Greenways Program

City Greenway: North Arm Trail

street The North Arm Trail will link pedestrians and cyclists with parks, schools and local shopping areas and provides efficient bike travel to regional destinations in Vancouver and Burnaby. This 11 kilometre Greenway/Bikeway will also connects major bus routes, 5 bike routes, and 4 greenways. Regional map

The North Arm Trail is an east-west route from the park system of the Champlain Heights along the crest of the steep slope above the Fraser River to Southlands. The Greenway/Bikeway will be located along or near 59th Avenue connecting the southern neighbourhoods with each other.

The North Arm Trail features views of the larger landscape and the major geological features that shape the region, including distant views of Mount Baker and closer views of the river and delta. The natural features of the North Arm Trail are related to the ecology of the river. The pioneer forests of Everett Crowley Park, the Fraserview ravine, and the moderate ascents and descents as the trail traverses the ravines of now built-over streams are all essential parts of the natural history of Vancouver.

Construction of the traffic calming and bikeway will begin in Fall 2010.

Destinations along the Greenway

institutional sites including Langara College, the Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, several elementary and secondary schools, and the Pearson Hospital;
woodland and green spaces in Everett Crowley Park , the largest remaining urban ravine and remnant urban woodland at Fraserview Golf Course, the Langara Golf Course, and a number of smaller parks; and
the views of the river, the delta, and on a clear day views to the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Baker.

Current Status June 2010

This project has gone through the preliminary stages of planning and public consultation. Three open houses were held in neighbourhoods along the proposed route in November and December 2008. City staff introduced the Greenway and heard from people about their initial thoughts on the proposed corridor. The design team then developed a concept plan in response to the feedback received at the first set of open houses and invited you to view and comment on the conceptual plan at three open houses held in May 2009.

The North Arm Trail will be located on residential streets that will be enhanced to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and comfort. Landscaping, seating, signage, drinking fountains and public art will help to make this a very interesting cycling or walking trip across the city through many of Vancouver's southern neighbourhoods.