Scope of Work

During Canada Line construction along Cambie Street, a majority of the existing sidewalk on the east side of Cambie Street between 10th Avenue and 12th Avenue was affected, along with retaining walls and landscaping on the City Hall north lawn. With construction along Cambie Street nearing completion, restoration on the grounds will begin soon.

In 2006, the Planning and Rapid Transit Office developed the Cambie Streetscape Improvements Plan to provide a pleasant pedestrian link between the new Canada Line stations and Cambie Street. The proposal is to widen the Cambie Street east sidewalk from 2nd Avenue to West King Edward Avenue, plant two rows of maple trees along the sidewalk and add new features, such as benches and street lighting.

Recognizing the opportunity to improve the transition between the western and northern margins of the City Hall site, staff from the Facilities Design and Management and the Rapid Transit Office identified ways to better connect the new Cambie Street Skytrain station, and add streetscape improvements

Proposed Scope of Work

The areas shown in red outline the scope of work for this project; which includes upgrades to the following areas:

1. CORNER OF 10th AVE AND CAMBIE ST
2. WEST EDGE OF THE NORTH LAWN
3. NORTH LAWN EXISTING PATHWAY

Process

Durante Kreuk Ltd., a landscape architect firm originally retained by City of Vancouver Engineering Services for the Cambie Streetscape Improvements Project, was hired to develop the conceptual plans for the proposed improvements. The design team met with various advisory bodies and the final scheme was submitted for a minor development permit in September, 2008. The following issues were considered:

• Universal Access: A number of options were considered to create a universally accessible route to link the corner of 10th Avenue and Cambie Street and City Hall. However, due to the steep slope of the entire site, none of these options proved workable without impacting a significant amount of existing green space of the north lawn. As the proposed changes are an interim measure pending a larger redevelopment of the Civic Precinct, it is recommended that this feature be postponed.
• Heritage Significance of the City Hall Site: A heritage consultant prepared a Statement of Significance which concluded that there are two elements of historical significance on the grounds: trees planted by the Royal Family. The City Hall building itself was built in 1936 and does have historical significance.
• The Vancouver Heritage Commission: The Commission concluded that the physical separation between the north lawn and Cambie Street was a “character defining” element of the site and should be retained by installing of a three foot high retaining wall. The design team believes that the wider Cambie Street sidewalk and new Skytrain station will result in more pedestrian traffic, and the public should be encouraged to approach the north lawn from Cambie Street directly by creating a more open, welcoming approach to the lawn.

Next Steps

The project is anticipated to be completed in November 2009.