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A round of public engagement sessions beginning this weekend requests Vancouverites' input regarding the future north-south transportation corridor known as the Arbutus Greenway, a ribbon of public space that will link False Creek to the Fraser River. The City purchased the land — a disused historic rail corridor formerly owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway — in 2016. Their vision is to transform the route into a high-quality multi-modal space, a goal that has been City policy for over 20 years.
Under the purchase agreement, a portion of the Arbutus Greenway must be dedicated for light rail use. Pursuant to that contract, the City is planning on deploying a streetcar within the existing corridor, which is only 15 to 20 metres wide. The proposed design would see the greenway travelling though eight distinct character zones that provide a range of curated experiences, taking cues from the neighbourhoods it passes through.
The first character zone, Harvest Table, runs from West 6th Avenue at Fir Street to West Broadway, and imagines a place celebrating urban agriculture and food. A plaza on Burrard Street anchors the top end of the greenway, and as users travel through the zone, they encounter edible landscaping, community tables fit for al fresco dining, and a flex space for spontaneous activities. Separated pedestrian and bike paths are flanked by gardens, trees and parkettes.
The second zone, Electric Alley, traverses West Broadway to West 16th Avenue, and devises an urban atmosphere defined by public art, overhead frames with attached lighting, and weather protection. Conceived as "a place for movement but also a place to linger," Electric Alley would feature two plaza areas at either end of the zone.
From West 16th Avenue to West King Edward Avenue, The Ridge sees the corridor opened up. A heavy emphasis on landscaping and urban ecology is coupled with nooks to relax or socialize. Pollinator gardens and habitat boxes would be provided for birds, bees and bats, while the space is framed to capture mountain views.
The Woodland Bend occupies West King Edward to West 37th Avenue and features a Pacific Northwest canopy of coniferous and deciduous species complemented by ferns and other native plants. The Coastal Mountains are visible from several lookout points scattered along the zone, with multiple seating areas and fitness equipment for recreation.
Kerrydale Pass stretches from West 37th Avenue to West 49th Avenue in the largest retail and civic hub on the greenway. The plaza provides users with a vibrant platform for performances and programming. A sheltered coffee kiosk is surrounded by patio furniture.
The existing Victory Gardens is celebrated under the scheme for the Garden Path, which moves from West 49th Avenue to West 57th Avenue. Similar to the Harvest Table, the Garden Path intertwines urban agriculture and urban ecology, implementing design elements like wildflowers, insect hotels, and edible landscaping. A rest area at West 54th Avenue provides a focal point for social interaction and relaxation.
The seventh zone, Marpole Meander, is envisaged as a place to play. From West 57th Avenue to Southwest Marine Drive, several recreational opportunities are integrated into the greenway, including a bike skills course, ping pong tables, and a giant chess board. Seating areas and hammocks join a community "sharing shed" and additional overhead frames that accommodate lighting and public art.
The final zone from Southwest Marine Drive to Milton Street is called The Lookout. A place of connection, the defining element here will be a two-storey platform providing elevated perspectives of the Fraser River Delta, YVR and Orcas Island.
All of this would be funded partly through the development of "excess lands" that form part of the Arbutus Corridor but are not needed for future greenway purposes. The City is also looking at other funding sources, including Community Amenity Contributions and partnerships with senior levels of government.
Three upcoming open houses at 511 West Broadway will present these concepts in closer detail:
- Saturday, April 21, 12-3 PM
- Wednesday, April 25, 3:30-6 PM
- Saturday, April 28, 12-3 PM
An online survey has also been created to collect feedback on the proposed design. Presentation boards are available for viewing here. To get involved in the discussion, check out the Forum thread for the project.
