ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 22, 1999

Author/Local:D.S.Scott/7155

RTS No. 00550

CC File No. 5767

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Green Streets Public Information Package

INFORMATION

The General Manager of Engineering Services submits this report for INFORMATION.

COUNCIL POLICY

On June 23, 1994, Council approved the Street Gardening - Mount Pleasant Pilot Project.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information on the new Green Streets Public Information Package, including the new brochure, the FAXback fact sheets and the new web site.

BACKGROUND

In 1994, Council approved the Street Gardening - Mount Pleasant Pilot Project. The Pilot Project, initiated by the residents with support from the Mount Pleasant Community Centre Association, provided residents with the opportunity to adopt corner bulges and traffic circles in their neighbourhood.

In Mount Pleasant, 46 landscaped corner bulges and 23 landscaped traffic circles were installed through a combination of the Local Beautification and Neighbourhood Traffic Improvement programs. Residents adopted nine corner bulges and six traffic circles. Today, five years later, eight corner bulges and two traffic circles are adopted. Volunteers enhance these street gardens by adding plants that provide seasonal colour, texture and fragrance.

In 1994, CUPE local 1004, representing City staff who maintain the landscape on City streets, expressed concern about the Pilot Project.

The Pilot Project is viewed by local residents as a success. The 1996 study, Mount Pleasant Green Streets: Street Garden Update, indicated that after two years, resident volunteers remained positive about their experience. Survey results indicated that residents preferred the overall appearance of the adopted street gardens. Volunteers felt that this was a wonderful way to meet their neighbours and contribute to the quality of life on their street.

DISCUSSION

Residents from other communities are impressed with the results of the Pilot Project and have expressed interest in street gardening and adopting the corner bulges and traffic circles in their neighbourhoods.

Currently, throughout the city, there are 141 landscaped corner bulges and 119 landscaped traffic circles that have been installed through a variety of programs, including Greenways, Bikeways, Neighbourhood Transportation and Local Improvements. Many traffic circles and corner bulges are landscaped by the City with low maintenance plants including shrubs and where appropriate, trees.

Presently, thirteen corner bulges and nine traffic circles are officially adopted by residents. In addition, there are eleven traffic circles that are unofficially adopted. The remaining corner bulges and traffic circles are maintained by City staff.

There has been no formal mechanism to provide residents with information or promote the idea of street gardening, other than in Mount Pleasant through the Mount Pleasant Community Centre. The brochure entitled, Green Streets: Street Gardening in Mount Pleasant was last updated in 1996. Currently, residents are encouraged to adopt their neighbourhood street gardens, by staff, in response to enquires or when opportunities arise at neighbourhood meetings.

Based on requests for information from the public, a new Green Streets Public Information Package has been developed, which includes a new brochure, fact sheets including planting, maintenance and safety guidelines available by mail or the city FAXback system and a new Green Streets web site. A copy of the new brochure is attached for information. This information will be available at community centres and neighbourhood meetings and through resident associations and NIST representatives.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Street gardens add to the biological diversity of the city and provide additional greenery, colour and fragrance to the street. Green space increases oxygen production, reduces rain water run off and provides bird habitat. In addition, street gardening contributes positively to the increased social interaction of families and neighbours and to the overall quality of life in the city.

PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS

Based on the Mount Pleasant experience, expanding the program will not impact existing City staff who maintain the landscape on City streets. A copy of this report has been provided to CUPE local 1004.

CONCLUSION

The development of the Green Streets brochure, FAXback system and Web site, will provide the residents of Vancouver with information on street gardening in their neighbourhood.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver