The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) is currently working to harmonize the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability with its every day business practices. The Community Engagement Program is one component of the social pillar of sustainability that will provide a framework for the VPA to engage its host municipalities and align social sustainability goals with environmental and economic goals.

The Community Engagement Program will embed an engagement philosophy into the VPA's business practices, moving beyond traditional public relations and consultation to true community dialogue and placing community interests in a more central and influential position. The VPA will assume a facilitative and proactive approach to planning and the identification and management of potential issues in partnership with its port communities.

The community engagement program consists of a six initiatives: Port Industry Partnerships, Municipal Government Relations, Community Liaison and Dialogue, Community Relations, Port Planning Consultation and Community Investment. The VPA is targeting early 2008 for the launch of the program.