A 9km stretch of disused freight and passenger rail corridor in Vancouver is being turned into a multimodal greenway over the next 15 years with spaces for clean travel, gatherings, physical activity and enjoying nature and scenic views. It connects neighbourhoods, green spaces and popular destinations, such as schools, libraries and community centres, from False Creek in the north to the Fraser River in the south. After city authorities purchased the land in 2016, the rails were removed and a temporary path for walking, cycling and rolling was installed so residents could explore the route and consider its future potential.
Our team of engineers, planners, architects, landscape experts, designers, artists and specialists examined how the permanent pathway can best integrate with the community, places along the route, as well as different mobility options. The Greenway is being developed in eight ‘character’ zones – the first two are expected to open in 2022 – and will feature inviting landscaping, plazas and gathering spaces, urban agriculture, public art, and indigenous design. The project also looks to the future and plans to introduce a streetcar along the Greenway – encouraging even more of Vancouver’s growing population to leave the car at home.