Looking back on this blog, I find that I have managed to touch upon most of the issues that were raised in the introduction. My interests and perspectives obviously changed during the last two months, going from studying transit security to the impacts of the Canada Line, but the main idea still revolved around the operation of the transit system in the Lower Mainland and how it has and will impact the people and the city as a whole.
The wide array of articles and stories that I have come across throughout my research and readings has proven that public transit is a central component when studying cities and it goes to show the importance of proper urban governance, planning and implementation. Transit issues, whether they are decisions to install multi-million dollar security cameras or turnstiles, or whether they involve the long-term planning of a town centre or rapid transit line, require extensive research, strategies and discussions within both the public and private spheres before action can be taken. However, once action is taken, it is usually permanent, resulting in the spending of huge amounts of capital, thus emphasizing further the importance of good, sound planning.
The impact of a transit system on a city is definitely profound. A well designed system can greatly help with the functionality and efficiency of a city, whereas a poorly planned system can have adverse effects and can even impede a city’s development. With a good transit system, not only will a city’s economy thrive, but it will also spur the growth of various residential communities and neighbourhoods, the outward sprawl of a city (outlying suburbs and municipalities) as well as the development of more sustainable and ‘greener’ public spaces.
Also, better transit services could encourage more people to take public transit, thereby easing congestion on the road and reducing pollution and consumption of fossil fuels. This would in turn have a positive impact on the transit system, as more money would be spent to improve bus routes, expand the bus fleet and rapid transit lines, increase security and safety measures, build better bus shelters and so on.
Therefore, one must not overlook the importance and the immense challenges that come with creating a safe, efficient and sustainable transit system when studying and planning cities.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Business is Open
From : http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/transport/rto/openforbusiness.htm
Granville Street:
From busy cafes to eclectic boutiques, Granville Street offers everything from funky clothing and jewelry to legendary shoes. Granville Street is a hub for shoppers searching for high end retail, popular department stores and everything in between. As the Entertainment District, this street with many faces comes alive in the evening as a popular spot for live entertainment and places to take in a show, socialize with friends, or dance the night away.
Yaletown:
The Canada Line Business Liaison and Communications Committees are launching the Open campaign to support businesses along the route during Canada Line construction.
The Open campaign has many meanings. It has a strong, clean, professional look that instantly communicates that the businesses along the Canada Line are Open for Business. The open sign is one of universal welcoming and the Open message is positive and pro-active, rather than an appeal to charity. For business along the Line it provides a call to action for people to visit, shop, dine, be entertained, etc.
Business Districts promoted by the campaign:
The Open campaign has many meanings. It has a strong, clean, professional look that instantly communicates that the businesses along the Canada Line are Open for Business. The open sign is one of universal welcoming and the Open message is positive and pro-active, rather than an appeal to charity. For business along the Line it provides a call to action for people to visit, shop, dine, be entertained, etc.
Business Districts promoted by the campaign:
Granville Street:
From busy cafes to eclectic boutiques, Granville Street offers everything from funky clothing and jewelry to legendary shoes. Granville Street is a hub for shoppers searching for high end retail, popular department stores and everything in between. As the Entertainment District, this street with many faces comes alive in the evening as a popular spot for live entertainment and places to take in a show, socialize with friends, or dance the night away.
Yaletown:
Urban and modern in an historic setting. Yaletown offers a vibrant shopping and dining
experience set against Vancouver’s industrial past. Brick and beam architecture, and loading docks dotted with patio lanterns make this a unique place to shop, sip, eat and people watch.
experience set against Vancouver’s industrial past. Brick and beam architecture, and loading docks dotted with patio lanterns make this a unique place to shop, sip, eat and people watch.
Cambie Street:
Small and independent defines the Cambie Village business district, anchored by malls to the south and large retailers to the north. While known for its great variety of restaurants, the choices don’t end there. Whether you’re searching for a new wheel for your bike, a hard to find video, clothes for the kids or a fresh clipped hair do – this street offers it all up to the neighbourhood.
Small and independent defines the Cambie Village business district, anchored by malls to the south and large retailers to the north. While known for its great variety of restaurants, the choices don’t end there. Whether you’re searching for a new wheel for your bike, a hard to find video, clothes for the kids or a fresh clipped hair do – this street offers it all up to the neighbourhood.
No. 3 Rd.:
No other street can boast as many options as can No. 3 Rd. in Richmond. Lined with shopping centres, services, the best in ethnic groceries, the latest fashions, home furnishings, automotive needs and specialty restaurants, No. 3 Road is alive with choice. Watch as this boulevard evolves through the streetscape studies and visions of the City and its citizens.
This campaign was used to attract potential customers and pedestrians to the areas mentioned. It seems like an innovative marketing scheme, but does not seem to be helping much in areas that are heavily being affected by the Canada Line construction (ie. Cambie Village and Granville Street). However, the effort must be acknowledged and should help to at least raise public awareness.
Preserving Communities
Although it seems like developers (such as in the cases of Aberdeen and Oakridge Centre) are pushing for greater redevelopment and change, they are also trying to create an identity for themselves, either expanding or building on what was already there. Therefore, it is not like the Canada Line is spurring radical change, where everything is demolished and rebuilt from the ground up, but rather is redeveloping in a way that reflects and respects the current use of the infrastructure and improving on that.
Cambie Village:
There are concerns that the current construction along Cambie Street will hurt businesses, forcing them to either move or close. However, it is to be noted that construction is months ahead of schedule, with The Cambie Street cut-and-cover- section’s original completion date of April 2008 being pushed up to December 2007. This will mean that merchants will soon be able to resume regular business.
Protecting and preserving the Cambie Heritage Boulevard is an important part of the Canada Line construction. The line itself will not run immediately below the Boulevard, but will generally run under northbound traffic lanes of Cambie Street from 2nd Avenue to 64th Avenue, thereby avoiding significant and long-term impact to the Boulevard. During construction of the Canada Line, we are committed to:
From the Canada Line website: http://www.canadaline.ca/commBusCommunity.asp
Granville Street Downtown:
A draft traffic management strategy has been developed to ensure traffic access on Hastings Street, Cordova Street and Robson Street, pedestrian access along Granville Street, and to ensure that Granville Street remains open for businesses and residents during the construction period.
From:http://www.ravprapidtransit.com/constructionTrafficManagement.asp
One of the most important things, especially in walking-friendly downtown Vancouver, is pedestrian access, which can be improved with large, clearly marked signs and directions. A marketing campaign by the Canada Line, along with special events and promotions, has helped to some extent.
"They have finally done it right in Vancouver, a city renowned for demolishing anything old or with character. Often called “Little Soho”, Yaletown has evolved over the last decade into an ultra-hip residential neighbourhood". – LA Times
Construction in Yaletown has just begun, and the effects have not really been felt yet, but should not be as disruptive as along Cambie Street, as most of the tunnel boring will be done underground, with only the station site needing to be excavated. Yaletown has already established a unique identity for itself, therefore, with the addition of the Canada Line, it will make the area more accessible to a greater variety of people.
Cambie Village:
There are concerns that the current construction along Cambie Street will hurt businesses, forcing them to either move or close. However, it is to be noted that construction is months ahead of schedule, with The Cambie Street cut-and-cover- section’s original completion date of April 2008 being pushed up to December 2007. This will mean that merchants will soon be able to resume regular business.
Protecting and preserving the Cambie Heritage Boulevard is an important part of the Canada Line construction. The line itself will not run immediately below the Boulevard, but will generally run under northbound traffic lanes of Cambie Street from 2nd Avenue to 64th Avenue, thereby avoiding significant and long-term impact to the Boulevard. During construction of the Canada Line, we are committed to:
-Protecting the Sequoia trees at the north end of Cambie Street;
-Ensuring no net loss of green-space;
-Pruning, transplanting or replacing any affected trees; and
-Working with the City and the local community to preserve and enhance the Cambie
-Ensuring no net loss of green-space;
-Pruning, transplanting or replacing any affected trees; and
-Working with the City and the local community to preserve and enhance the Cambie
Boulevard trees and landscape where possible.
From the Canada Line website: http://www.canadaline.ca/commBusCommunity.asp
Granville Street Downtown:
A draft traffic management strategy has been developed to ensure traffic access on Hastings Street, Cordova Street and Robson Street, pedestrian access along Granville Street, and to ensure that Granville Street remains open for businesses and residents during the construction period.
From:http://www.ravprapidtransit.com/constructionTrafficManagement.asp
One of the most important things, especially in walking-friendly downtown Vancouver, is pedestrian access, which can be improved with large, clearly marked signs and directions. A marketing campaign by the Canada Line, along with special events and promotions, has helped to some extent.Yaletown:
"They have finally done it right in Vancouver, a city renowned for demolishing anything old or with character. Often called “Little Soho”, Yaletown has evolved over the last decade into an ultra-hip residential neighbourhood". – LA Times
Construction in Yaletown has just begun, and the effects have not really been felt yet, but should not be as disruptive as along Cambie Street, as most of the tunnel boring will be done underground, with only the station site needing to be excavated. Yaletown has already established a unique identity for itself, therefore, with the addition of the Canada Line, it will make the area more accessible to a greater variety of people.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Redeveloping vs. Preserving Communities (Cont'd)
Oakridge CentreOakridge Centre is another shopping centre that is in the midst of planning a major expansion as a result of the Canada Line. The Oakridge Centre Policy Planning Program is more of a long-term plan, as planning and development is aimed at guiding the growth of the centre for the next 20 years. There are plans to transform the mall into a type of “neighbourhood centre”, similar to Brentwood Town Centre, in order to better serve local residents, unlike Metrotown, which is designed to sustain a large residential and commercial population. This means plans for a mixed-use site, combining retail, work, residential, community and entertainment together.
Current plans call for the approximately 1.2 million square feet of residential property in low-, mid- and highrise forms, to be built where the mall’s current outdoor parking lot is located, along with increased public space (green space, parks, plazas etc.), all of which will be environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented, and pedestrian-friendly.
From the Oakridge Centre Policy Planning Program:
http://www.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20041021/pe4.htm
This report responds to development aspirations of the Oakridge Centre owners for mixed use expansion by recommending a program to develop land use and urban design options for Council consideration based on development of schematic concepts which respect sustainable City planning objectives to achieve a vital neighbourhood centre, balance neighbourhood and district serving commercial activities and integrate with and reinforce the surrounding urban structure. This program would determine new policies needed to achieve a more complete re-planning of the Oakridge Centre and respond to the introduction of the RAV Line. A second phase of the program would assess potential rezoning applications in the context of that new policy framework.
While the full extent of development potential will be determined through the Policy Development process currently being requested of Council, it is anticipated that there will be a proposed significant increase in retail, commercial office, residential and amenity uses on the Oakridge site. While Oakridge is a vital retail center at present - it has aspirations to continue to evolve. Over the next 20 years, there is an expectation that the Oakridge Centre site will come under increasing pressure to become a much more sustainable mixed-use urban Neighbourhood Centre, absorbing future demands for mixed use development.
Design principles include:
· A finer grain of development organized around an urban structure of streets and enhanced public realm;
· A varied mix of residential, commercial and community uses;
· Elements contributing to a sense of place;
· Development patterns which can evolve;
· A rich, varied and urban public realm;
· Improved neighbourhood fit;
· Sustainability; and
· Transit orientation.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Redeveloping vs. Preserving Communities
In the grand scheme of things, the development of new rapid transit lines (if planned and operated properly) can only benefit a city, as it should help to ease congestion on major roads and overcrowding on buses, not to mention it is more environmentally friendly and more efficient in moving large masses of commuters.
The main thing that developers are focusing on in light of the Canada Line construction is how they can best benefit from it. Alas, preserving current communities is not high on their agendas. Rather, it is the development of bigger, better and newer high-rises and commercial complexes that they believe will thrive as a result of the increased traffic from the Canada Line.
Prime examples of this line of thinking are evident with plans to expand and redevelop Aberdeen Centre in Richmond and Oakridge Centre in Vancouver.
Aberdeen Centre
The expansion of Aberdeen Centre for the Canada Line is being named “Aberdeen Station Lands,” referring to the land between the current mall and the future Canada Line station. This will be the third phase in architect Bing Thom’s project (phase 1 was the rebuilding of Aberdeen Centre, phase 2 is the Aberdeen Residences currently under construction).
Quoted from http://www.bingthomarchitects.com/home.html:
“Following the original Aberdeen Centre concept of creating a retail/entertainment centre to engage street activity, the program for the new development consists of three retail and five hotel levels. This project also introduces a new public art component entitled "Nexus". A transparent glazed wall, Nexus is both the receptor and transmitter of information weaving through the inside and outside spaces. Ephemeral in nature, Nexus mediates between the box-like interior and the fluid urban exterior, bringing life and activity into the city streets.”
The main thing that developers are focusing on in light of the Canada Line construction is how they can best benefit from it. Alas, preserving current communities is not high on their agendas. Rather, it is the development of bigger, better and newer high-rises and commercial complexes that they believe will thrive as a result of the increased traffic from the Canada Line.
Prime examples of this line of thinking are evident with plans to expand and redevelop Aberdeen Centre in Richmond and Oakridge Centre in Vancouver.
Aberdeen Centre
The expansion of Aberdeen Centre for the Canada Line is being named “Aberdeen Station Lands,” referring to the land between the current mall and the future Canada Line station. This will be the third phase in architect Bing Thom’s project (phase 1 was the rebuilding of Aberdeen Centre, phase 2 is the Aberdeen Residences currently under construction).
Quoted from http://www.bingthomarchitects.com/home.html:
“Following the original Aberdeen Centre concept of creating a retail/entertainment centre to engage street activity, the program for the new development consists of three retail and five hotel levels. This project also introduces a new public art component entitled "Nexus". A transparent glazed wall, Nexus is both the receptor and transmitter of information weaving through the inside and outside spaces. Ephemeral in nature, Nexus mediates between the box-like interior and the fluid urban exterior, bringing life and activity into the city streets.”
This development is not unlike what is being done in many high-rises in downtown Vancouver, trying to blend together living, working and entertainment spaces into one complex. What makes this even more intriguing is the fact that it is being developed by Thomas Fung, Chairman and CEO of The Fairchild Group, which owns Aberdeen Centre and the local Chinese television and radio stations in the Lower Mainland.
“Since its inception in 1985, Fairchild Group has embraced the concepts of globalization and diversification. The company has a number of major property developments on the West and East coast, as well as overseas in Asia.”
Aberdeen Centre is an embodiment of the company’s plans, as it was the first multicultural retail experience in North America when it first opened in 1989, setting an example for other shopping centres (evident from the abundance of retail complexes surrounding Aberdeen Centre today). In 2003, with the opening of the completely redesigned mall, it again raised the bar, with aspirations of combining “modern retailing with a comfortable ambiance to emphasize lifestyle shopping.” With the future expansion of the centre, it is evident that the area around it will continue to thrive, and the addition of the Canada Line should only help its development.
“Since its inception in 1985, Fairchild Group has embraced the concepts of globalization and diversification. The company has a number of major property developments on the West and East coast, as well as overseas in Asia.”
Aberdeen Centre is an embodiment of the company’s plans, as it was the first multicultural retail experience in North America when it first opened in 1989, setting an example for other shopping centres (evident from the abundance of retail complexes surrounding Aberdeen Centre today). In 2003, with the opening of the completely redesigned mall, it again raised the bar, with aspirations of combining “modern retailing with a comfortable ambiance to emphasize lifestyle shopping.” With the future expansion of the centre, it is evident that the area around it will continue to thrive, and the addition of the Canada Line should only help its development.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Building Community?
So I guess I'm kind of answering the question raised in my last blog entry regarding the ability of current communities to survive amid the construction of the Canada Line. I came across the above poster advertising this FREE community event being held at various communities along the Canada Line (Yaletown, Cambie Village, Oakridge and Downtown Granville). Originally there was an advertising campaign that advocated that "Business is Open" along the Canada Line. Seeing the organizations that are behind this (Translink, Canada Line, along with the various communities), this seems like another effort to increase publicity for businesses along Cambie Street. However, with the effects of the original "Business is Open" still undetermined, it will be interesting to see if this latest event will have any impact in drawing shoppers and tourists to the area. I guess these events and advertising campaigns are a good idea, but will it be enough, or has the damage already been done?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Shift –> Effects of rapid transit line expansion
For Assignment 3, I have decided to shift away from the transit security issue and focus more on the effects that rapid transit line expansions have had on various communities after their construction. I will try to be focusing mainly on the Canada Line and how its construction will shape the future development of Vancouver, but will try to draw parallels to current situations around the Expo and Millennium Lines as well.
The Expo Line
-Originally consisting of one station (Main Street/Science World), built to showcase what was then "new" Skytrain technology in 1983, it expanded for Expo 86, running from Waterfront Station to New Westminster. Later expansions reached as far as King George Station in Surrey (1994).
One of the biggest communities to arise out of the construction of the Expo Line is Metrotown. Originally opened in 1986, Metrotown Mall, along with its adjoining Skytrain station, became one of the key contributors to the growth of the area. With the high traffic coming from commuters and shoppers, it quickly grew in terms of businesses (two Metrotowers, along with surrounding office space) and residences (highrises surround the mall along the Kingsway corridor).
The joining of Metropolis and Metrotown malls into "Metropolis at Metrotown" made it the largest shopping centre in BC and second largest in Canada. Today, Metrotown is known as the central business district, or the “downtown” of Burnaby.
The Millennium Line
-Originally proposed as an extension from the Expo Line in New Westminster to Lougheed Mall and Coquitlam, plans later called for a direct route from VCC-Clark to Lougheed Mall, later extending to Coquitlam (Evergreen Line). The line opened in 2002, with VCC-Clark added in 2006.
One of the most interesting communities to arise out of this is the area around Brentwood Town Centre. Brentwood Mall, along with its bus terminal, has long been a large transit hub in North Burnaby, with links to Downtown Vancouver and New Westminster, and originally the starting point of the 99 B-Line. With the opening of the Millennium Line, Brentwood Town Centre became an even more important connection point, linking Coquitlam, New Westminster and SFU to Downtown Vancouver and UBC.
As a result, there has been a large amount of residential high-rise construction around the station. Other stations that are experiencing residential development booms include the stops before and after Brentwood Town Centre, Gilmore and Holdom Stations. Many have seen this rapid expansion as something akin to "Metrotown North."
The Evergreen Line
-Originally supposed to be part of the Millennium Line, but put on hold due to cost overruns, the Evergreen Line will link Lougheed Town Centre to Coquitlam Centre when it opens in 2011.
This new connection will no doubt spur growth around the Lougheed Town Centre area, as it will become a link to both New Westminster and Coquitlam. It will be interesting to see if it will become as successful as Metrotown in the near future.
The Canada Line
-This link between Downtown Vancouver, the airport and Richmond is a vital connection, especially with the Olympics coming in 2010. Although a link from the city’s core to the airport is indeed useful (in terms of for tourists and businessmen alike), it is unlikely that the majority of users will be using the line to go to the airport. One of the more pressing concerns for Translink (and probably their next project) is a rapid transit line along the Broadway corridor, from Commercial Drive to UBC, to ease current congestion.
However, links between Downtown and Richmond will undoubtedly spur the growth of certain communities, some of which include, Yaletown, Cambie Village,
Oakridge and Aberdeen (more to come later). It will be interesting to see how the opening of the Canada Line will change these communities, as it is already well documented how current construction has hurt businesses along Cambie Street. Will the current communities be able to survive the disruptive construction? Or will we be seeing completely new neighbourhoods emerge in the future?
The Expo Line
-Originally consisting of one station (Main Street/Science World), built to showcase what was then "new" Skytrain technology in 1983, it expanded for Expo 86, running from Waterfront Station to New Westminster. Later expansions reached as far as King George Station in Surrey (1994).
One of the biggest communities to arise out of the construction of the Expo Line is Metrotown. Originally opened in 1986, Metrotown Mall, along with its adjoining Skytrain station, became one of the key contributors to the growth of the area. With the high traffic coming from commuters and shoppers, it quickly grew in terms of businesses (two Metrotowers, along with surrounding office space) and residences (highrises surround the mall along the Kingsway corridor).The joining of Metropolis and Metrotown malls into "Metropolis at Metrotown" made it the largest shopping centre in BC and second largest in Canada. Today, Metrotown is known as the central business district, or the “downtown” of Burnaby.
The Millennium Line
-Originally proposed as an extension from the Expo Line in New Westminster to Lougheed Mall and Coquitlam, plans later called for a direct route from VCC-Clark to Lougheed Mall, later extending to Coquitlam (Evergreen Line). The line opened in 2002, with VCC-Clark added in 2006.
One of the most interesting communities to arise out of this is the area around Brentwood Town Centre. Brentwood Mall, along with its bus terminal, has long been a large transit hub in North Burnaby, with links to Downtown Vancouver and New Westminster, and originally the starting point of the 99 B-Line. With the opening of the Millennium Line, Brentwood Town Centre became an even more important connection point, linking Coquitlam, New Westminster and SFU to Downtown Vancouver and UBC.
As a result, there has been a large amount of residential high-rise construction around the station. Other stations that are experiencing residential development booms include the stops before and after Brentwood Town Centre, Gilmore and Holdom Stations. Many have seen this rapid expansion as something akin to "Metrotown North."The Evergreen Line
-Originally supposed to be part of the Millennium Line, but put on hold due to cost overruns, the Evergreen Line will link Lougheed Town Centre to Coquitlam Centre when it opens in 2011.
This new connection will no doubt spur growth around the Lougheed Town Centre area, as it will become a link to both New Westminster and Coquitlam. It will be interesting to see if it will become as successful as Metrotown in the near future.
The Canada Line
-This link between Downtown Vancouver, the airport and Richmond is a vital connection, especially with the Olympics coming in 2010. Although a link from the city’s core to the airport is indeed useful (in terms of for tourists and businessmen alike), it is unlikely that the majority of users will be using the line to go to the airport. One of the more pressing concerns for Translink (and probably their next project) is a rapid transit line along the Broadway corridor, from Commercial Drive to UBC, to ease current congestion.
However, links between Downtown and Richmond will undoubtedly spur the growth of certain communities, some of which include, Yaletown, Cambie Village,
Oakridge and Aberdeen (more to come later). It will be interesting to see how the opening of the Canada Line will change these communities, as it is already well documented how current construction has hurt businesses along Cambie Street. Will the current communities be able to survive the disruptive construction? Or will we be seeing completely new neighbourhoods emerge in the future?
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