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Friday, November 8, 2024

Dunsmuir Connection options include cycling underpass, amphitheatre

The city held its first open house for the Dunsmuir Connection, a future elevated cycling and pedestrian path which is being compared New York’s famous High Line.

The new route will replace the Dunsmuir Viaduct and connected the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station to the new Creekside Park extension adjacent to the seawall.

The area is set to be transformed as part of the Northeast False Creek development plan, which will include thousands of new housing units, commercial space, an extension to the seawall and a new street network to replace the demolished viaducts. 

Two options are being presented for public feedback, a one-level connection with cycling and pedestrian paths next to each other; and a multi-level connection, with the cycling path vertically separated from the pedestrian route on an underpass.

Dunsmuir Connection Option A
Dunsmuir Connection Option A. Credit: City of Vancouver
Dunsmuir Connection Option B
Dunsmuir Connection Option B. Credit: City of Vancouver

Both options will include a new plaza at Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station and a “small, urban space” at Citadel Parade. Access to Rogers Arena (and Costco) via the existing elevator and stairs will be maintained.

There are also two options for the “Park Landing” — where the Dunsmuir Connection meets the future Creekside Park, adjacent to the seawall.

Option A includes a grand staircase connecting the pedestrian path to the Carrall Street greenway; while Option B includes a large outdoor amphitheatre, which will also connect pedestrians to the greenway.

Dunsmuir Connection park options
Options for connection to the future Creekside Park. Credit: City of Vancouver

A screen will separate the new Dunsmuir Connection from the existing SkyTrain guideway. Materials being considered include wood, metallic, or a living wall.

There is a $10 million premium to Option B, with Option A estimated at $80 million and Option B at $90 million. 

Dunsmuir Connection cost
Cost of Option A and Option B.

This is in addition to the $360 million the city has already approved for the demolition of the viaducts and a new, reconfigured street network. 

Pacific Blvd. will be converted into a two-way boulevard, and an intersection with Georgia Street will be added close to False Creek.

New street network in Northeast False Creek
New street network in Northeast False Creek. Credit: City of Vancouver

The city plans to identify a preferred design for the Dunsmuir Connection by Spring 2020, with construction set to begin in 2021. 

A second open house is planned for Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Details available here.

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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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