air traffic safety. The updates focus on two main issues: height limits for buildings, structures, and trees, and activities that attract birds. 
• Key Understandings from Discussions with YVR: 
• Height restrictions are not a concern due to the area's low elevation; 
• The regulations target high-risk bird attractants like composting sites, large grassy fields, or surface water bodies; 
• Existing wildlife-attracting uses would be grandfathered and not in violation; 
• Ecosystem restoration projects that create shrub or forest habitats are considered low risk; 
• YVR is open to a collaborative review process for future projects that might raise concerns; 
• Missed Approach Protection Surface (West Burnaby): 
• The proposed airspace zones extend beyond existing approach surfaces to ensure safe clearance for aircraft that deviate from standard flight paths during missed landings. 
• The new protection surfaces would cover large portions of Burnaby and Vancouver and may introduce additional height restrictions affecting planned developments. Burnaby and Vancouver are currently working with YVR and NAV CANADA to assess these potential impacts, propose alternatives, and refine the height limits. A future report to Council will outline the outcomes of these discussions and any new zoning requirements Burnaby must implement. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff, the flight paths, approach surface, or protection surface.