Vancouver’s False Creek Flats – Unlocking the Potential of Industrial Employment Lands ( breakout presentation )

Abstract

Background Today, the False Creek Flats supports 8,000 jobs across 450 acres of industrial employment lands. Despite being only 1 km from downtown Vancouver and adjacent to the city’s busiest walking and cycling routes, only 16% of people walk or bike to work in the Flats, compared to 34% city-wide. Recognizing the importance of retaining industrial land uses in the inner-city, a 30-year plan was developed to intensify the area by prioritizing people as much as goods movement. A Walk-Centric Vision: To overcome the walking and cycling challenges in the area, the plan proposes a comprehensive network of improvements. These include connecting infrastructure gaps, increasing transit access, upgrading routes for all ages and abilities, pedestrian permeability through new developments, and grade-separated structures across rail. Overlaid on this network is a 4.5 km amenity loop to tie together sub-areas that are currently fragmented by rail yards and large industrial lots. ‘Walk the Line’ mimics the old shoreline of False Creek and will connect precincts and new pockets of public space every 5 minutes along the route. It will connect the existing Seawall to a new hospital and healthcare campus, existing and renewed parks, arts/cultural precincts, high-tech business and research, and celebrate a diverse history of industry and First Nations. With walking at the centre, ‘Walk the Line’ ties all aspects of the plan together to transform the Flats into a sustainable and thriving employment district. A Foundation for Investment: The plan’s Public Benefit Strategy lays the foundation for investing millions in walking and cycling infrastructure. The City will leverage new developments and major institutions, opportunities from rail grade-separation, city-wide DCLs and CACs, and operating budgets. Walking improvements are already underway and the benefit is clear. The area will grow to 30,000 jobs, greatly increase efficiency and safety of goods movement, and support growth of the Port. Be Aspirational: Without a long-term vision that dreams big and builds momentum for investment, the Flats would remain underutilized. Learn from a plan that will unlock the economic potential of the Flats, and transform the area into a greener and healthier place to work.