A design concept package for the 5-block part of 10th Avenue between Oak and Cambie is coming to Vancouver City Council on May 16 for review and approval. The area even has a name — the Health Precinct — which will be reflected in the redesign.
This is an area that is currently not working for many of the most vulnerable of its growing user group. But the area’s complexity means the changes are fittingly complex. For example, they include the City acquiring new right-of-way agreements for land to be used for sidewalk and utility purposes.
To quote the design concept package:
CONCLUSION The general sentiment heard through the engagement process was that 10th Avenue through the Health Precinct does not work well for anyone in its current form. This proposed design has been endorsed by the Health Precinct partners and staff believe the changes made to the recommended design over the course of the engagement process address the primary concerns raised by the city advisory committees, including the Seniors’ Advisory Committee, the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, and the Active Transportation Policy Council (see Appendix F and G for specific responses). Staff will be meeting with all three committees in advance of presenting the project to Council. The new design is expected to improve the area for all road users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians, people accessing the health precinct by vehicle, and people biking.
Here’s an example — an overview of the changes proposed for the block between Laurel and Willow:
I am in favor overall of the 10th avenue bike route improvements. However I do not like the proposed traffic light at Ash and 10th new. The rational given was to manage high car traffic. I do not believe this should be the case. The design should encourage cars to use Cambie rather than Ash street as an arterial.
There have been a lot of significant improvements to the previous design for this section of 10th Ave. It is very good to see the outcomes of the work done by the City with the various health agencies working in the area, and the endorsement of the resulting design by those agencies.
These changes are very positive. I am happy to see dedicated parking for people with disabilities. My wife and I have regular medical appointments in the VGH health precinct, and can see the benefits. That said, some cyclists are just going to have to slow down in these blocks to avoid collisions with seniors and people using walking aids and wheelchairs. However, this design is very well thought out and these collisions and near misses will now likely be diminished.
Kudos to the obviously very dedicated committee members and staff! And I think that includes you, Jeff, who I think appears in the photos.
Alex: You noticed that did you. I wasn’t in the last round with the Health representatives, but followed it. I was very impressed with the process.