From Heritage Vancouver:
Conversation #2: Change in Living Communities – False Creek South
False Creek South between the Burrard and Cambie bridges is characterized by extensive green spaces and a diverse mix of housing types. The design of this community has its roots in the values-based social planning that was revolutionary when introduced in the 1970s and 80s.
The lease agreements begin to expire in 2025. The City, which owns approximately 80% of False Creek South, has begun to explore the future of this neighbourhood and its residents.
In this session, we seek to provide a space for attendees to discuss what physical and non-physical aspects of False Creek South are significant and definitive, and what degree of change is acceptable before these qualities are compromised? As a piece of city-owned land that can contribute to civic priorities – in particular housing issues – how much responsibility should be placed on False Creek South as a solution to housing needs? And more.
John Atkin – Civic historian, author, and heritage consultant
Nathan Edelson – Project Manager at False Creek South *RePlan and retired Senior Planner for the Downtown Eastside, City of Vancouver
Tom Davidoff – Director, Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate Associate Professor, Strategy and Business Economics BC Sauder School of Business
Jennifer Maiko Bradshaw – Renter and a pro-housing activist with Abundant Housing Vancouver.
Thursday, October 11
7 to 9 pm
SFU Woodwards, 149 W Hastings Street, Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
It would be a travesty to redevelop South False Creek with a collection of mind-numbing Vancouverism towers. If any district in the city called out for historic designation this is it. Symbol of the beginning of reclaiming industrial space for residential uses in North America, with a cohesive collection of late Seventies and early Eighties architecture.
I lived there for a decade and it was wonderful. Our building was a 7-storey mid-rise interspersed amongst 3-storey low-rise apartments. I suggest that part of the non-forested open space of Charleson Park could be devoted to midrises with a focus on non-profit rentals (rents set at break-even) and subsidized co-ops. These new buildings should be stepped down to the adjacent 2-storey townhouses and the FC Elementary School, and a minimum 75-metre setback from the waterfront be maintained.
Sometime before mid-century the 2-storey townhouses may reach the end of their lifespan. Another option could be for the city to focus buy the units in one or two blocks when they come on the market individually and bank the land for eventual mid-rise density, renting them out in the meantime.
I believe the RR RoW should be retained for the hopefully future Arbutus Greenway tram, but there may be room for another building or two west of Fir St to 1st Ave where the tracks are now. In addition, any changes to the South False Creek neighbourhood should be planned in conjunction with the Molson and First nations lands north of Seaforth Amouries.
There’s parking lots near Moberly (either side of the tennis court) that can be redeveloped; when the streetcar stop opens, so can the bus loop. Even better if there’s a straight connection from Leg-In-Boot to 6th.
Not to mention direct access to the Canada Line and future tram. How convenient!