ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: July 6, 1999
Author/Local: Nancy Hill/7305
RTS No. 00741

CC File No. 5767
T & T Date: July 20, 1999

TO:	Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:	Director of City Plans and General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the General Manager of the Park Board
SUBJECT:	Fraser River Trail Greenway - McCleery Golf Course

RECOMMENDATIONS

A. THAT Council approve the construction of the trail along the McCleery Golf Course, adjacent to the Fraser River, as shown in Appendix A;

B. THAT funding of $147,000 be approved from the Neighbourhood Greenways - Unappropriated/Unallocated Account (30000135) for construction of the greenway;

C. THAT commencing in 2000, the Streets Operating Budget be increased by $2,500 (without offset), for path maintenance and brush clearing;

D. THAT equestrian traffic be allowed only on the McCleery Street portion (Celtic Avenue to the Fraser River) and that staff work with the Southlands Riding Club to reach a maintenance agreement which will allow equestrian use along the river section.

GENERAL MANAGERS' COMMENTS

The General Managers of Community Services, Engineering Services, and the Park Board RECOMMEND approval of A to D.

COUNCIL POLICY

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

On July 18, 1995, Council approved the Vancouver Greenways Plan.

On March 8, 1988, Council approved the Southlands Plan

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval for the design of the neighbourhood greenway along the McCleery Golf Course, adjacent to the Fraser River, the allocation of funds for its construction and maintenance, and to direct staff to negotiate a maintenance agreement with the Southlands Riding Club.

The proposal for the construction of this trail has been subject to a community consultation process, and has received strong public support. The features of the proposed trail is a gravel path with fencing and landscaping to provide protection and separation at key locations from the golf course. The path has been designed in consultation with staff from the Vancouver Park Board.

BACKGROUND

An informal trail along the McCleery golf course is used by local residents and visitors to the Southlands area. When the McCleery golf course, which is owned and operated by the Park Board, was recently rebuilt, it was reconfigured to provide a buffer strip along the Fraser River for future walkway improvements.

The proposed formal trail will provide an important community amenity within the Southlands area. In the long term, this section of trail will become a part of the City Greenways network, namely the Fraser River Trail. This City greenway will eventually connect Burnaby to Pacific Spirit Park.

The proposed trail is consistent with the Southlands Area Plan, which was adopted by Council in March 1988. 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."

A public meeting was held June 29th at the McCleery golf course to discuss the trail proposal. Notices were distributed to all local residents and relevant interest groups.

DISCUSSION

Three comments were frequently expressed during the public consultation. In general, the public wants the trail to remain natural, to continue east to the Angus Lands, and to be open to equestrian activity. The proposal for this trail is to keep the natural setting, use a gravel surface, and retain existing trees. In the long term, the goal is to continue the trail eastward along the privately owned Marine Drive golf course, and link up with Angus Park.

The City supports the inclusion of compatible equestrian uses in the redevelopment of private and public lands within Southlands. Allowing for equestrian activity does incur additional capital and operating costs. Trails need to be wider to allow for equestrian activity, and require greater maintenance.

The existing design for the trail along the McCleery golf course permits equestrian activity. If equestrian activity would not be permitted along the trail, the construction cost could likely be reduced by approximately $15,000, as the path width and the fencing height could be reduced. Without equestrian activity, maintenance of the trail would be minimal, requiring only a bi-annual visit to clear overgrown brush and check the surface of the trail. It is expected that if equestrian activity is permitted, then more frequent maintenance will be required.

Staff are recommending that equestrian activity only be permitted on the McCleery Street leg of the trail, from Celtic to the Fraser River. If suitable arrangements can be made with the Southlands Riding Club for trail maintenance, then equestrian use would be allowed along the river section as well. The Southlands Riding Club have been very active with trail maintenance within the Southlands area. Over the years the riding club has maintained boulevard trails in the Blenheim Flats and the river trail along the Point Grey golf course. Staff will work with the Southlands Riding Club to reach a maintenance agreement and will report back to Council on this issue 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 cost of construction of the trail is $147,000 and will be funded from the Neighbourhood Greenways unallocated/unappropriated account. The annual cost of maintaining the trail, $2500, will need to be provided to our streets operating budget from general revenue.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of a multi-use trail along the McCleery golf course and the Fraser River will provide social and environmental benefits for the residents and visitors of the Southlands area.

* * * *

APPENDIX A
Page 1 of 1

Proposed McCleery Trail

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver