• Arbutus Greenway Clean-up (Saturday, April 5; 10am-12pm) - Join in a litter cleanup along the Greenway. Look for the tent setup at City Farmer (2150 Maple St.). Cleanup equipment (gloves, litter pickers or tongs, and garbage bags) are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. | Info & Registration
• Chinatown Community Clean-up – Saturday, April 12 (10:15am-12:15pm) – Join in a litter cleanup in Chinatown and keep the neighbourhood looking spectacular! Look for the tent in front of the Chinese Community Policing Centre (44 E Pender St). Cleanup equipment (gloves, litter pickers or tongs, and garbage bags) are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. | Info & Registration
• Path to Restoration: A Stewardship Cleanup Event at Nootka & 14th (Saturday, April 12, 2-5pm) - This portion of Still Creek, daylit in 2011, is an ongoing stewardship area for Still Moon Arts. There is a lot of built-up debris that limits access into the forest. Volunteers will be hauling some of the debris out to increase safety and doing some invasive species removal. Still Moon will provide all of the gloves, tools, and light snacks for the day- just bring yourself! | Info and Registration
• Everett Crowley Park Stewardship – Saturday, April 12 (10am—1pm) – Get dirty, have fun and help the environment! Join in this monthly stewardship event and help remove invasive plants, while learning more about the unique history and ecology of Everett Crowley Park. Gloves, tools and light refreshments are provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Weather permitting. Meet at the front entrance to the Champlain Heights Community Centre (3350 Maquinna Dr). | Info & Registration

VPSN ACTIVITIES

Annual General Meeting & Collingwood Park Walk 
Tuesday, May 9

The VPSN Annual General Meeting is coming up next week! This year’s event takes at the amazing Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street, walking distance from Joyce Collingwood Station). Since the late 1980’s, CNH has been providing a safe space and an array of services to the surrounding Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. We’re honoured to be able to hold our annual meeting in this important non-profit operated public space.

Our AGM agenda will include recap of our advocacy and project work over the past year, and provide a preview of our work ahead. As part of the activities, we will also provide an update on our finances and elect a new board of directors for the upcoming year.

Before getting down to business, we will also be taking a short walk through nearby Collingwood Park (5275 McKinnon Street), which is currently undergoing an important redesign process. Weather permitting, the walk will last approximately 1 hr, at which point we will head to Collingwood Neighbourhood House for the AGM.

• 6pm: Walking Tour – Meet at the corner of Euclid and McKinnon
• 7pm: Annual General Meeting – Program Room (2nd Floor), Collingwood Neighbourhood House
• Please register and read more details here. Both the walk and the AGM are free to attend and everyone is welcome.

VPSN Volunteer Meeting
Tuesday, May 16 @ 7pm

Our first volunteer orientation in some time, for new and returning volunteers. We’ve got some great projects in the hopper right now, and we’re excited to be hosting this upcoming orientation session (held online via Zoom). If you’d like to learn more about the Vancouver Public Space Network, or find out how you can lend a hand with our placemaking, research, and advocacy work, sign up for this.

• Follow this link to register for the volunteer orientation

Hold the Date – Placemaking Canada Gathering (Toronto ON)
June 11-12, 2023

Exciting public space events are taking place in Toronto this coming June, including the International Public Markets Conference (June 8-10), and the annual Park People Conference (June 21-23). In between these two events, is the fourth Placemaking Canada Gathering. The VPSN is proud to support this grassroots initiative linking together placemakers and public space advocates across the country. The 2023 gathering will include walking/biking tours, ‘open mic’ sessions, workshops, and networking sessions. The ultimate aim – building the Canadian placemaking movement!

Registration will be open in the next few days. Please mark your calendar and share the news with any placemaking contacts who might be interested in joining!

• More information via Placemaking Canada Facebook – placemaking-canada.ca

PUBLIC SPACE NEWS & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Two New Greenways! Enhancing and Expanding the Greenway Network

In 1995, Vancouver approved it’s Greenways Plan – and with it, a series of designated car-free or car-light pathways that are intended to provide park-like connections for walking, rolling and cycling. Greenways also include improvements like expanded parks, increased landscaping, public art, and drinking fountains.

The network is slowly being built out and now includes popular routes such as the Central Valley Greenway, Comox-Helmcken Greenway, and the Seaside Greenway (along Pt. Grey Rd). In 2022, Council approved the Vancouver Plan, and a proposed “expansion and enhancement” of the existing greenways network.

Two new greenways processes are underway, both of which will provide critical improvements in the overall network. The proposed Bute Street Greenway will run from Sunset Beach Park (False Creek) to Harbour Green Park (Burrard Inlet), and includes a permanent design for Bute-Robson Plaza. At the same time, the City is also looking to design the Portside Greenway, a 7 km route following the city’s northern edge, spanning between Gastown, and running through Grandview-Woodland and Hastings-Sunrise to the city’s eastern boundary. You can learn more about these public space improvements and engagement opportunities by following the links below.

• Bute Street Greenway
• Portside Greenway

Coming up at Council next week – A People Focused Gastown

City Council will be discussing the future of Gastown at its next meeting. This is good news on the public space front, as both Maple Tree Square and Water Street represent important areas for improvement, and there are a number of other interventions which could enhance public life in the area.

The motion being deliberated calls for a “streets and public realm planning and design process for Gastown that brings in an external urban place-making lens and expertise …toward a bold vision to pedestrianize Water Street and make it carfree or car-light.” With further language referencing “an overarching goal being a more vibrant, people-friendly destination and the enabling of ongoing activations including patios, music, events, festivals and active transportation opportunities.”

• The Gastown discussion will take place on May 9-10. You can view the full text of the proposed Council motion here. To share your thoughts with Council, you sign up to share your thoughts in person or via phone, or fill out this online form to do so in writing.

West End Waterfront – Preliminary Designs

The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board have been working on a plan for the West End waterfront (roughly between Stanley Park and the Burrard Bridge). The Imagine West End Waterfront second round of engagement is now live on Shape Your City. Three preliminary design approaches have been developed to help guide the long-term plan. Each approach emphasizes and celebrates a different quality of the West End waterfront.

• Follow this link for more information or to take the survey (deadline May 21). Let the City know what you think of the preliminary design approaches and ideas for the 30-year plan.
• You may also want to check out a related page on West End commercial streets – which showcases some of the proposed improvements to Davie, Denman, and Robson Streets

OTHER EVENTS

Jane’s Walk
May 4-7

Inspired by author and urbanist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks is an annual event that encourages people “to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.” Dozens of tours have been set up, including walks in Queen Elizabeth, sθәqәlxenәm ts’exwts’áxwi7 (Rainbow), Hastings, and New Brighton Parks, strolls along the proposed Portside Greenway, and wanderings in several neighbourhoods, including Norquay, the West End, Main Street, Renfrew-Collingwood, and Mt. Pleasant.

• Jane’s Walk events are free, but registration is required. For more info, visit Jane’s Walk Vancouver.

Bike Rack Design Jam

May 2 @ 6pm – Creekside Community Centre - The City of Vancouver is currently holding a Bike Rack Design Competition. Very cool! To help with the process, we’ve organized a “Design Jam” where you can come connect with like-minded public space enthusiasts and collaborate on ideas. There’ll be a short presentation by City staff – and then it’s time to roll up the sleeves. No design experience necessary!

:: Please RSVP via mitchell@vancouverpublicspace.ca

Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, May 3 @ 6pm - Our monthly VPSN-101 session. Join an orientation meeting to learn about the history and structure of the VPSN, and get an overview of our current projects and volunteer opportunities.

:: More info: volunteer@vancouverpublicspace.ca

Communications Meeting

Thursday, May 3 @ 7pm - Interested in writing about, or photo-documenting, public space? We use these sessions to come up with story ideas, map out a plan for the VPSN blog, and collaborate on other communications projects.

:: More info: andrew@vancouverpublicspace.ca

Seat-Mapping – Public Seating Survey

Saturday, May 5 – Times TBD – Public seating is a key element in successful public and pedestrian spaces. But how well are our public spaces doing when it comes to providing seating? And how much of it is truly public? As a first step in answering these questions, we’ve started a mapping project to assess key streets to see how they perform in this regard. We’ll be kicking things off on May 5, and are looking for volunteers to take charge of mapping one or more areas across the city.

:: To sign up, or for more information email the Seat Mapping team via volunteer@vancouverpublicspace.ca

Other cool things you can take part in:

Arbutus Greenway – Concept Review

The Arbutus Greenway will be a defining element of Vancouver’s urban landscape as a vibrant and beautiful public space for walking, cycling, and streetcar. A concept design has just been released and you can share your thoughts.

:: Arbutus Webpage

City Capital Planning Process

The City is updating their long-term financial plan for infrastructure areas such as affordable housing, child care, transportation, community facilities, parks, streets, sewers, and more. They’re looking for input on how to shape priorities.

:: Capital Planning Webpage

The Vancouver Public Space Network is involved in several activities taking place during this time and we are looking for some help to make magic and ensure these events are a wild success. Can you lend a hand?

Here’s what we need help with with:

Thursday, September 15 – “Time and Place” 10 Year Anniversary Party

The VPSN turns 10 this year, and to mark the occasion we are throwing a party. (Fun!) More specifically, we are looking to transform a prominent downtown public space – the Pendulum Gallery – into an awesome celebration place.

To realize the theme of “time and place,” we’ll be transforming the Gallery with a series of installations and animation “stations” – with games, music, food and drink (including a cash bar), and lots of other activities. The event formally starts at 7:00pm, but we’ll be onsite as of 5:00pm.

What we need help with: Lots! from sourcing materials and building the various stations (between now and the 15th), to a lot of day-of help with set-up, tear-down, and management of the stations. It’ll be a wicked party, and you’d be part of the host team.

Saturday, September 17 – “Made in Canada” Workshop

The VPSN is also collaborating with Project for Public Spaces, SFU, Evergreen, and other partners, to host an all-day workshop on the state of placemaking in Canada. This will be a facilitated session that aims to look at the issues and opportunities related to public space advocacy and placemaking, and to advance the idea of a national strategy or agenda. Exciting and timely stuff! Also a great opportunity to meet placemaking super stars from across the country.

What we need help with: Day-of help with the event – including logistics, registration, documentation, and more.

Can you lend a hand?

We need a hand with these and other activities taking place over the course of Placemaking Week. If you are interested in helping with any (or all) of these events, please get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. (And thank you in advance for your interest – we’re grateful!)

Email Michelle Pollard at: volunteer@vancouverpublicspace.ca and let us know how you can help, or the events that you’re interested in. We’ll be in touch shortly thereafter with follow-up details.

• 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’…