Consultation about a green corridor for pedestrians and cyclists that would connect Stanley Park more directly to False Creek is underway.
Workshops to discuss the Comox-Helmcken Greenway started Sept. 17.
The route stretches along Comox Street from Stanley Park to Burrard, where it shifts to Helmcken Street. The route splits at Richards Street so travellers can continue along Helmcken through Yaletown, where sloping brick sidewalks can be difficult for some to navigate, or follow Richards Street south to Drake Street and then south along Drake to the Seaside Greenway and ferries across False Creek.
The greenway was adopted by city council in the 1995 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Greenways Plan and in the 2002 Downtown Transportation Plan with input from the community.
Jerry Dobrovolny, director of transportation for the city, said work is only starting on the downtown greenway now because other routes, including an east-west connector along 37th Avenue and the link from False Creek to the Fraser River along Ontario Street, were established first.
In addition to general support for walking and cycling routes that could be used by people of any age and ability, Dobrovolny said the citys heard concerns about the potential loss of street parking and loading zones and potential conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Half of the initial workshops on the Comox-Helmcken route have concentrated on input from seniors who want numerous places to sit and rest, particularly on hills, smooth sidewalks for wheelchairs and scooters, lighting that would make them feel comfortable to go out at night, access to bathrooms and adequate street crossing times.
The city will host workshops at three area schools next month. Residents can complete an online survey at vancouver.ca.
Michelle Fortin, spokesperson for the West End Mayors Advisory Committee, notes residents in a recent survey said transit, improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers and more green space were key concerns.
She wonders how motorists who regularly use Comox will feel about the plans, but she notes many residents of the West End dont drive.
One of the things that people have talked about over the years has been bus transport up Nelson Street, for instance, and it may be that greening one [route] allows an opportunity to have another be more of a transit route, Fortin said.
Public consultation will continue over the fall and winter with project approval expected in spring 2012. If approved, construction on the greenway would begin next fall.
Im excited about the locations that it wants to link, Dobrovolny said. One of our real goals now is to promote active transportation, promote walking and cycling. The catchphrase is for all ages and abilities, and thats key, from the disabled community to children to seniors, making it easier for them to get out, meet their neighbours and enjoy their neighbourhoods.
For web version only: An open house on the greenway happens tonight, Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall at the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Twitter: @Cheryl_Rossi
