City invites feedback on Northeast False Creek plans in new round of open houses
Stephanie Ip
The Vancouver Sun
More public spaces, a new Georgia Street ramp, and a desire to reconnect Vancouver’s historic communities are emerging as key components in a new area plan for Northeast False Creek, according to a report forwarded to city council this week in advance of a new round of community consultations taking place this month.
In 2015, Vancouver City Council approved a $200-million plan to remove the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, which connect False Creek with downtown Vancouver. Since then, a largely undeveloped 50-hectare section of the Northeast False Creek neighbourhood has been under scrutiny as the city, stakeholders, and community members develop a plan for the area.
The report, which was released earlier this week, outlines feedback received by the city through community engagement and from stakeholder consultations last fall, as well as proposed details on what Northeast False Creek might look like in the future.
“There’s tremendous potential there and this could be breathtaking,” said Coun. Geoff Meggs on Wednesday of the new report. “It’s important for people to take a look and give their two cents worth.”
It’s expected the neighbourhood could welcome between 8,000 to 10,000 new residents.
Several areas have also been identified as possible public space plazas, including a waterfront arts pavilion at the foot of Georgia Street that could serve for public events, demonstrations, and festivals. Also proposed is a closure of Carrall Street south of Keefer Street, in order to accommodate a pedestrian and cycling only promenade that connects Chinatown to Creekside Park through Andy Livingstone Park.
Much of the plan details ways to reconnect the area’s historic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, Grandview-Woodland, Hogan’s Alley, and the waterfront.
However, Concord Pacific remains the owner of a key parcel of land along the Northeast False Creek waterfront, which means there’s still much to be sorted before the plan can move forward. Concord Pacific has indicated they plan to apply for re-zoning but have been in talks with the city to ensure any future developments would work with the city’s plans for the area.
“So that is a complication, not to mention the fact that the new development really has to knit together what’s become a key part of the city, with two stadiums there, the new casino opening, Yaletown development, and all that kind of thing so it’s a real challenge,” said Meggs.
“So the discussions are continuing between city staff and Concord on that side but I think people are moving ahead on the assumption that it would be better if we could manage to replace the viaducts and achieve our larger park space and better connections.”
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