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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
April 15, 2004 | |
Author: |
A. Morin; S. James | |
Phone No.: |
6734; 7679 | |
RTS No.: |
04147 | |
CC File No.: |
5767 | |
Meeting Date: |
May 6, 2004 |
TO: |
Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets |
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services |
SUBJECT: |
2500-2600 block East 43rd Avenue - Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the construction of the Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway as shown in Appendix A at an estimated cost of $60,000 with funding to be provided from the 2003 Greenways Street Basic Capital, CB1EA2H.
B. THAT commencing in 2005 the Streets Operating Budget be increased by $1,700 for horticultural maintenance without offset and subject to annual budget review.
COUNCIL POLICY
On July 18, 1995 Council approved the Vancouver Greenways Plan. This plan supported the development of Neighbourhood Greenways to improve local connections and promote community building.
The Transportation Plan (1995) indicates an order of transportation priorities that places the highest priority on pedestrians.
The Victoria-Fraserview/Killarney (VFK) Community Vision approved by Council in 2002 notes that frequently used pedestrian and biking routes within the area should have additional greening and other types of pedestrian improvements, including street beautification.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to recommend Council approve the construction of the Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway including a permanent pedestrian-oriented community space and pathway in the 2500-2600 Block of East 43rd Avenue.
BACKGROUND
In July 1995 Council adopted the Vancouver Greenways Plan. The plan included Neighbourhood Greenways: smaller scale, community initiated and developed greenways that enhance local connections and reflect neighbourhood character. The City works with the community and provides advice and assistance with design and implementation when required. There are a number of Neighbourhood Greenway projects already built or in various stages of development across the city. Neighbourhood Greenways completed in the last few years demonstrate a range of possibilities for public involvement in community improvement projects, as well as the commitment and resourcefulness of local residents and artists.
In 2002, Council adopted the VFK Community Vision which includes direction on greenways, the Avalon Dairy on Wales Street, and community involvement. The 43rd Avenue Neighbourhood Greenway Committee (43rd NGC), a subcommittee of the VFK CityPlan Committee, initiated the idea of the Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway and has been working with City staff for the last two years bringing their idea to fruition. Figure 1 contains a context map locating the Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway project within the Victoria-Fraserview/Killarney Neighbourhood.
Figure 1 - Victoria-Fraserview/Killarney Neighbourhood
DISCUSSION
The 43rd NGC proposes to enhance the pedestrian link between Clarendon Street through to Wales Street, including access to the Avalon Dairy and the Vancouver School Board Nursery site, and to provide a community garden space that is inviting to local residents, school children, and neighbourhood gardeners. The space is also intended to become integral in local events, such as the Wales Street Festival.
Design
Engineering Services Staff reviewed the original greenway proposal submitted by the 43rd NGC and produced a concept plan that ensured existing utilities would be accessible, existing traffic patterns remained the same, and that public safety and accessibility remain paramount.
A curb ramp and a pedestrian path will be constructed on the south side of 43rd Avenue from the lane east of Clarendon to the existing mid-block closure. From the mid-block closure, the path will continue along the right of way to Wales Street. Landscape features and plantings will be located at Clarendon Street, Wales Street and in the mid-block closure section. Pedestrian features will include seating areas with planting and benches, an arbour and trellis, additional street trees. The space will showcase five birdhouses to be created by the local community. A history-inspired public art installation is proposed and will be forwarded this fall to the City's Community Public Art Program for funding. In Appendix A, the entire Neighbourhood Greenway is illustrated and in Appendix B and C, the mid-block closure is illustrated in more detail.
Vehicle Traffic Implications
East 43rd Avenue between Clarendon and Wales is a street right of way, however there has never been vehicular through traffic due to a mid-block closure and this proposal will make no change to the existing traffic pattern. To the west of the mid-block closure, access to property is by street right-of-way and to the east of the mid-block closure there is lane access to Avalon Dairy and the Vancouver School Board (VSB) Nursery. Avalon Dairy also has direct vehicular access off Wales Street.
Public Process
The 43rd NGC is comprised of local residents and employees and management of the Avalon Dairy. During the last two years the committee has met every second month to develop the proposal and design. At the Wales Street Festival held September 14, 2003, committee members had a display and spoke to the community about the neighbourhood greenway proposal. There was a favourable response to the concept. An open house was held on February 7, 2004 at Avalon Dairy for neighbours to view a more detailed concept plan. The invitation to the open house was delivered to neighbourhood residents bounded by:
· the west by the lane west of Clarendon,
· the east by the lane east of Wales Street,
· the north by the lane north of 42nd Avenue, and
· the south by the lane south of 45th Avenue.
Over 20 people, including VSB and Avalon Dairy staff and management, attended the open house to review the neighbourhood greenway proposal. Comments were all overwhelmingly positive.
Community Involvement
Community involvement has been and will continue to be the foundation of this neighbourhood greenway. Members of the 43rd NGC will be working with the adjacent school programs, the Avalon Dairy and the VSB Nursery to plant and care for the space.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost estimate for this project is $60,000 including overhead and contingency cost. Funding is provided from the 2003 Street Basic Capital for Greenways, CB1EA2H.
An increase, without offset, to the Streets Operating Budget of $1,700 for horticultural maintenance, is required to assist the community volunteers with semi annual maintenance. This increase is subject to the annual operating budget review process.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
A neighbourhood greenway in this location would have many environmental benefits, including the addition of plants, trees, and increased permeable surfaces that will reduce storm water runoff.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway will provide the local community with many social benefits. It will provide a safe and welcoming pedestrian access route between Clarendon and Wales Streets, as well as an enhanced entry to the Avalon Dairy which is a pedestrian destination for many local residents. It will also provide a neighbourhood focal point celebrating the history of the area. It is hoped that the Neighbourhood Greenway can be opened as part of the Wales Street Festival, to be held on Sunday, September 12, 2004.
CONCLUSION
The development of the Avalon Neighbourhood Greenway in the 2500-2600 block of East 43rd Avenue will provide the VFK community with a valuable pedestrian connection and green space that celebrates the community's history.
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