Metro Vancouver board backs cap on number of directors

Metro Vancouver’s board of directors has voted to support a cap of three directors for each member jurisdiction, a change that could reduce the board’s size by nearly one-quarter.

The July 24 vote retains weighted voting and would cut the board from 45 directors to 34 over time, pending provincial approval. The cap would also apply to Metro Vancouver’s housing corporation and its water, sewerage and drainage boards.

Directors supported the motion by 107 votes to 36. All directors present voted in favour except representatives from the City of Surrey and Langley Township.

Metro Vancouver said its analysis found the option could speed decisions and improve efficiency while maintaining proportional representation. It said the model would allow board membership to grow more slowly and not reach the current size by 2050.

The regional district is asking the province to amend either the Local Government Act or the Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act. The legislative process could take up to two years.