Celebrate our waterfront

Former mayor applauds council’s move to open up Point Grey Road

On April 6, 1886, councillors at Vancouver’s first city council meeting approved a motion to ask the federal government for nearby military reserve lands in order to create a park. Thus Stanley Park was created and a 128year public waterfront vision began.

Vancouver benefits from a magnificent mountain and ocean setting, lush vegetation and a mild climate. Moreover, we are the only major North American city without a freeway ( thank goodness).

However, one of our most defining civic accomplishments is the 128- year- old commitment of Vancouver’s citizens to a publicly accessible waterfront. In the first half of the 20th century, Stanley Park’s First, Second and Third Beaches were built. English Bay Beach ( patrolled by Joe Fortes), Vanier Park, Kitsilano Park, Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks were soon added.

From the 1970s to today, additional parks and walkways were included with the redevelopment of Coal Harbour and False Creek. Chilco Street was closed off by Lost Lagoon to stop through traffic to and from the Lions Gate Bridge.

The 1970s TEAM ( The Electors’ Action Movement) council acquired Jericho Park from the federal government and added six street- end parks on Point Grey Road, from Kits Park to Hastings Mill Park at the foot of Alma.

The NPA ( Non- Partisan Association) council in 1995 designated Point Grey Road as a non- arterial road to be used for local traffic. The present Vision council has closed Point Grey Road from McDonald to Alma to through traffic and opened this stretch to pedestrians, joggers, baby pram pushers, bicycles, and local traffic. This act by the current city council brought to completion the April 6, 1886 vision started by our first council — to open Vancouver’s waterfront to all our people.

We should celebrate this achievement. Get out and enjoy our waterfront. Walk, jog, cycle, skateboard, push a baby tram. Pick your favourite spot to enjoy Vancouver’s wonderful vistas. Picnic with family and friends.

Rejoice in what we’ve accomplished as citizens — a waterfront open to all, from Crab Park to Wreck Beach. Good on you, Vancouver’s far- sighted citizens and councils. MIKE HARCOURT Vancouver