|
In April 2005, City Council approved the concept design and a long term vision for the Carrall Street Greenway. This Greenway will connect Gastown, the Downtown Eastside, and Chinatown and will build upon the unique heritage character of these three neighbourhoods. The Greenway will complete the downtown recreational seawall loop by linking False Creek to Burrard Inlet. It is also expected that the Greenway will facilitate economic revitalization and community development in each of the three neighbourhoods. Funding for the Greenway was approved by Council in July 2006 and construction began in early 2007.
Construction Status
The following summarizes the current status of construction of the Carrall Street Greenway.
- Blocks Complete:
- Keefer Street to Pender Street
- Keefer Street to Expo Boulevard
- Pacific Boulevard to False Creek Seawall - Interim improvements have been made to connect the Greenway to the seawall on False Creek. Full construction will be completed as part of the redevelopment of Northeast False Creek.
- Construction Underway:
- Pender Street to Hastings Street (target completion - Fall 2008)
- Construction Forthcoming:
- Hastings Street to Cordova Street (target start - Fall 2008)
- Cordova Street to Water Street - Interim improvements/partial construction (target start - Winter 2009)
- Expo Boulevard to Pacific Boulevard - Interim improvements/partial construction
- Alexander Street - Interim improvements will be made to connect the Greenway to Burrard Inlet. Feasibility and timing of long-term vision (pedestrian bridge over rail tracks) is dependant upon redevelopment of the Port Lands.
- Construction Delayed:
- Maple Tree Square
- Cordova Street to Water Street - Full construction
- Expo Boulevard to Pacific Boulevard - Full construction
Budget Status
In July 2006, Council approved a budget of $5M for construction of the Carrall Street Greenway (2006-2008 Capital Plan). Due to an increase in construction costs and other factors, this amount is insufficient to complete the full Greenway, including Maple Tree Square. To ensure functionality of the Greenway in advance of full construction, incremental and interim improvements will be made where necessary. Consultation with the Gastown community will take place in Fall 2008 regarding the Cordova to Water Street block and preferences for incremental construction in advance of Maple Tree Square completion.
An additional $2M for the Carrall Greenway has been requested in the 2009-2011 Capital Plan. If approved, these funds will cover cost increases incurred to date, incremental construction of the Cordova to Water Street block, and other interim improvements. Funding for Maple Tree Square, and any other blocks requiring full construction, will be requested in the 2012-2014 Capital Plan.
Public Realm Programming along the Greenway
In addition to being a significant public realm feature, the Greenway will also be the focus of public events and programming in the Downtown Eastside. To facilitate this, electrical infrastructure accessible for community use is being constructed along with the public realm improvements. A report to Council requesting allocation of funds (from existing budgets) for this purpose will be taken forward in Fall 2008. Once in place, the electrical infrastructure will be available for community use in programming activities and events at key nodes along the Greenway.
Further, the Carrall Street Greenway will be highlighted by "Creative Pathways", a program created through the "Downtown Eastside Arts and Culture Strategic Framework and Investment Plan". Creative Pathways will establish trails of animated public space throughout the Downtown Eastside to showcase and support local arts and culture. The program is currently under development by City staff and partner organizations. |
