The final aspect of the R-C vision that I wanted to explore was its overall success to date. Over the last few weeks, I have been investigating the various highlights that were identified by the community and by City Council. Meetings were held to incorporate residents' and business owners' ideas into the vision and create a community people felt was livable and safe. So, this week I am attempting to answer the difficult question of was this whole endeavor successful...
First I would like to point out that it is quite a difficult question to answer. Success means different things to different groups. Residents may feel success is beatifying parks and making streets safer, businesses may feel success is attract more workers and consumers to the area and City Council may feel that lowering crime rates and increasing housing developments is a measure of success.
One thing I found lacking was any sort of Program Evaluation. After speaking with several groups involved in the vision, the closest thing I could find was satisfaction surveys that had been mailed out to area residents to complete and send back in. I was a little surprised considering all the hard work that has already been invested in this project. An effective program evaluation would improve delivery mechanisms to be more efficient and less costly and verify that the vision is doing what you they think it is doing. It can also produce data or verify results promoting services, produce valid comparisons between programs to decide which should be retained and also examine and describe effective programs for duplication elsewhere.
From the information I could access, it would seem that many endeavors have been undertaken to meet the needs of the community as it continues to grow and evolve. The ideas and concerns of residents are heard and slowly initiatives like the community policing centre and road improvements are continuing to grow. You can see a complete schedule of all the projects being undertaken by the R-C Vision and their prospective completion dates and current states at
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/planning/cityplan/Visions/rc/actionplan.htm
Overall, I believe the Vision projects being carried out around the Lower Mainland, such as the R-C Community Vision are positive. This type of initiative will foster a positive relationship between City Council and communities. It also gives individuals a sense they have a say in the development of their communities. Keeping residents up to date on decisions that are made and getting their feedback is also essential to ensure that everyone's voice is heard.
The initiatives I have seen being undertaken in my community have been really interesting to follow. This project has opened my eyes to what is going on around me and now when I walk through the area I live in, I am more cognisant of changes, both good and bad. This type of community involvement in development planning is non-existent where I am from in Ontario. It is refreshing to live somewhere that I can be part a part of developing.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Community Safety & the R-C Vision
Safety and Crime Prevention is another one of the R-C Renfrew Community Vision highlights. This is also an issue that is of great importance to me. I am a student and work late hours; I have to rely on public transportation to travel to and from school and work. I often have to walk home at night after dark from Joyce SkyTrain Station and I don’t feel particularly safe. I wanted to look at the initiatives being undertaken by the R-C Vision to address concerns such as mine.
After doing a little research I discovered that Renfrew-Collingwood’s overall crime rate is slightly higher than that of most other local areas in the city. In 1998, the rate of property crimes in Renfrew-Collingwood was around the middle when compared to the city’s other local areas. At 13 per thousand people, Renfrew-Collingwood’s rate of crimes against people (‘violent crimes’) was above the mid-point among the city’s local areas. Recently, a woman was attacked near Nanaimo Station early in the morning and a few months ago there were several muggings in and around this area. So what are we doing to combat this?
Located a block from Joyce SkyTrain Station is the Community Policing Centre. This is a community run centre that enables local residents to become empowered and work together to reduce crime rates. They have launched several poster campaigns to warn residents of danger spots and warnings to protect their safety. The centre has also been assigned a Vancouver Police Officer who holds regular hours at the centre and is familiar with the issues facing this specific community. Volunteers also work in the evenings and take phone calls from businesses and residents who want report a crime or simply keep themselves up to date initiatives being undertaken.
Some initiatives community members supported were Community Policing Centers, the City, the Police Department, business groups, and the community strengthening crime prevention efforts, including more citizen patrols, improved lighting in high crime areas, reviews of building design and landscaping to reduce opportunities for crime, and wider use of crime prevention and education programs for English, Chinese, and other ‘English as a Second Language’ groups. Special attention should be reserved for improving safety at SkyTrain stations.
This all seems like a great start and I think that the first step to making the community safer is identifying problem areas and brainstorming for solutions. That being said, a poster campaign and a police officer who drops in once a week does little to make me feel safer. Instilling a greater sense of community and getting to know one another as neighbors I think would go a long way to making people feel safer. This may lead to the establishment of neighborhood watch programs and give residence more confidence to act. While I believe the R-C Vision Safety initiative is on the right track there is still a lot of work to do in order to actually reduce crime rates and make Renfrew-Collingwood a safe place to live
After doing a little research I discovered that Renfrew-Collingwood’s overall crime rate is slightly higher than that of most other local areas in the city. In 1998, the rate of property crimes in Renfrew-Collingwood was around the middle when compared to the city’s other local areas. At 13 per thousand people, Renfrew-Collingwood’s rate of crimes against people (‘violent crimes’) was above the mid-point among the city’s local areas. Recently, a woman was attacked near Nanaimo Station early in the morning and a few months ago there were several muggings in and around this area. So what are we doing to combat this?
Located a block from Joyce SkyTrain Station is the Community Policing Centre. This is a community run centre that enables local residents to become empowered and work together to reduce crime rates. They have launched several poster campaigns to warn residents of danger spots and warnings to protect their safety. The centre has also been assigned a Vancouver Police Officer who holds regular hours at the centre and is familiar with the issues facing this specific community. Volunteers also work in the evenings and take phone calls from businesses and residents who want report a crime or simply keep themselves up to date initiatives being undertaken.
Some initiatives community members supported were Community Policing Centers, the City, the Police Department, business groups, and the community strengthening crime prevention efforts, including more citizen patrols, improved lighting in high crime areas, reviews of building design and landscaping to reduce opportunities for crime, and wider use of crime prevention and education programs for English, Chinese, and other ‘English as a Second Language’ groups. Special attention should be reserved for improving safety at SkyTrain stations.
This all seems like a great start and I think that the first step to making the community safer is identifying problem areas and brainstorming for solutions. That being said, a poster campaign and a police officer who drops in once a week does little to make me feel safer. Instilling a greater sense of community and getting to know one another as neighbors I think would go a long way to making people feel safer. This may lead to the establishment of neighborhood watch programs and give residence more confidence to act. While I believe the R-C Vision Safety initiative is on the right track there is still a lot of work to do in order to actually reduce crime rates and make Renfrew-Collingwood a safe place to live
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Another highlight of the R-C vision is the revitalization and beautification of the natural environment and parks. A good example of this plan being implemented is the Still Creek Improvement project. First proposed in 1988, the revitalization of the Still Creek is one of the first projects recommended in the Still Creek Enhancement Study. Still Creek is part of the Brunette Basin Watershed and is the last remaining stream in the urbanized portion of Vancouver not completely buried. Council has a long-standing policy to enhance, daylight converted portions and link the 29th Avenue Skytrain Station to Burnaby Lake via a Still Creek Greenway.
City Council has taken several steps to implement the Still Creek Policy. One important step they have taken occurred in 2000 when Council established the Still Creek/Greenway Enhancement Fund. In 2002, as part of adopting a new plan and rezoning policies for the Grandview Boundary Industrial Area, Council endorsed the Still Creek Enhancement Plan for the Creek which included ten year actions estimated to cost $1.2 million and endorsed in principle a long-term plan (10 to 50 year) which included daylighting converted sections, and creation of several wetlands.
Currently, the Creek runs through a straight narrow channel lined with concrete divisions and overgrown blackberry brambles, making the water virtually invisible from most vantage points. A map of the area being redeveloped is at the top of this entry.
The plan will take advantage of the high-profile Grandview Highway location to open up the Creek by reshaping and naturalizing the south bank, and creating a side channel and small planted island. Other improvements will include replacing non-native blackberries with native vegetation, removing concrete and installing natural gravel, boulders, anchored tree roots and a “green” engineered bank on the north side. When completed, this 70 meter section of Still Creek will be the first naturalized Still Creek Enhancement Project - 3003 Grandview Highway 4 section of creek in Vancouver.
The Still Creek improvement at 3003 Grandview Highway will be the first project in implementing the Still Creek Enhancement Plan endorsed by Council. The project will be carried out in partnership with the GVRD, local stream-keepers (Still Creek Stewardship Society) and students and staff at Vancouver Technical School at a total estimated project cost of $157,850, of which the City’s contribution of up to $118,100 will come from the Still Creek/Greenways Enhancement fund.
Construction will be completed in summer 2007 with a community planting in the fall. This creek section will be reshaped and planted with native species, will mature into a naturalized area and offer improved biodiversity and rainwater management capability. The project is primarily funded by the Still Creek/Greenway Enhancement Fund, with additional assistance provided by the GVRD and through grants from local businesses. The project was designed by KWL Engineering and the native planting was coordinated by Evergreen with the generous help of community volunteers including the Still Creek Stewardship Society and students from Vancouver Technical Secondary School.
Initiatives such as this are examples of actual implementation of the R-C vision. I have visited the sight and it is now a vibrant and natural area. It is virtually unrecognizable from its former state. City Council, businesses and local residents have all contributed to the success of this project and in the coming years, the plants and vegetation that have been planted will further develop and only make the area more natural. For more information on the Still Creek Renewal Project you can visit http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/cityplans/stillcreek/3003Grandview.htm. This gives an overview of the past, present and future of the Still Creek project and provides detailed images and maps of the ongoing work.
City Council has taken several steps to implement the Still Creek Policy. One important step they have taken occurred in 2000 when Council established the Still Creek/Greenway Enhancement Fund. In 2002, as part of adopting a new plan and rezoning policies for the Grandview Boundary Industrial Area, Council endorsed the Still Creek Enhancement Plan for the Creek which included ten year actions estimated to cost $1.2 million and endorsed in principle a long-term plan (10 to 50 year) which included daylighting converted sections, and creation of several wetlands.
Currently, the Creek runs through a straight narrow channel lined with concrete divisions and overgrown blackberry brambles, making the water virtually invisible from most vantage points. A map of the area being redeveloped is at the top of this entry.
The plan will take advantage of the high-profile Grandview Highway location to open up the Creek by reshaping and naturalizing the south bank, and creating a side channel and small planted island. Other improvements will include replacing non-native blackberries with native vegetation, removing concrete and installing natural gravel, boulders, anchored tree roots and a “green” engineered bank on the north side. When completed, this 70 meter section of Still Creek will be the first naturalized Still Creek Enhancement Project - 3003 Grandview Highway 4 section of creek in Vancouver.
The Still Creek improvement at 3003 Grandview Highway will be the first project in implementing the Still Creek Enhancement Plan endorsed by Council. The project will be carried out in partnership with the GVRD, local stream-keepers (Still Creek Stewardship Society) and students and staff at Vancouver Technical School at a total estimated project cost of $157,850, of which the City’s contribution of up to $118,100 will come from the Still Creek/Greenways Enhancement fund.
Construction will be completed in summer 2007 with a community planting in the fall. This creek section will be reshaped and planted with native species, will mature into a naturalized area and offer improved biodiversity and rainwater management capability. The project is primarily funded by the Still Creek/Greenway Enhancement Fund, with additional assistance provided by the GVRD and through grants from local businesses. The project was designed by KWL Engineering and the native planting was coordinated by Evergreen with the generous help of community volunteers including the Still Creek Stewardship Society and students from Vancouver Technical Secondary School.
Initiatives such as this are examples of actual implementation of the R-C vision. I have visited the sight and it is now a vibrant and natural area. It is virtually unrecognizable from its former state. City Council, businesses and local residents have all contributed to the success of this project and in the coming years, the plants and vegetation that have been planted will further develop and only make the area more natural. For more information on the Still Creek Renewal Project you can visit http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/cityplans/stillcreek/3003Grandview.htm. This gives an overview of the past, present and future of the Still Creek project and provides detailed images and maps of the ongoing work.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I went for a walk this week in my neighborhood. I walk there frequently, however this time I paid special attention to what has been happening with the housing developments in the area. As I mentioned in my previous entry, housing is a major aspect of the R-C vision and after acquainting myself with the reports and highlights, I wanted to see how this was physically manifesting itself. The vision mentions several types of housing as desirable. Low-rise apartments, single family homes, row-houses and character homes are just a few. There are many high-rise apartment buildings that have gone up in the past 10 years that do not meet the community members’ preferred housing types. These were probably built in the very early stages of the vision and therefore were most likely approved before recommendations were sent to city council.
As I mentioned in my last entry, there is also a set of low-rise apartment buildings that have recently been completed. This has led to a huge increase in both pedestrian and automobile traffic. When we first moved here 4 years ago, the park at the end of the street was pretty quite and now it is very busy throughout the day and evening.
I also noticed 5-6 lots under construction where older houses have been demolished and new houses are being built. All of these new houses, although not completed look the same. They are all similar structurally and are doing little maintain the character and diversity that the R-C vision claims to embody. The recommendations made by residents do not seem to have been implemented yet. It would be interesting to find out if there are plans to do so in the near future.
As I mentioned in my last entry, there is also a set of low-rise apartment buildings that have recently been completed. This has led to a huge increase in both pedestrian and automobile traffic. When we first moved here 4 years ago, the park at the end of the street was pretty quite and now it is very busy throughout the day and evening.
I also noticed 5-6 lots under construction where older houses have been demolished and new houses are being built. All of these new houses, although not completed look the same. They are all similar structurally and are doing little maintain the character and diversity that the R-C vision claims to embody. The recommendations made by residents do not seem to have been implemented yet. It would be interesting to find out if there are plans to do so in the near future.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
In this entry I would like to explore the housing situation in the Renfrew-Collingwood area. The R-C vision identifies housing as one of its highlights and has worked with the community to develop a plan for a livable and sustainable future. Residents who live in the R-C area have considered the types of housing they would like future developments to include.
The types housing that have been identified as desirable are duplexes, cottages, sixplexes, row houses and low-rise apartments. Residents have also expressed a desire to maintain existing single dwelling homes and rental units and protect the integrity of character homes. Today there is capacity for only a few types of additional housing units in the community. Very few additional single family lots are available. Under existing zoning, some apartments can be built in the Joyce Station area or above stores in the commercial areas, primarily on Kingsway. In addition, the existing zoning allows additional rental suites in the single family areas of the community. In total, the capacity under existing zoning stands at over 2,300 more housing units, with about two thirds in apartments and one third in additional rental suites
City Planners predict that by 2021 Renfrew-Collingwood’s existing residents will have created the demand for almost 3,500 (27%) more households. Today’s children will grow-up and have their own families; some couples will separate and become two households. Some will move away, but others will want to stay in Renfrew-Collingwood. Besides the increased housing demand from existing residents as they age, people will also move to Vancouver from elsewhere and some will settle in the community. But new housing can have a large impact on the livability of the area.
After several polls and community planning sessions, residents did not want additional people to reduce the level of service existing residents enjoy with parks and other community facilities. I can identify with this. There is a nice but small park in my neighborhood which used to be a nice place to sit and read or walk my puppy. About 2 weeks ago 2 new low-rise apartments opened and since then the park is absolutely crazy. There are people there until late into the night and I cannot sleep with my window open anymore. I am also noticing a dramatic increase in traffic which I am sure will have future impacts. In fact residents identified concerns about potential parking and traffic impacts arising from additional units. As a result, each proposal for a new housing type has been made conditional not only on an increase in community facilities and programs needed to serve any population growth generated by the new housing type but also on an assurance that parking and\traffic impacts would be addressed. It will be interesting to see this develop as more units are added. Thus far I have not see additional facilities or traffic issues addressed but it is an issue I would like to explore further.
You can check out the full housing development plan which includes a breakdown of housing types, desirable areas to develop and the results of votes taken by community and their ideas at
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/planning/cityplan/Visions/rc/pdf/newhousing.pdf
The types housing that have been identified as desirable are duplexes, cottages, sixplexes, row houses and low-rise apartments. Residents have also expressed a desire to maintain existing single dwelling homes and rental units and protect the integrity of character homes. Today there is capacity for only a few types of additional housing units in the community. Very few additional single family lots are available. Under existing zoning, some apartments can be built in the Joyce Station area or above stores in the commercial areas, primarily on Kingsway. In addition, the existing zoning allows additional rental suites in the single family areas of the community. In total, the capacity under existing zoning stands at over 2,300 more housing units, with about two thirds in apartments and one third in additional rental suites
City Planners predict that by 2021 Renfrew-Collingwood’s existing residents will have created the demand for almost 3,500 (27%) more households. Today’s children will grow-up and have their own families; some couples will separate and become two households. Some will move away, but others will want to stay in Renfrew-Collingwood. Besides the increased housing demand from existing residents as they age, people will also move to Vancouver from elsewhere and some will settle in the community. But new housing can have a large impact on the livability of the area.
After several polls and community planning sessions, residents did not want additional people to reduce the level of service existing residents enjoy with parks and other community facilities. I can identify with this. There is a nice but small park in my neighborhood which used to be a nice place to sit and read or walk my puppy. About 2 weeks ago 2 new low-rise apartments opened and since then the park is absolutely crazy. There are people there until late into the night and I cannot sleep with my window open anymore. I am also noticing a dramatic increase in traffic which I am sure will have future impacts. In fact residents identified concerns about potential parking and traffic impacts arising from additional units. As a result, each proposal for a new housing type has been made conditional not only on an increase in community facilities and programs needed to serve any population growth generated by the new housing type but also on an assurance that parking and\traffic impacts would be addressed. It will be interesting to see this develop as more units are added. Thus far I have not see additional facilities or traffic issues addressed but it is an issue I would like to explore further.
You can check out the full housing development plan which includes a breakdown of housing types, desirable areas to develop and the results of votes taken by community and their ideas at
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/planning/cityplan/Visions/rc/pdf/newhousing.pdf
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