As part of the long term City Centre land use plan under development, a recreational “Green Network” was proposed to facilitate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in the area. The Green Network is more than just bicycle ways though; it also incorporates natural habitat enhancement, sustainable stormwater management, placemaking through public art and historical markers, wayfinding, and street furniture. Among the projects:
- a pedestian priority core near City Hall and SFU
- an art walk along University Drive
- a history walk along the Quibble Creek Greenway
- a culture corridor along King George
- a series of new plazas and “pocket parks”
- a new “urban greenway” with separated bike paths along 105 A Ave
- higher quality greenways
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The plan outlines 5 priority projects to begin the Green Network:
1. The enhancement of King George Boulevard between 112 and 108 Ave. This section of the road acts as a gateway to the City Centre and will feature new trees and planting installations.
2. New high quality bike lanes installed along 100 Ave from City Parkway to the Quibble Creek Greenway. Within the “Urban Core” zone, the 1.5m bike lanes will be painted in a solid colour and features bike boxes at major intersections to give cyclists safe priority on the road.
3. 105A Ave, between 138 and 140 St, will be the first section built of this new east-west urban greenway. It will feature a 3m bikeway separated from traffic by both a 2m boulevard and a 1.5m planted zone.
4. 112 Ave is planned to eventually incorporate a separated bikeway along its northern edge. In the short term, to facilitate a safe cycling route, new bike lanes are to be painted along 140St north of 105A Ave, and continue along Hansen Road and 112 Ave to King George.
5. Quibble Creek Greenway, between 100 and 102 Ave, is flagged as a demonstration project that will set the new standard for greenways in the area. The pathway will be expanded to provide cyclists with a 3.5m section and pedestrians with a 1.5m zone. New shrub and trees will be planted along the route to enhancement the natural habitat. Other ideas include bird boxes, benches, a BMX bike park for kids, and a “nanotower” – a vertical green tower which provides new bird habitat and facilitates placemaking and wayfinding.
Check out all the plans below:
