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:

-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

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.