Public participation and assessment scheme for the master plan available – attend workshops and answer the survey

The Master plan defines the growth directions of Vaasa and how different activities, such as housing, services, jobs, and recreation areas, should be located and how they should be coordinated as effectively as possible. The master plan covers the entire Vaasa, from the archipelago to Vähäkyrö, so the update will affect everyone in Vaasa in some way. For this reason, we want residents to be actively involved in the planning process.

–  The aim is to give everyone interested in the plan and in the development of Vaasa the opportunity to participate in all stages of the plan, either electronically or on the spot at various workshops and public events, says Annika Birell, master planner at the city of Vaasa.

The public participation and assessment scheme will set out in more detail the objectives of the master plan, how the planning process will proceed, and how you can influence it.

It is also possible to participate in the planning process by filling in an online survey. The survey is open from 10 May to 30 June.

– The survey will collect information on places that people consider important and worth preserving, but also on places that are perceived as problematic. By answering, you can also give your opinion on where you would see more housing being built in the future and which areas should be excluded from such development, clarifies Birell.

The information sessions and workshops to be held between May and June will invite feedback, in particular on the objectives of the plan, as well as gathering initial input for the master plan.

– Stakeholders are asked to provide as much information as possible, as all information can influence the plan and its solutions. The events will be held in different parts of Vaasa, allowing discussions that consider also any relevant local issues, says Birell.

Information and workshops will also be organised separately for people living outside Vaasa.

– Many people living outside Vaasa work in the city, and use, for example, the services of the city centre. It is important to take their ideas and opinions into account when working on the master plan, says Birell.

The participation and assessment scheme is available for consultation from 10 May to 30 June on the master plan website and at the Technical Office (Tekninen virasto, Kirkkopuistikko 26 A, 2nd floor).

Feedback on the plan and on the objectives and starting points of the planning work can be given by e-mail to vaasanyleiskaava2040@vaasa.fi, by post to City of Vaasa / Kaavoitus, PL 2, 65101 Vaasa or by visiting the address.

Master plan workshops

A total of seven informational events and workshop events will be held in different parts of Vaasa. The events are open to all and do not require advance registration.

• Monday 15 May, 18–20, Drama Hall of the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13
• Tuesday 16 May, 18–20, Sundom skola, Sundomintie 13
• Monday 22 May, 18–20, Gerby skola, Västervikintie 27
• Thursday 25 May 18–20, Variska Comprehensive School, Vanhan Vaasan katu 20
• Monday 29 May 18–20, Savilahti Comprehensive School, Savilahdentie 1–5
• Tuesday 30 May, 18–20, primarily for people living outside Vaasa, Drama Hall of the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13
• Monday 5 June, 18–20, English-language event, Drama Hall of the Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13

Facts about the master plan work

• The Vaasa Master Plan 2040 covers the entire Vaasa region. The planning area covers an area of approximately 575 km², of which approximately 210 km² are water areas.
• Vaasa currently has the Vaasa Master Plan 2030 and 13 component master plans. A total area of about 111 km² lacks a master plan, mainly in Vähäkyrö.
• The work on the master plan will review all existing plans and prepare a first master plan for those areas where one does not already exist.
• The preparation of the master plan will be the responsibility of the City of Vaasa’s city planning department. However, it does not draw up the master plan on its own, but is in constant dialogue with landowners, residents, authorities, and other stakeholders.
• The master plan is based on the city’s strategy. The main objectives are to develop Vaasa:
  • as a capital of sustainable energy
  • as an energetic and attractive city
  • as a 15-minute city
  • as a maritime city
• Vaasa’s green space framework will be updated as part of the master plan work. The Green Space Framework is a collection of different green spaces, recreational areas, parks, and outdoor trails in the city.
• Preparation of the draft master plan will start in 2024, with the aim of making the draft master plan available to the public in 2025. The draft plan will be made available to the public once the draft plan and the feedback it received have been processed into a final plan. The goal is to do this within the year 2026.
• The participation and assessment scheme will be supplemented as necessary as the planning process progresses. An up-to-date version of the participation and assessment scheme will be available on the master plan website.