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

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.

North East False Creek Area 5B Photo: City of Vancouver

On Thursday, February 17th, 2011, Planning Staff will be presenting City Council with reports regarding three rezoning applications for developments in Northeast False Creek (NEFC.) This Council meeting represents a significant milestone for the neighbourhood, as it marks the formal beginning of this project coming to life. After years of discussions between City planners, property owners, and members of the community, development takes its first major step forward toward construction. Needless to say, the decisions regarding these applications and the details within will set the tone for future applications.

Racing out of the gate on February 17th will be not one, not two, but three applications, all regarding properties to be found on the western side of the neighbourhood. They include:

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)

Part of the excitement for this Council meeting is the anticipation of finding out which Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) will be leveraged for each application. Residents of the existing False Creek area have been working hard to advocate for benefits that bring direct improvements for their own neighbourhood. So far, the CACs suggested have proven to be a disappointment for many and a windfall for Concord, one of the developers.

I would encourage 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 Council meeting on the 17th 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 here.

The powers that be have proposed that the benefit for the new roof and stadium makeover will be…the new roof and the stadium makeover. And as for 5b East, Concord has offered a cash fund of $6 million to the City. This money has not been formally allocated to a particular project yet, but many are hoping that at least a portion of it will be used to improve the (too) popular greenspace at nearby Coopers Park.

The proposed CACs for 5b West at the moment are a mixed bag of benefits, totaling nearly $20 million. However, the community has already raised some concerns about the offering. As seen in the table below, part of the deal includes transferring title of two Hastings properties to the City that Concord currently owns. Normally it would be required that 20% of the units on site be dedicated to non-market housing, however Staff recommend that the swap take place as the small size of 5B West would make it difficult to construct a purpose-built non-market housing building on site.

Source: City of Vancouver Staff Report: CD-1 Rezoning – 10 Terry Fox Way (Concord Area 5b West)

While some applaud the unorthodox move as a means to bring non-market housing to the area of Vancouver that needs it most, the Downtown Eastside, many others feel that Concord is getting the much better half of the deal, as it is unlikely that the Hastings sites would be suitable (or welcomed) for market housing anyway. Also, with no funding currently in place to construct social housing on those properties, there is a good chance that they may be sitting as empty lots for quite some time.

The other proposed ‘amenity’ is the leftover, dark and cramped space under the Cambie Bridge off ramp as a “recreation” space. Concord can’t build anything on this bridged-over space so why not hand it over for almost a $1 million credit? Skateboarders may get excited about the potential for more covered space to practice their craft but it is unlikely that this type of activity will be accepted by the future condo dwellers living a few meters away.

One of the biggest expectations for all of NEFC is the planned extension of Creekside Park. Residents in the area have been waiting for many years with the hopes that the much-desired greenspace expansion would take place sooner rather than later. Expectations have been high, and earlier conversations with the property developers indicated that the park extension would likely be the final piece of development in NEFC, rather than building the park first. Offered perhaps as a compromise, one of the benefits offered for 5b West includes leasing two acres of Concord land for a 15-year term for the park’s extension, along with some funds for creating that temporary park. This proverbial ‘olive branch’ seems to have raised far more questions and concerns than answers or solutions.

For one, it confirms that the full, complete build-out of Creekside Park won’t be happening anytime soon. And also, how much park can be built with only $500,000? Will the park extension merely be two acres of sod next to Concord’s showroom? How will this temporary park fit into the larger (yet to be made) master plan for the Creekside extension? And what happens to the temporary improvements in 15 years if the park’s master plan isn’t ready yet to be developed?

As mentioned earlier, next Thursday’s Council meeting really is a precedent-setting situation. Many more applications for NEFC will be following soon and both the developers and the community will be watching carefully to see what it will take to win the hearts – and approval – of Vancouver’s Council. Being able to leverage a range of appropriate community benefits that will directly increase livability for the existing residents, and the future thousands who will live there in the years to come, will prove to be 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, all in the spirit of cooperation, of course.

• substantial residential and commercial development
• a new, large civic plaza to be built where Enterprise Hall sits now, to be designed to host festivals
• and other community events (for up to 4000 people), and also suitable for day-to-day use
• a privately-owned and operated community space which will have a full NHL-sized ice rink for Canucks practice and public skating outside these hours, plus daycare and other community sports/recreation space
• restaurants and cafes
• a continuation of the seawall
• some greenspace, floating promenades, and marinas

Specific details for the CMP proposal, as well as all the visuals and display boards from the open house can be found on the City’s website. There is also an important opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions via a linked survey:

:: www.vancouver.ca/nefc

To better understand the importance of this property, a bit of background on the whole NEFC project is useful. In November 2009, the City of Vancouver Council approved the recommendations noted in the document “Northeast False Creek Directions for the Future” to supplement existing policy and guide future planning in NEFC. There were a number of directions given by Council that define the redevelopment of this area:

• NEFC will see housing for over 7200 new residents upon build-out
• Provide 1.8 million square feet of ‘job space’ – commercial development
• Densities in NEFC will be among the highest in Vancouver with a floor space ratio (FSR) in the range of 6 to 9. As a comparison, the West End ranges from 1.5 to 4 FSR, Downtown South ranges from 3 to 6 FSR and in the Central Business District up to 9 FSR (although predominantly office use).
• Historically, the park ratio of 2.75 acres per thousand residents has been used to develop new public open space. Direction was given to provide only 5 acres of new public open space – 1/3 of the typical amount for the NEFC area.

The Vancouver Public Space Network believes that this proposed deficiency in public open space is unacceptable. The comparable existing North False Creek neighbourhood surrounding David Lam Park has been developed to have the typical 2.75 acres of public open space for each 1000 residents. This neighbourhood is a world-renowned example for livability and urban development, and has won numerous awards for its high quality and plentiful public open spaces. It is incomprehensible that the plan for the NEFC area would propose a drastic departure from this respected urban example and reduce the amount of public space. To remain a desirable place to live, attract people, business and tourists, Vancouver must continue to retain and develop a variety of open spaces to allow for a diverse range of activities and recreational opportunities.

While CMP’s proposal for the Plaza of Nations and surrounding land is commendable with its aim to provide a vibrant, mixed-use, high-density waterfront neighbourhood, it does fall short on a few key components. The current proposal fails to meet several of the City of Vancouver’s criteria;

• City staff have recommended that a total of 80,000 ft2 of public open space be provided on the property
• 67,000 ft2 is proposed in CMP’s plans
• City of Vancouver staff has recently identified an overwhelmingly high demand for public performance space in and around the downtown area
• The current proposal provides a plaza but does not meet the criteria set in the recently-completed Demand Analysis Study for Cultural Performance / Event Spaces

The Vancouver Public Space Network understands that a large public performance space that is managed and owned by the public is critical to providing access to a public plaza that is centrally located and cherished by all. The plaza can be a venue for numerous community celebrations such as the Taiwanese Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and other cultural events. The direct access to the water is essential for this space to provide the flexibility for the largest range of events possible plus retaining visual and physical public access to False Creek.

The public benefit/amenity strategy described in the NEFC development process is limited in range and detail. This is unfortunate because it is clear that Vancouverites, particularly in the downtown peninsula, require more daycare, playground space, sports fields and programmed community activity spaces like the Roundhouse Community Centre. The success of the Roundhouse is an indication that indoor community spaces are needed for downtown residential areas. These are needs that, even in the absence of any residential development in the NEFC area, will only increase in the coming years. With thousands of new residents projected in NEFC these needs will be exacerbated.

The proposed plan has identified a privately owned and managed waterfront practice rink for the Vancouver Canucks. It is suggested that the ice rink would be accessible to the public when the Canucks are not using it. The building would also house daycare spaces as well as public community space for sports and recreation. While there is little doubt that the neighbourhood is hungry for recreational space such as this one, it is difficult to imagine that a private facility designed and built for private interests will serve the public and truly be affordable and accessible to all the residents of Vancouver.

HOW CAN YOU HELP/GET INVOLVED?

For everyone who was not able to attend the open house held this past Wednesday, there is still an opportunity to learn more about the development, and provide your own feedback. The link below will connect you with the City’s website for the NEFC development. In addition to the overall aims for the neighbourhood, all of the display boards from the Dec 8 Open House are available for viewing. There is also an attached survey. For anyone who has an interest, concern, or suggestion for this development, this is your best opportunity to provide feedback!

:: www.vancouver.ca/nefc

The survey will be available until December 20, 2010, so now is your chance to share your own ideas or concerns. The survey is directly linked to the details outlined in the display boards, so make sure you have a close look at them before filling out the online form.

For anyone interested in reading more about the recommendations for the civic plaza outlined in the City’s demand study, you can check out the final report for the Demand Analysis Study for Cultural Performance / Event Spaces at the above link under the column “Project News” on the right-hand side.

As one of the largest pieces of property to be developed along the shores of False Creek, the former Plaza of Nations land not only represents an ideal opportunity to create a waterfront community that is high in density and vibrancy, providing homes and work places for thousands, but also one that is host to a generous offering of attractive open spaces. As part of a waterfront network of open spaces and greenery, the plazas and park spaces created here will be enjoyed by residents of all of Vancouver and tourists alike, not just those living in Northeast False Creek. The City and Canadian Metropolitan Properties have the chance to create one of the most welcoming and livable neighbourhoods in Vancouver – let’s hope that they seize this opportunity, and by using lessons learned from other exemplary neighbourhoods just up the Creek, get it right the first time.