THE City of Vancouver starts the public conversation this week on the future of Broadway with the first consultation events for the Broadway Plan, a major initiative to develop an area plan along the future Broadway Subway route.
“Broadway is a vital corridor for Vancouver and our region. With the addition of the subway along Broadway coming up, we have an important opportunity through the Broadway Plan to integrate this major transportation initiative with our citywide goals for creating housing affordability, job space, social and cultural amenities, and environmental sustainability and livability,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart.
The planning program will include a wide range of opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement over the next two years. Input from the community will help inform and shape the plan.
Planning work will also coordinate with ongoing work on the Broadway Subway and other related City planning initiatives.
“The Broadway Plan will address challenges and opportunities facing the unique neighbourhoods along Broadway, as well as the role of the corridor in the city and the region. It will also coordinate closely with our citywide planning program that’s just getting under way,” said Gil Kelley, General Manager of Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability. “An essential part of the planning process will be hearing from people both within the corridor and across the region about what they want for Broadway so that we can build a strong long-range plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our citizens.”
Public launch events will provide the opportunity to learn more about the planning process, ask questions and get involved. A survey will also be available at the events and at vancouver.ca/broadwayplan to let people share their thoughts on the area and hopes for the future.
BROADWAY PLAN OPEN HOUSES:
| March 7, 3-7 p.m. | City Lab, 511 West Broadway |
| March 8, 3-7 p.m. | City Lab, 511 West Broadway |
| March 9, 12-4 p.m. | City Lab, 511 West Broadway |
| March 13, 3-7 p.m. | Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 West 7th Avenue |
| March 14, 3-7 p.m. | Kingsgate Mall, 370 East Broadway |
The Broadway planning program will focus on the area along Broadway, generally located east to west from Clark Drive to Vine Street, and north to south from 1st Avenue to 16th Avenue.
“Broadway Subway will connect the region to the second largest job centre in the province and the largest hospital in western Canada, ensuring our region stays connected, efficient and economically strong,” said Jerry Dobrovolny, General Manager of Engineering Services. “With six new underground stations on opening day, and trains every 3-4 minutes during peak periods, this new addition to Vancouver’s rapid transportation network will cut travel time in half on one of the most congested transit corridors in the North America.”
In collaboration with the community, staff will aim to create a Broadway Plan that will meet key goals including:
- Expanding social, market and below-market rental housing opportunities close to transit to accommodate the growing demand for rental housing in Vancouver’s core;
- Preserving and reinvesting in the existing older, more affordable market rental housing, and minimizing displacement of existing residents;
- Increasing the amount of job space along Broadway to meet long-term City, regional and provincial economic development objectives;
- Enhancing commercial shopping streets and local business opportunities;
- Improving connections and public spaces that will help establish Broadway as a series of unique and inspiring places;
- Supporting walking and cycling and their connections to transit; and
- Securing additional public benefits and amenities to support new growth and improve livability.
For more information on the Broadway planning program and to sign up for the email list, visit: vancouver.ca/broadwayplan.
