Agenda Index City of Vancouver

LATE DISTRIBUTION
FOR COUNCIL - JULY 20, 1999

A14

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Fraser River Trail Greenway - Point Grey Golf and Country Club

 

RECOMMENDATION

GENERAL MANAGERS' COMMENTS

COUNCIL POLICY

On May 27, 1997 Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan.

On July 18, 1995, Council adopted the Vancouver Greenways Plan. One of the proposed routes within the approved Vancouver Greenways Plan is the Fraser River Trail. This greenway, when complete, will provide a continuous connection from Burnaby to Pacific Spirit Park as close as possible to the north shore of the Fraser River.

On March 8, 1988, Council approved the Southlands Plan. In March 1988, Council adopted the Southlands Area Plan. This plan stated that "a continuous trail and parks network through Southlands from Angus Drive to the University Endowment Lands should be implemented, and the trail shall preferably be a waterfront trail from Angus Drive to Wallace Street."

PURPOSE

This report updates Council on the status of the Fraser River Trail through the Point Grey Golf Course, seeks to obtain Council approval to negotiate a new trail agreement with the Point Grey Golf and Country Club, and a maintenance agreement with the Southlands Riding Club.

BACKGROUND

A portion of the Fraser River Trail Greenway exists from Carrington Street to Wallace Street along the southern edge of the Point Grey Golf Course, as shown in the Appendix. It is a popular multi-use trail, particularly among equestrian users.

Until recently, this trail existed and was managed in accordance with an agreement, entered July 1968, among the City of Vancouver, the Point Grey Golf and Country Club Ltd, and the Southlands Riding and Polo Club Ltd. The Southlands Riding and Polo Club Ltd., as permitted by the agreement, revoked the agreement in June 1999, due to concerns over liability and maintenance costs. The six principles of the Club no longer wanted to be personally responsible for the liability of the trail. The Southlands Riding and Polo Club Ltd. differs from the Southlands Riding Club.

The main terms of the former agreement can be summarized as follows. The Point Grey Golf Course owns the land but allows the public to access the trail. In turn the City grants the Point Grey Golf Course use of the street right-of-ways (49th Avenue and Dunbar Street) that intersect the golf course. The Southlands Riding and Polo Club is responsible to construct and maintain the trail.

The trail has come under disrepair and needs major rehabilitation. A committee, titled the Southlands River Trail and Dyke Committee, was formed from a variety of interest groups. In order to address their concerns about the condition of the trail, the committee hired an engineering firm to assess the trail, and to recommend and cost out necessary repairs. Their report estimated short term emergency repairs at $10,000 and long term repairs at $400,000. The City of Vancouver is assisting the Point Grey Golf Course, to make necessary repairs to maintain public access on the trail, in the short term.

DISCUSSION

There are many parties concerned in the continued availability of the trail including; the University Endowment Lands Trail Riders, various resident groups, the Southlands Riding Club, Musqueam Indian Reserve, and the City of Vancouver, Greenways. Staff have met with representatives from the Southlands Riding Club, the Point Grey Golf & Country Club, the University Endowment Lands Trail Riders, and the Southlands River Trail and Dyke Committee and it is anticipated by all parties that a new long term agreement will be reached.

In order to address these concerns staff propose the City enter a new agreement with the Point Grey Golf and Country Club Ltd. that would allow for continued public access along the Fraser River from Carrington Street to Wallace Street, and are seeking Council support to negotiate with the landowner to achieve this. The main issues will be assured access, shoreline maintenance, liability, and trail surface maintenance. Staff will report back to Council for approval of the terms prior to entering an agreement.

The users support the inclusion of compatible equestrian uses on the trail. Allowing for equestrian activity does, however, incur additional capital and operating costs. The trail needs to be wider to allow for equestrian activity, and requires greater maintenance. Staff will work with the Southlands Riding Club to reach an agreement that shares this responsibility. Should the Southlands Riding Club not be willing to help maintain the trail, then the City has the option to not allow equestrian traffic on the trail. Staff will report back to Council on the negotiations with the Southlands Riding Club if necessary.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Greenways benefit the environment by enhancing the opportunities to walk and cycle in the city. This greenway enhances the natural environment along the Fraser River by providing wildlife habitat and increasing native plant diversity. It also allows the public to experience and appreciate this natural space, thereby providing direct and meaningful connections between nature and people within a community.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Greenways contribute positively to society through the provision of increased opportunities for active and passive recreation, community interaction and healthier lifestyles.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The only financial implication is staff time spent on negotiations. Staff will report back with the terms and conditions for a new agreement and any future financial implications prior to entering an agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

This section of the Fraser River Trail is an important link from Southlands to Pacific Spirit Park. Staff will negotiate and report back on the terms necessary to secure this waterfront walkway.

FRASER RIVER TRAIL - POINT GREY GOLF COURSE

NOTE FROM CLERK: Electronic copy of map not available - on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

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ag990720.htm

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