As many of us know, it can be very difficult to commute through out various areas of Vancouver, more specifically the downtown core. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, it can be hard and frustrating to get to your destination, especially during rush periods.
City of Vancouver engineers have come up with several ideas that could change Vancouver’s urban landscape. One of their ideas so far, would be to put a two-lane bike and pedestrian greenway in the middle of the Granville Street Bridge as a part of Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 plan. However nothing is set in stone yet.
Below are six ideas that the city feels would vastly improve and transform Vancouver’s public spaces, however the city would love your feedback.
1. A car-free plaza at Robson Square
The idea behind this is to transform Robson Square into a orally car-free plaza. Of course they’re still unsure about whether or not to include public transit in this area, or have transit be rerouted, and whether this car-free concept should be in effect all year-round or just seasonal. By eliminating cars, rush hour parking restrictions would be lived and would allow of permanent parking, wider sidewalks and more space for mini-parks and public seating.
2. Car-free streets in Yaletown/downtown
The busy streets of Mainland, Hamilton, Robson, Bute and Water Street, are all being considered to go car-free, due to narrow sidewalks and large pedestrian volumes, which often cause accessibility issues. It’s a great idea in these areas because of all the boutiques and restaurants that reside alone these streets, making them more accessible for shoppers. However like the first idea, public input is necessary on the idea.
3. Make streets and public spaces rain-friendly
We all know how annoying it can be to walk in the pouring rain. The city is hoping to put up more awnings and canopies that are well-designed to keep the rain away from your hair! Also, they have plans of controlling and reducing major ponding, and those crazy “splash zones.”
4. Parklets and pavement repurposing
Parklets are small sidewalk extensions or wooden platforms that are built onto parking spaces in busy commercial areas, that provide extra seating andgreenery, they are located at the end of closed streets. They help calm traffic when needed. The city also wants to scatter more of these parklets throughout the downtown area, probably around nine of them will be installed.
5. Commercial Drive and Point Grey Road revamps
These areas are of prime focus for separated bike lanes, and the removal of rush-hour parking restrictions from 1st to 10th avenues, which will help boost business, with wider sidewalks to reduce sidewalk clutter. Plans also include adding pop up cafes in parking spaces, on-street bike corrals, and improved neighbourhood parking management. City planners are meeting with businesses and residents of the area to discuss the possibilities.
6. An Arbutus greenway
The city has been negotiating with CP rail for a decade or so now to the rights to build a cyclist and pedestrian corridor that will connect False Creek and the Fraser River. Arbutus will also be slated to get a streetcar or light rail system installed.
If you feel like submitting feedback on any of the ideas mentioned, please do so before July 13 by visiting talkvancouver.com
