Earlier this month, the City of Vancouver released the draft Vancouver Plan – a long-range strategy to guide how the city will grow and change in the coming decades. A public engagement process is currently underway – and will be winding up this coming Sunday, April 24. Wednesday, April 27.

The draft Plan includes a land use strategy, approaches to different types of neighbourhood, and several policy chapters covering different topics – like housing, transportation, urban design and more.

There’s lots to say on the Plan in general, but for those of you interested in public space issues there are a number of items that you’ll want to take a look at. We’ve included some of the main proposed public space policies here.

If you have any thoughts on the directions outlined in the draft plan, please take the survey and provide your feedback. (Hint: you can select the topics you want to provide input on, so you don’t need to do the whole survey to provide feedback).

This post includes excerpts from the following three key chapters:

1. Public space
2. Community Infrastructure (e.g. libraries and community centres)
3. Transportation, including the proposed expansion of the Greenways network

If you’re really keen, just note that there are actually a lot of areas in the draft Plan that touch on public space, including chapters on: complete neighbourhoods (ensuring that each neighbourhood has a local network of public spaces); urban design (placemaking at various scales); economy (commercial high streets as public spaces); arts, culture and heritage (public art, cultural placemaking); climate; watersheds; and ecology (bringing more nature into the city); and food systems (urban agriculture and community gardens).

Each policy chapter starts with a vision statement, provides some background information, and then includes a series of key high level policy directions. There are also a series of further policies under each of these directions.

Public Space Policies 

Vision: Vancouver’s public space network is welcoming, inclusive and resilient.

Vancouver’s plazas, parks, streets, paths, and beaches make the city a vibrant place to live. These outdoor public spaces are where we gather, explore and connect. But, as Vancouver continues to grow, demands on our public space network will also increase. Public space must accommodate many different, sometimes competing uses – with limited space and resources. To stretch public dollars as far as we can, we will need to be innovative and strategic in how public space is delivered.

The Vancouver Plan has six main policy directions for public space:

1. Support xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations to take a leading role in shaping public spaces.
2. Promote an inclusive public life, by prioritizing underserved areas and equity-denied communities.
3. Grow and protect the public space network, to provide ample, high quality public spaces and robust connections across all neighbourhoods.
4. Create universally accessible and safe public spaces that are dignified and comfortably accommodate all people, throughout the day and across all seasons.
5. Ensure the public space network supports the city’s social and ecological resilience
6. Build and invest in community partnerships, fostering broader participation and social connection, and promoting resilient, community-led stewardship of public spaces.

To read more about these directions, and the specific policies proposed for each click here.

Entrance way to Vancouver Public Library nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona branch.

Community Infrastructure

Vision: Vancouver’s community infrastructure meets the needs of all residents. It is resilient, equitably distributed and responsive to population growth and changing needs.

Community infrastructure plays an essential role in the lives of Vancouver residents, providing access to the activities, services and supports people need to stay healthy, engaged and connected throughout life. Some community services are operated and delivered by the City, such as libraries and community centres. Other services, are delivered by non-profit and community partners. Over the next 30 years, community facilities will need to respond to a growing, diverse and changing population. Upgrades and investments are necessary to keep pace with population growth and to ensure equitable access.

The Vancouver Plan focuses on two types of community infrastructure:

• City-delivered community infrastructure: the Vancouver Public Library, community centres and recreational facilities (in partnership with Community Centre Associations); and
• Non-profit operated and City-supported community infrastructure: (for example) Social-serving organizations including neighbourhood houses, family places, youth, seniors’ and social service centres

The Vancouver Plan has five main policy directions for community infrastructure:

1. Deliver and support community-serving spaces across all neighbourhoods to meet population growth and changing needs, prioritizing underserved communities.
2. Maintain and enhance access to library spaces that are welcoming and enable residents to engage with information, ideas, and each other.
3. Ensure community centres and recreational services continue meeting the needs of all communities.
4. Enable more social and community uses through co-location, shared spaces and use of underused or vacant spaces.
5. Expand the range of public washrooms for all residents and ensure access for people who currently experience barriers to water and washrooms as a human right.

To read more about these directions, and the specific policies proposed for each click here.

Transportation

Vision: Vancouver’s transportation system connects people to jobs and daily needs in an equitable way, prioritizing low-cost, healthy ways of getting around, while supporting a strong economy.

Transportation plays a vital role in supporting a thriving city and region, connecting us to people and places, influencing our quality of life, the environment and the economy. The City has long prioritized affordable, healthy and low carbon ways to get around; however, many people continue to face travel barriers.

More neighbourhoods need shops and services closer to home, with safe and comfortable streets and greenways, and better access to frequent transit. We also a need to better serve diverse community needs and address inequities in service provision, safety, universal accessibility, greenery and dignified travel.

The Vancouver Plan has three main policy directions for transportation:

1. Enable safe and comfortable walking, biking and transit through land use and urban design.
2. Create people first streets by transforming road space to support population growth and the changing needs of residents and businesses.
3. Accelerate planning for an equitable and sustainable transportation future for people and goods.

To read more about these directions, and the specific policies proposed for each click here.

Proposed expansion of city-wide Greenways network.

Greenways

Greenways are high quality active transportation, recreation & public space corridors that support walking, biking and rolling for people of all ages and abilities and identities. They form a city-wide network across the City’s diverse neighbourhoods and provide access to key destinations such as parks, schools and community spaces. They also provide opportunities for reconciliation, community building and stewardship, improved natural systems and public life.

The City is currently undertaking a “greenways refresh” process to renew planning for these important spaces. As part of this work, two key directions are being explored:

1. Transitioning greenways from car-lite to car-free corridors in order to increase opportunities for public space uses (e.g. plazas, parklets, safer spaces for walking/rolling and biking)
2. Expanding the network, so that all residents live within a 5min walk of a Greenway
3. To read more about these directions and the specific policies proposed for each click here.

To read more about these directions, and the specific policies proposed for each click here.

* * * * *

As noted, there’s lots in the Vancouver Plan related to public space… and even more on other city-building and urban planning topics. If you’ve got an opinion on these directions, please take a moment to fill out the City’s survey. (Deadline April 24, 2022).

All maps and images: City of Vancouver Vancouver Plan website – https://vancouverplan.ca

The VPSN is hosting two workshops on the West End Waterfront (Nov 18) and the Vancouver Plan (Nov 25), and there are other lectures, surveys and events being held on the surveillance of urban spaces, the Jericho Lands and Broadway Plan, as well as the design of the Kitsilano Beach Seaside Greenway, the St. George Rainway, and the redesign of Chinatown Memorial Square.

Sign up to one or more of these activities and get involved. Share your voice and help put public space at the centre of city-building!

UPCOMING VPSN WORKSHOPS

West End Waterfront – Public Space Workshop | Thursday, November 18 @ 5:30-7:00pm

Interested in the future of the West End waterfront? The City of Vancouver is beginning a planning process to create a comprehensive long-term vision and plan for the West End’s waterfront parks, beaches, facilities, and the surrounding street network.

The first of our two VPSN public space workshops this month focuses on the WE Waterfront process. This session is an opportunity learn more about the project from City staff and the engagement team, and share your early thoughts on the future of this important and popular network of public spaces.

The session will last just over an hour, and will include a presentation and opportunities for dialogue. The event is free and takes place online.

:: Register - VPSN West End Waterfront Workshop

The Vancouver Plan – Public Space Workshop | Thursday, November 25 @ 7:00-8:30pm

In 2018, the City of Vancouver began a comprehensive city-wide planning process known as the “Vancouver Plan.” Now, after about 18 months, the City is sharing a series of ‘emerging directions’ as part of their Fall 2021 engagement activity.

The Vancouver Public Space Network has arranged a special workshop to take a closer look at a planning effort that will ultimately provide a city-wide framework for growth and change for the next 30 years and beyond.

What is the role of parks, plazas, streets and other types of spaces as part of the Vancouver Plan? How can we ensure that public space plays a central role in the livability of the city? Are there ways to strengthen the Vancouver’s network of spaces so that they are more equitable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all residents?

This session will include a presentation on the Vancouver Plan directions, as well as an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on how the Plan can ensure the best possible public space for present and future community members.

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OTHER PUBLIC SPACE EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Mundane Surveillance: Technologies, Data, and the New Regulation of Urban Space | November 16 @ 1:00-2:30pm

Cities have repeatedly turned toward forms of entrepreneurial urbanism and technological solutionism marketed by the private sector. From Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to smart cities, each generation of these devices promises to revitalize cities and “improve” their governance. This talk by Debra Mackinnon (University of Windsor) examines the mobility and use of geospatial applications, platforms and smart security initiatives by BIDs in Vancouver, Toronto, New York and London. Focused on their potential to limit accountability, deepen systemic racism and further corporatize service delivery, this research traces and theorizes how these technologies are used to police, account for, render, and manage urban space and populations. Presented by Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Simon Fraser University.

:: Register via Eventbrite

Jericho Lands Site Options – Survey | Deadline: Sunday, November 21

The Jericho Lands is a 36-hectare (90-acre) site located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighbourhood and is bound by West 4th Avenue, Highbury Street, West 8th Avenue, and West Point Grey Park. A planning program is underway – with a goal of creating a policy statement to guide future development of the site.

Recently, the landowners’ design team, working in consultation with City staff, shared two conceptual site options of how ʔəy ̓alməxʷ / Iy ̓álmexw / the Jericho Lands could look in the future. A survey is now available that allows you to share input on these site options.

:: More info and to complete the Jericho Lands survey

Kitsilano Beach Park Seaside Greenway Improvements – Survey | Deadline: Sunday, November 21

The Seaside Greenway in and adjacent to Kitsilano Beach Park is one of the most popular sections of the City’s walking, rolling, and cycling network. Currently, there is a shared path within the park for people walking, rolling, and cycling, and a temporary protected bike path through the south parking lot of the park. The Park Board is currently exploring options to develop a separated cycling path that connects Balsam Street to Ogden Avenue across the park – with a goal of finding a solution that creates a safer and more comfortable route for all users, including children, families, and people with reduced mobility while reducing conflicts between park users.

After initial engagement in August, the Park Board has developed different options for cycle path routes(External link). This survey provides an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on how well each of the design options reflect the values of greenspace, connections, directness, parking, and impact, and help identify a preferred route for the cycling path.

:: For more information on Kitsilano Beach Seaside Greenway and to take the survey

Broadway Plan – Public Life Workshop | Wednesday, November 24 @ 6:00-8:00pm

In March 2019, the City of Vancouver launched multi-phase planning process to create a comprehensive Broadway Plan to integrate opportunities for new housing, jobs and amenities around the new Broadway Subway. The plan will guide future growth, change and public benefits within the Broadway Plan study area, roughly from Clark Drive to Vine Street.

Help shape the future public life in Kitsilano, Fairview and Mount Pleasant by being part of the Broadway Plan Public Life Workshop on November 24, where you can learn about the draft public realm framework, and transportation policies. What do you think of the proposed public space directions? Are there opportunities to better support walking/rolling, biking and public gathering?

:: Register for the Broadway Plan public life workshop
:: More information on the Broadway Plan

St. George Rainway Phase 3: Concept Designs – Survey | Deadline: Sunday, November 28

The City of Vancouver has developed conceptual plans for a Rainway along St. George St between Broadway and 5th Ave that will honour a historic stream. Rainways are a multi-block area that use green rainwater infrastructure with great spaces for walking, rolling and cycling to support sustainable transportation.

As part of this process, four transportation design options and three green rainwater infrastructure concepts have been prepared based on the ideas and feedback shared by the community in previous phases of engagement.

:: Share your thoughts on the St. George Rainway options

Chinatown Memorial Square Redesign | 唐人街紀念廣場重新設計 – Survey | Deadline: Monday, November 29

Chinatown Memorial Square is located in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown at the corner of Keefer Street and Columbia Street. This valued public space hosts important community events such as the Remembrance Day ceremony, and draws many visitors to the neighbourhood where they can learn about the contributions of Chinese people in Canada. It also provides a space for community members to honour their culture and traditions.

The City is looking to improve Chinatown Memorial Square as an accessible public space while developing a design that enhances its culture and history. An online survey allows you to share your ideas for the redesign process.

:: For more information or to take the survey – Chinatown Memorial Square webpage

“Vancouver benefits from an amazing natural backdrop, with the North Shore mountains, forests, and connection to water around the city. However, through its past colonial actions, the City of Vancouver has removed almost all of the pre-existing natural environment, along with the narratives of these lands’ Indigenous stewards, and we now rely on human-built systems to sustain ourselves.

This story was originally published on October 9, 2020

On October 6, 2020, City Council discussed a report on the Vancouver Plan – an ongoing planning initiative that is intended to create a framework for city-wide growth and change.

After a year of engagement with the community, the process has now resulted in 10 “provisional” goals:

1. Advance a City of Reconciliation through Decolonization
2. Create an Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive City
3. Become a Sustainable, Carbon Neutral City
4. Be a Prepared, Safe and Resilient City
5. Develop an Affordable City with Diverse and Secure Housing
6. Support a Diverse and Healthy Economy
7. Achieve Complete, Connected and Culturally Vibrant Neighbourhoods
8. Re-Establish Thriving Urban Natural Systems
9. Intentionally Manage our Growth and Align our Efforts Regionally
10. Demonstrate Transparency in Decision-Making and Collaborate with Partners

These probably won’t come as much of a surprise. Indeed, the provisional goals are largely consistent with the various principles and values generated through other city-wide programs over the past decade or longer. That being said, it is an important shift to see reconciliation and equity foregrounded in this work. It will be important to see how these two goals – indeed, all the goals – translate into the next stages of work, which involve further engagement around actual policy creation, and the development of a map that shows where growth and change will take place.

We note that discussion of public space – parks, plazas, streets, libraries and community centres – appears to be woven throughout. Our take: while it’s good to see public space implied in the provisional list, it would be more helpful to see it actually embedded in the language of the goals. A strong network of city-serving and neighbourhood-scale public spaces and places is critical to the wellbeing of a growing and diversifying city. Naming this need is important.

Tellingly, while public space is ‘background’ in the goals, community engagement undertaken during the past year clearly demonstrates the central role that it plays with the community itself. Among the references in the report itself:

• Community members want to see the City “expand public spaces and make them safer and easier to get to for everyone, regardless of ability, so residents may gather, get healthy and connect with others, where possible. We heard everything from expanding outside areas like parks and plazas to keeping libraries and safe digital spaces open for youth. “(p11)
• Public space is seen as a forum for social connection, cultural expression, and wellbeing – “In terms of where “connection happens”, we saw themes about preserving and promoting walkability, community centres, libraries, safe and welcoming public spaces and vibrant, thoughtfully designed public spaces and neighbourhoods, as places of connection in Vancouver.” (p12)
• COVID 19 has clarified the significance of public space. “The pandemic has highlighted the need for more and safer public spaces with improved accessibility – places where people can spend time outside, meet and connect with friends, family and neighbours, as well as to support physical and mental health, address social isolation and promote well-being.”(p12)
• Quality public space should be part of every neighbourhood: ““Public spaces and places like plazas, streets, parklets are vital for communities to connect and express the heart and soul of Vancouver… [Creating ] complete neighbourhoods will provide …public spaces that support social cohesion, cultural vitality and community well-being for all” (p.21)

In light of these findings, we will continue to push hard to ensure that public space and public life has a prominent role in the policy creation process. There are a lot of potential opportunities to see our city-wide and neighbourhood networks strengthened. Among the many possibilities:

• Exploring ways in which public space can support goals around reconciliation, decolonization, anti-racism and historical redress – and, further, the means through which public space can meaningfully showcase the city’s rich diversity;
• Inviting residents to participate fully in the design, programming, placemaking, and stewardship of public spaces – with a particular focus on foregrounding the needs of Indigenous residents, racialized communities, women and girls, and other equity-seeking communities that have often been left out of these processes;
• Ensuring that all residents feel safe, comfortable, and welcome in our city’s public spaces;
• Creating a network of neighbourhood-scale squares, plazas and gathering areas – to support year-round programming, arts, culture and social initiatives, markets, and more;
• Improving to parks, beaches and greenspaces to support healthy recreation, cultural activities, enriched habitat and waterways, and other objectives;
• Bringing a comprehensive focus to the full waterfront – including the Fraser River, False Creek, industrial areas, our beaches, and more;
• Investigating opportunities to deliver smaller-scale community spaces within neighbourhoods – and seeking alternatives to the “big box” approach to community centres
• Delivering more all-season spaces – including rain-friendly spaces, as well as those that account for other types of inclement weather (including smoke, haze, extreme heat and cold);
• Focusing attention to our high streets and commercial areas – including improvements to sidewalks and pathways, and support for our many local businesses;
• Renewing and revitalizing the network of greenways, bikeways, and bus-priority routes that connect the city;
• Making the best of the 11% of roadway that City Council voted to reallocate to “people friendly public spaces” earlier this year.

This is just a short list of possibilities that come to mind – but each of them reflects a facet of the possibility inherent in a planning process that aims to be “transformative” in nature. Maybe some of these ideas resonate with you? Or perhaps you have your own list. Either way, we hope you’ll also encourage the City to make the best of the public space opportunity provided by the Vancouver Plan.

:: Share your feedback on the Vancouver Plan’s 10 Provisional Goals (Survey)

Photo and Image Credit: City of Vancouver.