Get Involved: New and ongoing public space initiatives need your input

The City of Vancouver is in the midst of a number of public-space related initiatives that you may be interested in. Though described in a recent media release as “transportation” projects, the initiatives in question will all have the potential to enhance city streets and neighbourhoods in a number of different ways. Projects include upgrades to the Georgia Gateway, improvements to the Cambie Bridge, the North East False Creek Area Plan, the Alexander Bikeway, and Mobility Pricing.

There are various consultation opportunities under way, including events taking place this coming weekend.

Excerpted and edited from the City of Vancouver Information Bulletin (November 14, 2017)

Five transportation-related projects you should provide feedback on this fall

Throughout November, the City of Vancouver is inviting the public to provide feedback on a range of transportation-related projects that will help alleviate congestion, make streets safer, create better places for people, and address the changing needs of our streets.

1. Northeast False Creek – Northeast False Creek will be a destination for people from all over Vancouver. With the area plan for Northeast False Creek now in its final stages, the public is welcomed to a pop-up shop to see how community consultation over the past 18 months has shaped the future of the area and learn about how the new transportation network would function. The Pop-up Shop is located at 511 W Broadway (at Cambie), and staff will be on hand at the following dates and times:

• Saturday, November 18, 11 am – 5 pm
• Monday, November 20, 11 am – 5 pm
• Tuesday, November 21, 11 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday, November 22, 3 – 9 pm

:: For more information on the NEFC Area Plan: vancouver.ca/nefc

2. Cambie Bridge - Over the past decade, walking and cycling volumes have grown steadily on Cambie Bridge. While there is a dedicated sidewalk for pedestrians on the west side of the bridge, there is no dedicated path for people cycling – and currently bike and pedestrian traffic share the eastside pathway – a situation that is becoming increasingly challenging. To resolve this, the City is considering an option to add a new interim southbound protected bike lane on the west side.

You can provide feedback into the interim option by:

• Emailing cambiebridge@vancouver.ca
• Attend an open house: Thursday, November 30, 2-8pm, 511 West Broadway, west of Cambie Street

:: For more information on the Cambie Bridge project: vancouver.ca/cambiebridge

3. Georgia Gateway West – The City is beginning a transportation planning process for Georgia Street, between Chilco St and Nicola St, to explore how to make Georgia a complete street that is safe, efficient, and welcoming for people of all ages, abilities, using different modes of travel. What are your experiences of Georgia Street and what could make the street safer and more welcoming?

Things kick off this Saturday with a walkshop and open house. During the walking tour, City staff will provide an overview of the project, explore challenges and opportunities at key locations, and discuss insights from your experience. The tour lasts from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Meet at Northeast Corner of W. Georgia St. & Denman St (Devonian Harbour Park). Space is limited, so please register to reserve a spot: vancouver.ca/georgiagatewaywest

The Open House takes place 1:30 to 4:30pm at Coal Harbour Community Centre (480 Broughton Street). You can meet with project staff and share your insights and experience about this area.
You can also share your thoughts, insights, concerns, and ideas online on your own time in a TALK Vancouver survey, or contact georgiagatewaywest@vancouver.ca

:: For more information or to participate in the survey visit: vancouver.ca/georgiagatewaywest
4. Alexander Bikeway – The City is planning updates to Alexander Street to make it safer and more comfortable for cyclists of all ages and abilities by slowing traffic. This will help address a major gap in the cycling network by creating better cycling connections between Gastown, Strathcona, and beyond.

You can provide feedback by:

• Emailing: BikeUpgrades@vancouver.ca
• Attending an open house: Tuesday, November 21, 2-8pm at the Vancouver Japanese Language School , 487 Alexander St

:: For more information on the Alexandra Bikeway Project: vancouver.ca/spotimprovements

5. Mobility Pricing - “It’s Time” for Metro Vancouver to have their say on how we use and pay for transportation throughout the region to reduce congestion, promote fairness and support investment in our roads and transit system. The “It’s Time” project is looking at how Metro Vancouver’s transportation system can be improved through decongestion charges, where users pay their fair share of the road services they use.

Share what you think needs to be addressed from a Vancouver perspective, and help build a tailored approach to alleviating congestion in Metro Vancouver.

:: For more information on Mobility Pricing, or to provide input: itstimemv.ca/have-your-say