Vancouver to remove viaducts
VANCOUVER — Councillors in Vancouver have narrowly approved removal of two elevated roadways moving traffic in and out of the city’s downtown core.
In a 5-4 vote, councillors approved plans to demolish the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, replacing them with a ramp to Georgia Street and a two-way, six-lane Pacific Boulevard.
A statement from the city said construction could start in late 2017, and be complete by 2020, but also noted that detailed planning is still needed.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said demolishing the viaducts will sidestep $65 million in seismic upgrades that would otherwise be needed. He said the plan will also reconnect several downtown and east-side neighbourhoods, create new affordable housing opportunities and clear space for a five-hectare park.
He called the removal a “once-in-ageneration building opportunity.”
City staff have a deadline of 18 months to update council on any progress.
Among other things, the plan was promoted by staff as a way to raise millions of dollars for the city in development fees.
“Given the housing crisis that we face, it seems crazy we would keep an elevated freeway in place,” Robertson said before the vote.
Robertson’s Vision Vancouver councillors voted in favour of all parts of the plan, while Non-Partisan Association and Green councillors opposed most sections.
The vote directed staff to start planning immediately for a mixed-use neighbourhood where the viaducts now stand and to work with park board and residents on designs for the park space. Among next steps will be a rezoning application to boost density and building height in the area, and negotiations with developers, the B.C. Pavilion Corporation and the province.
Council rejected an amendment by Coun. Adriane Carr that would have required a clear date for the completion of Creekside Park to reassure area residents that it was still coming.