This week, the City of Vancouver is hosting three open houses (.pdf) to seek public comments on the proposed redevelopment of the Plaza of Nations site on Northeast False Creek. The site (6b on the map) is owned by Canadian Metropolitan Properties (CMP).

One way or another, the site will be completely transformed over the next several years. The most likely future is a high-density mix of condominiums, job space, hotels, retail, restaurants and cafés, marinas, plazas/open space, and a continuous seawall.

The Proposed Development

In the works for several years, the proposed development was designed by James KM Cheng Architect (Shangra La, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Shaw Tower).

The scope of the project is to develop 2,205,00 sq ft to be divided as follows: 700,000 sq ft for commercial development and 1,405,000 sq ft for residential. The developer is also proposing the following benefits for the community:

1. Childcare facility.
2. Public Civic Plaza on the waterfront
3. Ice Rink Arena (to be shared with Vancouver Canucks) and this part will also be develop in conjunction with Aquilini Development Group, who owns the nearby Rogers Arena (7a).
4. Indoor Community Space
5. Marina and the extension of Creekside Park.

Here is a promotional video by a local real estate agent outlining some of the proposed plans for the site posted back in January:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7qtFzgiMU8

City of Vancouver High Level Review

Currently, the City of Vancouver is engaged in a High Level Review of the site:

The High Level Review will identify policies, plans and strategies regarding the future land use, built form, urban structure, infrastructure requirements and public amenities for NEFC. The review will seek to clarify the future role of the area within the downtown, noting it is currently the location of transit-oriented citywide entertainment, sport and cultural activities. More specifically, the High Level Review will have the following objectives:

1. to identify a preferred land use mix and development capacity for the Northeast False Creek (NEFC) area;
2. to identify the location, function and role of the streets and identify the location of pedestrian/bike routes, including the waterfront walkway;
3. to identify major open spaces and gathering places;
4. to prepare a basic massing for the development sites, noting potential tower locations and heights, and podium requirements; and
5. to develop a public benefit strategy, after the preferred land use and structure plan has been developed

For more information on the details of the study, you can download and review the Terms of Reference (pdf).  Even more information on the study, and the history and policy context of the proposed development is available on the City of Vancouver’s webpage.

Your Voice is Important

The project is still in the concept stage, but whatever is eventually built will have a significant impact on nearby neighbourhoods. There are many points for Vancouver residents to consider here, such as access, accountability, costing (fees for use), recreational opportunities, and building form.

If you’re interested in learning more about the proposal—or would like to share your opinion on the development—you can participate in one of the following open houses:

The public open houses will be held:

Meeting Room B, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
1. Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:30 – 9 pm, site walking tour 7:30 pm
2. Saturday, June 11, 2011, 2 – 4:30 pm, site walking tour 3 pm

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, Athletes Way, Olympic Village
3. Sunday, June 12, 2011, 10 am – 6 pm

Points to Ponder

The Vancouver Public Space Network (VPSN) has outlined some other points to ponder when attending an open house:

• What do you think about the potential for corporate naming rights on the proposed sports/community centre?
• Is the density and massing of buildings appropriate for this site?
• Are there any shadowing issues for the proposed gathering spaces?
• Is there enough open space for the number of future residents?
• How will this development be stitched into the existing neighbourhood and other proposed adjacent projects?
• Are the suggested public benefits and community amenities satisfactory?

Contact

If you can’t make one of the open houses—or would like more information on the Plaza of Nation development and the Northeast False Creek plan in general—please call the City’s Central Area Planning Department at 604.871.6049 or email nefc@vancouver.ca.