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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

First look at design for long-awaited Northeast False Creek park

The City of Vancouver has released conceptual plans for a long-awaited park in Northeast False Creek, as well as a new residential neighbourhood and changes to the road network.

In 2015, the city approved a $200 million plan to remove the viaducts and construct a new park. James Corner, the landscape architect behind New York’s High Line, was brought on board.

The Georgia Street viaduct, which currently carries traffic out of the downtown core, will be demolished and replaced by a new arterial road that slopes down and connects to Pacific Boulevard. 

Pacific Boulevard will be upgraded to a wide, two-way boulevard, with separated bike lanes between Cambie Street and Gore Street. 12,000 new residents will live in two new high-density neighbourhoods adjacent to the park: at the Plaza of Nations site, and east of Main Street between Union and Prior.

The new Northeast False Creek park will cover 14 acres and stretch from Carrall Street to the north side of Science World. 

The city envisions the park as a “waterfront destination at the heart of the city, filled with people and activities, and connected to nature.”

It will completely transform the area, which is currently home to a condo presentation centre, city works yards and a large parking lot.

Key features of the new park

  • Part of existing Dunsmuir viaduct retained and transformed into an elevated park, similar to the High Line in New York
  • Two large grassy areas showcasing skyline and water views
  • New marsh and wetland areas along the shoreline
  • Seasonal gardens and park pavilion
  • New covered skateboard park next to existing sports fields at Andy Livingstone Park
  • Seawall upgrades from Coopers Lookout to Science World
  • New plaza at the foot of Georgia Street and Pacific Boulevard
  • Carrall Street closed to vehicle traffic at Keefer Street
  • Picnic gardens
  • Splash plaza
  • Dog park

The city says the new park “will be executed to the highest standards of landscape architecture and urban design, and demonstrate excellence in the creation of active urban parks on the waterfront.”

The park is more than 25 years in the making, and was promised as part of the redevelopment of the former Expo Lands. It will take up to 20 years for the full neighbourhood plan to be realized, but the park will be one of the first components.

The draft plan will be shared with the public this weekend at a block party on Carrall Street.

  • June 10 2017, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Carrall Street in Andy Livingstone Park, (between Expo Blvd and Keefer St.)

To view the draft concept plan in full, click here, or view more photos below.

Northeast False Creek plan
The park integrates a rich mix of spaces, multipurpose features, sports fields, fitness spaces, and landscape elements that encourage play for all ages.
Northeast False Creek plan
A flexible green open space for relaxing, gathering, celebrating, and enjoying views of False Creek.
Northeast False Creek plan
A simple pavilion offers flexible community event space and a food and beverage destination within the park, with plenty of space for tables and chairs under the tree canopy or open to the sky.
Northeast False Creek plan
The Dunsmuir Elevated Park is on top of highlands facing south, providing uninterrupted views over the park and to the creek beyond. It’s a great place to stop and relax.
Northeast False Creek plan
The skate plaza anchors the active corner of Quebec Street and Pacific Boulevard. The highly visible canopy above the plaza serves both as a welcoming beacon and provides cover for skaters and spectators alike.
Northeast False Creek plan
The Splash Plaza offers a safe opportunity to interact with water, reinforcing the connection to False Creek. It’s a flexible feature that can support play, public art, and programmed events when turned off.
Northeast False Creek plan
Rain water is collected from parkland and elevated structures and conveyed through a sequence of wetlands, which purifies the water in a diverse habitat display.
Northeast False Creek plan
A collection of garden beds planted with a mixture of seasonally-diverse meadow grasses, perennials, bulbs, and flowering shrubs allow for a tranquil and ever-changing park experience.
Northeast False Creek plan
The waterfront extends deep into the park following the historic Carrall Street along a water-to-water, north-south axis, and features a series of social and play spaces framed by an elevated pedestrian bridge and a ground-level promenade.
Northeast False Creek plan
From various areas in the park you’ll be able to see the mountains, soak up the sun, and enjoy water and city views.
Northeast False Creek plan
The proposed design for the park preserves existing views and opens up new ones.

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Peter Meiszner
Peter Meiszner
Peter Meiszner is an experienced journalist and media relations professional, based in Vancouver. As founder of urbanYVR.com, he has been reporting on urban development across the Lower Mainland since 2016, and has also served as vice-chair of the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee. In October 2022, he was elected to Vancouver city council and is no longer actively reporting for urbanYVR.

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