– The VPSN Team

Exploring Gastown Public Spaces – Monday, November 27

Recently, we had a chance to support the City of Vancouver’s efforts to “Reimagine Gastown Streets” by exploring a number of the neighbourhood’s key public spaces. For us, this is all part of a larger body of advocacy and placemaking work that we’ve done around Blood Alley, the Waterfront Hub, and Alexander Street (to name a few of our projects).

Coming up next Monday, November 27 at 6:00pm, we’ll be holding a small ideas jam with our team to look at developing a comprehensive set of recommendations that we can use in our advocacy work around Gastown.

If you’re interested in joining, please let us know. Email info@vancouverpublicspace.ca for more details.

“Public Space Day” at City Council – Wednesday, November 29

Speaking of advocacy… City staff will be presenting a number of updates to Council next week, including reports on Plaza Stewardship, Special Events, the Viva Vancouver (public space activation) program, Bute & Robson Plaza, and an update on the Places for People work involving the City’s downtown public spaces.

The VPSN will be reviewing all of these reports over the next few days, and we’d encourage you to do the same. And hey, you should let Council know your thoughts. More often than not, City Council only hears from people who don’t like a particular initiative… but we think there’s lots in these programs and initiatives that’s worthy of general comment and commendation! Consider informing the discussion by sharing your feedback!

:: Check out the Council Agenda (contains links to individual reports)
:: Share your thoughts – email mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca

Community Dialogue – Downtown Parks & Recreation – Wednesday, November 29

How would you like the Park Board to provide recreation, such as arts, culture, spaces and facilities, in the downtown core of Vancouver? The Vancouver Park Board is developing Vancouver’s Playbook, a new master plan to guide the delivery of vibrant parks and recreation over the next 25 years. This coming Wednesday, they’ll be holding a dialogue on the future of downtown parks and recreation facilities. The event takes place 6:30 – 9:00pm, at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. It’s free, but registration is encouraged.

:: Register for Park Board – VanPlay Community Dialogue: Downtown
:: More Info: www.vancouver.ca/vanplay

Places for People Downtown – Public Space Makers – Wednesday, December 6

As part of the Lumiere Festival, the City of Vancouver is hosting a Pecha Kucha-style discussion that looks at how our public spaces function. In particular, the event asks What kind of public spaces do we need in Downtown Vancouver? How can we better support the idea of creating public life in a rainy city?

The event takes place at Jim Deva Plaza (Bute and Davie), 6:00-8:30pm. The VPSN’s Paola Qualizza will be one of a number of presenters – so be sure to check out this exciting event!

Five More Public-Space Related Projects that 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, and while some of the open house opportunities have passed, there are other ways to share your feedback.

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

Recap: Arbutus Greenway Design Jam

October 27–29, 2017 saw the Arbutus Greenway Design Jam, an all-weekend event where 100 Vancouverites met to generate ideas for the permanent greenway. Residents discussed how to enhance biodiversity and access to nature in the city, provide spaces for play and learning at all ages, increase opportunities for public art, and honour the layered history and culture of the area.

Naomi Wittes Reichstein, Arbutus Greenway Project Lead for the VPSN, was there. You can read her write-up on our blog.

:: Read More – Building our city at the Arbutus Greenway Design Jam

Gift Ideas for the Public Space Aficionado. Your ideas?

Every few years we public a list of cool gift ideas for lovers of public space. There’s always an exciting mix of things to be found – and some of the best ideas come from readers like yourself.

If you’ve got something you think we should add to this year’s list, please email us at info@vancouverpublicspace.ca.

Volunteer Opportunities?

Interested in lending a hand with our public space work? Our next volunteer orientation session takes place on Tuesday, December 5 at 6pm. Location details are being finalized, but if you’d like to attend please email volunteer@vancouverpublicspace.ca.

Photo credit: Rain Urbanism, by Matthew Soules

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

After many years and many changing faces around the table, the City of Vancouver, earlier this month, finally published a draft area plan for the development of Northeast False Creek. The document, (which was open to comment until June 30) is the physical manifestation of not only this most recent phase of public consultation, but nearly three decades of consideration, beginning in 1990.

Spanning 152 pages, the document takes into consideration a variety of topics, such as public space, urban design, sustainability and climate change resilience, as well as the ideas of the 8,300 citizens who participated in the 2016/2017 consultation process. All of this was first and foremost informed by Council’s 11 Guiding Principles, approved in 2015.

Evolving out of the many public open houses, workshops, and online surveys were several core community values, which I also saw reflected in conversations initiated by the NEFC Park Design Advisory Group: creativity in design, affordability, accessibility and inclusion, vibrancy, connectivity, and honouring history.

How the City fared in representing these values is ultimately up to you, (don’t keep your opinions to yourself – weigh in), and my barometer is up and down on many of these points. In part, this is due to the interesting role NEFC has to play in continuing to shape the identity of our city. Located at the nexus of the Downtown Business District, the Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, and Hogan’s Alley, the neighbourhood has the potential to exemplify and celebrate the diversity for which Vancouver is known. However, it is also in a place of immediate tension, located between areas of extreme wealth and those of poverty, between those of immense privilege and the traditionally marginalized.

From a parks and greenspaces perspective, the plan holds up well against citizens’ aforementioned values. James Corner Field Operations, the landscape architects behind the design of the 13.75 acre waterfront park have done an excellent job of drafting an ecologically complex space that is both public and private, programmable while also remaining flexible. In conversation with residents, he noted the casual relationship that Vancouverites have with public space, and his intention of allowing us the freedom to decide how we want to use our new park is clear. Large green lawns, suitable to events of all sizes (if the City can relax its archaic permitting regulations), lay surrounded by forested alcoves, a stormwater-cleansing wetland, and covered hardscapes. The space is porous, accessible from all edges, with the intention to being open to a diversity of mobilities. In recent conversation with the Urban Aboriginal Advisory committee, productive discussions were had over how to ensure the park represents not only the reality of its placement on unceded Coast Salish Territory, but the city’s diversity of First Nation citizens.

And yet, while I am buoyed by this addition of greenspace to an area very much lacking (i.e., Chinatown and the DTES), I am disheartened by the privatization of the water in the form of absurd floating restaurants. By the incessant demand of developers for cars directly at the water’s edge. By the unwillingness of the City to make provisions to support local business or businesses that will benefit surrounding low income communities. By the fact that at their heart, areas 6b, 7a and 6c are not being designed for those who will call the affordable housing apartments their home; they are being designed for a wealthy, elite class first, and everyone else second.

In January, the Northeast False Creek (NEFC) park design and stewardship advisory groups reconvened beneath the Cambie Bridge in CityStudio offices to discuss and critique the emerging directions document that will inform the NEFC draft area plan (currently under development).

These directions are the result of Phase 1 of the NEFC consultation process, an outreach strategy that has involved stewardship advisory groups, an expert advisory panel, stakeholder workshops and public open houses, as well as existing city and regional policy and technical work by city staff. They were drawn within the bounds of the 11 Guiding Principles, which require that plans reconnect historic communities (DTES, Strathcona, Chinatown, etc.) with the waterfront, expand parks and open space, and engage residents in a meaningful way throughout the consultation, among other ideas.

Among the document’s most exciting highlights is the prioritization of thoughtful public space design and themes of inclusivity and sustainability that underlie public space planning. From the new NEFC park, to new streets conceived with “complete streets”* principles in mind, to the waterfront and False Creek Basin, the City stands to gain a variety of diverse public spaces in the future. While sustainability tenets are threaded throughout the document, the language becomes particularly strong where it comes to open space design, emphasizing integration of nature and complex ecosystems through use of green infrastructure, along with increased biodiversity and habitat creation. In view of the pre-eminence being given to park stewardship conducted by James Corner Field Operations and the presence of a new elementary school just west of the park, the opportunities for education here are endless.

However, the section of the document relating to public space has not passed without critique. Absent from discussions of public spaces are any guarantees – or even indications – as to which, if any, streets will remain car-free (an issue the VPSN has raised in many contexts), aside from Carrall Street between Keefer Street and Pacific Boulevard. Though both advisory groups have often been presented with inspirational photos of busy Melbourne laneways and pedestrian-packed European avenues, the fact that all of these examples are car-free often goes overlooked, and we want the City to take leadership on this issue. Encouragingly, members of both advisory groups have been united in their strong opposition to the idea of cars at the water’s edge, though we have yet to see this space guaranteed for pedestrians and cyclists alone.

Additionally, while language around sustainability design in public spaces is firm, pledging to “seek the highest levels of environmental and ecological performance,” these goals weaken when it comes to building standards. Instead, the City will “explore opportunities for sustainable building design” and “explore opportunities to maximize tree planting in public and private spaces to improve air quality and combat urban heat island effect” (emphasis added). As climate change presses upon us, we simply don’t have time for weak language, and we feel that the City must take leadership around these points.

Another of the document’s highlights is the stated desire to provide “meaningful cultural recognition and integration” of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations; urban aboriginal communities; Chinese-Canadians; and Vancouver’s Black community throughout the area’s overall plan. This is to be done via what the document calls “fulsome engagement” with these communities to uncover and recognize sites of cultural significance; create an Indigenous Peoples’ gathering space; and recognize Hogan’s Alley, Vancouver’s historic Black neighbourhood, which was demolished during the creation of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts.

It is curious how recognition of diverse cultures falls mainly within the document’s Arts and Culture section. Indeed, in conversation around parks and open space, a desire to recognize the presence of Chinese-Canadian and Black cultures appears absent. Rather than parcelling cultural recognition into a separate section, we would like to see it prioritized, woven throughout each of the emerging directions in much the same way as is sustainability. 

In sum, the emerging directions are largely positive, and I continue to be (mostly) impressed with how quickly feedback from the advisory groups is taken into consideration by the NEFC planning team.

Our next meeting will occur some time in early April. I encourage you to consider the emerging directions document and send any thoughts you may have to wendee@vancouverpublicspace.ca.

*“Complete streets” principles are rooted in inclusivity in that streets must be safe for users of all ages and abilities and the idea that streets too can be dynamic and lively public spaces.

Images: City of Vancouver

The Northeast False Creek consultation process now finds itself nearly six months deep and the subject of VPSN’s second update on the topic (see my first post here).

December marked the third meeting between the Park Design and Stewardship Advisory groups, the City, the designer (James Corner Field Operations) and Modus, the firm chosen to drive community engagement. While the advisory groups had met jointly throughout much of the process, this meeting was the first in which they had been separated, leaving the park design group to connect on a more intimate level with the City, JCFO and Modus.

Prior to presentations from each, City of Vancouver senior urban designer Pat St. Michel provided a summary of emergent ideas relating both to the park and to Northeast False Creek as a whole. Among these were:

1. the desire to expand and open the park along the water’s edge and beneath the SkyTrain;
2. the need to engage and activate the park boulevard and SkyTrain infrastructure;
3. the need to ensure that the public basin, currently well used by the water sports community, would remain so, with limitations placed upon the marina; and
4. the idea that the end of Georgia Street should be framed and punctuated with a vibrant urban square that would fade into a naturalized waterfront toward the west along the Aquilini lands.

These ideas had become prominent in meetings involving both the advisory groups and a panel of experts recruited to provide a high-level critique of the project.

Rob Barrs from Modus followed, providing an in-depth explanation of the communication and engagement plan. The program will consist of three phases, and we’re currently in Phase 1, Emerging Area Plan Directions. Broader public engagement will continue to be conducted through a combination of public events, workshops, and expert and advisory panel discussions as well as information conveyed through news releases, web updates and social media.

Among the most interesting tactics to date has been a Healthy Open Spaces workshop, which took place in mid-December (with a report to be issued in the near future). The workshop included the Vancouver Police Department, Park Board rangers, the PHS Community Services Society and the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, with additional attendees representing families and residents.

Having been involved in a number of consultations across the city, I was pleased to hear that this bold initiative would bring together seemingly disparate interests around a single table. Homelessness and use of public space by vulnerable populations, including those with addictions, is never far from any public planning discussion in Vancouver. The need for a strong social justice lens in planning for public space is critical – and my hope is that, through dialogue, we can collaborate on solutions to some of these bigger and more systemic public space considerations.

JCFO followed with a presentation and design studio, in which early ideas were introduced and priorities for the park pulled apart and prodded. Both advisory groups have repeatedly stressed the importance of a flexible open space suitable for passive play by those who may be walking through or observing, rather than participating in activity. However, achieving this goal may not be easy. Chief among the ambitions is the desire to ensure that the park is a “destination,” ready for large event programming in what is being described as a new entertainment district.

There is an inherent tension in the various roles and expectations that are being advanced around the park. Will the focus be on its role as a city-wide magnet for residents and tourists, and if so, how will it function as gathering place for neighbouring communities (particularly the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown)?

Regardless, key features such as showcasing Carrall Street as an historical (and pedestrian-friendly) artery have ensured that the park will be distinctly Vancouver in its design. Other elements, such as a resilient shoreline built for sea-level rise, native plants, and green infrastructure for stormwater management, also make adapting to climate change a strong design theme. These environmentally conscious directives are emphasized in a variety of Vancouver policies, such as the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Biodiversity Strategy and the Bird Strategy, policies that this park is promising to unite together on a large scale.

Our next meeting is set for January 18. In the meantime, please send any issues you’d like raised or questions you’d like answered around the park’s design or the consultation strategy to wendee@vancouverpublicspace.ca.

Images: Feature image courtesy James Corner Field Operations; timeline via City of Vancouver

After a lengthy application and recruitment process, two new City advisory groups – the Northeast False Creek Stewardship Group, and the Park Design Advisory Group – sat down for their first meeting in late August. Appointed by the City, these two groups marks a new phase in a consultation process that began many years prior, and which seeks to guide the redevelopment of lands adjacent to Science World, Andy Livingstone Park, Creekside Park, and Rogers Arena.

In total there are 28 members (16 in the Stewardship Group and 12 on the Park Design Advisory Group, or PDAG), representing a range of community interests from mobility and access for those differently abled, to public art, to skateboarding, to Chinese seniors, False Creek residents and more. I represent the Vancouver Public Space Network, and serve as a member of the PDAG. Our task is to provide advice on the design of more than 12 acres of parkland for the neighbourhood (see the Terms of Reference for the Group’s full mandate).

In addition requesting a substantial expression of interest and intent, the application process was designed to bring together a diverse group, with attention to a balancing gender and ethnocultural composition. Diversity is important to note when discussing an area situated in close proximity to Chinatown, the Downtown East Side and the downtown core. As these neighbourhoods continue to rapidly develop, the robustness of this consultation process has the potential to set a precedent for further consultations in the area.

The work of the two groups will carry on until September 2017 (for the Parks Group) and November 2018 (for the Stewardship Group). This timeline is designed to ensure input is developed into the City’s final report and area plan, (intended to be complete next December). During this time, concurrent consultations will occur with various other stakeholder groups and the general public, the results of which will be reported back at our meetings. This engagement process has only just started – with a well-publicized and popular “Planning Party” kick-off event taking place in mid-September. It was great to see all the enthusiasm for this process, and my fellow advisory group members and I are eager to build upon the thoughts of the broader community.

As of yet, our groups have only met twice. The first meeting was an orientation consisting of an overview of area planning history and context (see the City’s backgrounder for more details), as well as a site visit, and interactive mapping. Our second session focused on examining the city’s engagement plan. Our third meeting is set to take place later this week, on October 22.

At our last session, we discussed the factors that will contribute to the new area plan’s success. Some of the ideas focused on process. Many in my group talked about the importance of reaching out to groups traditionally marginalized from engagement processes, ensuring consultation facilitators are well versed in the community’s background and values, and utilizing multi-lingual communication materials. Another key point raised, was ensuring that a variety of voices are heard – and the issue of loud versus quiet voices. We discussed the importance of ensuring balanced input so that groups who are used to having their opinions heard, do not dominate all airtime.

Other ideas zeroed in on content – and various ideas for the vision for Northeast False Creek were identified, including access to nature, programming, social interaction, aesthetics and safety (see the guiding principles here). Alongside concepts of flexible programming, rainproofing, the prioritization of biodiversity and wild landscapes, there were conversations about how the space would be experienced by different groups of users, young, old, differently abled. What would the area smell like? How would it sound? How would it feel?

At our next meeting, we will delve deeper into these issues after hearing presentations from landowners and partaking in a City-led design exercise. Given that the focus of the Park Group is on the creation of important public space, my VPSN colleagues and I are interested to know your priorities for the area. What should we be taking forward to the Park Group? What are the values you would like to see reflected in this redesigned space? What are your favourite places in the surrounding neighbourhoods? How would you like to see the principles there, reflected in Northeast False Creek? Feel free to share your thoughts by email. You can reach me at wendee [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca.

For further information of the process to date, please see the October 5 update to City Council.

First up, the POP (Power of Placemaking) Crawl – a self-guided exploration of new and emergent placemaking initiatives in the downtown. Then, at 7pm, join us for our VPSN Time + Place 10-year Anniversary Party at the Pendulum Gallery.

It’s a great day for public space exploration, and a fantastic evening to have a party. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

POP (Power of Placemaking) Crawl (5-8pm)

Join us for Vancouver’s first #POPCrawl – a create your own adventure exploration of Vancouver downtown public space.

This free event will kick off at the #POPCrawl Launch Party from 5PM to 6:30PM at the 800 Block of Robson Street with food trucks, music, surprise activities and more.

Grab a #POPCrawl Passport and venture out to discover downtown Vancouver’s public spaces like you’ve never seen them before. Each site will have something exciting for you to enjoy, as our Community Partners will ensure there is a surprise activation waiting for you!

Can’t make it to the Launch Party? No problem, swing by any of our sites to pick up your #POPCrawl Passport and start your journey there. Most sites will be activated from 5-8PM, some running a bit longer. Refer to the online map for more details for each site.

More information – POP Crawl webpage.

VPSN Time and Place: 10-year Anniversary Party (7-10pm)

Hey everybody, guess what? The Vancouver Public Space Network turns 10 this year!

To mark the occasion we are throwing a kick-ass party in one of downtown Vancouver’s most temporal public spaces. You’re invited! Help us to celebrate a decade of placemaking, public space advocacy and urban shenanigans.

THEME: “Time and Place”
LOCATION: Pendulum Gallery, 885 W Georgia (at Hornby)

To realize the theme of “time and place,” we’ll be transforming the Pendulum Gallery with a series of installations and animation “stations.” What’s on order? Lots!

• Our VPSN memory wall
• A city-history movie theatre
• Music courtesy of VPSN -alum and local celeb DJ Simon
• A city-themed market (featuring awesome local artisans + one international guest!)
• “Design the city” interactive art project
• Large format games
• A fortune teller
• A place of sublime portraiture
• A public square + benchlet prototype
• Food and drink (including a cash bar with local beer + wine)
• Expo 86 “An Unofficial History” display
• and lots of other activities, including some very special guests

The Time + Place Party is being held at the Pendulum Gallery (HSBC Building Lobby) – 885 W Georgia Street. The event is free.

To RSVP – VPSN Time + Place Eventbrite Page

Other Placemaking and Public Space Events

• Northeast False Creek Planning Launch, 5-9pm, Plaza of Nations
• Keys to the Streets – Sunset Serenade, 6-8pm, Spyglass Dock
• Active Fiction – Various locations, Riley Park, now through September 18. The Active Fiction Project creates short, fictional, stories set in a Vancouver neighbourhood that feature you, the reader, as the protagonist. The self-guided stories are ‘hidden’ in public spaces for readers to discover by walking or biking.

Plaza of Nations - Photo by: Hub☺ - flickr.com/hfiguiere

Next week, the City of Vancouver is hosting three open houses to seek public input on the proposed development of the Plaza of Nations site. Owned by Canadian Metropolitan Properties, this site will be completely transformed in a few years into a high-density mix of condominiums, job space, hotels, retail, restaurants and cafes, marinas, plazas/open space, and the continuation of the much-adored seawall. Two extra-spicy ingredients are also part of CMP’s suggested recipe for the site – a new civic square on the waterfront, and a sports/community centre.

The proposed civic square will be a large public gathering space right on the edge of False Creek with a south-facing orientation to soak up the sun and offer views of the creek. Designed to host events, festivals, and concerts for up to 4,000 people, this space will also be built for the day-to-day use of area residents and visitors who just want a space to relax, grab a bite to eat, or hang out with friends. This plaza has great potential to act as a new space for public celebration and recreation and could become one of Vancouver’s prize jewels on the waterfront.

How would you like to see this space used? What considerations should the developers review when designing this multi-use/flexible plaza?

The proposed sports/community centre, located just west of the civic square, would be a mixed-use centre with an ice rink that would be open to the public when not being used for practice by the Vancouver Canucks. Operated as a unique partnership between the developers and Vancouver Parks Board, the facility would also be home to a sports medical centre, daycare, community recreation space, and restaurants.

There are many points to consider here, such as access, accountability, costing (fees for use), recreational opportunities, and building form. Also, how does the public feel about the potential for corporate naming rights on the centre? This centre, if done well, could become a unique public/private hybrid providing recreational and sports services for a variety of users.

Some other points to ponder when attending this open house:

• Is the density and massing of buildings appropriate for this site?
• Are there any shadowing issues for the proposed gathering spaces?
• Is there enough open space for the number of future residents?
• How will this development be stitched into the existing neighbourhood and other proposed adjacent projects?
• Are the suggested public benefits and community amenities satisfactory?

The project is still in the concept stage, but whatever gets built will have a significant impact on Northeast False Creek and other nearby neighbourhoods. Your feedback and suggestions on all of the above are really important. If you’re interested in learning more about the proposal, or would like to share your opinion on the development, be sure to attend one of the following open houses:

Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., site walking tour 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 11, 2011, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m., site walking tour 3 pm
Meeting Room B, Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

Sunday, June 12, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, Athletes Way, Olympic Village

• Feature Article – North East False Creek – Up for Rezoning
• Upcoming VPSN Meetings – (Transit, Public Art and more…)
• Public Space Events – Greenest City Camp
• Volunteer – Jobs & Next Volunteer Meeting
• Blog Roll

FEATURE STORY: North East False Creek – Up for Rezoning…

After years of discussions between City planners, property owners, and members of the community, development in North East False Creek has taken its first major step toward construction after several evenings of public hearings over the last two weeks. The decisions regarding these applications and the details within will set the tone for future applications. A brief description of the first rezoning applications is:

1. 777 Pacific Boulevard (for the casino/entertainment complex and stadium improvements);
2. 10 Terry Fox Way (eastern side of the Cambie Bridge off-ramp, known as Concord area 5b East) and;
3. 10 Terry Fox Way (its western counterpart, 5b West)

The VPSN encourages anyone interested in learning more about the details of these applications to visit the City’s website and read the reports for each property. People also have the option of attending the next public hearing March 7th so they can share their concerns in person. Links to the Staff Reports to Council, and more information about the proposed development in Northeast False Creek can be viewed on the City’s webpages, and you can also see a longer VPSN blog post on the subject here.

The residents of the False Creek area have been working hard to advocate for benefits that bring direct improvements for their own neighbourhood. So far, the Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) suggested have proven to be a disappointment for many and a windfall for the developer – Concord.

It is for the reasons noted below that the Vancouver Public Space Network will not support the rezoning application for 5B East and West and urge City Council to revisit the CAC’s to better reflect the needs of the community and livability of Vancouver.

The proposed CACs:
• Describe no benefit to the immediate neighbourhood or larger community
• Inadequate in meeting current and future residents needs
• Identify only marginal or temporary public open space
• Do not provide affordable housing in the NEFC neighbourhood

The proposed list of CAC’s for the rezoning applications of 5b east and west describe a serious oversight and a lack of understanding to the needs and expectations of the local community and of Vancouverites in general. This oversight is illustrated in many ways. One example is the proposed “amenity” of the leftover, dark, noisy and cramped space under the Cambie Bridge off ramp offered as public “recreation” space. This offer is a bonus for the developer as it cannot be developed for profit and has very limited use for the public. Appropriate community benefits that will directly improve livability for the existing residents, and the future thousands who will live there in the years to come, will prove to be the true means of measuring success for NEFC. Now is the opportunity for Council to maximize this opportunity, to get the ‘biggest bang for their buck’, and help realize the fullest potential for NEFC.

:: For more information on the VPSN’s work on NEFC – urbandesign [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

ENGAGE: Upcoming VPSN Meetings

Monday, March 7, 2011 – Public Transit Working Group Meeting
We will be discussing policy positions that will feed into the Public Transit portion of the upcoming VPSN manifesto, as well as get an update on the status of projects on our horizon: Turnstiles in SkyTrain Stations, and our Bus Pass Ad Space Reclamation event. Meeting takes place at SFU Harbour Centre (room TBD) at 6:30pm
:: To RVSP email Karen – quinn [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Thursday March 3, 2011 – Transit Project Meeting – Turnstiles in SkyTrain Stations
This is a project meeting to brainstorm project ideas that explore the future installation of turnstiles in SkyTrain stations and the impacts of both turnstiles and smart cards on SkyTrain stations as quasi-public space. Meeting takes place at Vancouver Public Library – Central Library in Library Square, Thursday, March 3rd, 5:30pm
:: To RVSP email Karen – quinn [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Thursday March, 3, 2011 – Public Art Working Group Meeting
The Public Art group will be meeting this Thurs, Mar 3rd in the Central Library downtown – exact meeting location will be sent out shortly. We’ll be teaming up with a local arts team to plan out VPSN’s role in helping them install and run a cool, under the radar, public art project. The project will involve video projections and special access to a sealed off part of the Burrard Bridge. Come meet with us and find out how you can get involved!”
:: To RVSP email Jaspal – jaspal [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

PARTICIPATE: Public Space Events

A sampling from our events calendar. If you’ve got an event you’d like to share, please send us an email at events [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Thursday, March 2 – Saturday March 5, 2011 – Community Economic Development Conference
The Canadian CED Network, together with their members in BC are hosting a gathering for everyone interested in organizing for change in their communities. The event will launch with guided visits to projects and initiatives in Vancouver that demonstrate successful applications of community economic development followed by a full day of workshops and dialogue. 
:: More information

Saturday, March 05, 2011 – Greenest City “UnConference”
Join City of Vancouver staff and community members as they jam on making Vancouver the greenest city in the world. The day will be an “unconference” which means that all of the participants -that’s you! – jointly create the agenda and lead discussions, talk about projects and find solutions. We provide the space, some background information, the coffee, the cookies and some fun. Then turn it over to you!

It’s a lot of chaos, a lot of connection, a lot of fun and will result in a lot of action. You will also have the opportunity to meet folks from the City, learn about the draft Action Plans, and help fine tune and prioritize actions before they go to City Council.
And by the end of the day, everyone should leave with concrete ideas and action items on how they fit into the map of making Vancouver the Greenest City by 2020. The event runs from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the SFU Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings Street.

If you don’t have your tickets yet, buy them today through @ethicalDealVan for $12 (52% off): http://ow.ly/45ITD
:: To register visit their website here

VOLUNTEER

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 – Volunteer Orientation Session
Want to get involved in public space research, advocacy and action? Join us for our monthly volunteer orientation – a helpful session that gives an overview of the VPSN’s mission, what we do, and how we do it. The meeting runs from 6:30-7:30pm and is open to the public. Takes place at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings, in one of the 3rd Floor meeting rooms.
:: To RSVP erin [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Volunteer Jobs
We’re currently looking for a few dedicated folks to fill coordinator positions. These require a bit more work, but come with great rewards.

• Corporatization & Privatization Coordinator
• Democratic Spaces Coordinator – focusing on municipal election activity
• Pedestrian Issues Coordinator
• Cycling Issues Co-Coordinator
• Urban Design Co-Coordinator
• Communications Co-Coordinator

To find out more about these positions and what’s entailed, please contact Erin O’Melinn – erin [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition – Seeks Board Members
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is seeking nominations to serve on their board of directors. Their AGM is March 26th and they welcome applications from interested community members.
:: For more info – Lori Kessler, elections@vacc.bc.ca

GOOD READING: VPSN Blog Roll

A recap of some of our popular posts from the past month or so…

February 24, 2011: Favourite places and the people that inhabit them: heritage spots and Granville dance parties
This just in… a couple of interesting public space-related initiatives that you might have heard about, which combined tell something of a story about public life in Vancouver….

Feb 18, 2011 A dose of culture: weekend public space events at the Museum and Art Gallery
Profiling the excellent WE: Vancouver exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery… which the VPSN is very proud to be part of!

February 15, 2011 – Poor David Lam Park…
Poor David Lam Park can’t cut a break…As we speak, half of David Lam Park’s main field (and with it: most of it’s functionality) is closed off due to construction of BC Hydro’s City Central Transmission Project.

February 15, 2011 – Cameras on the streets of Van-town
A couple months ago, we shared our thoughts with you on the extension of ICBC’s intersection camera program. As part of a $23 million program, 140 new cameras have been introduced to intersections around the province ….

February 7, 2011 – Greenspace planning: a tale of two measures
When the City’s Bright Green Future Report was first produced, it contained a number of draft goals and targets – one of which was that Vancouverites should have “incomparable access to nature”…

January 31, 2011 – Jan Gehl: cars and effect
Jan Gehl designs Cities for People. In a field dominated by the sweeping sculptural works of starchitect icons such as Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, Gehl instead practices a slow and iterative approach to intervening in urban life – and, in particular, ‘life between buildings’…

1. 777 Pacific Boulevard (for the casino/entertainment complex and stadium improvements);
2. 10 Terry Fox Way (eastern side of the Cambie Bridge off-ramp, known as Concord area 5b East) and;
3. 10 Terry Fox Way (its western counterpart, 5b West)

The VPSN encourages anyone interested in learning more about the details of these applications to visit the City’s website and read the reports for each property. People also have the option of attending the next public hearing March 7th so they can share their concerns in person. Links to the Staff Reports to Council, and more information about the proposed development in Northeast False Creek can be viewed on the City’s webpages. You can also see a longer VPSN blog post on the subject here.

The residents of the False Creek area have been working hard to advocate for benefits that bring direct improvements for their own neighbourhood. So far, the Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) suggested have proven to be a disappointment for many and a windfall for the developer – Concord.

It is for the reasons noted below that the Vancouver Public Space Network will not support the rezoning application for 5B East and West and urge City Council to revisit the CAC’s to better reflect the needs of the community and livability of Vancouver.

The proposed CACs:

• Describe no benefit to the immediate neighbourhood or larger community
• Inadequate in meeting current and future residents needs
• Identify only marginal or temporary public open space
• Do not provide affordable housing in the NEFC neighbourhood

The proposed list of CAC’s for the rezoning applications of 5b east and west describe a serious oversight and a lack of understanding to the needs and expectations of the local community and of Vancouverites in general. This oversight is illustrated in many ways. One example is the proposed “amenity” of the leftover, dark, noisy and cramped space under the Cambie Bridge off ramp offered as public “recreation” space. This offer is a bonus for the developer as it cannot be developed for profit and has very limited use for the public. Appropriate community benefits that will directly improve livability for the existing residents, and the future thousands who will live there in the years to come, will prove to be the true means of measuring success for NEFC. Now is the opportunity for Council to maximize this opportunity, to get the ‘biggest bang for their buck’, and help realize the fullest potential for NEFC.

:: For more information on the VPSN’s work on NEFC – urbandesign [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca