City Council Action - Vancouver · 2020-06-18 · City Council Action On July 21, 1998, City Council APPROVED the Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision directions that are shown

City Council Action

On July 21, 1998, City Council APPROVED the Kensington-Cedar CottageCommunity Vision directions that are shown in the following pages as�Approved Directions.�

Council also approved the following:

THAT Council and Departments use the Kensington-Cedar Cottage CommunityVision Directions to help guide policy decisions, corporate work, priorities, budgetsand capital plans in this community.

THAT Council direct the Director of Community Planning to report back on anoverall approach to implementing and monitoring the Kensington-Cedar CottageCommunity Vision.

City Council 1996 - 1999

Mayor Philip OwenDon BellamyNancy A. ChiavarioJennifer ClarkeAlan HerbertLynne KennedyDaniel LeeDon LeeGordon PriceGeorge PuilSam Sullivan

Table of Contents

Note:This document brings together all the material from the two major public documents distributed to all households during the program: theCommunity Vision Choices Survey, and the Vision Highlights and Survey Results.

Printed February 1999

Vision Highlights

Vision Background

Vision DirectionsIntroductionCommunity InvolvementSafety and ServicesShopping AreasTraffic and TransportationExisting Single Family AreasNew Housing TypesGreening, Parks, Public PlacesOther Community Priorities

Rezoning Policy

Survey Notes

Map of Kensington-Cedar Cottage

Acknowledgements

4

6

88

9

111524313542

45

49

52

53

54

4 Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision

Vision HighlightsKensington-Cedar Cottage TodayKensington and Cedar Cottage have pleasant residential areas, spectacu-lar views of the mountains, and many parks and schools. People in KCChave many different backgrounds, languages, and income levels, and thepopulation is growing at a faster rate than most communities in Vancou-ver. KCC has problems related to crime, property maintenance, andtraffic. The KCC Community Vision seeks to keep the things that peoplevalue, address problems, and improve the quality of life in these com-munities.

Emphasis on Community InvolvementCombined action by the community and the City will be needed to makethis Vision happen. People in KCC should have more input into Citydecisions about changes in the area. There should be paid communitydevelopment workers to support local volunteer actions and existingorganizations. In addition, translation and communication assistanceshould be provided because of the many different backgrounds andlanguages spoken in the area.

Focus on Crime PreventionCommunity crime prevention efforts should be strengthened andextended into more areas of KCC. Local crime prevention/neighbour-hood safety offices should have ongoing funding to ensure continuousoperations. There should be more education and prevention programs,and more patrols by police on foot and on bicycle. Special attentionshould be given to the Broadway and Commercial area and alongKingsway to make these areas safer community places.

Cleaner and Greener NeighbourhoodsThere should be higher standards of maintenance and cleanliness forprivate and public property, to deal with litter, dumping, graffiti, andneglected properties. Construction techniques and quality of materialsshould be improved so that new buildings are easier to maintain andlook good longer. Streets (especially arterials), lanes, commercial areas,parks, school grounds, and �leftover� spaces, such as under theSkyTrain, should be �greened� and redesigned to accommodate abroader range of activities. Mountain views from parks and streetsshould be protected.

Taming Arterial TrafficThe City should do more to make the busy arterials and Clark/Knighttruck route safer for pedestrians, quieter, and more attractive. Moresignalized pedestrian crossings and active traffic speed enforcementshould be combined with landscaping and better street design toovercome the impacts of heavy traffic on the many arterials that cutthrough the area. Traffic calming on local streets is needed to helpprotect neighbourhoods from commuter shortcutting as well as tocontrol local traffic.

5Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision

Local Transit Improvements and BenefitsThere should be more community input to transit planning, especiallyfor the new Broadway light rail transit line, to help ensure benefits forthe local community as well as for the region. There should be more andbetter bus shelters for the high number of transit users in the area, andbus bulges should be built on key bus routes in KCC to give buses morepriority in traffic. The Broadway and Commercial area should become asafer, more people-friendly transit hub.

Getting Around via Greenways and BikewaysThere should be more local greenways and bikeways to provide safe,attractive routes for walking and cycling between parts of the communityand to job centres. Bike parking in shopping areas and communitydestinations, and public education is needed to encourage more cycling.Traffic calming will make residential streets safer for walking and biking.

Services for a Diverse, Changing CommunityCommunity services should be easy to get to, well known, and effectivelycoordinated to serve the diverse and growing population. Especiallyimportant are drug and alcohol services, and improvements to the libraryand community centres to keep pace with this growth and change.

Single Family NeighbourhoodsMost single family areas should be kept as now, maintaining the sense ofcommunity that residents value. In areas with �character� (e.g., pre-1940sbuildings), there should be incentives to renovate and preserve, anddesign review for new buildings to help maintain the neighbourhoodcharacter. Rental suites are already allowed in all areas, and City regula-tions should be changed to make them more feasible.

Three Neighbourhood CentresThe shopping areas at Broadway and Commercial, at Knight andKingsway, and at Victoria and 41st, should become neighbourhoodcentres to provide a range of shops, services, jobs, and housing. Eachcentre should be unique in character. New three to four storey mixed-usebuildings, with commercial and housing, will continue to replace oldersmaller buildings, but the new buildings should be better designed andmore neighbourly. These centres should also have safe and attractivepedestrian crossings, landscaping, and other features that reduce theimpacts of traffic.

New Housing ChoicesIn addition to new three to four storey mixed use buildings, mainly alongKingsway and Victoria, there should be new forms of housing around theKnight and Kingsway and Victoria and 41st neighbourhood centres. Thiswould include rowhouses, four- and sixplexes, and duplexes, and hous-ing designed for seniors, to provide a greater range of housing choicesfor all ages. This new housing should be attractive and fit into the exist-ing neighbourhoods.


Vision BackgroundWhat Is This Vision?This Vision describes the kind of community that people who live and work inKensington-Cedar Cottage (KCC) want it to become over the next 10 to 20 years, andhow CityPlan directions should be implemented in KCC. It identifies what peoplevalue and want to preserve, what improvements are needed, and how change shouldoccur. It will be used at City Hall to help set priorities for capital projects, direct Cityprograms and services, and make decisions affecting this community. It is also anopportunity for community organizations and individuals to act on programs thatthe community has endorsed.

How Was This Vision Created?The Vision directions were developed by people who live and work in KCC. Theprogram began in January 1997 with community outreach and a weekend Ideas Fair.The heart of the process was a series of intensive public workshops where over 100people spent many hours developing ideas and options on a variety of topics. Fromthese sessions, Vision directions were created and published in the CommunityVision Choices Survey, distributed to all households, businesses, and propertyowners. Over 1200 people, from every block in KCC, responded to the survey,agreeing with the workshop proposals and selecting among options, to create ashared Vision for the future. In July 1998 the Vision directions that were supportedby the community in the survey were approved by City Council.

A Community Liaison Group, which was composed of a wide range of communityvolunteers, provided continuity throughout the process, served as a �watchdog� ofthe process to ensure that community input was carried through, and advised staffon community outreach and other matters.

An Overview Of TheCommunity Visions Program

This Vision is based onCityPlan:Directions for Vancouver,which was adopted in 1995 asan overall vision for the city. InJuly 1996 Council approved theCommunity Visions Program as away of bringing CityPlan�s city-wide directions to the commu-nity level and reaching allcommunities within severalyears. The program Terms ofReference describe the groundrules and process for creating aCommunity Vision. The programasks each community toimplement CityPlan directions ina way and at a scale and pacethat suits the community.Dunbar and Kensington-CedarCottage (KCC) were selectedthrough a public forum, andendorsed by Council, as the twopilot project areas for Visions.


CityPlan Directions InSummary � A checklist forCommunity Visions

Strengthen NeighbourhoodCentresProvide shops, jobs, and servicesclose to home, and safe, invitingpublic places to meet andsocialize.

Improve Safety and BetterTarget Community ServicesIdentify ways to increase safety;to better provide communityservices; and to use arts andcultural activities to supportcommunity identity andparticipation.

Reduce Reliance on CarsMake it easier to get around onfoot, by bike, and by transit.

Improve the EnvironmentSuggest ways to improve airquality; conserve water andenergy, and reduce waste.

Increase the Variety andAffordability of HousingFind ways to help meet thehousing needs of communityresidents of all ages and incomes.

Define NeighbourhoodCharacterDefine what aspects ofneighbourhood character,heritage, and appearance toretain, and decide the characterof new development.

Diversify Parks and PublicPlacesMeet park needs, and identify avariety of designs, activities, andlocations for all kinds of publicplaces, from play areas togreenways and gathering places.

Involve People and RedirectResourcesFind new ways to involve peopleand to redirect resources tobring CityPlan directions and theCommunity Visions to life.

Making The Vision HappenThe Community Vision sets broad directions for the future. Some of these directionswill happen almost immediately, others over many years.

Implementing the Vision can be done without increases to the City budget. The Cityhas a wide variety of tools and programs that can be used to implement the Vision,like capital plans, zoning, traffic calming, business improvement area assistance,bikeways, and greenways. The Vision will help to set priorities and to direct funds toprograms which achieve the Vision over time.

Continued community involvement will be necessary, to set priorities and as Visiondirections are translated into actions and projects through more detailed planning� for example, to identify specific locations and design of new types of housing,and to design improvements to community shopping areas. Combined action by theCity and the community is needed to make the Vision happen.


Vision DirectionsIntroduction

This section presents the Vision directions grouped into eight themes, with direc-tions for over 40 topics and locations. The following information is provided:

Background information: Introductory material for each theme and topic providesinformation on the existing situation and on City policies and practices.

Vision Directions: The Vision directions for each topic are in two groups: �Ap-proved Vision Directions� and �Other Vision Directions considered but not ap-proved.�

Survey results: After each Vision direction, the community survey results are shown,as a percentage of the total vote. (This is the combined total from both the generaland random portions of the survey.) The percentages are always in the followingorder: agree/neutral/disagree.

One of the following categories of support is also shown with the survey percent-ages:

� Support: These are directions with agreement from more than half of respond-ents (both general and random). They were approved by City Council.� Non-support and Uncertain: These directions did not have majority agreement.They were not approved by City Council. (For more details on the Survey, seepage 52.)

People�s ideas: For many directions, there were specific ideas generated at thecommunity workshops, and these are listed after the Vision direction.

Topics Not Included In The Vision DirectionsThe Vision directions cover the topics that were identified at the community work-shops as key topics for the community, and topics where new directions could besuggested.

For some topics that were not addressed at the workshops, there are city-widepolicies in place that will continue to apply in KCC. Included are policies throughwhich the City assists in providing non-market housing for lower incomehouseholds, special needs residential facilities, and heritage preservation. Whererezoning is required, community consultation takes place on a project specific basis.See Rezoning Policy on page 49.

For any other topics not included in the Vision directions, the City will still need toconsult before major changes are made in the community.


Community Involvement

In many discussions to create this Vision, KCC residents notedthe need for more community involvement in City decision

making. They also felt that community residents could do a lotof practical work to make their neighbourhood better, if givensome help.


1. CommunityInvolvement In DecisionMakingThe City currently provides informationto, and consults with, residents andgroups on many different types ofdecisions, in many different ways.Examples include local improvementpetitions for street improvements;Capital Plan referenda; public proc-esses for planning programs andrezonings; special surveys such as thebudget choices survey in late 1996;public task forces like the Urban Land-scape Task Force; advisory committeesto Council like the Bicycle Committeeand the Seniors Committee; develop-ment notification letters; and the City�shomepage on the Internet.

However, many people felt that consul-tation was often ineffective for anumber of reasons: people don�t knowthe opportunity exists or how to use it;the timing of input is not useful; orinput does not seem to have enoughinfluence on the decision made.

Approved Vision Direction1.1 Community Involvement inDecision MakingCommunity residents should havemore, and more timely, input intodecision-making about changes in theircommunity such as developmentprojects, street and traffic changes,transit changes, and park design.Support %: 89/9/2

People�s ideas...� neighbourhood council or similargroup that meets regularly� community design panel to reviewdevelopment proposals� information on proposed develop-ment, street changes, etc., easilyavailable in the community� better community consultationprocesses� �mini city halls� in the communityto provide information

2. CommunityDevelopmentKensington-Cedar Cottage (KCC) resi-dents and business owners speak manylanguages and have different culturalbackgrounds. This makes it difficult forcommunity groups to organize andreach out. As a result, KCC groups mayhave less effective access to programsand funds than other areas. At the sametime, there seems to be a lot of potentialcommunity and volunteer energy, ascurrently shown in the number ofsmaller groups focussed on particularareas or interests.

In creating this Vision, KCC residentsgenerated many ideas about what thecommunity could do for itself � fromcommunity gardens to crime preventionto business promotion � with somesupport and organizational help.

Approved Vision Direction2.1 Community Development Staffand SupportTo help the community accomplishmore with local volunteer efforts, thereshould be one or more paid �commu-nity development� workers available.There should also be support andfunding available to help organizationswith basic communication and transla-tion needs.Support %:71/18/11

People�s ideas...� help organize community groupslike business associations orgreening groups� put people in touch with cityprograms like greenways and publicart� help various service providers liaisewith each other� assist groups to access fundingsources

1971 - 91 Population Growth

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

8%

15%

2%

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

English Mother Tongue 1971 & 1991

74%60%

66%

43%

89%78%

7191

7191

7191

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

Chinese Mother Tongue 1971 & 1991

7191

7191

7191

6%

19%

8%30%

1%10%

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

1991 Median Income

$34,200

$35,400

$69,200

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

Low Income Households 1991

25%

25%

10%

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar

Single Parent Families

16%

17%

10%

1991 Population

Vancouver

KCC

Dunbar 20,100

39,200

473,200


Safety And Services

K ensington-Cedar Cottage has a large and very diversepopulation, with many languages, ethnic backgrounds, and

income levels. The population has been growing and becomingmore diverse at a faster rate than the city as a whole. Thesefactors create challenges to providing the social, recreational,health, and safety services that people need.


3. Community Safety Approved Vision Direction3.1 Community Crime PreventionCommunity crime prevention effortsshould be strengthened, and extendedinto more areas of KCC. CommunityPolicing Centre(s) should have someongoing funding to ensure stability.More of the area should participate inthe Block Watch program. Other preven-tion and education programs should bemore widely used. There should bemore patrols by police on foot andbicycle.Support %: 94/4/2

Peoples� ideas...� citizen patrols, seniors� homesecurity improvements, parenteducation about kids� safety� more visible police presence inproblem areas

4. Community Servicesand FacilitiesMany agencies and groups provideservices in KCC. Residents particularlynoted that there are so many differentservices available, in so many places,people often don�t know about them, orcan�t get to them easily, or can�t usethem.

Services and Facilities that the CityProvidesTrout Lake Community Centre andKensington Community Centre serveKCC, and meet the Park Board goal ofone community centre forapproximately every 20,000 people.Both Community Centre Associationshave identified needs for upgrading andexpansion. Kensington CommunityCentre has recently been allocated fundsfor some improvements, provided theyraise matching funds. Swimming poolsand ice rinks serve larger populationsthan Community Centres, so they arenot located at each Centre. Trout LakeCommunity Centre has an ice rink.Kensington Community Centre has asmall indoor pool. Other indoor swim-ming pools serving the community arelocated at Britannia Centre, Riley ParkCentre (Percy Norman Pool), andRenfrew Centre.

Paying for Services andFacilities

The City pays for the servicesand facilities involved in policing,recreation, libraries and so forthmainly through property taxes.Some new sources of funds �user charges and DevelopmentCost Levies � are now beingpursued by the City. TheCityPlan direction on Cityfinances is to continue to becautious about increasingspending. Generally speaking,new services would need to bepaid for by redirecting funds nowspent on other items, or in otherareas. There are also usuallymore requests for funding fornew facilities than can be fundedin any one period, so there isoften a waiting period of yearsbefore a facility is expanded orrebuilt.

Community Policing Centres

There are 20 neighbourhoodsafety offices in the city,operating as Community PolicingCentres. They are supported bythe community and staffedmainly with local volunteers.Every office has aneighbourhood police officerassigned to work with the localpopulation. He or she assists inthe enhancement of communityhealth by providing visible andaccessible services that aresensitive to the needs ofneighbourhood. The offices aregoverned by an advisory groupand receive some financialsupport from City and Provincialgovernment grants. However,their existence is dependent oncommunity resources.

KCC has a higher crime rate than mostother local areas in the city. Propertycrimes, particularly thefts of and fromautos, is the fastest growing category ofcrime. The rate of crimes againstpersons has remained relativelyconstant.

For several years, the Vancouver PoliceDepartment has been moving in thedirection of �community-based policing�that emphasizes partnerships withcommunity residents in crime control.Initiatives include Block Watch (KCC has40 Block Watch captains), block parents,police visitation programs to communitycentres, school liaison officers, citizen�scrime watch, and speedwatch.

Crime prevention has been the focus ofa lot of community effort in KCC. TheBroadway Station Area CommunityCrime Prevention Office, run by commu-nity residents, provides a place wherevolunteers work to address crime,vandalism, and nuisance behaviour inand around Cedar Cottage.

KCC residents participating in creatingthis Vision were particularly concernedabout drug-related crime � break-ins,drug dealing, street prostitution � thatthey feel threaten different parts of KCC.Youth gang activities were also a con-cern.


The Vancouver Public Library (VPL)operates Kensington Community Library,a small storefront library on KnightStreet near Kingsway. The Library iscurrently involved in discussions withthe developer of the old Safeway site atKnight and Kingsway about putting anew storefront library space in the newdevelopment. The area around Victoriaand E. 41st is served by the FraserviewLibrary at Victoria and Argyle. At present,VPL facilities priorities do not includemoving the Fraserview branch.

Neighbourhood HouseCedar Cottage Neighbourhood House isoperated by a non-profit organization,and provides social and recreationalprograms for a variety of groups. Itmainly serves the area bounded byBroadway, Knight, 41st, and Nanaimo.The City of Vancouver provides some ofthe funding. The Neighbourhood Househas outgrown its current building onVictoria near 23rd Ave.

Approved Vision Directions4.1 Services Easier to See and Get ToGenerally, services located in KCCshould be clustered, and be in moreaccessible locations. Specifically:� have multi-use facilities that offermore than one service� use schools as service locations toprovide outreach� select locations in shopping areas andalong transit lines� address access problems created bythe heavy arterials.Support %: 78/18/4

4.2 Services Better Known andCoordinatedAll service providers should makeinformation about their services easierfor the public to get. There should bemore funding and support for multilin-gual communication. There should bemore communication among service-providers for better coordination, andso services are targeted to changingneeds. Support %: 71/19/10

4.3 City Hall Services More AvailableLocallyCity services and programs, and lots ofCity information, should be much moreavailable in the community rather thanjust at City Hall.Support %: 70/19/12

People�s ideas...� local community offices or �miniCity Halls�� Council meetings in community

4.4 Drug and Alcohol ServicesDealing with drug and alcohol addictionand its effects on local families and thecommunity should be a high priority forsocial services in KCC. However, whenlocating clinics and treatment facilities,care should be taken to avoid problemareas and over-concentration in KCC.Support %: 75/16/10

People�s ideas...� more education, prevention andrehab services available, especiallyfor youth� avoid Broadway and Commercialarea which already has problems

Special Needs ResidentialFacilities

The term �Special NeedsResidential Facilities� (SNRFs)means various types of grouphousing for people who needsome form of support orassistance in their living place.They include the frail elderly,people with severe physicaldisabilities, people with mentaldisabilities, battered women,children in care, and theterminally ill. The City�s zoningpermits SNRFs in all residentialzones. Within KCC there are 21SNRFs, with 325 beds. Thisrepresents 6% of the SNRFbeds in the city, lower than thearea�s share of city population(8%). Fifty percent of the bedsare in two seniors� facilities atPorter and Victoria Diversion.There are no Vision directionsabout SNRFs other than VisionDirection 23.1, regardingseniors� housing.

Non-City ServicesMost social services are funded by theProvince, and provided either directly byMinistries or through various agencies.The Vancouver/Richmond Health Boardis responsible for health and communitycare services, including many for sen-iors. KCC is part of two CommunityHealth areas, #3 mainly north ofKingsway and #5 mainly south ofKingsway. The East Health Unit at 10th &Victoria delivers services to the area.

Clustered services in accessible locations


4.5 Services to Low Income PeopleServices to low income individuals andfamilies should be a high priority forsocial services.Support %: 64/23/13

People�s ideas...� supports to make it possible forpeople to work, such as child care,language training� job networks; local job creationand local hiring� creation of community gardens,sharing of community and privategarden produce

4.6 Activities ProgrammingActivities programming of communitycentres and parks should be moreresponsive to needs and wishes of localresidents.Support %: 74/22/3

People�s ideas...� continue community dialogue re:John Hendry Park� continue �KenPro� initiatives ofKensington Community Centre toexpand consultation

4.7 Trout Lake Community CentreTrout Lake Community Centre shouldbe improved and expanded.Support %: 66/25/9

People�s ideas...� more(and upgrading of) multi-purpose rooms; sports courts; beachvolleyball

4.8 Kensington Community CentreKensington Community Centre shouldbe improved and expanded.Support %: 66/26/8

People�s ideas...� more meeting space; improvedsignage and exterior lighting; im-provements to Gray�s park

4.9 Swimming PoolsThere should be better access to fullswimming pool facilities and programsthan now provided by KensingtonCommunity Centre pool and BritanniaCentre poolSupport %: 67/23/10

People�s ideas...� new pool in the community� upgrades of nearby pools� altered programming or hours atnearby pools� shuttle from Community Centre toprograms at other pools

4.10 LibraryKensington Library should be replacedwith a somewhat larger facility, withlonger hours. If other library relocationsor expansions are needed in future,consider locations in local shoppingareas such as Victoria and 41st, orBroadway and Commercial.Support %: 78/14/8

Other Vision Directionconsidered but not approved4.11 Neighbourhood HouseCedar Cottage Neighbourhood Houseshould be expanded.Uncertain %: 47/39/14Comments: This direction received ahigh neutral vote, perhaps because theNeighbourhood House is a smaller andmore specialized service than commu-nity centres and libraries. However,even though the agree votes are not amajority, they are more than threetimes as high as the disagree votes, andmapping the responses shows that agreevotes are widespread across the com-munity, and especially from rentersand people over 50. This directionremains on the table for communitypriority setting or community initiative.

Cedar Cottage NeighbourhoodHouse

Kensington Community Library

Kensington Community Centre

Trout Lake Community Centre


Shopping Areas

There are many blocks along Kingsway, Commercial, Victoria,and Fraser where City zoning regulations permit commer-

cial development. This Vision singles out the key communityshopping areas. For these selected shopping areas, the Visionsuggests ways to create more convenient, safe, and enjoyableplaces for community residents to shop. There are also sugges-tions for how to improve the design of new developments alongthese streets, as new four-storey buildings gradually replaceolder, often smaller, existing buildings.


5. Kingsway and KnightShopping AreaAround Kingsway and Knight is thelargest cluster of neighbourhood shopsalong Kingsway, and the only majorneighbourhood shopping area for manyblocks. However, this area suffers fromheavy traffic along Knight and Kingsway.There has also been very little upgradingor attention over the years, and the localSafeway moved out a few years ago. Theredevelopment of the former Safewaysite has been of particular concern tothe community, because this is such animportant location in the area. Duringthis Vision process, a developmentproposal for a mall on this site wasapproved by the City. Communityresidents engaged in discussions withthe developer about ways to make thisdevelopment better meet communityneeds, for example, by including a newgrocery store and a new home for theKensington Library.

Approved Vision Directions5.1 Major Neighbourhood ShoppingAreaThe Kingsway/Knight shopping areashould be the major neighbourhoodshopping area along Kingsway and acommunity heart. It should be a highpriority for a wide range of improve-ments, to make it into a special commu-nity place along Kingsway.Support %: 80/14/6

5.2 Pedestrian Safety Improvementsand TrafficIt should be easier and safer to cross thestreets, and traffic should move moreslowly through this portion of Kingsway,with:� more pedestrian street crossings� shorter waiting times at pedestriancrossings� and other measures for pedestriancrossing safetySupport %:80/12/8

People�s ideas...� longer crossing times at lights� specially marked crosswalks (i.e.,paving materials)� curb bulges/sidewalk extensions� median (concrete and plantingstrip in centre of street) to serve as asafe spot for pedestrians crossing

5.3 Pedestrian Comfort andImproved AppearanceThe area should have a better image andimprovements such as plantings,benches, and banners. There shouldalso be better maintenance and morefrequent clean up of streets andsidewalks.Support %:83/13/4

People�s ideas...� street furniture; public art; betterpedestrian lighting; more and biggertrees, more closely spaced; widersidewalks; more garbage cans; link toKingcrest Park; keep scenic views tomountains

5.4 Storefronts, Shops, and ServicesSmall local shops and services shouldcontinue to line the sidewalks � insteadof developments with parking lots in thefront or buildings without storefronts. Areplacement for the local library shouldbe provided. In addition, there shouldbe a large grocery store or supermarket.Support %:80/15/6

People�s ideas...� set maximum storefront width;require a diversity of storefronts� encourage shops and services thatare a community draw, and a mix ofuses

Kingsway & Knight - more planting, more pedestriancomforts and safety, more unique character

Existing area: variety of stores


� including stores, cafes, restaurants,and offices� encourage displays on the sidewalk� improve signage/identity� fill in the edges of existing stripmall parking lots with landscaping� reuse the old movie theatre

5.5 Former Safeway Site at Kingswayand KnightIf the recently approved development ofthe former Safeway site does not goahead, future redevelopment of this siteshould be used as an important oppor-tunity to contribute to the Vision direc-tions for this area.Support %:85/12/3

6. Broadway andCommercial ShoppingArea and Transit HubThis is an area with many problems, aswell as with many opportunities:

TransitThis intersection is a key transit transferpoint for SkyTrain and several buses. Asecond Light Rapid Transit line, theBroadway Line, is now under study bythe Region and Province and will alsohave a station at this location. Moredetailed studies, including public input,are upcoming.

ShopsThere are shops along Commercial, butthere is not a continuous row of shops,especially on the east side, south ofBroadway. Having small shops liningboth sides of the street would create astronger shopping street. A wider varietyof shops and services in this area wouldbetter serve the surrounding community,as well as transit users.

TrafficThis is a busy intersection for traffic.Broadway is designated by the City as aprimary arterial. Commercial, wheremany of the stores face, is a secondaryarterial. This means it is meant to haveless traffic and slower traffic.

Significant SitesThe area has two large, important sites:the northeast corner (former ScotiaBank site), and the Safeway site on thesouth side of Broadway. Any futureredevelopment of these sites will have amajor impact on this area and offersopportunities for area improvement.The northeast corner had zoning ap-proved by the City several years ago toallow two 12-storey towers, but redevel-opment has not yet occurred.

SafetyThe area has a high crime rate and manysafety concerns.

Approved Vision Directions6.1 Major Neighbourhood ShoppingArea and Transit HubThe Broadway-Commercial area shouldbe a high priority for a wide range ofimprovements, to make it into a people-friendly transit hub and a special com-munity place. A comprehensive planshould be prepared before constructionof a new Broadway Rapid Transit Line.Support %:83/12/5

People�s ideas...� use public and private investmentassociated with the new transit lineto pay for community amenities andimprovements; make improvementsduring construction of the new lineand station

Possible improvements: public plaza, shops on street frontage, betterlinks to supermarket, more safety and comfort


6.3 Pedestrian Safety Improvementsand TrafficIt should be easier and safer to cross thestreets, and traffic should move moreslowly through this portion of Broadwayand Commercial, with� more pedestrian street crossings� shorter waiting times at pedestriancrossings� other measures for pedestrian cross-ing safetySupport %:75/16/9

People�s ideas...� longer crossing times at lights� specially marked crosswalks (i.e.,paving materials)� curb bulges/sidewalk extensions� median (concrete and plantingstrip in centre of street) to serve as asafe spot for pedestrians crossing

6.4 Pedestrian Comfort and ImprovedAppearanceThe area should have a better image,and it should be safer and more com-fortable for shoppers and transit users,with changes that include:� improvements such as plantings,benches, and banners� better maintenance and more frequentclean-up of streets and sidewalks� improvements for people waiting fortransit, including more bus shelters andmore comfortable shelters, widersidewalks, weather protection, andimproved lightingSupport %:84/12/4

People�s ideas...� plantings, street furniture, publicart, better pedestrian lighting, bikeracks, more garbage cans� double-row of street trees andwider sidewalks along Commercial,with narrow roadway� decorate SkyTrain pylons withcommunity murals� make left-over spaces more activeand safe� improve access to SkyTrain; removesecurity cage around southernstairwell at SkyTrain station� police foot patrols

6.5 Shopfronts, Shops, and ServicesSmall local shops and services shouldline the sidewalks on both sides of thestreet, especially along CommercialDrive � instead of developments withparking lots in front or buildings with-out storefronts. The crime preventionoffice should be included, with a perma-nent home in this area.Support %:82/13/5

People�s ideas...Design of storefronts and types ofshops:� require a diversity of storefronts,even in large developments; set amaximum storefront width� more local shops and smallstorefronts along Commercial;diversity of shops and services;coffee, newsstand� keep supermarket� display products outdoors; colour-ful awnings; improved signage� not just stores � also cultural,recreational, entertainment activities

6.6 Northeast Corner of Broadwayand Commercial (Scotia Bank site)Redevelopment of this site should beused as an important opportunity toachieve the Vision directions for thisarea. A community plaza should be aspecial feature.Support %:73/20/7

People�s ideas...� activities that will draw morepeople on evenings and weekends:cinemas, restaurants, galleries, daycare, environmental centre, Vancou-ver Community College campus, etc� a community plaza with fountains,seating, plantings, tables, chess, andwith local shops around the edge

6.7 Safeway SiteShort-term improvements should bemade to this site to make it a safer place.When the site redevelops, this should beused as an important opportunity tocontribute to the Vision directions forthis area.Support %:80/17/3

East side of Commerical: officebuilding: no stores at groundlevel

West side of Commerical: varietyof stores


People�s ideas...� remove raised planter or removetrees from raised planter, to makearea more visible, and relocate treesto the curb� add windows and/or lighting onthe blank north wall� remove hedge from around loadingdock area� improve security in the parking lot� in any future development, createbetter link to Safeway from Commer-cial Drive

Other Vision Directionconsidered but not approved6.2 Transit at Street LevelAll new transit services should be atstreet level, rather than elevated orunderground, even though this wouldleave less room for cars. This will in-crease the number of people on thestreet, enhancing safety and providingmore customers for local shops.Uncertain %:58/20/22*Comments: This direction did notreceive majority agreement in bothsurveys. However, it did receive a highnumber of agree votes.

7. Victoria and 41stShopping AreaThe shopping area around 41st andVictoria is the major shopping area inthe southeast part of Kensington-CedarCottage and beyond. This shopping areaextends for a few blocks on either sideof 41st. There is also a smaller shoppingarea just to the north, around 33rd andVictoria. Added together, the two shop-ping areas cover several blocks. This is achallenge for the area, because shoppingdistricts work best when they do notextend as far. One of the opportunitiesfor the area is that Victoria does not haveas much traffic, or as fast-moving traffic,as Broadway or Kingsway.

Approved Vision Directions7.1 Major Neighbourhood ShoppingAreaThe shopping area along Victoria,generally from 42nd to 37th Ave. (JonesPark) should be strengthened as themajor neighbourhood shopping areaalong Victoria and a special communityplace.Support %:75/21/4

7.2 Pedestrian Safety Improvementsand TrafficIt should be easier and safer to cross thestreets, and traffic should move moreslowly through this portion of Victoria,with� more pedestrian street crossings� shorter waiting times at pedestriancrossings� and other measures to increasepedestrian crossing safety.Support %:71/21/8

People�s ideas...� longer crossing times at lights� specially marked crosswalks (i.e.,paving materials)� curb bulges/sidewalk extensions� median (concrete and plantingstrip in centre of street) to serve as asafe spot for pedestrians crossing� painted lines on non-signalizedcrossings

7.3 Pedestrian Comfort andImproved AppearanceThe area should have a better imageand improvements such as plantings,benches, and banners. The area shouldalso have better maintenance and morefrequent clean up of streets andsidewalks.Support %:75/20/5

People�s ideas...� benches at south facing locations;pedestrian-level street lighting;public art; more garbage cans� more places to plant trees (FireHall lawn; widened boulevards;centre boulevard)� create an off-street �loop� alongthe lanes from Jones Park to theformer Safeway site

Victoria & 41st: variety of stores

Note on direction 6.2

This direction referred to transitat street level. Whether or nottransit runs at street level alsodepends on the transit technol-ogy used. The most recentannouncement from theProvincial government (summer1998) has altered technologyfrom conventional light rapidtransit (which could run at streetlevel) to SkyTrain (which cannotrun at street level). Theapproved Vision directions insection 6 will be used to guidestation area planning forwhatever technology is built.


� eliminate left-turn bay and insteadwiden boulevard or create centreboulevard (for trees and for crossingsafety)� place temporary cafe strips onwooden platforms in some parts ofparking lane

7.4 Storefronts, Shops, and ServicesSmall local shops and services shouldcontinue to line the sidewalks on bothsides of the streets � instead of devel-opments with parking lots in the frontor buildings without storefronts � andmore community services and activitiesshould be located here.Support %:77/19/5

People�s ideas...� display windows; shopfronts thatturn corners along streets and lanes;courtyards away from traffic� broader range of activities: fitnessfacilities; cultural/recreational cen-tres; clinics; professional offices

7.5 Former Safeway SiteRedevelopment of the former Safewaysite at Victoria and 41st should be usedas a major opportunity to contribute tothe Vision directions for this area.Support %:80/15/5

People�s ideas...� village centre theme; village squareaway from the noise and traffic;public washrooms

7.6 Smaller Shopping Area at 31st to37th Ave.The shopping area along Victoria,between roughly 31st and 37th, shouldcontinue as a smaller shopping area,providing some local shopping, and itshould have some of the same improve-ments as for the area around 41st andVictoria.Support %:76/20/4

8. Fraser and KingEdward Shopping AreaAlong Fraser, the major shopping area isaround 41st, mainly outside of KCC.Within KCC, there are several smallshopping areas along Fraser. This Visionidentifies the area around King Edwardas the main shopping area on Fraser inKCC.

Approved Vision Directions8.1 Shopping Area Around KingEdwardThe shopping area at Fraser and KingEdward should be strengthened as aneighbourhood shopping area andspecial community place.Support %: 68/24/8

8.2 Pedestrian Safety Improvementsand TrafficIt should be easier and safer to cross thestreets, and traffic should move moreslowly through this portion of Fraser,with� more pedestrian street crossings� shorter waiting times at pedestriancrossings� and other measures for pedestriancrossing safetySupport %:67/23/10

People�s ideas...Pedestrian safety:� longer crossing times at lights� specially marked crosswalks (i.e.,paving materials)� curb bulges/sidewalk extensions� median (concrete and plantingstrip in centre of street) to serve as asafe spot for pedestrians crossing

8.3 Pedestrian Comfort andImproved AppearanceThe area should have a better image andimprovements such as plantings,benches, and banners. There shouldalso be better maintenance and morefrequent clean-up of streets andsidewalks.Support %:73/20/7

People�s ideas...Improved appearance and comfort:� plantings, street furniture, banners,and public art; more garbage cans

Fraser & King Edward: variety ofshops


8.4 Storefronts, Shops, and ServicesSmall local shops and services shouldcontinue to line the sidewalks on bothsides of the street � instead of develop-ments with parking lots in the front orbuildings without storefronts � and thevacant site at the southeast cornershould be filled in with shops.Support %: 69/25/5

People�s ideas...� diverse shops and services; morecultural/recreational centres alongwith shops

8.5 Smaller Shopping Area at Fraserand KingswayThe shopping area at Fraser andKingsway should continue as a smallershopping area, providing some localshopping, and it should have improve-ments to pedestrian crossing safety.Support %:68/26/7

People�s ideas...� further concentrate the shops intofewer places, to make strongershopping areas�to do this, all-residential development could beallowed in some places instead ofshops

9. Other Ways toStrengthen ShoppingAreasA common challenge for shopping areasis to strengthen their economic health.Many things contribute to this. Thissection groups three items that werediscussed during the Vision process andthat apply to all the KCC shopping areas.

ParkingThe shopping areas in KCC mostly haveon-street parking except during rushhours. Most of the shopping areas alsohave additional parking at supermarkets,or on former supermarket sites. Keepingenough convenient parking for shoppersis important for shopping areas to work.People also felt that on-street parkingprovides a good buffer between pedes-trians and traffic. However, rush hour

restrictions have been gradually expand-ing over the years to include morelocations and more hours, as traffic hasincreased.

Business AssociationsBusiness associations are formed bybusiness and property owners in shop-ping areas. They can also apply to theCity to become a Business ImprovementArea (BIA). Through a BIA, each prop-erty owner pays into a fund that isadministered by the BIA and used topromote the area. The City has a staffperson to assist local business people toform associations and BIAs. Supportingbusiness groups is a way to strengthenshopping areas.

Big Box Stores and Internal ShoppingMallsBig box stores are very large stores suchas Costco and Superstore. Internalshopping malls are large clusters ofstores in one development where thestores face inside instead of onto thestreet. Examples are Kingsgate Mall andIl Mercato at Commercial and First.Internal malls can be on one level, orseveral levels. Under current City zoningregulations, big box stores and shoppingmalls can be built on any commercialsite that is large enough for them.Participants in this Vision process wereconcerned that their large size andinward-look would draw customersaway from the local stores and publicsidewalks. They felt that this would workagainst creating strong communityshopping areas.

Approved Vision Directions9.1 Parking in Shopping AreasEnough parking for shoppers should beprovided in a variety of ways. Thereshould be on-street parking whereverpossible. Especially along secondaryarterials, on-street parking should beretained or restored (Commercial,Victoria, and Fraser). Other majorparking locations (e.g., supermarkets)should be kept, or replaced when thereis redevelopment.Support %:83/10/7

On-street parking in shoppingareas


9.2 Business AssociationsBusiness Associations and BusinessImprovement Areas should be encour-aged, and receive help from the City, sothey can develop marketing strategies,promote shopping in their area, andorganize services and activities to attractshoppers.Support %:72/20/8

People�s ideas...� promotional ads, maps, coupons� child-minding services/activities� street entertainment/activities;annual Community Day; seasonalfairs or markets; busker zones� Block Watch for businesses� cooperative clean up between Cityand merchants

9.3 No Malls and Big BoxThere should not be any additional bigbox stores or internal shopping mallsallowed in KCC, or close enough tothreaten the economic health of thelocal shopping areas.Support %:68/17/16

10. Mixed UseDevelopmentFor many years, there was little develop-ment in the commercial parts ofKingsway, Fraser, Commercial andVictoria. The older one and two storeycommercial buildings remained. Re-cently, there have been more projectswith one level of commercial and threelevels of apartments above. This is calledmixed use development. The currentzoning regulations require commercialuse � retail, service or office � at streetlevel. On upper floors, the developerhas the choice of whether to havecommercial or residential. Zoning alsolimits the height, requires setbacks fromneighbours, sets maximum density, and(recently) forbids parking lots along thestreet in front of buildings. The zoningdeals with livability of the residentialdevelopment �privacy, daylight, and soforth. However, it does not deal with thecharacter and appearance of thebuilding.

This Vision recognizes the potential ofthese developments to provide housing,strengthen local shopping areas, andimprove safety by adding �eyes on thestreet�. However, it also contains ideasto improve the new housing, reduce theimpacts on neighbours, and upgrade theappearance of developments.

Better mixed use design: upper setbacks, breaking up scale, small shops,awnings


Approved Vision Directions10.1 Design ImprovementsThe design of mixed use developmentshould be improved:� less bulky and imposing� less impact on single family neigh-bours� designs reviewed to be more attractive� various architectural styles rather thanany one style being required� more planting to soften the impact onneighbours and improve commonspacesSupport %:84/10/6

10.3 More Variation in Housing FormThere should be more variation in thetype of housing in mixed use develop-ments.Support %:65/22/14

People�s ideas...� rowhouses at the rear facing thelane

Other Vision Directionsconsidered but not approved10.2 Extra HeightOne or two additional storeys beyondfour storeys should be considered insome cases:� on higher points of land, to echo theland form� in return for providing some publicopen space or other amenity.Uncertain %:47/18/35Comments: See comment after 10.4.

10.4 Residential at Street LevelResidential should be able to occur atstreet level in some locations, ratherthan commercial being required, asnow. This should be outside the localshopping areas, where commercial atgrade should continue to be required(see Sections 5 to 8). Traffic volume andnoise should also be considered.Uncertain %:57/29/14Comments: Improvements to overallmixed use design were highly supportedin direction 10.1. Directions 10.2 and10.4 are specific possibilities for mixeduse design. They did not receivemajority agreement in both surveys.But they received more agree votes thandisagree votes. Therefore, they remainon the table, for more investigationand public discussion, as part ofimplementating direction 10.1.

10.5 Add More Residential/Commercial Mixed UseMore zoning for mixed use develop-ment should be added on arterialstreets where it is not now permitted. Itcould be similar to the four storeydevelopment already happening; ornew, lower rise types could be investi-gated.Uncertain %:53/25/22Comments: With considerably moreagree votes than disagree, 10.5 remainson the table, for further investigationand public discussion, while planningfor housing clusters (see direction 21.4Revised).

More Planning andConsultation Before Changes

Vision Directions 10.1 to 10.5would involve making zoningchanges. More detailed planningwith the community wouldoccur before any changes weremade.

Setbacks at the rear: less impact on neighbours at rearMore variety in housing: rowhouses on rear lane

Recent mixed use projects: onarterials


Traffic and Transportation

Traffic and its impacts are major issues in Kensington-CedarCottage (KCC). The area has several of the city�s busiest

streets and major transit routes. This Vision identifies anumber of changes for traffic and transportation, includingchanges along streets and to transit, traffic calming, and bikeroutes and greenways. All changes focus on giving more prior-ity to walking, cycling, and transit; and giving less priority tomoving cars.


The specific streets included in thisVision are those that were identified aspriorities by KCC residents during theVision process. These are:� the busiest streets in KCC, passingthrough the heart of the community(Clark/Knight, Kingsway)� the streets with the major shoppingareas along them (Kingsway, Commer-cial/Victoria, Fraser) See also ShoppingAreas (sections 5 to 10) for more onspecial treatment along the streets thatpass through the shopping areas.

City Transportation PlanThe KCC Vision directions support theCity Transportation Plan and apply thePlan more specifically to KCC. TheTransportation Plan was approved byCity Council in May 1997.It includes:� not expanding the existing network ofarterial roads in the city� improved transit and expandedcycling� better conditions for pedestrians,especially in community shopping areas� traffic calming to protect neighbour-hoods from through traffic� improved truck access for movinggoods� future growth in commuter trips tothe downtown to be served by transit,instead of creating more car trips

11. Clark/Knight Street

Street Bridge. The Transportation Planalso calls for a study of the whole Clark/Knight route, to maintain truck access,while improving conditions for thecommunity.

Approved Vision Direction11.1 Clark/Knight StreetThe conditions and safety along Clark/Knight for residents, pedestrians, andtransit users should be substantiallyimproved, by:� more strictly enforcing traffic speeds� adding more and safer places to cross� adding and improving bus shelters� adding more trees and other plantingsand public art� making it a priority to do the whole-route study identified in the City Trans-portation Plan, so that additional wayscan be found to improve Knight for thecommunity, while also maintaining truckaccess.Support %:80/12/9

People�s ideas...� more pedestrian-activated andbike-activated signals, faster signalresponse times, a median refuge,wider sidewalks, and/or specialcrosswalk treatments� big, arching trees and large piecesof public art; planted noise barriersfor parks and schools� ideas for the whole-route study:keep truck route, but less cars;bridge tolls; provide a buffer be-tween traffic and the sidewalk bykeeping on-street parking at alltimes, or turning the parking lanesinto wider boulevards with trees andlandscaping.

12. KingswayKingsway is and will continue to be aprimary arterial, used by traffic travellingacross the city and region. It is also linedwith stores and businesses. These are ina variety of areas, including areas withconvenience stores, ethnic restaurants,and businesses which serve customersmainly from outside the community, aswell as a neighbourhood shopping areaaround Kingsway and Knight. Because

Types of Streets

Arterials:Arterials serve cross-city traffic.They are streets that generallyhave two or more moving lanesof traffic; have traffic signals; andmay be designated truck or busroutes. Often they have rushhour parking limits or turningrestrictions. Primary arterialsusually have more lanes andmove higher volumes of trafficthan secondary arterials.

Local streets:Local streets are primarilyresidential and used mainly byneighbourhood residents.

Clark/Knight is one of the busiest streetsin the city, and the city�s major north-south truck route to the Port. Thismakes it a difficult street to live on, walkalong, or cross. In the City Transporta-tion Plan, Clark/Knight will continue tobe the primary north-south truck routebecause of its connection to the Knight

Knight Street: truck route needsspeed control, safer crossings,more planting


Kingsway is a diagonal route, it touchesmuch of KCC. With its heavy traffic,many people in the community see it astoo much of a barrier and dividing line.

Approved Vision Direction12.1 KingswayEven though Kingsway will remain aprimary arterial, pedestrians, transitusers, and bicyclists should have morepriority than now, and the street�s imageshould be improved, by:� adding more and safer crossings at keyintersections� adding and improving bus shelters� adding more tress and other plantings� providing better clean-up and mainte-nance along the sidewalks and boul-evards.Support %:81/10/9

People�s ideas...Pedestrian safety:� pedestrian-activated lights withshorter waiting times and longercrossing times; specially markedcrosswalks; medians (concrete andplanting strip in centre of street) toserve as a safe spot for pedestrianscrossing� more street trees; greening of the�triangles,� such as the green spaceat Windsor and Kingsway

13. Commercial Drive/Victoria DriveCommercial/Victoria is a secondaryarterial, unlike Kingsway, Knight, andBroadway which are primary arterials.According to the City TransportationPlan, the status of Commercial/Victoriaas a secondary arterial should remain.The Plan also identifies Commercial/Victoria as having the potential for�increased priority for pedestrians,bicycles, and transit,� possibly includinga future express bus route and a bikelane.

Approved Vision Direction13.1 Commercial/VictoriaCommercial/Victoria�s status as a sec-ondary arterial, with less traffic andslower moving traffic than primaryarterials, should be reinforced by:� adding more and safer pedestriancrossings� keeping on-street parking where itnow exists and, where possible, restor-ing on-street parking that has beenprohibited� making more room for landscaping,sidewalks, buses, and/or bikes, evenusing space now taken by traffic.Support %:77/15/8

People�s ideas...� more pedestrian-activated signals;shorter waiting times� no increased capacity for traffic; donot build left-turn bays� restore/retain on-street parking;add bus bulges; add bike lane� restrict cars to fewer lanes � usespace for buses, extended sidewalks,median (concrete and planting stripin centre of street) to serve as a safespot for pedestrians crossing; bikelanes, more landscaping/buffer forsidewalk and homes

14. Fraser StreetLike Commercial-Victoria, Fraser Streetis a secondary arterial and designated inthe City Transportation Plan as potentialfor �increased priority for pedestrians,bicycles, and transit.�

Approved Vision Direction14.1 Fraser StreetFraser Street should have more and saferpedestrian crossings for bus users andfor pedestrians and cyclists.Support %:74/16/10

People�s ideas...� more pedestrian crossings, withshorter waiting times and longercrossing times� tie crossings into the bikeway andgreenway routes

Victoria/Commercial: needs morepriority for pedestrians, bikes,transit, and more planting

Kingsway: needs more and saferpedestrian crossings, and moreplanting

Fraser: needs more pedestriancrossings


15. Public TransitBC Transit controls transit service. TheCity is responsible for bus shelters,whether traffic signals give priority tobuses, and how the streets are designedfor buses. The City Transportation Planimprovements for transit include thosethat the City is directly responsible for,as well as those that the City will workon with others, including:� better bus stops, bus shelters, andboarding areas (e.g., with timetables andmaps)� more frequent buses� community mini-buses� a city-wide network of express busroutes and rapid transit� measures to give transit priority overcars on streets� a governing and financing structuremore responsive to the needs of city andregion

KCC has a number of unusual transitfeatures. A high percent of people usetransit compared to many other areas inthe city. There are two SkyTrain stations,and another transit line is proposedalong Broadway. There are many transittransfer points where people changebuses or change between bus andSkyTrain.

Through the Vision process participantshad many suggestions for ways to maketransit use more attractive. They alsowelcomed the planned Broadway rapidtransit line, with a station at Broadwayand Commercial. But they wantedspecial attention to make sure the newline and station will benefit KCC, as wellas benefitting the rest of the region.

(See Section 6, Broadway And Com-mercial Shopping Area and TransitHub for more information on theBroadway transit line.)

Approved Vision Directions15.1 New Broadway Rapid TransitLineThe planned Broadway rapid transit lineshould benefit KCC, as well asbenefitting the rest of the region, includ-ing:� a comprehensive plan to improve theBroadway/Commercial area for themutual benefit of the community andtransit users� the transit station at street level toimprove safety� no loss of local bus service as a resultof the new rapid transitSupport %:80/13/6

15.2 Bus SheltersMore and better bus shelters should beprovided on all bus routes in KCCSupport %:82/13/6

People�s ideas...Improved bus shelters:� benches, lighting, schedules, maps,commercial uses; facilities for ad-vance purchase of bus tickets

15.3 Bus BulgesBus bulges should be built on key busroutes in KCC, giving buses morepriority in traffic, so that they are notslowed down at bus stops by waiting tomerge back into traffic.Support %:71/17/12

Competition for Space onStreets

The sections on Shopping Areasand Traffic and Transportationsuggest many different ways toimprove arterial streets forpedestrians, cyclists, transitusers, and shoppers � bikelanes, bus bulges, curb bulges,median refuges, widersidewalks, wider boulevards,on-street parking. But, on manystreets not all of these can fittogether. Trade-offs may have tobe made as part of moredetailed community planning.

Note on direction 15.1

This direction refers to transit atstreet level. Whether or nottransit runs at street level alsodepends on the transit technol-ogy used. The most recentannouncement from theProvincial government (summer1998) has altered technologyfrom conventional light rapidtransit (which could run at streetlevel) to SkyTrain (which cannotrun at street level). (See alsoSection 6.)

Better bus stops: shelters, information, ticket machines, bus bulges


15.4 Local Involvement in TransitDecision MakingThere should be more local input intotransit decision-making, to help ensurethat future transit changes that happenin KCC, are a benefit to KCC, as well asto the rest of the city and region.Support %:84/12/4

People�s ideas...� more buses; express buses; diver-sity of bus sizes; community mini-buses� bike parking at transit transferpoints; bike carriers on transit� improved bus turning movementsat Broadway and Commercial

16. Traffic CalmingTraffic calming means installing physicaldevices on streets, such as stops signs,traffic circles, traffic diverters, speedbumps, and speed tables. Usually, theseare on local streets. The purpose is toslow traffic, increase safety, and/ordiscourage through traffic. The mainway of providing traffic calming inVancouver is through a NeighbourhoodTraffic Plan. A traffic plan is usuallystarted by resident request, or it is aresult of a more general area plan.However, not all requests can be met atonce. The City Transportation Planrecommends giving priority to locationswhere traffic impacts are the mostserious.

Approved Vision Direction16.1 Traffic Calming CriteriaTraffic calming programs should beprovided in residential areas of KCCwhere needed, in consultation with localresidents. The need should be deter-mined by objective measurements thatcompare areas across the city.These should include:� total traffic volume, and especiallynon-local (commuter) traffic� traffic speed� number of accidents� number of residents affected� recent increases in traffic (due toother traffic changes, new development)� noise levels

� nearness to places with many pedestri-ans, especially children or seniors(schools, daycare, playgrounds, seniorshousing, housing with children)� the need to control traffic patternsrelated to prostitution and criminalactivitySupport %:79/13/9

16.2 Easily Addressed TrafficProblemsTraffic problems that can be fixed forlow cost and with little impact such asby putting in a crosswalk or stop sign,should be able to be dealt with withouta full traffic calming program. Commu-nity-based measures, such asSpeedWatch, should also be used tohelp calm traffic.Support %:81/12/7

People�s ideas...� fix speeding problems: in lanes(need speed bumps, etc); near parks;on wide streets, such as 14th, 16th,and 22nd Ave; at schools (needenforcement of 30 kmph speed limit)� SpeedWatch: volunteers whomonitor traffic speeds to help deter-mine the need for traffic enforce-ment (coordinated by Police Dept.and ICBC)� traffic liaison group to providecommunity input

17. Bike Routes andGreenwaysBike lanes, bikeways, and greenways areroutes to improve the experience ofcycling and walking and to developcycling and walking networks through-out the city and within communities.Exact locations and design of futureroutes will be determined with inputfrom this Community Vision and withfurther consultation with local residentsand businesses.

Portland speed table: raisedcrossing to slow cars

Traffic circle: example


GreenwaysGreenways are streets and routes en-hanced to create a pleasant and safeenvironment for walking and cycling.There are two kinds. City greenwayscreate networks across the city. Exam-ples of city greenways are the B.C.Parkway along the SkyTrain route andthe Ridgeway Greenway along 37thAvenue. Neighbourhood greenwayscreate local connections. They areinitiated by neighbourhood groups, whoreceive technical and funding supportfrom the City. A local example of aneighbourhood greenway is at E. 19thAvenue and Fleming.

Bikeways and Bike LanesBikeways are bike routes across the cityalong local streets. These streets aretreated to be �bicycle-friendly.� Forexample, there are traffic circles to slowcars and bicyclist-activated crossingsignals at busy intersections. Nearbyexamples are the Ontario Bikeway andAdanac Bikeway.

Bike LanesBike lanes are lanes marked for bikes onarterial streets. These are a new idea forVancouver, introduced by the CityTransportation Plan. The Plan identifiesKingsway and Commercial/Victoria aspossible streets for bike lanes. The Planalso recommends bike carriers on transitvehicles.

Approved Vision Direction17.1 Bikeway and Greenway RoutesBikeways and greenways should linkschools, parks, community centres,pools, rinks, and shopping areas in KCCand nearby, with safe crossings at majorstreets. In addition to the routes alreadyplanned by the City, there should be:� north-south route(s) between Clark/Knight and Victoria/Commercial� east-west route(s) between 15th and37th� an extension of Grace MacInnis Parknorth to the Broadway-Commercial areaand to the Grandview Cut� upgrading of some city-wide bikewaysto neighbourhood greenways, such asalong Windsor, to connect schools andparksSupport %:71/18/11

17.3 Bike Lane on Commercial/VictoriaA marked bike lane should be consid-ered for Commercial/Victoria, as part ofa city-wide commuter bike network.(This would be considered as part ofmore detailed planning, to see if it fitsalong with other improvements forpedestrians, shoppers, and transitusers.)Support %:62/19/19

Bikeway example: Adanac St.

Bike lane example: Portland,Oregon

Neighbourhood greenway: 19th& Fleming

Bike Routes and Greenways (existing & proposed, City N etwork)Possible Bike LanesAdditional Bike Routes & Greenways

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17.4 Bike ParkingMore places for parking bikes should beprovided at local destinations, includingshopping areas, community centres,other community services, and at transitstops. Bike carriers should also beprovided on buses and SkyTrain.Support %:69/20/11

People�s ideas...� small bike racks at many locationsinstead of large bike racks at a fewlocations; bike parking and storage atbus interchanges

17.5 Bike Education and PromotionThere should be more education in thecommunity about biking and bike safety.Support %:73/19/8

People�s ideas...� bike education for children andadults at schools and communitycentres

Other Vision Directionconsidered but not approved17.2 Bike Lane on KingswayA marked bike lane should be consid-ered for Kingsway, as part of a city-widecommuter bike network. (This would beconsidered as part of more detailedplanning, to see if it fits along with otherimprovements for pedestrians, shop-pers, and transit users.)Uncertain %:58/20/22*Comments: This direction did notreceive majority agreement in bothsurveys. However, it did receive a highnumber of agree votes. It remains onthe table for more investigation andpublic discussion in any future plan-ning for Kingsway and as part of theCity Transportation Plan implementa-tion.


Existing Single FamilyAreas

Alarge portion of the KCC area is single family housing.These areas are important to the character and appearance

of the area, as well as to social stability. The Vision includes anumber of ideas for keeping or improving these areas.


18. Single Family Housesand Rental SuitesRight now, about 68% of KCC homes aresingle family houses. The areas zonedfor single family have very little potentialfor additional houses under currentsubdivision regulations. However, newhouses frequently replace older ones.The current single family zoning in mostof KCC permits homes to have a rentalsuite. This is based on communityconsultation some years ago. However,because of various City regulations, fewsuites are actually being built in newhouses, and few older suites are beingbrought up to building code standards.

Approved Vision Directions18.1 Maintain Most Single FamilyAreasMost of the area that is now single family(with rental suite allowed) should bekept that way, in order to retain thebasic character of KCC. (Exceptionswould only occur where the communitysupports new housing choices as de-scribed in Sections 21 to 23.)Support %:82/9/9

18.2 Suites More FeasibleRental suites in houses should be madeeasier to do, and be better designed forthe resident.Support %:68/14/17

People�s ideas...� allow full basements withoutreducing the floor space allowedabove the basement� relax building code regulations forsuites� allow front entrances

19. Design of New SingleFamily HousesCurrently, the single family zoning inKCC controls the height, yard sizes, totalfloor space, and garage sizes of newhouses.

It does not control their visual appear-ance or character. In other areas ofVancouver, with community support,new zoning with various degrees ofdesign review has been adopted. Arange of alternatives were considered forKCC as part of the Vision process.

Vision Directions consideredbut not approved19.1 Option A: No Design Reviews (asnow)For new single family houses, zoningshould continue to control things likeyard sizes, height, garage size, and totalfloor space, without having designreview.Uncertain %:43/16/41Comments: See comments after 19.3.

19.2 Option B: Partial Design ReviewFor new single family houses, zoningshould go beyond current controls andalso control a limited number of designaspects. Examples of the types of thingscontrolled could be: having a pitchedroof, having porches, limiting the use ofsome types of materials, having a certainamount of planting. Designs wouldreceive a brief check, not a full review.Uncertain %:46/23/31Comments: See comments after 19.3.

More Planning andConsultation Before Changes

Vision Direction 18.2 wouldrequire zoning changes. (SeeRezoning Policy on page 49.)


19.3 Option C: Full Design ReviewFor new single family houses, zoningshould go beyond Option B and requirea full design review. This should includehaving stricter and more detailed designguidelines than Option B, and wouldinvolve a more complete review. Itwould look at overall design, not just atspecific features. The character of housedesign that would be sought could vary.It could be based on the character ofexisting nearby buildings; on traditionaldesign of a particular period; or couldpermit a wide diversity of design includ-ing modern styles. This would be de-cided after further consultation.Uncertain %:49/20/30Comments: All the people who voted onthe two design review options, B and C,supported some form of design reviewby 65% overall, but only by 55% in therandom survey. Also, of those whoagreed with some form of design review,over one-third voted for no designreview in option A. Therefore, there isno evidence that design review is widelysupported, either as individual optionsor in principle. But because designreview did receive more agree votesthan disagree, design review optionsremain on the table for further commu-nity consideration in any future plan-ning that involves single family zones,such as retaining character areas (see20.1).

Design Review

Every new house requires adevelopment permit. Designreview means the City takeslonger and charges a larger feeto process a developmentpermit. Based on currentexperience, Option A takesabout 2 weeks and $700; OptionB 4-5 weeks and $840; OptionC 12-14 weeks and $1500.

Typical new house: no design review

Partial design review: example

Full design review: example

Modern design: example


20. Older CharacterBuildings and AreasVarious parts of KCC were developed atdifferent times between the 1890s andthe 1950s. Some older buildings havebeen torn down and replaced withnewer ones, but a lot of �character�structures (e.g., pre-1940) remain.

The Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR)lists older buildings that have architec-tural significance. Their owners are ableto take advantage of some zoningincentives to make it easier to keep andrenovate them. However, most �charac-ter� buildings (i.e., built before 1940)are not on the VHR. Many people feelthat demolition of these houses andother buildings, to replace them withnew development, is changing the areaundesirably, and is an unnecessarywaste.

Approved Vision Direction20.1 Retain Character Buildings &AreasIn order to encourage retention of�character� (e.g., pre-1940) houses andother buildings, there should be incen-tives to renovate such as: additionaldensity, more suites, relaxations tobuilding code requirements, promotingthe opportunity to be included on theVHR. Areas that have more older build-ings should be studied first.Support %:72/15/13

Character houses


New Housing Types

KCC residents, in creating this Vision, looked at the futurehousing needs of KCC residents, ranging from young sin-

gles and couples, to families with kids, to seniors. This Visionincludes possiblities for rowhouses, four- and sixplexes andduplexes, as well as limited infill. It also includes lowriseseniors� housing.


By 2021, KCC�s existing residents willhave created about 4000 more house-holds than now � today�s children willgrow up and have their own families;couples will separate and become twohouseholds. Some will move away, butothers will want to stay in KCC. Besidesthe existing households increasing,people will also move to Vancouver fromelsewhere, and some will settle in KCC.

Some, likely singles and couples, preferapartments, or rental suites in houses.Many couples whose children have lefthome continue to stay in their singlefamily homes. Families with childrenwant the features of single family, likelots of space, private yards, and indi-vidual front doors � but at less costthan a new house.

There are no additional single family lotsavailable. Many apartments can be builtunder the existing zoning along arteri-als. There are also rental suites.

In creating this Vision, KCC residentsconsidered some types of housing thatoffer the features of a single family homeat less cost � rowhouses, four- andsixplexes, and duplexes. They noted thatCedar Cottage already has some poten-tial for duplexes, north of E. 16thAvenue. They created various options forwhere more of these �ground-oriented�types of housing could go.

The Housing Statistics on pages 40 - 41provide more statistics on both thedemand for housing, and the number ofunits that would result from these Visiondirections.

21. Rowhouses, Four-and Sixplexes, DuplexesKCC residents noted that while apart-ments would suit some households,many others want the features of singlefamily homes (some private yard spacefor garden, children or grandchildren,pets; large enough for several bed-rooms; having own private entry). Theyfelt that rowhouses, four- and sixplexesand duplexes had potential to providesome of these features in a moreaffordable form.

More Planning andConsultation before Changes

Vision Directions in sections 21and 22 would require rezoning.More detailed planning with thecommunity would occur beforeany zoning changes were made.This planning would deal withprecise boundaries, phasing thedevelopment over time, trafficand parking impacts, needs foradditional services and facilities,developer contributions to costs,etc. (See Rezoning Policy onpage 49.)

Duplexes

Four- or sixplexes

Rowhouses

Illustrations below: Houses shown in dashed lines aretypical, single family houses.


Approved Vision Directions21.1 Rowhouses, Four- and Sixplexes,DuplexesMore housing variety should be providedby rowhouses, four- and sixplexes, andduplexes, which have many features ofsingle family but would cost less than anew house. Among the conditions thatshould be met for this new type ofhousing are:� in defined areas, not just anywhere� with design controls to be attractiveand fit into the neighbourhood� built in small projects rather than inlarge ones� with small green mini-parks and greenlinksSupport %:64/15/21

People�s ideas...� entrances and porches on the street� landscaped front and rear yards� scale and height similar to neigh-bouring houses� along major streets, design thatminimizes traffic and noise impacts,but keeps an attractive appearance

21.4 Revised-New Types of Housing inClusters Around Knight-Kingsway andVictoria-41st.The rowhouses, four-and sixplexes andduplexes described in 21.1 should belocated in clusters of some type aroundtwo established shopping areas, Knightand Kingsway and Victoria and 41stAvenue.This revised direction was created byresponses to a series of options (Seecomments under 21.4).

Other Vision Directionsconsidered but not approved21.2 Option A: Many ClustersAround most major intersections, andsome parks and schools, there should beclusters of several blocks of rowhouses.Non-support %:30/26/44

21.3 Option B: Fewer ClustersAround only some established localshopping areas (Knight and Kingsway,Victoria & 41st, Fraser St.), and someparks and schools, there should beclusters consisting of rowhouses, scalingdown to four- and sixplexes andduplexes.Uncertain %:43/28/29Comments: See 21.4.

21.4 Option C: Scattered in FewerLocationsAround two established shopping areas(Knight and Kingsway, Victoria & 41st)there should be rowhouses on somesites, but not totally replacing singlefamily.Uncertain %:41/29/30Comments: Of all the people who votedon the cluster options (21.2, 21.3, and21.4), 68% agreed with at least onecluster option. 13% disagreed with allcluster options. Because all the clusteroptions have the Victoria-41st andKingsway-Knight locations in common,a revised direction has been created.(See 21.4 Revised)

21.5 Along ArterialsAlong arterial streets which are notalready zoned for mixed use, thereshould be duplexes or rowhouses.Uncertain %:35/32/33Comments: The disagree votes almostequal the agree votes. Arterial locationsdo not have widespread support aslocations for new housing types. Thecluster option above is a preferredlocation for new housing types.

Non-market Housing

New housing that is built in thenormal develoment market ��market housing� � is usually notaffordable to lower incomehouseholds, regardless of thetype of housing it is. The Cityassists in providing non-markethousing units for lower incomehouseholds in a number of ways:- leasing city land to non-profithousing sponsors, who buildhousing funded by the BCgovernment- using housing agreements withdevelopers, where they includelower cost or guaranteed rentalsuites in their market projects, inreturn for additional density- using funds from DevelopmentCost Levies to assist in buyingland or paying for housing unitsdirectlyThese projects sometimesrequire an individual site-specificrezoning, with communityconsultation taking place in eachcase. (See Rezoning Policy onpage 49.)

Overall affordability was aconcern in creating the VisionDirections, but new non-markethousing directions were notsuggested.


22. InfillInfill means where a smaller secondbuilding is built on a lot, usually behindthe main house. Sometimes it is called a�coach house� or �granny flat�. Normallyit has the garage on the main floor, andthe unit above. It may be added to anexisting house, or built with a newhouse. Usually, the unit is strata titled,but sometimes it is rented. The zoningin parts of Kitsilano and Mt. Pleasant hasallowed infill on wider, 50 foot lots forthe past 20 years.

Approved Vision Direction22.2 Revised - Infill as a Tool forCharacter Retention on Large LotsInfill should be considered, on largelots, as one tool to provide an incentiveto retain/renovate character buildings(e.g., pre-1940).This revised direction has been createdby responses to a series of options (Seecomment under 22.2)

Other Vision Directionsconsidered but not approved22.1 Option A: On Larger LotsInfill should be allowed on larger lots(i.e., more than 6,000 square feet, or50 feet x 120 feet)Uncertain %: 49/19/31Comments: See 22.3

22.2 Option B: On Larger Lots, butfor Character Retention OnlyInfill should be allowed on larger lotsbut only as an incentive to retain/renovate character buildings (e.g., pre-1940).Uncertain %: 49/24/27Comments: Of all the people who votedon the three infill options, 72% agreedwith at least some type of infill, and14% disagreed with all infill. BecauseOption B includes aspects of bothoptions A and C and is consistent withsupport for character retention in 20.1,a revised direction has been created.(See 22.2 Revised)

22.3 Option C: On Any Lot, but forCharacter Retention OnlyInfill should be allowed on smaller lots(i.e., more than 3,900 square feet or32.5 feet x 120 feet) as well as largerones, but only as an incentive to retain/renovate existing character buildings(e.g., pre-1940).Uncertain %: 40/23/37Comment: See 22.2

Illustration below: Houses shown in dashed lines aretypical, single family houses.

Infill on larger lots for character retention


23. Housing Designatedfor Seniors

Many seniors live independently as longas possible. Single family homes, apart-ments, and the new types of housingvariety in KCC described above willprovide a range of choices for seniors ingood health. However, as abilities andneeds change, seniors need differenttypes of housing arrangements, usuallyinvolving some level of care.

Approved Vision Directions23.1 Seniors� Housing VarietySeniors should have a variety of choicesof housing that allow them to stay in thecommunity as they age: e.g., congregatehousing, intermediate and extendedcare. However, KCC should not be over-supplied with housing designated forseniors, relative to the rest of the city.Support %: 81/11/8

23.2 Seniors� Lowrise HousingLowrise (up to four storey) buildingsdesignated for seniors should be permit-ted. They should be located near localshopping and transit. Scale and designshould fit into the neighbourhood.Support %: 83/10/7

Seniors� Housing Rezonings

Vision Direction 23.2 wouldhappen through individual �sitespecific� rezonings. That meansthat when a group that isorganizing housing for seniorsfinds a site, they would be ableto apply for a rezoning. Eachrezoning would requireconsultation with neighboursprior to being approved. (SeeRezoning Policy on page 49.)

Other Vision Directionconsidered but not approved23.3 Seniors� Mid- to HighriseHousingSeniors� mid- to highrise housing shouldbe permitted (six to twelve storeyapartment buildings). There should bebetween four and twelve of thesebuildings in KCC. They should belocated near the local shopping andtransit, but not directly on the arterialstreets.Uncertain %: 47/19/34Comments: Seniors� lowrise housing(23.2) is preferred to mid- to highrise.However, even the mid- to highrisedirection received more agree votesthan disagree. These types of projectsare generally considered for rezoningon a site specific basis with communityconsultation. Based on the surveyresult, this approach will continue, withapplicants encouraged to design lowerrise forms.


Housing Statistics

This information provides data on the future housing needs of KCC households andon how the Vision directions address these needs.

Future HouseholdsAs existing residents of KCC get older, they will generate more households due tobirths, marriages, and separations.

Type of Household1991

Existing*2021

EstimatedChange

First Households15 - 24 years; mainly singles, couples, or sharing

670 520 -150

Established Couples and Singles 25 - 54 years; no children

2700 2480 -220

Families w ith Children 25 - 54 years; with children at home

5000 4670 -330

Mature Households over 55 years; mainly no children, or have left home

4330 9160 +4830

Total Households 12700 16830 +4130

*1991 Existing household numbers come from the 1991 Statistics Canada Census.


People Moving intoVancouver and KCC

In addition to new householdsthrough population aging, peopleare moving to Vancouver fromelsewhere, and some will cometo KCC. Between 1986 and1991, about 32% of the newhousing units built in KCC wereoccupied by newcomers.

Future Housing Units WantedThe table below shows the housing units needed if all the future KCC householdsand newcomers continue to want the same kinds of homes that KCC residents nowhave � the theoretical �demand�. It is theoretical because we cannot suppose thatall these households will necessarily want to stay in KCC, or stay in these types ofhousing. But it gives you a yardstick for comparison.

Other Housing: Seniors� andRental Suites

Vision Direction 18.2 couldresult in additional rental suitesbeing constructed or legalized. Itis not possible to estimate howmany there might be, andwhether they would continue tobe rented out in future, becausethese are individual homeownerdecisions.

Vision Direction 23.2 couldresult in some apartment units inprojects specifically designatedfor seniors. Again, the numbercan�t be estimated but wouldlikely be small, because these areusually non-market projects thatdepend on sponsorship by non-profit groups.

Shortfall of Single FamilyAs the bottom line of the above table shows, many of the households wouldcontinue to want single family houses. Since there isn�t room in the area for moresingle family houses, households would either have to move to the apartments overcommercial on arterial streets � or if these aren�t suitable, move out of thecommunity. This Vision therefore creates options for new types of housing that hasmany of the features of single family houses � rowhouses, four- and sixplexes,duplexes, and infill.

New Housing Types Resulting from the Vision

Housing UnitsSingle Family

HouseRowhouse and Duplex

Rental Suite in House

ApartmentTotal Units

*1991 Exis ting 8630 455 1835 1780 12700***

2021 Es tim ated Des ired

12150 495 1975 2220 16840***

Additional Dem and (2021 Es tim ated - 1991 Exis ting)

3520 40 140 440 4140***

Additional Dem and Including Newcom ers (above x 1.32, see s idebar)

4645 50 185 580 5460

Additional new units poss ible under current zoning

0 200 0 6650** 200

Shortfall or (surplus) 4645 (150) 185 (6070) (1390)

Vision Direction *Additional Units

Rowhouse, Four- and Sixplex, Duplex - 21.4 Revised

450 - 600

Infill - 22.2 Revised 55

* 1991 Existing unit counts come from the 1991 Statistics Canada Census** Mainly above commercial along Kingsway, Victoria/Commercial and Fraser*** These totals match the totals on the bottom line of the Future Households chart on the previous page (smalldifferences are due to rounding)

*Estimates of the number of units added take into account the number of housesand rental suites that would be demolished for the new development. For infillestimates, it is assumed that about 1/3 of the eligible sites would take advantage ofthe opportunity to build infill.


Greening, Parks andPublic PlacesThis Vision considers challenges to KCC�s landscape and

public places including: a very diverse community with allages, family types and ethnic backgrounds; new developmentof houses and apartments; lots of wide arterial streets; andpoor landscape installation and maintenance. It focuses onthe idea of �greening� using planting and public spaces tomeet various needs: enhancing community appearance, im-proving air quality and water drainage, creating places thatencourage a variety of activities, and reintroducing nature tobalance the urban quality of much of KCC.

MountainView

Cem etery

W.C. S helleyPark

Chin a Creek Park Cedar Cottage

Park

ClarkPark

Su nnysidePark

RobsonPark

JohnHendry

Park

G enera lBrockPark

KensingtonPark

JonesPark

BrewersPark

K ing crestPark

G raysPark

G lenPark

MemorialPa rk

So uthTecum seh

Park

Pa rksO ld S tream sG rand view C ut

Stainsbur y Av e.

B ro ad w ay

12th Av e.

Fra

ser

St.

Kn

igh

t St.

K ing Ed w ard Ave.

41s t Av e.

Nan

aim

o S

t.

37th Av e.37th Av e.

K ings way

33rd Ave.

N


24. Greening, Parks,Public PlacesStreets, Parks and Public PlacesStreets and lanes make up about 30% ofthe area of the City, and are very impor-tant in the overall image of the neigh-bourhoods. Parks are also importantpublic places. KCC currently exceedsCity standards for neighbourhood parkarea and geographic distribution. Itsparks range from small two to three acrelocal parks, to John Hendry (Trout Lake)Park at almost 70 acres. Other public orsemi-public spaces include schools andinstitutions such as hospitals.

Tree Bylaw and Landscape ControlIn the single family zoned areas of KCC,the City�s Tree Bylaw controls removal oflarge trees (i.e., over 8" diameter). Fornew development, removal is permittedonly under certain conditions. Privateowners may obtain a permit to removeone tree per year, unconditionally. Inboth cases, replacement trees arerequired.

Beyond tree control, there is nolandscape review with new single familyhouse development in KCC. For mostdevelopment in the duplex, apartment,and mixed use zones, the City requires alandscaping plan to be submittedshowing areas of planting and paving.

Grandview CutThe City owns the Grandview Cutexcept for the railroad tracks at thebottom. The Cut is included in theGVRD�s �Green Zone�. In 1996 Councilpassed a motion that no vehicularroadway be considered for the future ofthe Cut. A Citywide Greenway route isplanned along the Cut, and part of itexists as the BC Parkway. Under theTransportation Plan, rail use will con-tinue, and if discontinued in the futurethe first priority will be for transit orGreenways corridor. As of Summer1998, the Cut is also being considered,by the Province, to include a newSkyTrain route on one or other of itsembankments.

Approved Vision Directions24.1 More Greening in Public PlacesMore �greening� should occur in awide range of public places to improvecommunity appearance; make spacesmore pleasant and useable; compen-sate for the traffic and wide areas ofpavement; and promote better airquality and storm water control:� more and larger trees should beplanted on streets and in parks� more alternatives for lanes besidescompletely unpaved or completelypaved� community gardens in unused streetallowance, under SkyTrainSupport %: 85/9/6

People�s ideas...� bigger trees on Knight, Kingsway� planting small leftover pieces ofland like �triangles� along Kingsway� 19th Ave greenway, mini-parkslike Windsor Castle; vacant lots,private yards, institutions� saving Commercial St. trees� lanes with just centre paved, ortwo paved driving strips

24.2 More Community Action onGreeningCommunity action should be a majorforce in making �greening� happen. Inaddition to undertaking practicalprojects, volunteer effort should gointo educating about gardening,landscape stewardship, and differentcultural values.Support %: 79/17/4

People�s ideas...� Van Dusen & Farm Folk/City Folkprograms� demonstration gardens� neighbourhood plant swap� multicultural ideas exchange� city tree voucher program; rainbarrel program� community chipper andcomposting� school information programs� tree and plant inventories com-piled by volunteers� education/incentives for tenantsto garden; education programs

Residents greening a local street(Garden Drive)

Relocating large trees

Greening opportunity: Kingswaytriangle


24.3 More Greening on Private SitesPrivate owners, tenants, landlords anddevelopers should contribute to�greening�:� new developments should keepportions of the site free of paving anddevelopment, to allow both forplantings and natural water drainage� planting and proper maintenanceshould occur in front and back yards ofhouses and other buildings, as well ason apartment balconies and patios� back lanes should be attractive,without continuous walls of garages,and with greenery in backyards visiblethrough and over fencesSupport %: 71/16/13

24.4 Preserving Existing PrivateGreeneryThere should be more preservation ofexisting trees and major shrubs onprivate sites. If trees or shrubs must beremoved for redevelopment, theyshould be recycled to other locations ifpossible.Support %: 74/13/13

People�s ideas...� stricter tree bylaw; tree and plantinventories: plant swaps

24.5 More Usable Parks and SchoolGroundsPark design, appearance, and activitiesshould be more varied in order to servethe diverse population. A number ofparks should be reviewed and upgradedwith community input. Possibilities are:John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park, ClarkPark, Gray�s Park, Kingcrest Park. Schoolgrounds should also be transformed intoattractive, usable community spaces.Support %: 87/10/3

People�s ideas...� community gardens; playgrounds;more benches for seniors; commu-nity activities like the Farmer�sMarket; naturalized landscaping withbird and animal habitat; casual sportslike skateboarding, basketball; offleash dog areas; dog poop disposals;areas to sit and talk; public art;

bigger trees; better signage; commu-nity bulletin boards; highlighting ofvistas; commemorating old streamsthrough public art or opening themup

24.6 Grandview CutThe Grandview Cut should be preservedas a green zone, wildlife corridor, andpublic amenity, while recognizing its railand possible transit role. It should bebetter linked into the community,particularly at Broadway and Commer-cial, through bike and walking trailsalongside or in the Cut.Support %: 78/15/7

24.7 Public ViewsViews to the mountains and water frompublic places, like parks and majorstreets, should be protected.Support %: 87/9/3

People�s ideas...� identify key views like Kensingtonand Clark Parks, Knight Street,Commercial Drive, and controlheights of new developments

John Hendry Park: lake activitiesand scenic view

Grandview Cut

Paved lane and garages


Other CommunityPriorities

This section of the Vision contains directions on home-basedwork; cleanliness and upkeep; several environmental issues;

and community boundaries.


25. Home-based WorkCity zoning currently permits people towork at a wide range of jobs in anyresidential unit, including apartments.

The work has to have no employees, noon-site product sales, and generate nooffensive noise, odours, vibration,smoke, etc. The work has to be carriedon in the dwelling unit, not in thegarage.

Zoning also permits two categories of�artist live/work studios� � low andhigh impact. The former are allowed inthe commercial and industrial zones,while the high impact type is limited toindustrial zones � of which KCC hasonly a small area along CommercialStreet. Live/work studios may have nomore than two residents (no otheremployees), and are limited to produc-tion rather than sales.

Approved Vision Direction25.1 More Flexibility for Home-BasedWorkHome-based work should be furtherencouraged through loosening some ofthe current restrictions, in order toencourage local job creation, reducecommuting needs, and add to commu-nity safety by having people at homeduring the day.Support %: 70/17/13

People�s ideas...� allowing employees� allowing work activities in garages� having neighbour consent, witheasy avenues to address inconsider-ate behaviour

26. Cleanliness, Upkeep,and Building QualityImprovements to the general appear-ance of the community are needed.Many new buildings are constructedcheaply and age poorly. Some propertiesare neglected and in poor repair. Illegaldumping of garbage (e.g., in lanes) is aproblem, and when it is not cleaned up,it attracts more garbage.

Approved Vision Directions26.1 Upkeep and CleanlinessThere should be a higher standard ofproperty maintenance and cleanliness ofprivate and public property, including:� more garbage cans on streets and inparks� community clean up programs� stronger enforcement� more information on where and howto dispose of various types of rubbish� better repair of lanesSupport %: 91/5/4

People�s ideas...� more garbage cans and emptiedmore often; �dog doo� disposalcontainers in parks� merchants and community associa-tions sponsor local clean up pro-grams� stricter and quicker City enforce-ment on maintenance problems� more signs and information for thepublic about where they can disposeof mattresses and rubbish instead ofdropping it in lanes and parks; moreinformation to encourage residentsto clean up after their dogs

26.2 Quality of New ConstructionNew buildings of all types should bebetter built, using quality materials sothat they last well and can be bettermaintained.Support %: 88/9/2

People�s ideas...� discourage flimsy windows andfixtures, and Styrofoam details, thatbreak or are easily damaged� provide overhangs or other tech-niques to withstand weather

More Planning andConsultation before Changes

Vision direction 25.1 wouldrequire a zoning change. Furtherplanning and consultation, onissues such as traffic, parking,noise, tax impacts would occurbefore changes happen. (SeeRezoning Policy on page 49)

Problem dumping in lane


27. Recycling,Conservation, and NoiseControl

This Vision identifies a number ofenvironmental issues and actions,several of which are included in thissection. Many of these are additions tocurrent City programs, which have beenexpanding over recent years as environ-mental issues have become more impor-tant to the public. For more on environ-mental issues, see Greening, Parks,and Public Places and Traffic andTransportation.

Approved Vision Direction27.1 RecyclingThere should be convenient locations inKCC to recycle, in the form of pick-upservices and/or local depots � forexample:� to collect compostable materials� to chip yard wastes� to obtain City compostersSome of these programs could beorganized at the community level,possibly using City grants, while othersshould be city-wide programs.Support %: 87/9/3

People�s ideas...� expand recycling to apartments;user fee to fund local pick up ofvarious materials; make it easier toget composters; City pick up of yardwaste; more local education andincentives

27.2 Collection of HouseholdHazardous WastesThere should be a location in KCC forcollection of household wastes (e.g.,paints and solvents), that are otherwisestored in people�s garages, basements,and sheds, or disposed of improperly.Support %: 88/7/5

People�s ideas...� deposit/refund system for house-hold hazardous wastes

27.3 Noise ControlUrban noise should be reduced, particu-larly by dealing with noise created bytraffic and construction.Support %: 85/12/3

People�s ideas...� enforce Noise By-Law; enforcespeed limits; create landscapedbarriers for schools and parks alongarterials; provide traffic calmingmeasures

27.4 Energy ConservationEnergy conservation should be a moreimportant part of constructing, renovat-ing, and operating local buildings.Support %: 82/14/4

People�s ideas...� encourage use of alternate buildingmaterials; encourage alternate energysources (e.g., solar, thermal); providean energy-efficient model building inthe community; more education andincentives

Measuring noise


28. CommunityBoundariesThe City divides Vancouver into LocalAreas for the purposes of keeping data,ordering census statistics, and so forth.KCC is similar in geographic area tomany others, but has more people.Some people feel that the area shouldbe divided into two local areas, roughlyalong Kingsway. This would make eacharea�s population similar to other localareas, and may better recognize theirsocial, economic and character differ-ences. The exact boundaries wouldrequire further examination and consul-tation.

Vision Direction consideredbut not approved28.1 Local Area Boundaries ChangedKCC should be divided into two LocalAreas for the purposes of City datakeeping, census statistics and so forth.Uncertain %: 60/29/11*Comments: This direction did notreceive majority agreement in bothsurveys. However, it did receive a highnumber of agree votes. It remains onthe table for community priority settingor community initiative.


Rezoning PolicyFollowing the Kensington-Cedar Cottage (KCC)Community Vision

1. About Zoning in General1.1 How Zoning WorksThe Zoning and Development Bylaw is the main way the City controls development� new buildings, additions to existing buildings, or changes in the use of buildingsand land.

There are different zoning districts, labelled by letters and numbers. For example,RS-1S covers most of KCC�s single family areas, and C-2 covers the shopping areas.Every lot in a district is governed by the same regulations and guidelines.

The regulations are contained in a District Schedule. They control the kinds ofactivities (uses) that may take place, such as office, retail, dwelling, or manufactur-ing. District Schedules also control various quantitative aspects of the development,including: the maximum height of buildings, the position of buildings on the lot(yards and setbacks), the amount of total development (floor space or density), andthe amount of parking required.

In addition to the District Schedule with its regulations, some zones also have designreview, using Design Guidelines. Design review looks at the more qualitative factorssuch as style or character, the materials used, or the landscaping. Legally, districtswith design review are structured to have two types of projects: those that may goahead without design review (often called �outright�); and those that are subject todesign review (often called �conditional� or �discretionary�), because they receiveadditional density, or approval of a conditional use, in return for meeting the designguidelines.

Another type of district is the CD-1 or Comprehensive Development district. Many ofthese are tailored to a specific site, such as Britannia Community Services Centre andthe Broadway campus of Vancouver Community College. Others cover a broad area,such as First Shaughnessy or the Downtown. This tool is used where a typicalDistrict Schedule and Guidelines approach is not suitable.

1.2 How Zoning is ChangedAnyone may apply to alter the zoning � property owner, resident, or the Director ofPlanning. However, only City Council may actually adopt or change zoning orguidelines. Staff do the analysis and processing of applications, and make a recom-mendation to Council. During processing there is always public notification andsome consultation, and a formal Public Hearing is always required at the end of theprocess before Council decides.

Because rezoning is time-consuming and expensive, City staff usually advise poten-tial applicants before they make an application whether or not staff would �consider�the rezoning (that is, fully process it), rather than quickly reporting it to Council witha recommendation to refuse the application. Staff give this advice based on existingCity plans and policies, including Community Visions.


2. Rezoning Under the Kensington-Cedar CottageCommunity Vision

Making some of KCC�s Vision directions happen will require rezoning, or amend-ments to zoning. For most, additional area planning would be required before anyzoning changes would be considered, and individual rezonings would not be consid-ered prior to this planning (section 2.2). However, there are some cases whereindividual rezonings could be considered without additional planning (section 2.1).Note that �considered� refers to being taken into the system for processing; it doesnot necessarily mean that the application will receive support from staff or approvalfrom City Council.

2.1 Additional Planning Not Required Before RezoningRezoning applications for the types of projects listed below could be consideredwithout additional planning, because they further adopted citywide policies, or arenormal practice in the public interest. Most are �site specific� rezonings on indi-vidual sites. There would be community consultation in each case. In consideringthese rezonings, staff would look at not only the needs of the project, but also how itrelates to its existing surroundings, and to the future of the area as described in theCommunity Vision.

Table 2.1: Additional Planning Not Required Before Rezoning

Type of Project That Could be Considered for Site Specific Rezoning

Comments

Herita ge retention pro jects- involving retention of buildings on the Vancouver Heritage Register

Citywide policy to encourage retention of heritage resources

Social or affordable housin g pro jects- non-profit projects; housing agreement projects, special needs residential facilities (SNRF)

Note on definitions:Housing agreement: a contract between the City and developer to guarantee a portion of the housing units as rental or low income, etc. SNRFs: housing and support services for people with special needs including the elderly, children in care, mentally or physically handicapped, people with substance abuse problems, etc.

Citywide policy to encourage housing for lower income and special needs residents

Housin g demonstration pro jects (HDP)- in order to be considered as an HDP, a project: "must demonstrate new housing form in the neighbourhood, improved affordability, and a degree of neighbourhood support; any increase in land value, beyond the normal profit allowed by the City's standard bonussing process, be converted into improved affordability." (January 3, 1996 Council report)- in addition, in KCC, any HDP proposals would need to conform to Vision directions about type, location, scale, etc.

Citywide policy to permit demonstration of new housing types

Institutional usesProjects focussing on expansion, downsizing, or reuse of publicly owned or non-profit institutional, cultural, recreational, utility, or public authority uses

Normal City practice

Housekeepin g amendments; zonin g text amendments- initiated by the Director of Planning to update, correct, or make minor revisions to District Schedules or Guidelines

Normal City practice

In KCC: Seniors Lowrise Housin gas per Vision Direction 23.2

KCC Community Vision


2.2 Additional Planning Required Before RezoningThe KCC Community Vision directions listed below require additional planningstudy before rezoning occurs. For some directions, the study would cover a portionof KCC others might be citywide in scope. The types of things that would be studiedcould include the size, height, location and design of development; traffic andparking; parks and green space; service needs; development contributions to costs;phasing and so forth. Planning studies would be initiated by the City, but might beundertaken by City staff, consultants, community members, or a combination. In allcases, there would be community consultation throughout the study.

Timing priorities for these studies, as well as other aspects of implementing theVision, will be determined with community input, as well as through Councilconsideration of available resources and competing work priorities. Individual siterezonings will not be considered in advance of the planning, other than as noted inSection 2.1.

Table 2.2: Additional Planning Required Before Rezoning

*As noted in Table 2.1, an individual Housing Demonstration Project may be considered under certain conditions.

2.3 OtherThe sections above provide guidance for most rezoning inquiries. However, theremay be rare sites for which development under the existing zoning would involvethe loss of features which the community, in its Vision, views as assets. The primeexample is trees and landscaping, but in some cases buildings or structures may alsobe valued (but not qualify as heritage). In these cases, rezoning that would maintainthe assets may be considered. Further, this will apply only to large sites that were insingle ownership at the time of the Vision adoption. Finally, achieving Vision direc-tions would remain the focus of consideration of the rezoning.

Kensington-Cedar Cottage Vision DirectionPossible types of additional

planning study

10. Mixed use Development10.1 Design Improvements10.3 More Variation in Housing Form

Citywide C-2 zoning review

18 . Single Family Houses and Rental Suites18.2 Suites More Feasible-(where currently permitted)

Citywide review of zoning and building code regulation affecting secondary (rental) suites

20. Older Character Buildings and Areas20.1 Retain Character Buildings and Areas

Include in current RS-2 zoning review in Cedar CottageSpecial studies of character areas (e.g., Buffalo Hill)

21. Rowhouses, Four- and Sixplexes, Duplexes*21.1 Rowhouses, Four- and Sixplexes, Duplexes21.4 Revised - New Types of Housing in Clusters

Detailed local planning for specific areas in KCC

22. Infill*22.2 Revised - Infill as a Tool for Character Retention on Large Lots

See "Character Buildings" above

Note: Zoning policy described inthis section comes from:Rezoning Policy - Before andDuring CityPlan NeighbourhoodVisioning, adopted by CityCouncil January 18, 1996 andKensington-Cedar CottageCommunity Vision, adopted byCity Council on July 21,1998.


Survey Notes

Survey Results � More Details

The Community Vision Choices Survey contained draft Vision directions, createdfrom the community workshops. All households, businesses, and property ownersreceived a copy � either as part of the general survey, or a specially marked copy aspart of the random survey. Over 1200 people responded, from every block in thecommunity. The purpose of the random survey was to confirm the results of thegeneral survey. The statistical validity of the random survey was confirmed by anoutside survey firm.

Because the general and random results matched closely, the numbers shown witheach Vision direction in this document are the combined results of both surveys.The numbers are shown as a percentage of the total vote, always in the followingorder: agree/neutral/disagree.

Each direction was assigned a category of support when the survey results weretabulated. These categories were used to determine which directions City Councilapproved:

Support: These directions have been approved by City Council. They had a majorityof people agree with them in both surveys. For the general survey, this was 50% plus1. For the random survey, this was 58%, because the random survey margin of erroris + or - 7%. (Disagree votes for directions labelled support were in all cases lessthan 22%.)

Note: There are directions which show 50% or more agreement in the combinedresult, that are not noted as support. These were cases where the general surveyachieved a majority but the random did not.

Included with the supported and approved directions are two Revised Directions,derived from the survey results and explained in the text. These were also confirmedas statistically valid by the outside survey firm.

Non-support: These directions were not approved by City Council. Non-supportmeans there were more disagree votes than agree votes, both general and randomsurveys.

Uncertain: These directions were also not approved by Council. They had moreagree votes than disagree in at least one of the surveys, but did not meet the abovecriteria for support. However, in recognition of the number of respondents who didagree, they are followed by comments.

A Survey Background Report is also available with complete survey methodology andtables.


Map of Kensington-Cedar Cottage

CEDARCO TTAGE

KENSINGTON

W.C. ShelleyPark

China C reek Park Cedar Cottage

Park

Cla rkPark

SunnysidePark

RobsonPark

JohnHendry

Park

GeneralB rockPark

Kensing tonPark

JonesPark

BrewersPark

K ingcrestPark

GraysPark

GlenPark

M em orialPark

SouthTecum seh

Park

Com m unityCentre

Com m unityCentre

TroutLake

23001300

700

700 2200

5600

3200

V is ion A rea B ounda ry A LR T

Broadway

12th Ave.

Fra

ser

St.

Kni

ght

St.

King Edward Ave.

41st Ave.

Nan

aim

o S

t.

Kingsway

33rd Ave.

N

Library


Acknowledgements

The Kensington-Cedar Cottage Vision Team would like to thank the residents,workers, and business people in KCC who attended the many meetings and work-shops, attended other events, or dropped into the site office. We met many of youand appreciated the time you took to consider the future of your community.

The team also wishes to thank the Community Liaison Group for their dedicationover the course of the program, and their efforts in advising staff, participating inworkshops, and reviewing drafts.

Community Liaison GroupKen BakerPeter BoothroydDuane CampbellElizabeth CampbellPye ChewLouise ChristieHelen CookDon GenoversaScott HowePaul JasperJeannette JonesTom JoplingMadan JoshiAnne KingTammy Hui

Mei LauJames LeeGerry LongsonLee Wo MaErin MadillSue NewellSarah OleshRebecca PavittBarbara RobertsAngela StadelB. Kim StansfieldPenny StreetJoanne WiedmanStella Wong

Full and part-time support from Planning Department staff:

KCC Vision TeamAngela KoHeike RothSylvia StephanBranca Verde

Community Visions SupportSusan AndersonTrish FrenchRonda HowardWesley JoeAnn McAfeePaul NowlanRandy PecarskiRay SchulteTed SebastianNancy Wormald

Support from other departmentsTilo Driessen (Parks)John Jessup (Housing)Ken Low (Engineering)

Documents

City Council Action - Vancouver · 2020-06-18 · City Council Action On July 21, 1998, City Council APPROVED the Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision directions that are shown