The way our cities and towns grow and change will have a big impact on our region's outcomes.
Most people in our region live in urban areas. Around half a million people, or 80 percent, live in Greater Christchurch (which comprises Christchurch and the surrounding towns in the Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts, including Rolleston, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Lincoln). A further 10 percent live in other urban areas across the region, including larger towns like Timaru in South Canterbury and Ashburton in Mid-Canterbury, and smaller rural townships like Temuka, Waimate and Darfield.
Many of these areas have rapidly grown over recent decades and are now facing the challenges of more forecast growth, changing demographics, climate change, greater risks from natural hazards and environmental degradation.
Key urban development issues in Canterbury
Urban development issues currently facing our region.
Housing affordability in Canterbury
The effects of rising house prices and rental costs.
Environment Canterbury's role in urban development
Our roles and responsibilities in the region.
Regional transport planning
Information on road safety, network maintenance and resilience, emissions, freight, and population growth.
- Our air quality, transport and urban development portfolio
- Canterbury Regional Policy Statement
- Greater Christchurch Partnership
- Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development
- National Policy Statement on Urban Development
- Christchurch District Plan
- Waimakariri District Plan
- Selwyn District Plan
- Waka Kotahi – Planning for quality urban spaces