ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: May 4, 2001
Author/Local: F. Klotzbach/7118
RTS NO. 01644
CC File No. 4155
T&T: May 15, 2001
TO: |
Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic |
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the General Manager of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Current Planning |
SUBJECT: |
Design of Stanley Park S-Curve |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the design of the Stanley Park "S" Curve, Option A, as outlined in this report. The proposed improvements include:
· enhancing the roadway, while maintaining the general alignment;
· reconstructing the Chilco underpass to safely accommodate pedestrians, wheel chair users, inline skaters and cyclists;
· reconstructing the Pipeline Road underpass to accommodate trolley buses; and,
· adding to and enhancing the park treatment and landscaping.
B. THAT the additional City funding of $2 million required for this project be provided by the reallocation of unspent funds from completed Streets Capital projects.
C. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to revise the City's agreement with TransLink for the additional $1.5 million requested as part of the 2001 Minor Capital Program.
GENERAL MANAGERS OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, PARKS AND RECREATION, AND DIRECTOR OF CURRENT PLANNING'S COMMENTS
With the clear decision to retain three lanes on the Lions Gate Bridge and causeway, issues of design and safety of the Stanley Park "S" Curve have come to the forefront. The design that has been developed improves safety, meets a number of outstanding City and Park Board needs, and results in improvementsto Stanley Park and to the entrance to Vancouver. The proposed changes to the S-Curve meet the City's and Park Board's interests as outlined in the "Stanley Park Causeway Term Sheet".
With the Lions Gate Project well underway and the causeway now complete, time is of the essence to begin construction before bridge work is complete. Accordingly, we recommend that this design proceed to implementation.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council has maintained an active role in the planning of the Lions Gate Bridge Project with support expressed for a three lane option on May 26, 1998.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval for the design of the Stanley Park S-Curve, associated improvements and additional funding of $2 million.
Upon approval, the detailed design for the S-Curve will be completed and the project tendered. Staff will report back on the tender process and seek approval to award the construction contract to the successful bidder.
BACKGROUND
On February 3, 2000 Council approved the reconstruction of the "S" curve entrance to Stanley Park.
In February 2000 the City and Park Board signed the "Stanley Park Causeway Term Sheet". This agreement outlined the short and long term objectives of the five participating agencies (the British Columbia Transportation Financing Authority, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, TransLink, the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation) for vehicle traffic in Stanley Park. The short term objectives for the Stanley Park S-Curve are as follows:
· the realignment of the S-Curve from Gilford Street to Pipeline Road Underpass to reduce the severity of the curvature, provide minor lane width increases, extend the raised median to separate traffic flows, install a permanent speed monitoring system and to upgrade illumination and drainage;
· the reconstruction of the Lost Lagoon (Pipeline Road) Underpass to allow TransLink to introduce trolley buses into Stanley Park;
· the construction of a transit only queue jumper from the Stanley Park off-ramp on the north bound causeway in the vicinity of the Lost Lagoon ;
· the construction of lane separation for Stanley Park and transit traffic with a raised median from west of Gilford Street to Stanley Park entrance to eliminate non-transit queue jumping;
· the reconstruction of the pedestrian underpass from Chilco Street to Coal Harbour with improved vertical clearance and reduced approach grades for pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters;
· the regrading and landscaping approach areas to the pedestrian underpass including the Chilco Bus Loop and Chilco Street;
· the construction of a new bus loop in the vicinity of the Children's Farmyard; and
· the realignment and improvement of the entrance roads to Stanley Park.
On May 16, 2000 Council approved that NDLea Consultants Ltd. be retained to carry out the design work for the Causeway reconstruction.
On July 25, 2000 a presentation was made to the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic regarding a second conceptual design (Option B) for the Stanley Park S-Curve that was developed by the City's urban design consultant. The new proposal involved removing the Chilco Underpass and creating an at-grade pedestrian plaza/underpass slightly further within the Park. This concept was presented to the Standing Committee and Staff were encouraged to develop this design further.
On October 12, 2000 an open house was held to present Options A and B. Approximately 110 people attended and there was a good discussion regarding the two proposals. Of those who filled out a questionnaire, approximately 55% preferred Option B while the remaining 45% either preferred Option A or neither of the two options. Comments regarding the two options were incorporated into a revision of the two designs.
On October 18, 2000 a presentation of the two options was made to the Vancouver City Planning Commission.
On December 11, 2000 a joint Council/Park Board workshop was held to discuss the two options developed for the Stanley Park S-Curve. At this meeting, Council and Park Board members suggested that models and drawings be created for each option to better visualize the proposed changes.
On March 19, 2001 a workshop was held with models of the two options and artistrenderings presented to Park Board.
On March 27, 2001 a workshop was held with models of the two options and artist renderings presented to Council.
On April 4, 2001 a presentation with the models and artist renderings of the two options was made to the Vancouver City Planning Commission.
On April 19, 2001 a public Open House was held to present the model and artist renderings of Option A. Approximately 50 people attended and there was a good discussion regarding the proposal.
DISCUSSION
Over the course of the last year, two design options for the Stanley Park S-Curve have been developed. Option A, the original proposal, involves reconstructing the roadway and pedestrian underpass in more or less their present location, but with improvements to widths and grades. Option B involves removing the Chilco Underpass and creating a larger pedestrian plaza/underpass slightly further within the Park.
Both options meet the project requirements, as agreed upon in February 2000 by the five part agreement between the British Columbia Financing Authority, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, TransLink, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the City of Vancouver. In addition, both options include bicycle lanes that connect the existing causeway sidewalks to the recently approved bike lanes on Georgia Street.
While each option meets the project requirements, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Option A is less expensive, keeps the roadway down at park grade, has better pedestrian connections to the West End for transit users, and is a reconstruction of what is in place now. Option B creates a pedestrian plaza, provides better seawall and park user movements and creates more of a park amenity.
The following table is a summary of advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Advantages |
Disadvantages | |
Option A |
· less expensive
|
· bisects the pedestrian connection between City and Stanley Park with a "trough" at the Chilco Underpass
|
|
Option B |
· creates a much wider (30 m) at-grade pedestrian plaza
|
· more expensive
|
Given the difference in cost between the two options (approximately $4 million) and the implications of elevating the roadway through the entrance to Stanley Park, staff recommend proceeding with Option A.
DESIGN FEATURES
Roadway Modifications
The current design for the S-Curve involves decreasing curvature of the roadway by increasing the radius from approximately 90 m to 100 m, widening the lanes from 2.9 m to 3.5 m, super-elevating the curve by 4%, improving the lighting, and renewing the pavement surface. The roadway is designed to meet current Canadian standards for a 50 km/h roadway.
Pipeline Road Underpass
The Pipeline Road Underpass is to be reconstructed from an existing 3.4 m vertical clearance to 5 m to provide adequate clearance for trolley buses. In addition, there will be a minor widening beneath the structure to provide sidewalks and an improvement in site distance on Pipeline Road. The design of the new structure will be similar to that of the existing structure.
Transit Queue Jumper/Lane Separation
A raised median from west of Gilford Street to just past the entrance to Stanley Park will be constructed to prevent private vehicles from jumping the queue that forms when lane control is in effect on the causeway. Once in the Stanley Park entry lane, all private vehicles must enter the park. Only transit buses will be allowed to re-enter the traffic on the causeway.
Greening of Chilco Bus Loop
The existing Chilco Bus Loop will be re-graded, landscaped and returned to park land. The existing washrooms and concession will be removed and a viewing deck created in its place. Chilco Street from Alberni to Georgia Street will be closed to traffic and greened and landscaped. Delivery and emergency access to the existing building on this block will be maintained through the use of reinforced lawn.
Chilco Underpass
The Chilco Underpass will be reconstructed and the vertical clearance increased from 2.3 m to 3.0 m, the width increased from 8.5 m to 13 m and the approach grades reduced. The new underpass will have 3 sections each 4 m wide, with one section for pedestrians, one for cyclists and one for inline skaters.
The existing approach grades of the underpass are approximately 8% and pose a significant obstacle for wheel chair users and the many novice inline skaters who rent their equipment on Denman Street and enter the park through the Chilco Underpass. To get a more desirable grade of 3%, the length of ramp will be extended and floor of theunderpass in the one section raised. As a result, the vertical clearance in the inline skating portion of the underpass will have a vertical clearance of 2.5 m, as compared to 3 m for pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition, the new structure will have improved lighting and will be lit indirectly from the sides, eliminating the existing fixtures that hang from the ceiling.
New Bus Loop
A new transit loop, transit shelter and driver washroom will be created in the existing parking lot located behind the Children's Farmyard and the Stanley Park Pavilion, and will replace the Chilco Loop and the existing summer loop within the park. This loop will allow TransLink to introduce trolley bus service into the park.
Park Entry Roads
In addition to the reconstruction of the S-Curve, the park entry lanes will be reconfigured and reconstructed. A new roundabout will be constructed to serve as the focal point and the main vehicular entrance to the park. The centre of the roundabout will be landscaped and a park entry marker added.
Urban Design
The urban design of the S-Curve has been a large part of this project. The objective is to provide a sense of "gateway" to the City and Stanley Park and to improve the general appearance of the Park and City interface.
Several principles have guided the urban design of this project, including:
minimizing grade differences between the road and adjacent sidewalks, landscaping and private development;
allowing for the Georgia Street sidewalk and boulevard treatment to remain consistent along the south side of the street from the Chilco intersection eastward;
creating a meaningful visual termination of the city as it meets the park; and
maintaining and enhancing specific views down Georgia Street to Lost Lagoon.
While design development work done to date to both Options A and B includes such features and paired circular plazas to mark the historic intersection of Chilco and Georgia Streets, additional refinements may be possible to further enrich the urban design quality of this city/park gateway area. This may include some form of vertical markers at these plaza locations.
Public Art
Staff will work with Park Board staff and the Office of Cultural Affairs to explore the opportunity to incorporate public art into these plazas. This process will allow for public consultation and the development of several different options.
SCHEDULE
Upon approval, the detailed design for the S-Curve will be completed and the project tendered. Staff will report back on the tender process and seek approval to award the construction contract to the successful bidder. It is hoped that construction will begin this fall, with completion likely early spring 2002.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The original preliminary cost estimate for constructing the Stanley Park "S" Curve, was approximately $10 million. After further developing the design, the cost estimate was refined to $13.5 million, requiring an additional $3.5 million. Of this additional amount, $1.5 million is being requested as part of the 2001 TransLink Minor Capital Program and $2 million of City funding could be provided primarily from a variety of Streets Capital Projects which are completed and under-spent.
Previously Approved (based on $10 million preliminary estimate): |
|
Province (BCTFA and ICBC) |
$5,000,000 |
TransLink (2000/2001 Minor Capital) |
$2,000,000 |
City of Vancouver |
$2,000,000 |
TransLink (for trolley overhead into Stanley Park) |
$1,000,000 |
Funding approved to date: |
$10,000,000 |
Additional Funding Required: |
$3.5 million |
City of Vancouver |
$2,000,000 |
TransLink (Minor Capital requested for 2001) |
$1,500,000 |
$3,500,000 | |
Total Funding: |
$13,500,000 |
City Funding Sources for required $2,000,000: |
Amount | |
Variety of Streets Capital projects that are completed and under-spent. | ||
Total additional City funding: |
$2,000,000 | |
CONCLUSION
Over the last year, two design options have been developed for the Stanley Park S-Curve. Given the financial implications of the two options and the concerns for elevating the roadway through Stanley Park, staff recommend proceeding with design Option A, as outlined in this report.
The additional $3.5 million required could be provided from TransLink and City funds.
* * * * *
APPENDIX A:
Stanley Park S-Curve Plan
Meant as a general project overview, superceded by more detailed design.
Current design of Chilco Underpass
APPENDIX B:
April 19, 2001 Open House
|
Redesign of the Stanley Park Causeway "S" Curve |
|
After reviewing the presentation material for the Stanley Park S-Curve, please fill out the following questionnaire.
All information you provide will remain confidential.
Name: |
Address: |
Postal Code: |
General Features
The proposal features the following changes:
a) Improve roadway design of S-Curve;
b) Construct lane separation for Stanley Park traffic to eliminate queue jumping;
c) Reconstruct Chilco underpass with improved clearance, width and lighting;
d) Improve grades in and out of the Chilco underpass to accommodate cyclists and inline skaters; and
e) Re-grade and landscape the Chilco Bus Loop.
I like the following aspects of the proposal:
I would like to see the following changes/additions to the proposal:
I like the following aspects of the Park design:
I suggest the following be incorporated into the Park design and landscaping:
Additional comments or suggestions:
Please complete the survey tonight and leave with staff. If you prefer to complete the survey later, please return by May 7 in the postage paid envelope, or fax to 871-6191.
Thank you for your comments!
RESPONSES
I like the following aspects of the proposal:
Good work, but there's still time to close Chilco from Alberni to Robson - allies and a connection at Robson will give access to
both affected buildings.
improved access (pedestrian and bike) to park, decreased grade at tunnel, removal of bus loop impediment, separation of
routes (pedestrian)
any improvement is good but we need to do something about the intersection at Georgia and Denman.
all aspects appear to be well designed.
Altered traffic patterns to the bridge and to the park appear to create a much improved traffic flow which should reflect greatly
in traffic movement in the wider Downtown area also.
S-Curve improvements are good. Chilco Underpass would be great as proposed.
the improvement sin bike access to the causeway sidewalks. Ability to use trolley buses in the Park. Rationalization of traffic
patterns on entering/exiting Park.
less banking of road. Less wall space. Greening of Chilco Loop.
I am generally in favour of all aspects of the proposal.
An improvement over previous plans.
All aspects are good.
Better than previous options and less costly.
I would like to see the following changes/additions to the proposal:
better consideration of bus stop and integration with paths - possibly deletion of stop on Georgia at curve
Please redesign the new Chilco Bus Loop park. Filling it with 30' trees takes away our view of the Lagoon and is not
maximizing park use! Also make sure it doesn't become a dog park!
Attention to tree planting which could obstruct the view for residents on Chilco. Big real estate $$ went into purchasing a
residence with the view. Suggest "low" slow growing trees (Cherry?) to avoid hiding the lagoon - we would really lose it!
Plant big trees or trees with potential growth and you'll really have a "lost" lagoon.
Permanent speed control measures. Pleas use blue zones for bikes - red zones difficult to see at night. Blue zones used in
other areas of North America.
My greatest concern is the aesthetics of the overpasses, exterior treatment, balustrades, bird nesting and roosting
retention, ease of graffiti removal.
Permanent speed control measures. Include painted bike lanes - use the international recognized colour, blue! Include bus
stops (both northbound and southbound) as close to Chilco as possible.
More notice that lanes are changing before you get around corner.
LRT implemented through the park and over the bridge in each direction taking one lane of traffic, a 40 km/h speed limit and
constant enforcement (photo radar), bicycle accommodation of east side of Lost Lagoon pathway which will happen anyway.
Generally, please pursue "outside the box" options. Give people better options and they will use them.
I like the following aspects of the Park design:
Don't like the idea of trolley lines in the Park!
I support the clear definition of wheeled and pedestrian paths and would like to see separation increased in other areas,
especially along the seawall in front of the new Cal Harbour Community Centre. I support the trolley buses into the Park.
Include lighting plan for plaza area.
Circle (roundabout) entrance to Park, taking buses out, change of grades and removal of pillars of underpass, widening of
lanes and adding bike lanes for commuters.
I suggest the following be incorporated into the Park design and landscaping:
care must be taken with the trees to be planted when the bus loop is removed. They should not be high enough to obscure
the view from the lower floors of the two existing apartment buildings on Chilco.
More lighting, trees and path - low light effects. Turn the fountain on with lights at night.
Shrubs and flowers - not trees to obliterate the views. We put "edge walk" along Lost Lagoon? Presently one walks
between the bushes.
I believe that right hand turns should also have been restricted at Denman Street during commuter times.
N/A excellent plan
bicycle facilities, racks adjacent to green areas where people may wish to rest.
Additional comments or suggestions:
Please take our park suggestions seriously! This really should be redesigned.
Listen to our comments, please!! We live there.
Sorry to see the aesthetics of the wide underpass (Option B) abandoned.
What about trans vision 3rd crossing?
I am very disappointed with the sewerage treatment plant in Lost Lagoon. I do not support moving the sidewalk (pathway) at
the proposed Lost Lagoon edge walk. Build a berm along the road.
Everything looks great. More public awareness. I didn't know they were making any changes.
It would be helpful to present a brief written history of the plans and their development along with the "project overview".
APPENDIX C:
October 12, 2000 Open House
Responses
Question 1:
I prefer: Option A or Option B
Number of Responses: 49
Option Count Percentage
Neither Option 3 6%
Option A 18 37%
Option B 28 57%
Question 2:
I like the following aspects of Option A:
Cheaper.
More direct for trips to the West End.
I applaud the plan to clean up the traffic bottleneck at the park.
That the pedestrian underpass remains in place and provides the best connection from the Coal Harbour side to Lost Lagoon. There's also less impact on the bird habitat in Lost Lagoon, if the underpass stays in place.
Keeps things the way they are for pedestrians and walking.
The level of the S-curve would not have to be raised too much. You could use the existing excavation and keep the profile low.
I think the (park entry) lane separation is a great idea. I think the location of the present underpass is fine. Why not create a pedestrian/cyclist overpass instead? This would eliminate the problem of re-grading Georgia St.
I prefer maintaining the present location of the Chilco pedestrian underpass because it shortens access to the northern side of the park from the West End residential areas. It also appears to involve less disruption in construction. I strongly support the lane separation features.
Separate lane into Stanley Park. Bus loop moving into Park.
Leaves underpass where it is! No extra block for pedestrians to walk along the causeway before entering the park.
Retention of the underpass in its present location - less impact on Lost Lagoon. Also, the underpass' present location allow easier access from the Lost Lagoon
side of the Park to the Coal Harbour side of the Park. Also, moving the underpass means that pedestrians have to walk an extra block to cross.
It keeps the lagoon and lagoon walkway somewhat isolated from the impact of higher human use than Option B would have.
Shorter and direct pedestrian access with underpass at existing location.
Maintains pedestrian flow between Chilco/2nd Beach/current bus loop and
Devonian Park/Coal Harbour. For most of its length, roadway surface on S-curve is relatively low. Less of a visual barrier than Option B.
improved roadway design and lane separation for Stanley Park traffic.
Pedestrian underpass is closer to Chilco Street and bus stop on north side of Georgia in Devonian Park. Will retain historic sight lines of Lost Lagoon and Coal Harbour.
I prefer this option, but would like additional modifications suggested by "WERA" (West End Residents Association) considered.
Question 3:
I dislike the following aspects of Option A:
Let's get rid of Chilco completely between Alberni and Robson. Both buildings being currently served can adapt their entrances and the resulting green space can be shaped into a natural amphitheater down to the park. I don't think this need be a costly move.
Not as wide as Option B.
The grade change of the roadway at Chilco.
I fear that is not enough change to deal with all the pedestrians that exist.
No bike dedicated tie in to causeway sidewalk/bike lane, on west/north bound direction.
The fact that Chilco Park appears less park-like than in Option B.
Widening Causeway replaces green space in narrow causeway.
Please create an exit lane for traffic coming to the park from the North Shore. A simple lane from the Causeway to the NE corner of Lost Lagoon would assist many visitors who may have missed the earlier turn off to Prospect Point.
The underpass should be moved.
Steep grade on Georgia St.
Grade increase of 6'.
Underpass is fine as it is - or you could add lighting and better stenciling for peds vs. bikes/roller blades - very cheap compared to raising roadway.
The height of the underpass does not have to be changed - simply improve the lighting. This is also cheaper.
Blocking of view to fountain by overpass. It is only replacing the current underpass. Than underpass was built in the early '40s to take people from the street car loop next to Chilco. Relocating the bus/street car terminus into the park makes that unnecessary. Access across the Park Drive is easily found in Option B.
Some cherry trees on Chilco would be cut.
Elevation of Georgia St. Modifying the current underpass and destroying the trees.
Reconstruction of underpass, improved grades and landscaping of bus loop.
Artist conception is less pleasing that of Option B. Seems to be a deliberate attempt to tip the balance of the outcome of this consulting process.
Question 4:
I like the following aspects of Option B:
Option B seems to be a cleaner design, however either option is okay.
Improved entry to park and Causeway, width of underpass, more indirect entrance to Park Drive, elimination of ped overpass (to Lord Stanley).
I like the moved underpass and the ideal of a gateway into the park. I like that the bus loop is farther into the park giving people better access.
Consolidate the pedestrian underpass.
The underpass as well as the entrance to the park will be more attractive.
Open plaza entry is a great element to this plan.
Provides safer entry to Georgia St. The loop in Chilco Park and additional landscaping is good but improve existing toilet facilities.
New wide underpass.
"Gateway" structure compensates to some degree for loss of green space due to roadway widening. Raising roadway would have the same effect of removing highway noise from pedestrians consciousness.
Moving the underpass to a better location. More aesthetic entrance to park.
Fresh, new look to entrance of the park. Pedestrian plaza area would be a wonderful addition and would enhance the 1st impressions of this great park.
More emphasis on pedestrian safety.
the location of the underpass.
Larger, more open. Creating gateway.
Wider causeway, simpler design for pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
Wider walkway, less road height increase, separate lane into Stanley Park, bus loop moving into park.
Like Option B. Lane separation is a must. It is most annoying and frustrating with queue jumpers. Put in a concrete curb next to Stanley Park lane from Cardero.
Open view down Georgia St. to Lagoon/fountain. It seems to do everything that the other scheme does. It provides and effective way across the heavy traffic from the Lagoon side to the Coal Harbour side.
Convenience to the public transport users to get into park. Roller bladers are less dangerous.
New design of Chilco Bus Loop. Wide underpass.
Openness
I like the pedestrian plaza concept and I think Option B will make the park entrance a more scenic look to Vancouver.
So long as the bride is only 3 lanes, congestion will remain regardless of improvements in Georgia Street or the "S" Curve.
None
The aspects of improvements which are "gat4eway" etc. in nature are important.
This is the entrance to Stanley Park, where virtually every tourist in Vancouver goes at some point in their visit. Stanley park is indeed the jewel of Vancouver.
Question 5:
I dislike the following aspects of Option B:
The grade change of the roadway.
Raising the road to create the underpass creates a really high wall, spoiling the view from one side of the causeway to the other. It's a long walk for pedestrians from Chilco or that end of the West End to the north side of Georgia Street if the underpass is moved.
The raised road to become a barrier to the view of the pond, however there is a "look through". I.e. with the new underpass
Still no adequate bike tie in on n/w bound lanes through Stanley Park/Bus lane.
The pedestrian underpass is too far from the next crossing of Georgia at Denman.
The pedestrians and cyclists are forced to go along the Causeway. The fact that it will cost more.
Bike path ends between 2 lanes to e Georgia and bus ramp from park loop. The section of underpass shows additional encroachment into lagoon. The walkway from underpass to Chilco Park must be mad wide enough for peds and bikes in distinct separate lanes.
Moves the pedestrian underpass.
Raising the street level too much so that it is more of a barrier than it already is.
Profile would be too high.
I think a lot of focus has been placed on the Georgia Street entrance for traffic going north. Please consider the southbound vehicles and provide them with park access too.
Wide as possible separation of cyclists, rollerbladers, and pedestrians still needed.
Don't close off Gilford Street from Georgia St.
Moving underpass further from closest crosswalk (Denman). Forces pedestrians to walk along the causeway for an extra block before gaining access to the park.
Pedestrian underpasses can be negative, dark, windy and possibly dangerous.
Keeping maximum height is important. The proposal being wide, and having an central opening, could be wider, providing views to the fountain and up Coal Harbour is a good feature.
The higher level of street will increase the noise to the neighborhood residents.
Height & better pedestrian crossing.
Bikes not segregated enough.
New pedestrian underpass is further away. Pathway alongside Lost Lagoon is too narrow for pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters.
I like to walk from my apartment at Barclay and Gilford through the underpass to Coal Harbour. This would make it a longer walk. Shore of Lost Lagoon south of new underpass is narrow and would be overcrowded with pedestrians, cyclists in
summer. Even with new underpass, big concrete retaining wall creates a give visual block between Devonian Park and Lost Lagoon. Option B road surface is much higher than Option A.
Skaters and cyclists appear to get along just fine with the present underpass.
Elimination of underpass at Chilco Street will encourage pedestrians to jaywalk across Georgia Street at Chilco and at Gilford Streets. I dislike the traffic circle on Pipeline road. If the Park is to have Transit only then why is this traffic calming necessary? Seems like you are not serious about reducing private vehicles in the park.
Strongly dislike Option B for aesthetic reasons: raising the level of the vehicular roadway at Lost Lagoon must result in increased noise throughout the area, reflected by water surfaces and visually one's enjoyment of the Lagoon is disturbed by the continual motion of traffic at the bridge - large vehicles can't be hidden behind a low wall.
Additional Comments
Consider alternate to trolley buses in park. I.e. fuel cell buses or cable cars as they have in San Francisco.
Separate bike path around S-curve so traffic does not cut across bike lane. Ad d connection to Alberni through Chilco.
Like idea of "Grand Entrance" replacing ped overpass. Please ensure new bus loop is suitable to natural surroundings, like new lamp standards/shades. Ped friendly paths and walkways.
To keep the grade of the road as low as possible and to do maximum landscaping to make it as easy on the eye as possible.
This is an important gateway for this city. I would like to see top quality finishes and landscaping.
Try not to remove the deciduous trees in Devonian Park.
Less concrete, light rapid transit taking up the equivalent of one lane in each direction. Any pedestrian cycling facilities to be separated from traffic lanes by a tree lined median. Cities & parks as though people & nature mattered!
Neither option involves removing Stanley Ho's house!
It was very difficult to objectively evaluate the 2 options. No elevation or section was presented for Option A as for Option B. For such a large scale project the lack for information makes it difficult to understand. It appears the changes in elevation and grade separations of cars, peds and cyclist seem to be a major component of this exercise. More info is needed to understand how this will be felt or experienced as a park user/commuter etc. Considering the scale of this project and the importance to the park and Georgia St. and the essence of Vancouver, I feel more detailed information should be presented again to the public. Please spend a little more time and money on making the options more understandable - models would be grate for such a project. Thanks.
The speed limit must be reduced to 50 km/h and strictly enforced by photo radar.
The new design of the S-Curve with it's banked curves will result in high speed driving and an equal increase in the severity and frequency of motor vehicle accidents.
While the marsh in lost Lagoon is being constructed, do clean-up along lagoon shore (water is 5 feel lower now). Clean up potentially nice corner of Coal Harbour at Devonian Park. It has been neglected for years. Remove rails along new roadway
along lagoon and replace with soundproof barrier to protect peds.
I am concerned with noise emanating from Georgia Street. Please ensure all possible sound barriers are considered/implemented to increase audio appreciation of Stanley Park, alongside plans to improve the visual presentation in/out of the park/city.
I was very pleased to get a verbal commitment that there will be bike lanes adjacent to the Causeway. I hope that this commitment will appear in writing soon and that there will be no going back on it. Also, bicycle connections to the Seawall and Lost Lagoon bikeways are essential: Option B is well worth any extra cost incurred. In either option, there should be a bicycle connection to Alberni Street through the redesigned Chilco park.
We are interested in the greening of Chilco Bus loop as we do tree planting projects with Park Board. Also the Rose Garden was installed by the Kiwanis Club in 1920 and we would want to be involved in this refurbishment.
Please create an exit lane for Traffic coming from the North Shore to enter the Park at Lost Lagoon. This access would help many visitors to Vancouver to find the park.
Pleas retain the existing parking on Chilco between Alberni and Robson.
I like the plan to keep Chilco St. closed at Robson and also no exit to Georgia.
Since I live in an apartment over-looking the bus loop, the new park will be an outstanding improvement.
Would like a pedestrian only boardwalk across lagoon.
I am concerned about the supposed need to use trolley buses. What will happen to the current route #135 into the park? If the revert to trolley buses, the route can no longer run up to SFU. Years ago they ran a trolley shuttle between Granville St
and Stanley Park and the service was horrible! That bus got pulled off the minute there were problems with other routes. We need better service than that.
Why did the design mock-ups for the S-curve show such bias favoring Option B? Option B had more greening at bus loop, better quality drawing and was exclusively promoted by Forrest for the duration of my visit to the open house. Let me guess which plan will get the rubber stamp.
Speed limits! Must be enforced and reduced! Photo radar. I am concerned that the new design of the S- Curve will result in speeding.
Taking public transit into the centre of the park by bus or street car is very practical since people will be deposited reasonably close to the attractions. This idea could possibly be expanded to put the terminus closer to the aquarium and Brockton Oval, The use of public transit should ultimately reduce parking needs within the park.
When you move the fountain to new position, pleas put lovelier one. Present one is rather ugly especially when it is not operating.
Wide underpass creates wider space to connect both sides of the park (Park and Lost Lagoon).
Get traffic flow at Georgia and Denman to avoid stops. Try to split grated and no lights or move flow to other streets. Big safety issue with pedestrians, roller bladers and strollers crossing. Slows flow to bridge. Excess noise of start stop light change cycle.
Keep the cyclists away from moving automobiles.
Ensure continuous bike lanes from Georgia Street to Causeway for commuter and touring cyclists going over the Lions Gate. Grade separated bike lanes through S-curve. Ensure noise barriers on S-Curve.
About separated bus lane: should have visually distinct road surface after road into Stanley Park splits off. Bring back the trolley buses! Get rid of those noisy low - floor diesel transit buses.
The closing of Chilco St. at Georgia seems pointless. For even more trees, car access to the building at the corner is eliminated and a useful extra access to Chilco for fire and ambulances is lost. Further, under control the run-off at Georgia up Chilco can be a relief for traffic from Georgia. Creating parkland out of bus loop area will pose some problems of policing. At present, there is skate, cycle and pedestrian traffic do discourage vagrants' loitering. Even so, we have vagrants dressing down near the hot dog stand and on Chilco near Alberni. Until the lights were kept on at night in the shelter next to the hot dog stand, the picnic tables
became vagrants' dormitory. Then there is the dog problem. As it is, people drive to Chilco and Lagoon Drive and loose their dongs on the ground near the tennis courts. When all is parkland we can expect the area to become a zoo.
