Project Highlights

• Concept Plan for Hastings Park (1.20mb)
• November 2010 - Amended January 2011 (156kb)

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated January 10, 2011)

What is the Master Plan?

The Master Plan is a document that will guide the long-range redevelopment of Hastings Park. The Plan will touch on virtually every aspect of Hastings Park as it is transformed to a greener, more active, year-round destination - one that will see the renewal of the annual Fair and Playland - and improved connections to the waterfront and surrounding community. The Master Plan will balance the goals of maximizing green space, enhancing local neighbourhoods and catalyzing economic development.

How much park space is being added to Hastings Park? How much is there now and what will the total amount of park space be?

The Plan adds 49 acres of new park space to Hastings Park. Currently there are 27 acres. This achieves a total of 76 acres of park space in Hastings Park. For comparison, John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) is 67 acres.

How is this amount being calculated? What is included?

The following is the breakdown of the total 76 acres of planned park space in Hastings Park:

20 acres - Habitat: e.g. Sanctuary, Daylighted Stream (this reflects an additional 2 acres as a result of
               City Council's motion on December 14, 2010)
40 acres - Meadows, Gardens, and Sports fields, Parking for park uses (1.5 acres) is included in this
               number, which is consisted with other City parks
16 acres - Urban plazas: e.g. Festival Plaza and Amphitheatre
76 acres total

What is happening to the Hastings Park Sanctuary?

This restored wetland is being enhanced with a daylighted stream which connects to Burrard Inlet. The new stream and stream corridor will more than double the amount of habitat for native species and wildlife currently in the park from 9 acres to 20 acres.

Does the plan include a connection to New Brighton Park? When will it happen?

Pedestrian and bicycle trails through Hastings Park and to New Brighton Park are key components of the plan. The internal greenway trails and improved connection to New Brighton Park were selected as early implementation projects. The planning, design, and consultation for these items will occur in 2011.

I have heard that Playland is going to be doubled in size, is this true?

The plan proposes to expand Playland from 14 to 22 acres (57% increase). This reflects City Council's December 14, 2010 motion to reduce the size of the Playland expansion area by 2 acres. A portion of Playland will also be relocated to make room for additional park space and allow for the connection of the Sanctuary to Empire Fields.

Are there any plans to minimize traffic congestion and noise in the local neighbourhood?

Yes, the plan considers minimizing traffic congestion a high priority - key recommendations:

• Dundas Street traffic calming consultation and design in 2011.
• Undertake a Transportation Assessment and Parking Study to understand the current conditions and impacts of future changes.
• Narrowing of Renfrew Street

Minimizing noise impacts will be considered in the expansion plan for Playland.

I have heard that there is a convention centre being proposed at Hastings Park, is this true?

No convention centre is planned. An underground Exhibition Building is being proposed in the vicinity of the play area in the Italian Gardens. It would be used for community and commercial use including a variety of events such as winter carnivals, trade shows, craft fairs, and other events. The building will be of very simple, durable finish, suitable for livestock and agricultural displays.

Will there be above ground parking structures built in Hastings Park?

It is proposed, as Hastings Park redevelops over time, new park uses will displace parking in the southern portion of the site. Parking will be relocated in two main areas: (1) below grade in the infield of the Racecourse and (2) at the corner of Renfrew and McGill the plan includes the option of a three story structure in this location based on future needs.

When will the work recommended in the Master Plan start and be finished and how much will it cost?

City Council has given the go-ahead for several components of the Master Plan to begin in 2011, these are focused on additional park space and access. The overall vision of the Master Plan is a long-term one and could take 20-30 years to complete.

The components of the Plan will cost approximately $200 - $300 million with funding from a variety of sources. Many of the components of the plan would not proceed without partnerships from senior levels of government and some upgrades, such as Playland, have the ability to generate revenue.

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