Richards Street Upgrades

As this open house started at 4 o’clock, and Hannah doesn’t usually get off work before 5pm, I decided to go by myself so we could both to to an event on Nanaimo street later that evening. Even before I arrived I learned something new, as I was unaware this area of the Central Branch of VPL was called the “Promenade Trade Fair,” offering 1,300 sqft of space at $2,725 a day to rent ($2,100 for non-profits).

Given the number of people that walk through this area, it seemed like a good location to gather public opinion. That said, I have no clue how city staff managed to tell who were participating versus those just walking through. Still, I recognized more than a few people from a previous event, once again, gathered around a city staff member.

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Their conversation certainly helped jog my memory, as these were the same individuals that were most opposed to the 601 Beach Crescent rezoning. It was odd that their concerns focused on whether Downtown Vancouver could handle more density, at an event intended for discussion about how to make its streets more manageable.

Some of these individuals acknowledged that the changes would make the area more safe, which is why they opposed them. The group’s feelings were best summed up by one individual, who remarked that these improvements would make the streets safer, which would mean more people would want to live here, making the city more crowded and worse overall.

Conversely, there were several passionate advocates in favour of these alterations, and even convinced a few other people to share their view. It certainly helped that city consulted with and had the support of the Downtown BIA, as many seemed surprised and swayed by that fact. Another motorist was motivated by a more selfish desire, highlighting that they would normally be against these things, but, as it would make their street quieter, they could support this particular one.

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It’s easy to see why many people feel the proposal will be an improvement, as separating cars, bikes, and pedestrians allows for more freedom and less stress for everyone. I was impressed that the street will function like it does today during rush hour, but will allow for parking in non-peak hours to serve businesses. The bus islands, and relocation of the Mobi stations will make things better for those on foot too.

Ironically, it seems the cycling improvements could use some work, as I felt there was a glaring deficiency. Despite improvements like the clearly marked crossings and separated lanes, access to end-of-trip facilities in the buildings on the west side of the street seem like an afterthought.

Intended mid-block crossings to the facilities at the Telus Gardens, and the future 8X on the Park residential building by Emily Barnes Park, are completely unmarked, lacking signals, green paint, or even elephant’s feet. Clearly it feels something more needs to be done to mitigate that issue, or it could mar the success of these other modifications.

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While this is the last bike lane consultation of 2018, the city will be conducting several more in the near future as part of an approved 5 year plan. Once this key route is in place, they intend to seek feedback on changes to Drake Street. This will allow for badly needed discussions on improvements for travel on the Granville Street Bridge, and eventually upgrades to Pine Street, to establish a connection to the South False Creek Seawall and the Arbutus Greenway.

Ultimately, that will be a separate process, and depending on the priorities of the new council, it may never come to pass. So, it is best not to get distracted. Instead, take the time to review the two sets of information boards from the open house, and help make Richards Street better for all those who use it by providing your thoughts here before January 1st.