hastings-sunrise community vision - vision highlights · 2 hastings-sunrise community vision vision...

2 Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision

Vision HighlightsHastings-Sunrise TodayHastings-Sunrise is a community rich in diversity and history. Its residents value the area’s distinct single familyneighbourhoods, views of the mountains and Burrard Inlet, and convenient shopping areas. The area’s com-munity centres and neighbourhood houses are heavily used and its parks and open spaces are considered keyassets. The community’s long tradition of grassroots involvement in local issues continues today with activeneighbourhood groups, community schools, business improvement association, and community policingoffice.

The Hastings-Sunrise Vision seeks to enhance an already appealingcommunity. Residents want to do more to protect the environment,improve community safety, and increase the attractiveness of parks,school grounds, and streets. Major roads should be made safer andeasier to cross while local streets should be calmed to reduce theimpact of short-cutting. Residents want more involvement in decisionswhich affect them and call for enhanced shopping areas, walking/biking routes, and recreation programs for youth, seniors, and fami-lies. The Vision supports additional seniors’ housing, homes with twosuites, and new housing around larger commercial areas.

Create a Cleaner, More Environmentally Aware CommunityResidents, businesses, and the City should work together to create a clean and litter free Hastings-Sunrise.Individuals and businesses should be supported by the City to increase recycling and composting while improv-ing conservation of energy and water. The City should also work with other levels of government to incorpo-rate sustainable practices in their own operations and to regulate noise, emissions, and water/energy use.

Improve Parks, Streets, Lanes, and Public PlacesPark design, appearance, and activities should be more varied to servethe diverse population of the community. School grounds shouldbecome attractive community spaces usable by people of all ages,particularly in areas which are underserved by neighbourhood parks.Safety in, and crossings of arterials to, parks should be enhanced andaccess to New Brighton should be improved. The City and residentsshould continue to improve streets as pleasant green links that connectneighbourhoods and lane paving should allow more greenery andrainwater permeability. Panoramas from parks and streets should beprotected and viewpoints made more enjoyable. There should besignificant public discussion about the future of the PNE and Playlandin Hastings Park, along with their associated impacts and opportunities.

Enhance Important Shopping AreasHastings Sunrise/North, Vancouver Heights, and First/Renfrew shouldbe enhanced as the heart of their adjacent neighbourhoods. In allareas, shops and services should be continuous along the groundfloor of buildings and there should be more street trees, improvedpedestrian safety, additional convenient parking, more attractive storefronts, and cleaner streets and lanes. Along Hastings there should becontinuous weather protection for shoppers, sidewalk merchandiseshould be encouraged (provided sidewalks are wide enough), andthe 100’ road allowance of side streets should be used to createattractive public spaces and additional parking.

3Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision

Build a Safer CommunityIndividuals, the community, and the police should all work more diligently tocreate a safer community. Prevention initiatives, particularly for youth, need tobe expanded and the City should take a comprehensive look at prostitution toreduce its negative community impacts.

Move toward Community Decision-makingResidents should have greater and more timely input into decision-making aboutchanges in their community including major decisions like the future of the PNEin Hastings Park and port planning as well as recurring decisions on transit andpark planning, street and traffic changes, and development proposals. Commu-nity decision-making should be expanded to include a range of issues. An annualcommunity capital program should be established to be spent on uniquecommunity priorities.

Protect and Expand Community ServicesThe range of programs offered at community centres, neighbourhood houses, and community schools shouldbe protected. Additional affordable services for seniors, youth, and families are wanted in new or upgradedfacilities, including the branch library. Information on all services provided either by the City or others shouldbe available in languages, forms, and locations which are convenient for residents and businesses.

Improve Conditions on ArterialsConditions and safety for residents, pedestrians, and transit usersshould be substantially improved on all arterial streets in Hastings-Sunrise. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings should be improved,traffic speeds should be controlled, intersection safety enhanced, andthe adverse impacts of trucks reduced. Transit should be moreconvenient and comfortable with better service to neighbourhooddestinations.

Calm Traffic on Local Streets and Improve Walking and Biking RoutesMore, and more affordable, approaches should be found to address safety and annoyance issues arising fromshort-cutting through, and event parking on, local streets. Popular walking and biking routes which connect todestinations like schools, community facilities, and parks should be made more attractive and should have safercrossings of busy streets.

Maintain and Enhance Single Family NeighbourhoodsMost single family areas of Hastings-Sunrise should be kept. Designcontrols for new homes should be introduced across the communityand incentives should be established to retain the community’s manyheritage and character homes and their neighbourhood context.Resolution of complaints arising from rental suites should be handledmore consistently and efficiently. Changes to existing comprehensivedevelopment zones should require a rezoning process with appropri-ate community consultation.

Increase Housing VarietyHomes with two suites should be encouraged, provided they are designed to fit into single family areas (in-cluding good landscaping) and accompanied by the community facilities and services needed by the additionalpopulation. Housing variety should also be increased adjacent to existing commercial areas to help supportshops and services and put people close to shopping and transit. Some small developments designed forseniors should be permitted near parks, shopping, and transit to allow seniors to stay in the community as theirhousing needs change.


The following CityPlanDirections provide a checklistfor Community Visions:

Strengthen neighbourhoodcentresProvide shops, jobs, and servicesclose to home, and create safe,inviting public places to meet andsocialize.

Improve safety and better targetcommunity servicesIdentify ways to increase safety;to better provide communityservices; and to use arts andcultural activities to supportcommunity identity andparticipation.

Reduce reliance on the carMake 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 of neighbour-hood character, heritage, andappearance to retain, and decidethe character of new develop-ment.

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 to bringCityPlan Directions and theCommunity Vision to life.

Vision BackgroundWhat is This Vision?

This Vision describes the kind of community that people who live and work inHastings-Sunrise want it to become over the next 10 to 20 years, and how CityPlanDirections should be implemented in Hastings-Sunrise. It identifies what peoplevalue and want to preserve, what improvements are needed, and how changeshould occur. It will be used at City Hall to help set priorities for capital projects,direct City programs and services, and make decisions affecting this community. Italso provides an opportunity for community organizations and individuals to act ondirections that the community has endorsed.

How was this Vision Created?

The Vision Directions were developed by people who live and work in Hastings-Sunrise. The program began in January 2002 with community outreach and aweekend Visions Fair in April 2002. The heart of the process was a series of inten-sive public workshops in Spring and Fall 2002 where over 650 people spent manyhours developing ideas and options on a variety of topics. From these sessions,Vision Directions were created and published in the Community Vision ChoicesSurvey which was distributed to all households, businesses, and property owners inJune 2003. In addition, a special random sample of households was given the samesurvey. Over 1800 people responded to the survey to create a shared Vision for thefuture. In March 2004 the Vision Directions that were supported by the survey wereapproved 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’ toensure that community input was carried through the process, and advised staff oncommunity outreach and other matters.


Making the Vision Happen

Now that the Hastings-Sunrise Vision has been approved by Council, implementionbegins. Both the City and the community are key players in making the Vision areality.

For the City, the Vision Directions provide a policy framework for decisions onlocal issues such as development proposals, traffic management, and communityservices. The Vision also helps direct programs such as public art, greenways, parkstewardship, and crime prevention to where they are most needed. While someDirections are implemented relatively quickly, others require more detailed plan-ning — for example, plans to make major roads safer and more attractive, designsfor new types of housing, and improvements to local shopping areas. In order toidentify and track the various short-term and long-term City actions, City staffdevelop a Vision Implementation Action Plan. The Action Plan describes how theVision Directions can be met using various City resources and programs such ascapital funding, business improvement assistance, zoning, traffic calming, andneighbourhood centre planning programs. The Action Plan is reviewed with thecommunity, reported to Council, and posted on the City’s website where the publiccan monitor its progress.

The Vision also provides the community with a framework for action and volunteerinitiatives. City staff help set-up a community-based process to continue residentinvolvement and co-operation with the City. Most of the communities withapproved Visions have formed implementation committees which meet monthly toshare information with each other and City staff. Most committees have sub-committees working on specific issues and projects such as traffic calming, neigh-bourhood greenways, public art, park use conflicts, major development proposals,and community celebrations. An annual newsletter is delivered to all householdsand businesses which gives an update on implementation activities and invites thecommunity to an annual meeting to review progress and identify priorities for theupcoming year.

An Overview of the CommunityVision Program

The Vision is based on CityPlan:Directions for Vancouver whichwas adopted by City Council in1995 as an overall vision for thecity. In July 1996 City Councilapproved the Community VisionsProgram as a way of bringingCityPlan’s city-wide directions tothe community level and reachingall communities within severalyears. The program Terms ofReference describe the groundrules and process for creating aCommunity Vision. The programasks each community toimplement CityPlan directions in away and at a scale and pace thatsuits the community.


Vision DirectionsIntroduction

The Vision Directions are grouped into eight themes, with Directions for 28 spe-cific topics. Different types of information are provided:

Background Information

Introductory material for each theme and topic provides information on the exist-ing situation and on existing City policies and practices.

Vision Directions

The Survey asked people to respond to draft Directions on a range from ‘StronglyAgree’ to ‘Strongly Disagree’. Each Direction has been classified as Approved, NotApproved (Uncertain), or Not Supported based on community response in theChoices Survey. This classification appears above each Direction. Noted below eachDirection is the percentage agreement it received in the general and randomsurveys (complete statistics and survey methodology are available in a separatepublication Report on the General and Random Surveys: Hastings-Sunrise).

Approved Directions: Most Directions received enough agreement to be classifiedas ‘Approved’. These Directions were supported not only by 50% or more of thegeneral survey respondents but also by at least 55% of the random survey respond-ents (a level that ensures support for the Direction by a majority of these respond-ents, taking into account the plus or minus 5% sampling error of the randomsurvey). These Directions have been approved by City Council and are official Citypolicy.

Not Approved (Uncertain) Directions: When a Direction did not receive enoughsupport to be classified as ‘approved’ but the agree votes outweighed disagree votesin both the general and random surveys, the Direction is listed as ‘Not Approved(Uncertain)’. These Directions were not adopted by City Council and although theyare not City policy they remain on the table for further community discussion insubsequent planning processes. For these Directions, comments on their future rolefollows the ‘People’s Ideas’.

Not Supported Directions: When a Direction received more disagree than agreevotes in either the general or the random survey it is classified as ‘Not Supported’.These Directions were not adopted by City Council and they will not be consideredin future planning processes.

People’s Ideas

For most Directions, the specific ideas generated at the community meetings andworkshops, are listed here. They are for information and future reference but arenot part of the formally approved Directions.

Topics Not Included in theVision Directions

The Vision Directions cover thetopics that were identified at thecommunity workshops and publicmeetings as important for thecommunity.

For some topics that were notaddressed at the workshops, thereare city-wide policies already inplace that will continue to apply inHastings-Sunrise. Examples arepolicies on non-market housing forlower income households, specialneeds residential facilities, andheritage preservation. These aredescribed in ‘sidebars’ within thisdocument. Where rezoning isrequired, community consultationwill take place on a projectspecific basis.

For any other topics not includedin the Vision Directions, the Citywill still need to consult beforemajor changes are made in thecommunity.


Traffic andTransportation

Traffic and its impacts are major issues in Hastings-Sunrise.Hastings-Sunrise has some of the city’s busiest streets — interms of both car and truck traffic. First Avenue carries more

than 50,000 vehicles in a 24-hour period, Hastings and Broadwaymore than 40,000 vehicles each. Many of the arterial streets inHastings-Sunrise are among the most heavily used for truck travel inthe City, with Hastings carrying over 800 trucks per day. Hastings-Sunrise is crossed by key routes to the North Shore and Burnabywith subsequent strong north-south and east-west flows of traffic.Both pedestrians and cyclists face difficulties attempting to getaround the neighbourhood, especially during peak periods.

The Vision addresses a number of transportation issues for Hast-ings-Sunrise, including improvements for pedestrians, cyclists,transit riders, and general safety. (Other Directions related to streetsare in NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES and IMPROVING PARKS,

STREETS, LANES, AND PUBLIC PLACES).

The specific types of streets included here wereidentified as priorities at the Vision Fair and thecommunity workshops. These are:• primary arterials: the busiest streets in Hastings-Sunrise (Hastings, McGill, Dundas west of Nanaimo,First, Broadway, Nanaimo, and Boundary)• secondary arterials: less-busy streets wherepedestrians, bikes, and transit should be encouraged(Renfrew and Rupert)• streets which should be removed from the arterialnetwork (parts of Dundas and Cambridge)

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedHw

y

Com

missi

oner

Cambridge

Tran

sC

anada

Hw

y

N

Primary arterial

Secondary arterial

Increased priority for pedestrians, cycling, and transit (from City Transportation Plan)

Proposed change to collector(from City Transportation Plan)


Types of Streets

Primary arterials: serve throughtraffic and provide access to theregion’s major roads. Theygenerally have two or moremoving lanes of traffic in eachdirection, high traffic volumes,traffic signals, and rush hourparking or turning restrictions.Most are truck and transit routes.

Secondary arterials: also servethrough traffic but they aregenerally narrower and less busythan primary arterials (althoughsome, like 12th, have high trafficvolumes). They may not be busor truck routes.

Neighbourhood collectors: areintended to give local trafficaccess to the arterial road networkand are not intended to act asarterials by serving throughtraffic. Traffic volumes should belower than on most secondaryarterials and should not increaseexcept when new trips aregenerated in the local neighbour-hood.

Local streets: provide access tohomes. They are generallybordered by residential uses andused primarily by residents of theneighbourhood. Traffic volumesare low.

Streets with increased priorityfor pedestrians, cyclists, andtransit-users: are arterialsidentified in the TransportationPlan as having the potential forincreased use by pedestrians(e.g. improved crossings,pedestrian priority areas), cyclists(e.g. Bikelanes), and transit users(e.g. bus bulges, bus lanes, buspriority measures).

Truck routes: provide throughroutes for large trucks (generallytrucks with three or more axles)on designated primary andsecondary arterial streets. Thesetrucks must travel on truck routesexcept when their origin ordestination is not on a truck route— then they must take theshortest route to the closest truckroute.

1PrimaryArterials

(Hastings, McGill, Dundas west ofNanaimo, First, Broadway, Nanaimo,and Boundary)

Hastings, McGill, Dundas (west ofNanaimo), First, Broadway, Nanaimo,and Boundary will continue to beprimary arterials used by traffic travelingacross the city and region. All but FirstAvenue are truck and transit routes.Broadway and Nanaimo have beendesignated in the Transportation Plan ashaving potential for ‘increased priorityfor pedestrians, bicycles, and transit’.Traffic volumes, speeds, vehicle mixes,and noise make all these streets difficultto live on or to cross. Hastings hasspecial needs for pedestrian crossings toreach its many retail stores (also seeDirections in the NEIGHBOURHOODCENTRES section of the Vision).

1.1 Improve Conditions and Safetyon Primary Arterials(Hastings, McGill, Dundas west ofNanaimo, First, Broadway, Nanaimo, andBoundary)

ApprovedHastings, McGill, Dundas west ofNanaimo, First, Broadway, Nanaimo, andBoundary should have the conditionsand safety for residents, pedestrians,and transit users substantially improvedby:• improving pedestrian crossings and

sidewalks• controlling the speed of traffic, more

enforcement of traffic rules andregulations

• improving the safety of intersections• reducing the adverse impacts of trucks

on neighbourhoods• adding more planting, landscaping,

public art.Percent agree 84%/80%

People’s Ideas…• provide traffic light at Hastingsand Lillooet to give pedestrians(especially seniors) access to Hast-ings Park and to make it easier toturn left on Hastings when leavingthe community centre

• provide a pedestrian crossing onHastings at Garden• connect Hastings Park to NewBrighton Park with a green, safe,pedestrian friendly crossing ofMcGill• discourage auto-oriented uses,more emphasis on pedestrians (e.g.on Hastings from Penticton toRenfrew, across Broadway to VanTech)• provide more time for pedestriansto cross at signalized intersections,especially important for seniors• need speed enforcement on allmajor streets, especially McGill off-ramp• provide better pedestrian cross-ings of Nanaimo, especially betweenFirst and Broadway

First Avenue: primary arterial needs more andsafer pedestrian crossings

1.2 McGill Truck RouteApprovedStudy the use of McGill by trucks todetermine if the Port Road Connectorhas made it possible to remove McGillas a truck route between Renfrew andNanaimo. If not, look at responding toadverse impacts of trucks with mitiga-tion measures like noise abatement,stricter enforcement of traffic regula-tions, restricted hours of truck move-ment, requiring the use of inside lanes,and/or traffic management measures toredistribute traffic onto other truckroutes.Percent agree 65%/60%

People’s Ideas…• remove trucks from McGill/Nanaimo — they travel too fast andare too dangerous


• look at truck movements onMcGill to see if practical to removeit as a truck route now that theconnector/port road is finished

2 SecondaryArterials

(Renfrew and Rupert)

Renfrew and Rupert are secondaryarterials. Renfrew (south of McGill) andRupert (south of First) are truck routesand both carry transit. Rupert andRenfrew are designated in the Transpor-tation Plan as having potential for‘increased priority for pedestrians,bicycles, and transit’. Vision participantsnoted problems with traffic speed andpedestrian safety, particularly aroundschools and Hastings Park.

2.1 Improve Conditions and Safetyon Renfrew and RupertApprovedThe conditions and safety for residents,pedestrians, and transit users alongRenfrew and Rupert should be substan-tially improved by:• improving pedestrian crossings and

sidewalks, including corner bulges• controlling the speed of traffic, more


• improving the safety of intersections• reducing the adverse impacts of trucks

on neighbourhoods• adding more planting, landscaping,


People’s Ideas…• need pedestrian lights on Ren-frew at 2nd, Adanac, and Pandora• narrow Renfrew by Hastings Parkto provide better, safer access to thepark• add corner and bus bulges onRenfrew at First with street furniture• need more and safer crossings onRenfrew north of Hastings to allowpeople to get to Hastings Park; alsoremove traffic lanes, allow diagonalparking, and build big corner

bulges and/or a centre median onthis stretch• provide 24-hour left-turn signalsat Broadway/Rupert• reduce Renfrew to local use onlybetween Hastings and McGill, addpedestrian signal at Dundas, havebus lane to Coliseum and createlandscaped plaza in front

Renfrew: secondary arterial needs increasedpriority for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit

Truck Routes

Truck routes

N

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedHw

y

Com

missi

oner

Cambridge

Tran

sC

anada

Hw

y

City Transportation Plan

The City’s Transportation Planwas approved by City Council inMay 1997. The Plan’s mostimportant directions include:• not expanding the existing

network of arterial roads in thecity

• improved transit and expandedcycling

• better conditions for pedestri-ans, especially in communityshopping areas

• traffic calming to protectneighbourhoods from throughtraffic

• improved truck access formoving goods

• future growth in commuter tripsto the downtown to be servedby transit, instead of creatingmore car trips.


3 Streets Proposed tobe Removed fromthe Arterial Network

(parts of Dundas and Cambridge)

Dundas from Nanaimo to Renfrew isnow a secondary arterial which carriesrelatively low traffic volumes and passesthrough a residential neighbourhood.The Transportation Plan proposes itsreclassification to a neighbourhoodcollector. As a neighbourhood collectorit would continue to give local trafficaccess to arterial roads but it would notbe widened or improved to increase theamount of traffic it carries and it wouldbe redesigned to discourage throughtraffic.

3.1 Change the Designation ofDundas (Nanaimo to Renfrew)Not Approved (Uncertain)In accordance with the TransportationPlan proposal, the City should changethe designation of Dundas (Nanaimo toRenfrew) from secondary arterial toneighbourhood collector to ensure it isnot widened or changed to accommo-date increased traffic volumes or speeds.It should be redesigned to discouragethrough trips.Percent agree 57%/55%

People’s Ideas…• remove Dundas as an arterial:block through access (east bound) atDundas and Nanaimo• make Dundas a local street, lots ofmajor streets nearby

Comments: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut fell less than half a percentage pointshort of the level of agreement requiredin the random survey to be consideredapproved. In the random survey, theDirection received more than twice asmany agree votes than disagree votes. Asa result, this Direction is classed as NotApproved (Uncertain), and remains onthe table for consideration and publicdiscussion in future planning. Anexamination of the distribution of votesfound that, in both surveys, the disagreevotes were distributed across the whole

of Hastings-Sunrise, there was no con-centration in nearby areas. However,respondents in the neighbourhoodadjacent to the street (the subareabounded by Nanaimo, McGill, Renfrew,and Hastings) supported the Direction inboth the general (77%) and the randomsurveys (70%).

3.2 Improve Conditions and Safetyon Dundas (Nanaimo to Renfrew)ApprovedThe conditions and safety for residents,pedestrians, and transit users alongDundas should be substantially im-proved by:• improving pedestrian crossings and

sidewalks• controlling the speed of traffic, more


• improving the safety of intersections• adding more planting, landscaping,


People’s Ideas…• provide corner bulges alongDundas from Nanaimo to Renfrewto give it more of a community feel• stop trucks from short-cuttingalong Dundas to avoid McGillcongestion — all commuter trafficgoes straight through Nanaimoheading east on Dundas if McGillblocked (dangerous for pedestrianscrossing Dundas at any intersectioneast of Nanaimo to Renfrew)• put aggressive traffic calming inplace near schools or routes toschool• move all trucks off Dundas

Dundas: improve conditions and safety

Dundas: change designationto neighbourhood collector


3.3 Change the Designation ofCambridge (east of Cassiar) fromSecondary Arterial to Local StreetNot Approved (Uncertain)Cambridge (east of Cassiar) should haveits designation changed from secondaryarterial to local street, given the lack ofthrough traffic on this street after thecompletion of the Cassiar Connector.Percent agree 55%/54%

People’s Ideas…• make Cambridge east of Cassiar alocal street, not a secondary arterial• does not make sense to call thisan arterial of any kind

Comments: This Direction did not receivehigh enough agreement in the randomsurvey to be considered supported, but itreceived majority support in the generalsurvey and had more than three timesmore agree than disagree votes in therandom survey. As a result, it is classedas Not Approved (Uncertain), andremains on the table for considerationand public discussion in future plan-ning. In both the general and the ran-dom surveys, the disagree votes werespread across Hastings-Sunrise. Respond-ents in the subarea adjacent to thisstretch of Cambridge (bounded Hastings,Boundary, Burrard Inlet, Cassiar Con-nector) supported the reclassification inboth the general (64%) and the random(65%) surveys.

4 Traffic Calming onLocal Streets

Local streets should carry low volumesof local traffic traveling at moderatespeeds. The Transportation Plan recom-mends lowering the speed limit on alllocal streets to 40 km/h. In some cases,through and/or speeding traffic consist-ently occurs on local streets. Trafficcalming reduces the speed or volume oftraffic on these streets to increase safetyand livability. Traffic calming mayemploy traffic circles, speed humps,corner bulges, traffic diverters, stopsigns or other types of signs, streetclosures, street narrowing, raisedcrosswalks, and pedestrian islands/refuge areas (sometimes planted).

Traffic calming can be put in place usingone of three approaches:• a neighbourhood-wide traffic calming

plan• property owners initiate and pay for a

traffic circle or corner bulge at anintersection

• City funded traffic calming on streetswith problems confirmed by measur-able criteria

The Vision Directions support moretraffic calming in Hasting-Sunrise.

4.1 More Traffic Calming inHastings-SunriseApprovedThe City should do more to makeHastings-Sunrise residents aware of its‘complaint-based’ traffic calming proc-esses. Residents should put forwardmore streets for City evaluation of theneed for City funded traffic calmingmeasures like traffic circles, speedhumps, stop signs, and traffic diverters.The City should increase the overalllevel of funding for traffic calming.Percent agree 69%/65%

People’s Ideas…• introduce 40 km/h speed limit onresidential streets (30 km/h speedlimit in higher density areas)• prevent short-cutting throughneighbourhoods/commuter trafficon residential streets: Adanac,Charles, Triumph, Skeena, Franklin,Pandora, Cambridge, Oxford

Stop SignsRaised Medianon Arterial

StreetTrees

Note: street trees ( ) should be included as part of these measures, wherever appropriate.

SpeedBumps(in lane)

SpeedHump

Right In/Right OutDiverter

Corner Bulges

ReducedCornerRadius

PartialClosure

Full StreetClosure

Mid-BlockBulgeCul de sac

DiagonalDiverter

" Cur v

i ng

Stre

et"

RaisedSidewalk(w/ramp)

TrafficCircle

"Skinny Street"

On-StreetParking

one sidednarrowing

two sidednarrowing

Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Measures

Traffic circle: raised circularisland to slow cars inintersections

Other Innovative TrafficCalming Measures

Other traffic calming measureshave been used in otherjurisdictions but were not includedas possible Vision Directionsbecause they are too expensiveor specialized to be priorities inHastings-Sunrise, given thelimited funding available forcalming. Examples include:• mid-street pedestrian islands/

refuges• ‘curving streets’ which use

curbs to force traffic to weavefrom side to side within a block

• ‘woonerf’ or ‘home street’ aDutch layout that integrateswalking, playing, parking, andmovement as equal partners onthe street (maximum speed ispedestrian speed; parts ofGranville Island work like this)

• street reclaiming by use ofblock parties and streetfestivals organized byresidents

• public art/fountains.


• provide traffic calming on Eton toredirect cars back to Nanaimo• need corner bulges, speed bumpsaround all schools, especiallyprimary (measures near Templetonare quite effective), also bring backcrossing patrols• need additional stop signs to slowcars on residential streets, too manyuncontrolled intersections• find other sources of funding fortraffic-calming; traffic calmingprocess is cumbersome and woe-fully underfunded• provide larger traffic calmingbudget so the wait for calming isshorter (e.g. $300,000/year is notenough funding for the entire City)• increase budget for calming localstreets and establish differentcriteria; don’t like working withoverall scores when there is a safetyissue

4.2 Traffic ‘Tie-Ups’ and TrafficCalmingApprovedSome areas of Hastings-Sunrise experi-ence serious short-cutting through theneighbourhood when accidents orhold-ups occur on First Avenue or theSecond Narrows Bridge. The Cityshould work with local residents to findinnovative, low-cost solutions that calmtraffic when these ‘tie-ups’ occur, evenif an area has already been calmed.Percent agree 67%/62%

People’s Ideas…• prevent cut through problems onDundas and the streets to the northwhen accidents occur on the bridge• prevent speeding on residentialstreets like Eton and Trinity whenSecond Narrows is backed up• look at traffic calming from broadperspective — whole neighbour-hood approach as opposed to the‘one-off ’ intersection; residentstired of fighting corner by corner• add more ‘children playing’ signs• reinstall the ‘no right turn duringevening rush hour’ signs whichwere put in place when the bridge

was being repaired, they werecheap and they seemed to work• need more work to reduce speedin calmed areas around First Avenue

The Vision Directions also addressresidents concerns that, on streetswithout curbs, the grass boulevards are‘eaten away’ over time, leading to widerstreets that encourage speeding and thatsome residents would like to pay fortraffic calming devices themselves iftheir street is not a high priority for Cityfunded calming. In both cases, thecurrent Local Improvement Programshould be less cumbersome and shouldoffer more low cost options.

4.3 Improve the City’s LocalImprovement ProgramApprovedThe City should change its Local Im-provement Program to make it easier forresidents to use and to increase thenumber of low cost curbing and trafficcalming options which are available toresidents.Percent agree 69%/65%

People’s Ideas…• revise the City’s ‘local improve-ment program’ and lane pavings toinclude different design solutions• reduce the amount of citizen/volunteer work required to getapproval for a local improvement• need other types of designs forlocal improvements: while residentsmay not want to buy the traditionalguttering/paving solutions currentlyoffered, they may want improve-ments in some other, less expensiveforms

4.4 Traffic Demand ReductionMeasuresApprovedTraffic calming should be enhanced byreducing auto-trips taken by residents ofHastings-Sunrise. Adopt approachesfrom other areas that increase walkingand biking to people’s destinations,boost transit use, and link trips thatwould normally be taken individually.Percent agree 63%/56%

Current Traffic CalmingApproaches

Neighbourhood-wide trafficcalming plan: used whencalming on one street would diverttraffic to other residential streets.This approach can take two tothree years to complete,involving many public meetings,open houses, and surveys. TheCity pays for the traffic calmingdevices.

Property owner initiated circlesor bulges: owners decide on andpay for a traffic calming device.Enough residents must vote forthe initiative and then all residentscontribute to the cost of theimprovement.

Criteria-based traffic calming:used for an individual problemstreet or street segment. Theprocess starts with a residentrequesting calming on a street (ifthere are no complaints the Cityassumes there is no problem).City staff evaluate the requestusing criteria which measure theextent of the problem. The criteriaused by the City include:• high traffic volumes and/or

speeds• proximity to schools, play

grounds, and other pedestrian/traffic generators

• proximity to a Greenway orBikeway

• City-initiated projects in thearea

• recent increases in traffic dueto new development or othertraffic changes.

Based on staff’s evaluation, eachrequest is placed on a priority listof streets to be calmed. Eachyear the City pays for trafficcalming on the highest prioritystreets. Streets not funded in oneyear are carried over to the nextyear’s list.


People’s Ideas…• start the ‘walking school bus’where a parent will chaperone agroup of children as they walk toand from school• use trip diaries and other ap-proaches to show people how easyit is to reduce car trips• create partnerships to encouragepeople to work from home• encourage downtown businessesto reduce auto-trips by alteringstarting and finishing times, adopt-ing flexible work weeks, andproviding incentives for carpoolingand transit rather than free parking

4.5 On-Street Parking on LocalStreets (especially around the PNE)ApprovedImprove control over parking of carsand trucks on local streets to makestreets safer and provide more parkingfor local residents (especially aroundthe PNE).Percent agree 59%/55%

People’s Ideas…• stop people from selling yard andstreet parking during the PNE fair• prevent people standing onRenfrew trying to sell PNE parking— it is unsafe• re-institute parking permits toaddress parking enforcementproblems during the PNE• make everybody pay to park onstreets (by meter or sticker), allowonly homeowners to park on theirproperty during events at HastingsPark

5 Public Transit

The Transportation Plan recognized thatfuture growth in trips must be accom-modated on the existing road system(supplemented with rapid transit).Control of transit has passed from theprovince to a regional body namedTranslink which plans, finances, andoperates the system. Within Vancouver,the City owns the roads used by thebuses; is responsible for bus shelters;determines whether traffic signals givepriority to buses; and establishes howthe streets are designed for buses.

The Transportation Plan recommendsthat the City work with the region tocreate:• better bus stops, bus shelters, andboarding areas (e.g. with timetables andmaps)• more frequent buses• measures to give transit priority overcars on streets (e.g. bus bulges)• community mini-buses• a city-wide network of express busroutes (including Hastings and Broad-way) and rapid transit.

The Vision Directions address how tomake transit more attractive to users.

5.1 Bus Priority MeasuresApprovedThe speed and ease of boarding ofbuses should be increased on all routesthrough bus priority measures such asbus bulges.Percent agree 71%/69%

People’s Ideas…• provide bus bulges and boardingspace on transit-oriented streetswhere road capacity is available• dedicate a bus lane to reducetravel time• allow signal priority for buses atintersections


Bus bulge: helps bus priority, more boardingspace

5.2 Bus Routings and FrequencyApprovedWithin Hastings-Sunrise, Translinkshould increase the frequency of serviceand the number of express services onmajor streets to provide more attractiveservice. Add a bus route on First Avenueto bring the bus closer to more homes/destinations.Percent agree 77%/76%

People’s Ideas…• establish Renfrew service north ofHastings, change Hastings Expressservice so that it continues as anexpress route east of Windermerethrough Burnaby• increase bus capacity, more busesand bigger buses where needed• have suburban routes pick-up at afew stops in Hastings-Sunrise• make buses come more frequentlyon all routes, specifically routes thatconnect with SkyTrain• provide quicker connectionsbetween routes: speedy transferbetween buses especially toSkyTrain stations and within theneighbourhood• reduce number of bus stops toincrease bus frequency and reducetravel times

5.3 Improve Transit Connectionswithin the CommunityApprovedTranslink should start innovative serv-ices (like mini-buses) which providebetter connections between homes andimportant community destinations.Percent agree 70%/68%

People’s Ideas…• need easy bus connection toHastings shopping area for peopleliving north of Hastings• add bus service to New BrightonPark (and to the port for workers)• provide mini-bus service inVancouver Heights or extendexisting Burnaby service into Van-couver

5.4 Improve the ‘Transit Experience’ApprovedThe ‘transit experience’ (the comfort,convenience, and sense of safety experi-enced by users as they walk to, wait for,or ride the system) should be improvedin order to attract riders, for example,with better weather protection, lightingand security, sidewalks and pathways,landscaping, information (schedulesand route maps), and bike storage.Percent agree 76%/76%

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedHw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Bus routesPossible express bus routes(from City Transportation Plan)

N

Bus Routes


People’s Ideas…• provide more covered bus shel-ters at heavily used stops and nearschools, community centres, andseniors’ housing• provide space for strollers onmany buses (especially #4)• clean buses more frequently• provide more vendors to cater totransit users to make stops a con-venient, relaxing atmosphere tograb coffee etc.• provide more benches at busstops; better capacity for peoplewaiting to sit down

5.5 Examine the Price ofTransit ServiceApprovedTranslink should examine the price oftransit services to reduce the barriersencountered by Hastings-Sunrise transitusers.Percent agree 72%/71%

People’s Ideas…• eliminate increased fares forseniors (especially higher fare fortwo zones)• eliminate zone fares (or expandto include Burnaby)• fares should be based on distancetraveled — ridiculous that two stopscan mean a second zone• provide free/discount bus passesfor elementary/high school students

5.6 Ensure Transit Operations HelpImprove the EnvironmentApprovedEncourage Translink to make its transitoperations environmentally friendly.Percent agree 72%/66%

People’s Ideas…• retain trolleys, better for theenvironment and quieter thandiesel buses• use fuel cell buses (tap intoalternative energy sources)• tax cars which want to come intocity centre; permits for certain days• increase parking fees every year

• encourage companies to provideincentives for transit users, espe-cially downtown companies• provide bike racks on all buses

5.7 Local Involvement in TransitDecisionsApprovedLocal involvement in transit decisionsshould be enhanced.Percent agree 75%/70%

6 Greenways andBikeways

Greenways, Bikeways, and Bikelanes arenetworks of routes designed to improvethe experience of walking and cyclingwithin the city. Work is underwaythrough various City programs:• Greenways to provide enhanced

walking and cylcing routes• Bikeways and Bikelanes to provide

more functional routes specifically forbikes

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

d

Hwy

Com

mis

sion

er

Cambridge

Wall

Lakew

ood

Slo

can

Kasl

o

Adanac

Cass

iar

Fellow

es

Trans

Can

ada

Hw

y

Proposed City Greenway

City Bikeway

Proposed bike corridor

N

Greenways and Bikeways

Sunrise Bikeway: north/southroute from the Fraser River toBurrard Inlet


6.1 Greenway Routes and BikewaysApprovedGreenways should link major walkingand biking destinations within andoutside of Hastings-Sunrise and shouldprovide safe crossings at major streets.The planned City Greenways along/nearWall (Portside Route and Trans-CanadaTrail), and along/near Rupert/Renfrew(Eastside Crosscut) should be imple-mented as soon as possible. Proposedcity-wide Bikeways within Hastings-Sunrise should be planned and final-ized (e.g. First/2nd and Rupert corri-dors). Particular attention should bepaid to providing or expanding bikingroutes between municipalities andaddressing problems with traffic on theAdanac Bikeway.Percent agree 78%/71%

People’s Ideas…• reduce the number of cars usingAdanac Bikeway, too many and theygo too fast• improve lighting along Bikeways— Adanac seems dark• provide a pedestrian activatedsignal at Renfrew and Adanac forbikes on bike route (and pedestri-ans)• provide a bike route map at mainBikeway intersections so cyclists candetermine where they are andwhere they want to go• build more Bikeways

6.2 General Walking and BikingImprovementsApprovedThe frequently used pedestrian andbiking routes within Hastings-Sunriseshown on the map (next page) shouldhave additional greening and othertypes of improvements:• installation of sidewalks on streets

without sidewalks and improvedmaintenance of existing streets andsidewalks

• better pedestrian and bike crossingsof arterials

• beautification of streets and sidewalks(e.g. tree-lined streets, landscaping,flowers, benches, special paving,lighting)

• clean-up of streets and sidewalks incommercial areas.

Percent agree 80%/75%

People’s Ideas…• need more pedestrian activatedlights (e.g. Rupert/Charles, Hast-ings/Kaslo)• improve access to New BrightonPark• provide more public washrooms— existing ones have to be un-locked• improve local streets so peopleare more inclined to cycle (e.g.going uphill is difficult on gravelshoulders)• provide better/clearer signage forcyclists/drivers• promote the benefits of walkingand biking (e.g. pamphlets; a bikeday or month organized by theHastings-Sunrise community)• encourage co-operation betweenCity, bicycle shops, and communityto promote the knowledge and useof bicycles (e.g. two seated bicyclescould encourage children ridingbikes with parents)

City-wide Greenway: Central Valley

Neighbourhood Greenway: Napier andCommercial Drive

Greenways are streets androutes enhanced to create aninteresting and safe environmentfor walking and recreationalcycling. The city-wide VancouverGreenways Plan was developedwith public consultation andapproved in 1995. It identifies twokinds of greenways:City Greenways which have beenplanned to create a city-widenetwork of 14 routes; andNeighbourhood Greenways whichcreate pleasant local connections,are smaller in scale, and areinitiated by neighbourhood groups,who receive technical and fundingsupport from the City.

Bikeways are bike routes whichcross the city on local streetswhich parallel arterials. Thesestreets have features that makethem ‘bicycle-friendly’. Forexample, traffic circles can beinstalled to slow cars but notbikes and cyclist-activatedcrossing signals can be providedwhere Bikeways cross busystreets.

Bikelanes are narrow markedlanes for bikes on some arterialstreets. This is a relatively newidea for Vancouver, introduced bythe Transportation Plan.


General Walking and BikingImprovements

McGill

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Loughee

dHw

y

Cambridge

Tra

ns

Canada

Hw

y

Triumph

Cass

iar

Adanac

Charles

E. Pender

Wall

Kam

loops

Dundas

Skeena

Slo

can

Renfr

ew

Lillo

oet

Pandora

Gard

en

E. 3rd

E. 8th

E. 5th

Sem

lin

Walking and biking routes

for improvement

N

6.3 Bike Parking and RacksApprovedBike parking and secure bike storageshould be more readily available inHastings-Sunrise, particularly at majordestinations.Percent agree 73%/66%

People’s Ideas…• need more bike posts to lock-upbikes (takes little space and acts asbuffer between pedestrians andtraffic)• make bike racks available on buseson all major transit routes• provide more secure places toleave bikes/bike trailers/children’sbikes to encourage cycling withchildren• need places for bikes which aremore secure than bike racks

6.4 Expand Commuter Bike Routesin Hastings-SunriseApprovedCreate commuter bike routes in Hast-ings-Sunrise that are safe and efficientand which link to a city-wide network.Percent agree 72%/69%


Community Safety &Services

Hastings-Sunrise has a diverse population with many lan-guages, ethnic backgrounds, income levels, and ages. Thepopulation has been growing and becoming more diverse.

These factors create challenges to understanding and meetingpeople’s safety, recreational, and social service needs.

Out of the broad range of services and service providers withinHastings-Sunrise, the Vision Directions concentrate on the serviceswhich are either provided directly, or partly funded, by the City.

Paying for Services and FacilitiesThe City pays for many of the services and facilities involved inpolicing, recreation, libraries, and so forth, mainly through prop-erty taxes. Some new sources of funds — user charges and Devel-opment Cost Levies — are now being pursued by the City.

The CityPlan direction on City finances is to continue to be cau-tious about increasing spending. Generally speaking, new serviceswould need to be paid for by redirecting funds now spent onother items or in other areas. There are also usually more requestsfor new facilities than can be funded in any one period, so there isoften a waiting period of years before a facility is expanded orrebuilt.

Non-City ServicesMost health and social services are funded by the province andprovided either directly by Ministries or through various agencies.The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is responsible for healthand community care services, including many for seniors. Hastings-Sunrise is served by the Evergreen Community Health Centre, oneof six health units in the city. It is located near the Joyce SkyTrainstation.

Non-government Community ServicesThe community is also served by the Kiwassa and Frog HollowNeighbourhood Houses (2425 Oxford and 2131 Renfrew) whichare operated by non-profit organizations. They provide social andrecreational programs for a variety of groups. The City of Vancou-ver provides some of their funding.

2001 Population

Vancouver

HS

546,000

33,045

Single Parent Families

Vancouver

HS

17%

19%

Population in Low Income

Households

Vancouver

HS

27%

26%

Median Income

Vancouver

HS

$42,026

$43,031

Chinese Mother Tongue

Vancouver

HS

26%

41%

English Mother Tongue

Vancouver

HS

49%

36%

1981-2001 Population Growth

Vancouver

HS

32%

23%


7 CommunitySafety

Hastings-Sunrise’s overall crime rate isslightly higher than that of most otherlocal areas in the city. In 1998, the rateof property crimes in Hastings-Sunrisewas about the middle when comparedto the city’s other local areas. At 13 perthousand people, Hastings-Sunrise’srate of crimes against people (‘violentcrimes’) fell above the mid-point amongthe city’s local areas.

Vision Directions on community safetyare oriented towards the major compo-nents of crime prevention: individualactions, community initiatives, andpolicing approaches. In addition, thereare Directions which look at particularissues: youth crime, illegal drugs, andprostitution.

7.1 Individual Actions toImprove SafetyApprovedIndividuals should take responsibilityfor reducing the likelihood they ortheir property will be affected by crime.Possible actions include making theirhomes more burglar resistant, getting toknow their neighbours, joining BlockWatch, and using ‘street proof ’ proce-dures when outside their home.Percent agree 86%/83%

People’s Ideas…• report suspicious drug activitiesin public places and houses• make your home more theftresistant (alarms, motion sensitivelights, lights on timers, good locks,trim hedges and trees to ensurevisibility, etc.)• be cautious with people who maybe checking out your home (doorto door sales etc.), report suspi-cious activity to police• reduce risk of car theft and theftfrom cars (lock, use club, leaveglove box and ashtray open, removeall valuables from car)

• reduce personal risk outside thehome by walking with a companion,not carrying large purses, avoidingdangerous locations, etc.• discourage panhandlers by notgiving them money

7.2 Community Policing Centresand Community PolicingApprovedA Community Policing Centre should beretained in Hastings-Sunrise with someon-going funding to ensure stability.The Police Department and the Cityshould expand their commitment tocommunity-based policing.Percent agree 84%/85%

People’s Ideas…• provide more representation andcontinuity in our communitypolicing• address the community policingneeds in Hastings-Sunrise

Hastings North Community Policing Centre

7.3 Community Actions to ReduceCrimeApprovedCommunity Policing Centres, the City,the Police Department, business groups,and the community should strengthencrime prevention efforts, includingmore citizen patrols, improved lightingin high crime areas, reviews of buildingdesign and landscaping to reduceopportunities for crime, and wider useof crime prevention and educationprograms.Percent agree 88%/85%

Community Policing Centres

Community Policing Centres(CPCs) are dedicated to reducingcrime through crime preventioneducation, public awareness, andcommunity involvement. Eachcentre is assigned a neighbour-hood police officer who is themain individual responsible for theimplementation and coordinationof crime prevention activities. TheHastings North CPC has twooffices, one at Nanaimo andHastings the other at 2001 WallStreet.


People’s Ideas…• develop a program to discouragepanhandling• encourage more ‘after hours’activities so commercial areas willfeel safer (longer hours, streetvendors, etc.)• organize neighbourhood clean-ups so people can feel pride in thecommunity• avoid hiding spots on streets andin parks by trimming plants• encourage people to use theCity’s Graffiti Hotline; create areaswhere graffiti allowed (‘freewalls’)• set-up more citizen patrols andcommercial area security patrols• review all building and parkproposals with an eye to safety• improve lighting in dark areas(parks, around schools, etc.), installemergency phones• make more people aware of howto reduce risks of crime in thehome, car, and community• help avoid the downward spiralby enforcing the Standard of Main-tenance By-law on poorly main-tained buildings/yards and byrequiring landlords to deal withproblem tenants• help new immigrants to trustpolice and to report crimes

7.4 Police Services MoreResponsive to Community NeedsApprovedPolice services should be more respon-sive to local concerns and needs. Thereshould be more patrols by police onfoot and bicycle, particularly in areas ofthe community with high crime rates.Percent agree 89%/91%

People’s Ideas…• respond, with other City depart-ments, to drug and other problemhouses• respond to suspicious drugactivities in public places andbusinesses• provide more attention to thearea north of Hastings betweenSemlin and Nanaimo

• improve police response times sopeople will report crimes inprogress• provide more police patrols• increase Police/CPC participationin Block Watch where hard toorganize

The final three Safety Directions dealwith a group of inter-related issues:youth crime, drugs, and prostitution.

Youth CrimeVery few youth are engaged in crime.Youth make an important contributiontowards improving the community.However, youth crime and some youthactivities make residents feel unsafe:purse snatching, vandalism, open druguse, bullying, graffiti, feeling threatenedby groups of teens, etc. The Directionseeks to reduce youth crime by enhanc-ing youth services.

7.5 Working to Prevent Youth CrimeApprovedYouth crime should be preventedthrough the co-ordinated efforts ofschools, community organizations, andother groups working with youth.Initiatives could include:• more effective self-esteem, positive

choice, and anti-violence programs inschools

• additional facilities and programs inparks, community centres, schools,churches, neighbourhood houses,etc. to provide alternatives for youth

• youth employment programs.Percent agree 91%/91%

People’s Ideas…• provide more money for youthrecreation; more ‘after-hours’ use ofschools for kids’ activities andchildcare• create programs for youth todiscourage misbehavior, loitering• help parents improve relation-ships with their kids to discourageyouth drug use and crime• provide safe homes for youth inneed which would provide foodand shelter

Neighbourhood IntegratedService Teams

City Council created Neighbour-hood Integrated Service Teams(NISTs) in 1994. Each neighbour-hood based team is made up ofrepresentatives from severaldepartments and agencies(Police, Health, Licenses andInspections, Fire and Rescue,Planning, etc.). These multi-departmental teams work to helpcommunities solve problems suchas: unsafe buildings, garbage,noise, and illegal activity in amore coordinated and collabora-tive way than departmentsworking individually. NISTs work inand with communities on a widerange of quality-of-life issuesfrom community clean-ups toproblem premises


• increase crime education toyoung generation, involve youth insolutions• teach children about the conse-quences of committing a crime,involvement with gangs• increase public awareness throughTV or school or mass media todiscourage young people fromgetting involved in crime• discuss concerns about teenharassment of others with theirparents• more activities and programs foryouth so they are less attracted todrugs• bring together victims, offenders,and community groups to findsolutions (restorative justice pro-gram)• create community based programsto offer help to poor families whomight resort to crime

The City’s Drug Prevention PolicyThe City has recently adopted a compre-hensive approach to the drug problem.Despite enforcement efforts, a largeshare of crime in the city continues tobe related to drug use and the drugtrade. The City is now implementing afour pillar approach which supplementsenforcement with prevention pro-grams to reduce the number of newusers, harm reduction to decrease thedamage suffered by drug users, andenhanced treatment to help users toaddress their dependency. The ap-proach recognizes that drug issues arenot restricted to one area of the city andrecommends community-based facilitiesfor treatment and needle exchange. Fullimplementation is being pursued withthe federal and provincial governmentsand their agencies, particularly theVancouver Coastal Health Authority.Over time, there should be moreprevention programs and treatmentfacilities in the city.

7.6 Community Consultation on theLocation of Treatment CentresApprovedWhen the City and the VancouverCoastal Health Authority begin to planthe number and location of localtreatment centres, needle exchanges,and other facilities, they should includeextensive consultation with the localcommunity.Percent agree 72%/68%

People’s Ideas…• research and plan treatmentcentres• solve lack of drug treatmentfacilities/resources• have former addicts speak to teensabout drug addiction, theunglamourous realities• show visuals of drug effects overtime (very unappealing)• educate children about needles• impose heavier penalties for drugdealers

ProstitutionVision participants were concernedabout the impacts of prostitution in thecommunity: sex acts in cars and publicplaces, traffic from people looking forprostitutes, loud arguments, and con-doms on streets and schoolyards wherekids might play with them. Many partici-pants were also concerned about theworkers in the sex trade: worried abouttheir safety, recognizing many wereforced into prostitution by poverty oraddiction, anxious that children aredrawn into prostitution by pimps. AVision Direction was developed toaddress these concerns.

7.7 Addressing ProstitutionApprovedThe City should initiate a city-wideprocess to examine the complex issuesaround prostitution, develop workablesolutions that are beneficial to prosti-tutes and communities, and strive toimplement those solutions with thecooperation of senior governments andmore local organizations.Percent agree 84%/84%

Special Needs ResidentialFacilities

The term ‘Special NeedsResidential Facilities’ (SNRFs)refers to various types of grouphousing for people who needsome form of support orassistance in their living place.People who benefit from thishousing include the frail elderly,people with severe physicaldisabilities, battered women,children in care, people who havea mental illness, people withdevelopmental delays, people inneed of emergency shelter,people under the supervision ofCorrections, and the terminally ill.The City’s zoning permits SNRFsin all residential zones. WithinHastings-Sunrise there are 11SNRFs with 286 beds. Thisrepresents 5% of the SNRF bedsin the city, lower than Hastings-Sunrise’s share of the city’spopulation (7%). Most of the bedsin Hastings-Sunrise are in 3 largeseniors’ facilities.


People’s Ideas…• prevent needles and condoms inparks and public places; clean themup when they show up• don’t create areas where prostitu-tion is ‘unofficially’ permitted• provide intervention to get thesevictims (prostitutes) off the street• prostitution is legal, so theproblems are who (kids) and where(streets and public places)• gain understanding of crimemotives, e.g. poverty, drug addic-tion• develop a city-wide strategy tofigure out how to solve this prob-lem• direct activity away from residen-tial areas• develop a community outreachprogram for prostitutes that under-stands and addresses their needs

8 RecreationalFacilities andServices

Both Hastings and Thunderbird Com-munity Centres serve Hastings-Sunrise.Community centres are built and main-tained by the Park Board but program-ming at each centre is determined by alocally elected association. Thesefacilities provide sport, recreation, art,and social programming for a widerange of residents from infants toseniors.

Hastings Community Centre opened in1955. The Park Board’s 2001 assessmentof the condition, usability, and cost ofoperating all 22 of its communitycentres in the city, placed Hastings as amedium priority for a large scale re-newal either on its present site orsomewhere nearby. Thunderbird Com-munity Centre opened in 1972 andrecently expanded. It shares a gym withThunderbird Elementary School.

In addition to community centres,residents in Hastings-Sunrise useKiwassa and Frog Hollow Neighbour-hood Houses for social and recreationprograms.

Although there is a range of outdoorfacilities and the community centres areheavily used, Vision participants identi-fied several opportunities to enhancethe area’s recreation services.

Thunderbird Community Centre

8.1 Provide More Space andProgramming for Indoor RecreationApprovedMore opportunities to participate inindoor recreation should be created inHastings-Sunrise either by adding toexisting facilities, creating new satellitefacilities in co-operation with theSchool Board and other interestedcommunity organizations, or expandingprogramming in existing facilities.Percent agree 76%/72%

People’s Ideas…• up-grade and provide larger gymfacilities and equipment in HastingsCommunity Centre (e.g. separatemale and female work-out areas)• provide more activities for seniorscloser to Nanaimo Street, HastingsCommunity Centre is a long hike• provide a gathering place for newimmigrants to interact with neigh-bours and mainstream culture inorder to exchange ideas• provide more recreation program-ming in the south-west section ofHastings-Sunrise• enhance use of the communityhall building in Sunrise Park• make use of industrial areas asopportunities for activity centres• expand the number of FrogHollow Neighbourhood Houseprograms for the Chinese speaking• establish mini-community centresin schools

Hastings Community Centre

Kiwassa NeighbourhoodHouse

Frog Hollow NeighbourhoodHouse


• work closely with the SchoolBoard in planning satellite programs(accessibility to school indoorfacilities such as gyms, classrooms,and washrooms)

Hastings-Sunrise is served by an indoorpool and an outdoor pool. BothTempleton Park Pool (indoor) and NewBrighton Pool (outdoor) were built inthe ’70s. Although Templeton pool issituated outside the boundary of Hast-ings-Sunrise, it is managed by the ParkBoard through Hastings CommunityCentre. Vision participants expressedthe need for improvement to thesefacilities.

8.2 Templeton Park PoolApprovedTempleton Park Pool should be retainedand up-graded to better meet the needsof the community or be expanded intoa bigger indoor pool which draws usersfrom a larger area.Percent agree 77%/74%

People’s Ideas…• improve Templeton pool (end upgoing to Eileen Dailly Pool inBurnaby or to Britannia or RenfrewPool)• consider PNE for replacementindoor or outdoor swimming pool— enlarge indoor/outdoor swim-ming pools for different age groupsand uses• build new, clean, and big poolsfor leisure (slides, wave pools, andtowers) and exercise purposes• keep Templeton open and pro-vide more training sessions andparking

8.3 New Brighton PoolApprovedNew Brighton Pool should be retainedand improved to better meet the needsof the community.Percent agree 79%/75%

People’s Ideas…• provide longer hours like KitsilanoPool (open from Victoria weekend tomiddle of September, including earlymorning swim)

• improve facilities for families (e.g.showers are too high for children)• open public washrooms duringdaylight hours in New Brighton Pool allyear• construct a pedestrian crosswalk/overpass to New Brighton Pool, easieraccess from North Van than from Hast-ings-Sunrise• provide more park features aroundthe pool so it can be an all-day destina-tion

8.4 Facilities and Programsfor YouthApprovedMore facilities for youth should beprovided such as a separate youth drop-in centre, teen-oriented playgrounds,and sport facilities. Programs for youthshould be enhanced by a co-ordinatedinitiative of the Park Board, SchoolBoard, and other interested parties inthe community.Percent agree 79%/75%

People’s Ideas…• create a youth drop-in centre thatis safe and alcohol free• build indoor rink for sports suchas roller hockey, ice skating• use some under-utilized tenniscourts for ball hockey, basketball• increase park programs for teens,including more league and drop-insports• provide more places to skate-board, add washrooms for theskateboard park, keep ‘Leeside’open• provide newer, more sophisti-cated playground for teens (tireswings, bigger play structures)• develop walking and biking trails(some paved for roller blading) inHastings Park• ensure quality youth job programat Thunderbird Community Centre• provide workshops on self under-standing and developmentalchanges in adolescence

Aquatic Facilities Review

The Park Board has tended toprovide an indoor pool forapproximately every 50,000people. There are nine indoorpools to serve the city’s currentpopulation of about 550,000people. Most pools are rapidlyreaching the end of their practicalservice life and a decision isrequired about their replacement.The Park Board has recentlycompleted a major study ofexisting pool facilities and futureoptions. It recommended arenewal plan including one large-scale ‘city-wide’ destination pool;two expanded community poolsproviding features such astherapy, longer lengths or outdoorswimming; and four neighbour-hood pools focusing on swimlessons, fitness, and training.

The Aquatic Review noted theproximity of Templeton andBritannia pools (5 minutes apartby car) and that Britannia pool isunder the jurisdiction of theBritannia Board of Managementrather than the Vancouver ParkBoard. The future of Templetonand Britannia Pools will beexamined, in consultation with theaffected communities, prior toundertaking any aquatic renewalproject in this quadrant of thecity.


8.5 Facilities and Programsfor SeniorsApprovedProvide up-graded facilities for seniorsin community centres and neighbour-hood houses. Programs for seniorsshould be enhanced.Percent agree 79%/80%

People’s Ideas…• improve seniors’ drop-in place atHastings Community Centre• provide a programmer at FrogHollow Neighbourhood House tohelp self-guided seniors’ groups• recruit younger seniors to volun-teer in seniors’ groups• initiate more programs andworkshops for seniors (e.g. daytrips, swimming, fitness, karaoke,English classes, health talks, policetalks)• provide extra daycare for elderlyseniors (plus night care)

8.6 Affordable Programs forChildren and FamiliesApprovedThe number of affordable programs forchildren and parents with a variety ofcultural and linguistic backgroundsshould be increased.Percent agree 74%/71%

People’s Ideas…• provide daycare for childrenunder 18 months and child carebefore and after school• provide before school programsat community centres or schools(even better)• encourage parents to volunteerand rotate care giving (money spenton resources rather than staff)• consider a centre for children inHastings Park• provide workshops on familyrelationships that address genera-tion gap issues for single parentsand grandparents

• initiate employment and compu-ter training programs, especially forparents whose first language is notEnglish• provide more ‘Parent-to-Parent’and ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ programs

More facilities needed for children and families

Community Schools, with co-ordinatorsand support staff, perform an importantrole in providing a broad range ofactivities in the community. Currently,there are three community schools in ornear Hastings-Sunrise: Franklin, Hast-ings, and Macdonald (just outside of theboundary). Provincial funding to con-tinue the present level of service isthreatened. Many participants in theVision process expressed concern aboutany reduction of programs/activitiesprovided for the community throughthe schools.

8.7 Retaining Funding for ImportantSchool ProgramsApprovedEncourage the provincial governmentto at least maintain funding for schoolprograms that are important to Hastings-Sunrise including the CommunitySchool Program, Hot Lunch Program,and Inner City School Program.Percent agree 80%/74%

People’s Ideas…• maintain funding for communityschools• enhance use of all schools by therest of the community• find more ways to provide lunchprograms

Child Care

The City partners with seniorgovernments, the private sector,the community, and parents todevelop and maintain anaffordable, high quality, andcomprehensive child care systemin Vancouver. The City helpssupport child care by:• providing grants to nonprofit

societies such as Neighbour-hood Houses and FamilyPlaces for services to familieswith small children

• working with community centresto support child care

• providing grants to supportnonprofit child care services

• leasing land at reduced rates tononprofit child care societies

• using development cost levieson new development to supportdaycare

• negotiating for child care inlarger projects as part of theirrezonings

• managing City-owned child carefacilities through the VancouverSociety of Children’s Centres

Vision participants did not proposechanges in the City’s approach tohelping provide child care.


8.8 Accessibility of ProgramsApprovedAll programs should be more accessibleto people of the community regardlessof age, language, and income. New waysof raising funds should be consideredby the Park Board and service providersto maintain or increase the number ofprograms available to the community,with special attention to low-incomeusers.Percent agree 75%/72%

People’s Ideas…• ensure programs are accessible tolow-income users, allow them toapply for fee exemption• use money made from renting outfacilities to subsidize low incomeprograms• provide more free programs forseniors, not all can afford currentfees• reduce fees for children’s pro-grams• encourage private donations• encourage corporate sponsorshipsand engage local businesses andbanks in fundraising• incorporate an amenity or designelement, when redesigning a park,that can be rented and dedicate therevenue to the enhancement of thepark

Hastings Branch Library

9 Library Facilitiesand Services

The Vancouver Public Library operatesthe Hastings Branch Library at 2674Hastings. There are currently no plansto move or expand this branch.

9.1 Hastings Branch LibraryApprovedThe Hastings Branch Library should beredesigned or expanded to better servethe diverse community.Percent agree 75%/75%

People’s Ideas…• provide a larger collection in abigger library• need more quiet areas• provide more table space forhomework/group work• add café or snack bar inside thelibrary• add space by enclosing some roof-top parking

9.2 Improve Library ServicesApprovedThe services of Hastings Branch Libraryshould be modified to better serve thepublic based on a review of factors suchas opening hours, collections, transla-tion of instructions, and availability ofInternet access.Percent agree 79%/77%

People’s Ideas…• add more current books, maga-zines, Chinese materials, teenbooks, videos, CDs, and DVDs• provide better computers with fastaccess to Internet• promote a positive and friendlyatmosphere• make opening hours longer and/or more compatible with needs ofresidents• outreach to the community andpromote services provided by thelibrary

Accessibility for People withDisabilities

City Council established theSpecial Advisory Committee onDisability Issues in 1977. TheCommittee’s objective is to makethe city more livable for disabledresidents by removing physicaland social barriers which impedefull participation in city life. TheCommittee consults extensivelywith the public and with Citystaff. In recent years, theCommittee has been activelyinvolved in enhancing theaccessibility of new apartment-type buildings throughout the Cityby changes to the VancouverBuilding By-law. A set ofamendments was approved byCouncil in May 2002 and theCommittee is currently involvedin implementation discussions.


10 ImprovingAwareness andAccessibility ofServices

The City and other service providers inHastings-Sunrise supply a range ofservices. Participants in the Visionprocess felt additional effort should beput into making these services morewidely known in the community andmore easily accessible to residents.

10.1 Information about ServicesApprovedInformation on the services provided bythe City and other service providersshould be more consistently availablewithin the community in locations,forms, and languages which are conven-ient for residents and businesses.Percent agree 70%/67%

People’s Ideas…• hire bilingual or multilingual staffin community centres• publicize the availability of theshuttle to New Brighton Pool• translate community centre activitybrochures/guides and newsletters• make people more aware of Cityrecycling and traffic calming pro-grams

10.2 Community Services in or nearShopping AreasApprovedWhenever community services such ascommunity centres, neighbourhoodhouses, libraries, health centres, etc. areconsidering new facilities orrelocations, locations in or near theshopping areas should be given strongconsideration due to their accessibilityand high community profile.Percent agree 69%/67%

Day trips and programs forHastings-Sunrise seniors

10.3 Welcoming NewcomersApprovedNewcomers to the community shouldbe provided with information on thecommunity including communityfacilities, programs, and events; parksand sports; shopping areas and com-mercial services; employment andvolunteer opportunities; and culturaland religious organizations.Percent agree 64%/60%

People’s Ideas…• increase ESL classes in communitycentres and neighbourhood houses• help immigrants to integratebetter in the community• create a job finding newspaperlike ‘Buy & Sell’ for newcomers• provide information on volunteeropportunities in the communitycentres for newcomers


Single family with rental suites allowedSingle family with design review and rental suites allowedOther zones or parks

N

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedH

wy

Com

mission

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Existing ResidentialAreas

Hastings-Sunrise has a mix of residential neighbourhoods. Anapartment area lies in the north-west corner of the com-munity. East of Rupert there are a variety of duplexes,

rowhouses, and apartments scattered in the area south of Hastings.Together these developments account for 33% of the housing unitsin Hastings-Sunrise. However, most of the community is made upof neighbourhoods of single family homes on 33’ lots. The Visionidentifies aspects of housing which should be maintained orimproved in the future while proposing some initiatives that wouldhelp accommodate the existing population as their housing needschange over time.

Vancouver’s Zoning By-law determines what land uses and buildingcharacteristics are permitted on each lot in the city. At the start ofthe Vision process the single family area of Hastings-Sunrise waszoned RS-1S except for the area north of Hastings between Cassiarand Boundary which was zoned RS-1, and the area bounded by

First Ave, Nanaimo, Pentiction, and CharlesStreets which was zoned RS-5S. RS-1 and RS-1Szones had the same regulations for house sizeand position on the lot. In both zones anyhouse could have a family suite, that is, a suiteoccupied by relatives or home support such asa nanny or senior’s caregiver. However, onlythe RS-1S zone allowed houses to have a rentalsuite. RS-5S zoning also allowed for family andrental suites and regulated house size andposition on the lot.

On March 9, 2004, City Council changed thezoning by-law to allow one rental suite persingle family dwelling in all single familyzoning districts in the city, including theVancouver Heights area. RS-5 still provides theoption of a design review for newdevelopement.


11Single FamilyHouses andRental Suites

Residents of Hastings-Sunrise value theirsingle family neighbourhoods. Manywere attracted to the community byhousing and a community which mettheir needs. Vision participants wantedto maintain the single family characterof much of the community.

Typical single family streetscape

11.1 Maintain Most Single FamilyAreasApprovedIn order to retain the basic character ofHastings-Sunrise, most of the area that isnow single family (including areaspermitting rental suites) should be keptthat way (exceptions would only beconsidered where the communitysupports new housing choices asdescribed in Directions 15.1 – 16.6,18.16, 19.8, and 20.13).Percent agree 76%/70%

11.2 Improve EnforcementApprovedThe City should improve its enforce-ment procedures to solve complaintsgenerated by rental suites such asparking problems, poor maintenance ofthe dwelling or yard, and noise. Newhomes suspected of being designed toinclude two or more rental suitesshould be regularly inspected to ensurethey are complying with the Zoning By-law.Percent agree 69%/66%

People’s Ideas…• enforce clean-up and repair ofrundown houses and illegal suites

• check double garages which areoften closed in and rented• reduce the cost and hassle ofputting suites in existing houses• ensure suites pay their fair shareof costs (garbage, schools, etc)• stop houses with two suites fromover-running our neighbourhood

12 Design of NewSingle FamilyHouses

New houses frequently replace olderones. Currently the single family zoning(RS-1) in most of Hastings-Sunrisecontrols the height, yard sizes, totalfloorspace, and garage size of newhouses. Tree removal is also regulated.However, present regulations do notcontrol the visual appearance, character,or landscaping of new homes.

The City has some single family zones(RS-5, 6, and 7) that include some levelof design review for new houses andtheir landscaping. Under a programwhich lasted several years, when aneighbourhood group demonstratedthere was sufficient community interest,the City undertook detailed surveys todetermine whether there was supportfor zoning that included design review.Now about a third of the single familyareas in Vancouver have zoning withsome form of design review, including aportion of Hastings-Sunrise (First Ave,Nanaimo, Pentiction, and Charles).Although no other sub-areas of Hast-ings-Sunrise expressed interest in theprogram at that time, participants feltresidents should be offered the choiceof whether to pursue design review.

New house: example with no design review

Rental Suite Enforcement

Vision participants expressedconcern that enforcement of thesuites by-laws appears inconsist-ent and ineffective. Action isusually taken only in response toa complaint. Vision participantssaw some merit to this approachsince most suites peacefully co-exist with neighbours. However,they felt that there should bemore effective resolution ofcomplaints when suites createimpacts like local parkingproblems, excessive noise, orpoor upkeep.

Participants were also concernedabout new homes which aredesigned to easily accommodatetwo suites in areas where only asingle suite is permitted. Many ofthese homes get their permits andare constructed as single familyhomes to avoid the additionalrequirements imposed on adevelopment with a suite. Afterthe final City inspection, minorchanges are made to make thesuites operational and then theyare rented. Vision participants feltthis illegal use was acceleratingthe demolition of existing houses.

Since rental suites have beenpermitted, relatively few ownershave made their suites legal bytaking out a City permit. CityCouncil changed regulations inMarch 2004 to reduce the hurdlesrequired to legalize a suite. Futureenforcement will focus on safetyand standards of maintenanceissues as well as the closure ofmultiple suites (one-familydwellings with two or moresecondary suites). Enforcementwill continue to be triggered by acomplaint.


New house: example in design review area

12.1 Design Review for New SingleFamily HousesApprovedThe design of new single family housesshould be improved through putting inplace one of the design review zonesthat the City has already developed, ifthere is sufficient support within a sub-area of the community.Percent agree 74%/68%

People’s Ideas…• encourage better house designand more variety, less box-likehousing• no more ugly pink houses, designguidelines please• provide some form of characterzoning in areas with lots of pre-warhomes• require some landscaping with allnew homes• ensure character features on allnew homes: porches, trim aroundwindows and doors, etc• stop same design from being builtside by side or several times on ablock

13 Retaining CharacterBuildings andEnhancingCharacter Areas

By the start of the Second War, a build-ing boom during the 1920s and subse-quent development had brought hous-ing to most of the residential areasnorth of First Avenue. Many pre-warhomes remain north of Adanac. TheVancouver Heritage Register (VHR) listspre-1940 buildings that have particular

historical or architectural significance.Their owners can take advantage ofsome zoning relaxations which maymake it easier to keep and renovatethem. Hastings-Sunrise has 56 buildingson the VHR; most are found in theHastings Townsite area.

Vision participants felt that characterhomes should be retained, the characterof less distinguished buildings shouldbe improved, and that new develop-ment in character areas should becompatible with nearby buildings andthe neighbourhood as a whole.

13.1 Retain Buildings on theVancouver Heritage RegisterApprovedFor structures listed in the VancouverHeritage Register, the City shouldencourage retention by implementingadditional incentives which are suitablein areas like Hastings-Sunrise.Percent agree 78%/75%

People’s Ideas…• provide incentives for retentionand preservation of heritage build-ings• allow infill (granny flats) toencourage retention of heritagehomes

Heritage house

Design Review in SingleFamily Zones

The RS-1 zone which covers mostof the single family areas ofHastings-Sunrise only controlsthe uses, size, and placement ofthe building, with no controls ondesign at all. The RS-6 and RS-7single family zones includeregulations on some basic designaspects such as limiting sometypes of exterior buildingmaterials or requiring trim aroundwindows. They also have somebasic guidelines for landscaping.The RS-5 single family zoneprovides the option of no designreview or full design review. Fulldesign review is based on designguidelines that address style orcharacter, massing, entry design,materials, details, and landscap-ing. Projects agreeing to designreview get to build slightly morefloorspace than a non-designreview project. A permit for adesign review project takes longerto approve and has a higherprocessing fee.

The City’s Tree Bylaw controlsthe removal of larger trees (over8" in diameter) in all single familyzones. For new development,removal is only permitted undercertain conditions. Owners ofexisting houses may obtain apermit to remove one tree a year.In both cases, replacement treesare required.

More Planning and Consulta-tion Before Changes

Vision Directions 12.1 and 13.3would require a rezoning. Givencommunity support for designreview, residents of smallerneighbourhoods would need toapproach and work with thePlanning Department to initiatethe process leading to rezoning.Additional community involve-ment and surveys would berequired before City Councilconsiders a new zoning withdesign guideline


13.2 Retaining Other CharacterBuildingsApprovedIn order to encourage retention of‘character’ buildings not on the Vancou-ver Heritage Register, there should beincentives to renovate and disincentivesto demolish.Percent agree 75%/70%

People’s Ideas…• exempt renovations which retaincharacter from increased taxation onimprovements• charge higher fees for demolitionand disposal• provide incentives for renovationthat keeps character• provide incentives to retainsmaller character houses

13.3 Enhancing Character AreasApprovedWhere there is sufficient support withina ‘character’ sub-area (e.g. Burrardview,Hastings Townsite, or VancouverHeights), the Planning Departmentshould introduce a zoning schedulewith guidelines to encourage redevel-opment which is consistent with thecharacter of the surrounding street andneighbourhood.Percent agree 73%/69%

People’s Ideas…• use zoning which is contextual inareas with lots of heritage buildings• have City supply stock plans forcharacter houses• provide tax breaks that encouragetraditional materials and low sitecoverage• encourage porches that areproportioned to the size of thehouse• use more traditional materials likewood rather than metal and stucco• encourage balconies that arerecessed in the face of a building orcovered by a roof• discourage building fronts whichare too ‘flat’ and windows whichare out of proportion for the size ofthe house

Streetscape of character homes

Older character home

Character areaParks

N

Vancouver

Heights

Hastings

Townsite

Burrardview

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedHw

y

Com

mission

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Character Areas


14 Changes inCD-1 Zones

Some developments in Hastings-Sunriseare on large parcels zoned CD-1, orComprehensive Development. CD-1sare ‘tailor-made’ zonings used by theCity where standard zoning isn’t suit-able for the proposed uses or buildingdesign.

Since the ‘80s CD-1 regulations haveincluded a lot of detailed requirements,but earlier CD-1 regulations were oftenquite vague and general. In addition,older CD-1 sites are often built todensities lower than those commontoday. Across the city, these olderparcels are being redeveloped to higherdensities. Examples include ArbutusGardens (at Arbutus and 33rd),Champlain Mall, and a recentlyapproved proposal to increase thedensity of Beulah Gardens (at Rupertand Fifth).

The City has generally required changesto developments on CD-1 sites toundergo a rezoning process, culminat-ing in a public hearing. However, insome cases, redevelopment of olderCD-1s was treated as a change in regula-tions which did not require a rezoning.While decisions on these sites didinclude community consultation, Visionparticipants felt residents’ interestswould be better protected, and theCity’s powers over the developmentwould be greater, if all significantchanges to a CD-1 zone were treated asa rezoning.

Note: Hastings-Sunrise has two unusualCD-1s (on the port lands and HastingsPark) enacted to show the City’s posi-tion on the future development of landsthat were owned or controlled bysenior governments or crown corpora-tions (these lands are usually not subjectto municipal regulations).

14.1 Process for CD-1 Zoned SitesAnywhere in Hastings-SunriseApprovedWhen anything other than a smallchange is proposed to a developmenton a site zoned CD-1 — whether in itsbuildings or uses — the City shouldundertake a rezoning process in orderto ensure appropriate communityconsultation and to provide the Citywith the ability to deny or imposeconditions on the proposed develop-ment.Percent agree 68%/66%

Adanac Village Co-op: anexample of a developmentwith CD-1 zoning

CD-1 zoning

N

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

dHw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

CD-1 Zones


New HousingVision participants looked at the future housing needs of

Hastings-Sunrise residents including young singles andcouples, families with kids, and seniors. Some, like singles

and couples, prefer apartments or rental suites in houses. Familieswith children want the features of single family homes like biggerunits, private yards, basements, and individual front doors — but atan affordable price. Many couples whose children have left homealso want these features and continue to stay in their single familyhomes.

The Demand for New Housing

By 2021 Hastings-Sunrise’s existing residents will have created thedemand for almost 2,500 (18%) more households — today’s chil-dren will grow-up and have their own families; some couples willseparate and become two households. Some will move away, butothers will want to stay in Hastings-Sunrise. Besides the increasedhousing demand from existing residents as they age, people willalso move to Vancouver from elsewhere and some will settle in thecommunity.

Supply Does Not Match Demand

Today there is capacity for only a few types of additional housing unitsin the community. Very few new single family lots can be created. Underexisting zoning, some apartments can be built in the area north ofHastings and west of Nanaimo or above stores in the commercial areas,primarily on Hastings, Renfrew, and Nanaimo. In addition, the existingzoning allows additional rental suites in all single family areas in thecommunity. In total, the capacity stands at about 3,000 more housingunits, split almost equally between apartments above stores and addi-tional rental suites. Vision participants considered the various types ofhousing that would be desired by Hastings-Sunrise residents as they ageand created options for providing mainly new ‘ground-oriented’housing.

Addressing Possible Impacts of New Housing

Participants wanted the impacts which might be associated with newhousing to be addressed. They did not want additional people toreduce the level of service existing residents enjoy with parks and othercommunity facilities. They were also concerned about potential parkingand traffic impacts arising from additional units. As a result, each pro-posal for a new housing type has been made conditional not only on anincrease in community facilities and programs needed to serve anypopulation growth generated by the new housing type but also on anassurance that parking and traffic impacts would be addressed.


The Directions on new housing optionswhich follow are divided into two sec-tions. The Directions first focus on severalhousing types, then possible locations fornew housing are described. Combiningvarious options for new housing types andlocations results in the potential fordifferent numbers of new units. The tableat the end of this section (page 49) pro-vides statistics on both the demand forhousing and a ‘ball park’ estimate of theunits which could result from some ofthe choices.

Note that several housing type andlocation Directions did not receive thenecessary agreement in both surveys tobe classed as approved. In some cases, aDirection was supported in the generalsurvey and received majority support inthe random survey (but at an insufficientlevel to ensure it had communitysupport, given the margin of error inthe survey). In other cases, a Directiondid not receive majority support ineither the general or the random surveybut did receive more agree than disa-gree votes. In both these cases a Direc-tion is classed as Not Approved (Uncer-tain), it remains a topic for more publicdiscussion should planning on thistopic occur in the future. Where disa-gree votes outweigh agree votes ineither survey, a Direction is classed asNot Supported.

15 Possible NewHousing Types forHastings-Sunrise

Homes with Two SuitesDescription: Workshop participantscreated the option of a home with twolegal rental suites and about 25% morefloorspace than permitted under thecurrent zoning. Additional space may bein a full rather than a partial basement.Extra floorspace may be permitted onlywhere design guidelines are met. Eachunit would require a parking space.Status: A new housing type.Attractive to: Suites appeal to peoplemoving out of their parental home, toseniors who want less space but who

wish to retain access to a garden andcontact with other people, and toextended families who would like tostay together but have a little moreindependence than living within asingle unit. The main unit would likelybe smaller than a new single familyhome (with or without a suite). This,combined with the income from tworental suites, would tend to provide amore affordable housing option forfamilies with children or establishedcouples.

15.1 Homes with Two SuitesApprovedHousing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing the devel-opment of some homes with two legalsuites, provided that the units are:• designed to fit into the single family

area, with good landscaping• provided with adequate community

facilities (parks, schools, etc.) andservices for the additional population

• accompanied by a plan to address anyparking and traffic impacts.


People’s Ideas…• provide more secondary suites forthe rental market• look at micro suites to createmore rental housing• create standards for these suiteswhich allow them to be moreaffordable to build and livable fortenants• ensure privacy between units• encourage one level (for seniors)but avoid poor environment (lack oflight, small space, dampness)

Development Cost Leviesand Community AmenityContributions

In June 2003, City Councildecided to make interimDevelopment Cost Levies (DCLs)permanent and to increase theamount new development ischarged. Starting in February2004, each newly built squarefoot of commercial and residential(in projects with more than threeunits) space will pay a $6.00 DCLwhile new industrial developmentwill be charged $2.40 per squarefoot. The revenue will be used tohelp finance the parks, daycare,transportation, and affordablehousing needed to serve theadditional residents andemployees occupying newfloorspace. Some uses such asdaycare and social housing willpay lower rates or be exemptfrom DCLs. City Council alsoasked the province for permissionto use DCL funds for publiclibraries and to charge a DCL onresidential projects with less thanfour units.

At the same time, City Councildecided to make temporary city-wide Community AmenityContributions (CACs) permanent.CACs are applied when zoning ischanged to increase the amountof development which can occuron a site. The standard rate is$3.00 per added square foot (inaddition to the city-wide DCLs).Starting in February 2004, non-standard CACs will be negotiatedfor rezonings on sites larger than2 acres (1 acre in NeighbourhoodCentres) and all rezonings on thedowntown peninsula. Again, someuses are exempt or subject toreduced rates. CACs provide CityCouncil approved amenitieslocated either on the rezoned siteor in the immediate community.


InfillDescription: A smaller second home on alot, usually behind the main house. Alsocalled a ‘coach house’ or ‘granny flat’.Usually the garage is on the main floorwith the infill dwelling above. Size andheight are regulated by zoning but theyusually look like a small one and a half ortwo storey house located at the rear lane.On wider lots (50’ or more) it is possibleto build infill while keeping the existinghome. However, on smaller lots, the sideyards of existing houses are rarely wideenough to provide the required fire-fighting access. As a result, small lot infillis only feasible when built with a newmain house.Status: A new housing type for Hastings-Sunrise but permitted on lots 50’ or widerin Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant (east andsouth of City Hall) since the ’80s. Unitsare usually strata-titled but may be rental.Attractive to: Young people who haverecently left home, older singles andcouples, and seniors who want access to ayard and can manage stairs.

15.2 Infill as a New Housing Typein Hastings-SunriseNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing some infilldevelopment, provided that the unitsare:• designed to fit into the single family





People’s Ideas…• makes lanes more attractive• allow throughout the singlefamily area but make rear unitssmaller/shorter to ensure they don’toverwhelm rear yards• makes purchase of main housemore affordable if the infill isrented• creates a good option for ex-tended families

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support inthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 2 to 1. As a result,infill remains a topic for more publicdiscussion if additional housing plan-ning occurs in the community.

Small lot infill


DuplexesDescription: A duplex provides twounits on a parcel of land. Since eachhalf of a duplex uses less land and issmaller than a new single family house,they are more affordable than a newsingle family home. The units may beside by side, front-to-back, or up-and-down. Each unit can be individuallyowned. Duplexes provide many of thefeatures of a single family home includ-ing yards, individual entrances, garages,and enough floorspace to meet theneeds of a family.Status: Duplexes are currently permit-ted on a few blocks near Rupert/Fifthand Nanaimo/Charles in Hastings-Sunrise and are common in other areaslike Kitsilano. Units may be owned,strata titled, or rented.Attractive to: Families, couples, andparents whose children have left home.

Duplex

15.3 DuplexesNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing moreduplexes provided that the units are:• designed to fit into the single family





People’s Ideas…• prefer over rowhouses becausemore space for children, no man-agement fees• provides families with largeoutdoor space for physical activitiesto burn off energy before bed• recognize these larger units allowflexibility to house different combi-nations of parents, kids, grandchil-dren• permit in all single family areas:small change from house with suitebut creates more evenly sized unitswith little community impact• locate close to schools: veryimportant for families

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in both the general andrandom survey but did not receiveenough support in the random survey tobe classed as ‘approved’. In the randomsurvey the agree votes out numbered thedisagree votes by a ratio of 2.5 to 1. As aresult, duplexes remain a topic for morepublic discussion if additional housingplanning occurs in the community.

More Planning and Consulta-tion Before Changes

For approved Vision Directionsproposing a new housing type orlocation, a rezoning would berequired before the new housingcould be built. More detailedplanning with communityinvolvement would take placebefore the rezoning occurred. Thisplanning would deal with preciseboundaries, phasing thedevelopment over time, trafficand parking impacts, fire-fightingaccess, the need for additionalservices and facilities (includingparks), developer contributions forcosts, etc.


Small Houses on Shared LotsDescription: Two 33’ lots developedtogether to accommodate four freestanding homes, each with attachedparking. The two units facing the streetwould have shorter front yards (16'versus the usual 24'). A passage separat-ing the front units acts as a walkway tothe two rear units and provides fire-fighting access. The rear units areconstructed over the area typically usedfor a garage and extend into the rearyard. A driveway from the lane wouldgo between the rear units to a central‘carriage court’ and the parking spacefor each front unit. The size of eachhome would be about 1,600 square feetwith 2 - 3 bedrooms and a family room/den/home office (rear units could besomewhat smaller). There would beprivate open space for each home.Status: A new housing type in the city.Units could be individually owned.Attractive to: Families with children,two income couples, parents whosechildren have left home, and seniorswho can manage stairs.

15.4 Small Houses on Shared LotsNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing some smallhouses on shared lots, provided that theunits are:

• designed to fit into the singlefamily area, with good landscaping• provided with adequate commu-nity facilities (parks, schools, etc.)and services for the additionalpopulation• accompanied by a plan to addressany parking and traffic impacts.


People’s Ideas…• makes lanes more attractive• design so each unit is differenti-ated and has the feeling of ‘home’• ensure pleasing to look at withnice community ambience• private open space is important tofamilies

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support in therandom survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 1.3 to 1. As a result,small houses on small lots remain atopic for more public discussion ifadditional housing planning occurs inthe community.

Small houses on shared lots


CottagesDescription: Seven or eight free stand-ing housing units, built around a centralgarden courtyard, on an assembly ofthree 33’ lots (compared to the six unitsallowed by the current zoning: threemain units and three suites). Eachcottage would have an individualentrance, front porch, private outdoorspace, and two or three bedrooms inabout 1,200 square feet of floorspace.They would provide many of thefeatures of a single family home includ-ing individual buildings, and a sizeusable by families, at a more affordableprice.Status: Cottages would be a newhousing type for the city.Attractive to: Especially attractive tofamilies with children as well as coupleswhose children have left home, work-ing couples, and younger seniors.

15.5 CottagesNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing somecottage developments, provided that theunits are:• designed to fit into the single family





People’s Ideas…• attractive to established singlesand couples because of size andlimited outdoor space• very desirable option for familiesbecause of inner courtyard for playand relaxation• appealing to seniors who mightwant to get together in the court-yard for various social activities andfamily gatherings• consider smaller front yards toallow more rear yard play space

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support inthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 1.3 to 1. As a result,cottages remain a topic for more publicdiscussion if additional housing plan-ning occurs in the community.

Cottages


SixplexesDescription: Six units on two 33' lots. Apair of front to back duplexes wouldoccupy the space usually filled by singlefamily homes (front yards would be thesame depth [24'] now required forsingle family homes). A path/fire-fighting access between the frontduplexes would connect the street totwo side by side units at the rear. Allparking would be at the lane with thetwo rear units built over the garage andextending into part of the rear yard.Each home would feature separateground access, private outdoor space,and about 1,200 square feet offloorspace.Status: A new type of strata-titledhousing in the city.Attractive to: Smaller families, couples,and parents whose children have lefthome. The multi-level configuration ofthese homes would be a negativefeature for many seniors.

15.6 SixplexesNot SupportedHousing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing somesixplex developments, provided thatthe units are:• designed to fit into the single family





People’s Ideas…• design with ground floor studiofor handicapped, in-laws, or seniors(good option for seniors from sizeperspective and because of thesmall individual gardens but manyseniors would prefer a version thathad a unit on the ground floor witha second unit above)• locate close to major streets orshopping areas• consider allowing on smallcommercial sites no longer neededfor stores

Comment: This Direction is ‘not sup-ported’ because disagree votes outnumbered agree votes in both the generaland random surveys. Sixplexes will notbe considered further even if additionalhousing planning occurs in the commu-nity.Sixplexes


Traditional RowhousesDescription: A single row of attachedhousing units with separate front andrear entrances. They usually haveindividual garages or parking areas onthe lane. Front yards and buildingdepths would be the same as a newsingle family house but each rowhouseunit would be about 13' wide so that 7would fit on an assembly of three 33’lots. Each unit would have 1,500 to2,000 square feet of floorspace. Thehomes may be individually owned orstrata titled.Status: Hastings-Sunrise has someexisting rowhousing as part of largerdevelopments like Adanac Co-op.Attractive to: Families with children,couples without children or whosechildren had left home, and seniorswho could manage the stairs in theunits.

15.7 Additional TraditionalRowhousesNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety in Hastings-Sunriseshould be increased by permitting someadditional traditional rowhouses,provided they are:• designed to be compatible with single

family neighbourhoods and adjacenthomes; with good landscaping

• located in select areas and built assmall projects rather than as a wide-spread replacement for existinghousing types

• provided with adequate communityfacilities (parks, schools, etc.) andservices for the additional population



People’s Ideas…• create rowhousing where seniors,families, and couples/singles canlive near each other• creates a more affordable optionwith outdoor space for families withchildren (most needed size is 2-3bedrooms plus den)• working singles and couplesprefer two bedrooms, one for guestor other uses (e.g. computer),affordability a key issue• need sound privacy from otherunits and outside; also storage space• more affordable than singlefamily, more privacy and space thanapartments• need more in Hastings-Sunrise

Comment: This Direction did not receiveenough support in either the general orthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. However, the agree votes outnumbered the disagree votes in eachsurvey. As a result, traditionalrowhouses remain a topic for morepublic discussion if additional housingplanning occurs in the community.

Rowhouse

Traditional Rowhouses


Courtyard or Carriage CourtRowhousesDescription: Two rows of attached unitsgrouped around a common open space.Courtyard rowhouses have parking forall units in a single row that backsdirectly onto the lane. Carriage courtrowhouses have their parking integratedwith each unit, requiring part of thecourtyard for car movement. An assem-bly of three 33’ lots could accommodate8 courtyard or 7 carriage court units(the driveway connecting the lane tothe carriage court takes the space of oneunit). Both styles have a pathway provid-ing pedestrian/fire-fighter access to therear units from the street. Courtyardrowhouses would each feature about1,200 square feet of floorspace, enoughfor two bedrooms plus an additionalbedroom, family room, den, or homeoffice. The front yard would be shorter(16' versus 24') and the front unitsshallower than a new single familyhome. The courtyard would be 30'deep. The rear units would be builtpartly above the garage and partly in thearea required for a rear yard in newsingle family homes. Carriage courtrowhouses would be slightly larger(1,350 square feet), with a 14' frontyard. Rear units would extend into therear yard. The 30’ courtyard would bedivided into private open space andmaneuvering space for cars (whichcould be finished in pavers to make itmore attractive).Status: Both types would be new to thecity.Attractive to: Families with children,established couples, and seniors whocould manage stairs.

15.8 Additional Courtyard orCarriage Court RowhousesNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inHastings-Sunrise by allowing someadditional Courtyard or Carriage Courtrowhouses, provided they are:• designed to be compatible with single


• located in select areas and built assmall projects rather than as a wide-spread replacement for existinghousing types




People’s Ideas…• preferred by older singles andcouples because they spend moretime at home than younger house-holds and therefore place a highervalue on outdoor space• provide good space, variety, andchoice• consider on C-1 sites (smallcommercial sites which now allowhousing above commercial)

Comment: This Direction did not receiveenough support in the general or ran-dom survey to be classed as ‘approved’.However, the agree votes out numberedthe disagree votes in each survey. As aresult, courtyard/carriage courtrowhouses remain a topic for morepublic discussion if additional housingplanning occurs in the community.

Courtyard Rowhouses


Low-rise ApartmentsDescription: Low-rise apartments havea maximum height of four storeys. Theygenerally feature smaller, lower costunits. The units usually are on a singlefloor and accessible by elevator.Status: Low-rise apartments are com-mon in the north-west corner of Hast-ings-Sunrise.Attractive to: People just entering thehousing market, singles, and seniorswho are no longer willing or able tomaintain single family homes.

15.9 Low-rise ApartmentsNot Approved (Uncertain)A limited number of low-rise apart-ments, with a maximum height of fourstoreys, should be permitted in Hast-ings-Sunrise provided that they are:• designed to be compatible with single


• located in select areas and built assmall projects rather than as a wide-spread replacement for single familyhousing types




People’s Ideas…• attractive to first householdsbecause no yard maintenance,relatively inexpensive• feel secure for single women• good choice for establishedsingles and couples• preferred by many seniors whoneed a one level unit and anelevator (no stairs)• recognize elevators don’t work ifyou have two young kids andgroceries• need more new developments,existing apartments look too oldand rundown• build concrete buildings to blocknoise between units and fromoutside

Comment: This Direction did not receiveenough support in the general or randomsurvey to be classed as ‘approved’.However, the agree votes out numberedthe disagree votes in each survey. As aresult, low-rise apartments remain as atopic for public discussion if additionalhousing planning occurs in the commu-nity.

Low-rise apartment


At Least One New Housing TypeThis section of the Vision has describedthe housing types which Vision partici-pants felt would be attractive to existingHastings-Sunrise residents as they ageand their housing needs change. Inorder to get a clear reading of thenumber of people who are interested insome type of new housing in thecommunity, this Direction asked if therespondent supported (somewhat orstrongly) at least one of the housingtypes in Directions 15.1 – 15.9.

15.10 At Least One New HousingTypeSeveral new housing types have beendescribed in this section. Did yousupport at least one of the new housingtypes (Homes with Two Suites, Infill,Duplexes, Small Houses on Small Lots,Cottages, Sixplexes, Rowhouses, Court-yard/Carriage Court Rowhouses, orLow-Rise Apartments) in the Directionsabove?Percent supporting at least one type83%/83%

Comment: This Direction is not classedas ‘approved’ because it refers to theprevious Directions rather than asking aspecific policy question. For futureplanning purposes, it is interesting that ahigh proportion of respondents in thegeneral and random surveys supportedat least one new housing type in Hast-ings-Sunrise.

Seniors’ HousingDespite changing housing needs, long-term residents frequently want to stay intheir neighbourhood because theyknow the local shops and services, havefriends in the community, and want tostay near their doctors and dentists.Vision participants looked at housingoptions which would allow olderresidents to stay in the community whenthey are no longer able or willing tolook after a single family home. Inaddition to the types outlined in theprevious Directions, options includeadditional traditional apartments andsmaller scale seniors’ homes. Theseprojects would be purpose-built forseniors and some would provide fordifferent levels of care.

15.11 Seniors’ HousingApprovedSome small developments designed forseniors should be considered nearparks, shopping, and transit to allowseniors to stay in the community as theirhousing needs change.Percent agree 81%/82%

People’s Ideas…• provide much more seniors’housing• allow some units with supervisionand/or care• design accessible units withenough space, no ‘micro’ bedrooms• recognize that garden space canbe critical to some seniors• may need second bedroom forcaregiver if not provided in build-ing• encourage a variety of types with avariety of services (Abbeyfieldhouses, low-rise, maybe even somehigh-rises)• close to programs in neighbour-hood houses and communitycentres• avoid locations near steep hills

Seniors’ Housing Rezonings

The strong community support forVision Direction 15.11 will likelylead to individual ‘site specific’rezonings. That means when agroup organizing housing forseniors finds a site, they wouldapply for rezoning to permit theirproject. Each rezoning wouldrequire consultation withneighbours prior to beingconsidered by City Council.

Abbeyfield House


16 PossibleLocations forNew Housing

Vision participants identified locationswhich were important for differenttypes of households. In each of thepossible Directions listed below, thereasons Vision participants supportedthe location are given before the Direc-tion itself.

New Housing Types Adjacent toCommercial AreasThe current zoning along the majorcommercial streets of Hastings-Sunrisepermits new development to have amaximum height of four storeys. Newdevelopments often consist of groundfloor retail with three storeys of resi-dential above. Vision participants feltadditional housing adjacent to commer-cial areas has a number advantages:• additional population in the new

housing would help support localshops and services

• transit service on commercial streetswould be convenient to residents innew housing

• additional housing would offer easyaccess to shopping and services forhouseholds without cars

• new housing could serve as a transi-tion between the potential four storeydevelopment on the commercialstreet and single family areas

• large areas of single family use wouldbe retained

• Vision participants felt this locationwould be most attractive to peoplefirst leaving home, to seniors, and tolower income households.

16.1 New Housing Types Adjacentto Commercial AreasApprovedNew housing types should be permittedadjacent to commercial areas such asHastings, First/Renfrew, and First/Nanaimo, subject to detailed planningand impact mitigation.Percent agree 67%/58%

Adjacent to Commercial

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings N

anaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Lou ghee

dHwy

Cambridge

Tran

sCan

ad

aH

wy

Com

mis

sion

er

Around commercial areas

N


New Housing Types Along ArterialsMost of the arterials in Hastings-Sunrise(Nanaimo, Renfrew, Rupert, Boundary,McGill, First, and Broadway) are linedwith single-family homes. The exceptionis Hastings which has commercial usesand a zoning which allows up to threestoreys of residential above shops. Visionparticipants identified arterials as alocation for other housing types. Thislocation would:• provide convenient access to transit for

new residents without cars• allow construction of new housing

types which could be designed toinclude features which reduce theimpact of traffic noise from the arterials(such as double glazing, insulated walls,bedrooms away from the street, etc.)

• provide convenient access by transit,bike, and walking to new stations onthe Millennium Line (and the proposedhigh tech nodes around the stations)for additional people living on arterialsin the south of Hastings-Sunrise

• may shield, to some extent, adjacentsingle family homes from the noise ofarterial traffic as the new homes andtheir landscaping act as a buffer

• leave large areas in single family use.

16.2 New Housing Types AlongArterialsNot Approved (Uncertain)New housing types should be permittedalong major arterials such as Nanaimo,Renfrew, Rupert, Boundary, McGill,First, and Broadway, subject to detailedplanning and impact mitigation.Percent agree 56%/50%

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support inthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 2.5 to 1. As a result,new housing types along arterialsremains a topic for more public discus-sion if additional housing planningoccurs in the community.

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Lou gh

eed

Hwy

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

Along arterialsCommercial/mixed use zones

N

Along Arterials


New Housing Types Around theIntersection of ArterialsA variation of new housing alongarterials is to locate a node of newhousing around the intersection of twoarterials. These locations would:• provide transit access in north/south

and east/west directions reducing theneed for a car

• recognize the high level of accessibil-ity offered by these locations

• allow new housing forms whichcould be designed to minimizearterial noise within the units

• may help shield adjacent single familyareas from traffic noise

• support local shops and services withadditional population

• leave large areas in single family use.

16.3 New Housing Types Aroundthe Intersection of ArterialsNot Approved (Uncertain)New housing types should be permittedaround the intersection of arterials,subject to detailed planning and impactmitigation.Percent agree 51%/45%

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support inthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 2 to 1. As a result,new housing types around the intersec-tions of arterials remains a topic formore public discussion if additionalhousing planning occurs in the commu-nity.

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

dHwy

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

Around arterial intersections

N

Around Arterial Intersections


New Housing Types on Sites whichIncorporate Large Lots or CornerLotsThis choice recognizes that current landvalues would tend to result in the rede-velopment of most older homes on largerlots. It is also consistent with the existingpattern in parts of Vancouver wheresmaller lots face the side streets. Theselocations:• permit a gradual change to new hous-

ing types on large lots which wouldlikely redevelop to larger homes underexisting zoning

• limit the interface between new hous-ing and adjacent existing homes to oneside (corner lots)

• allow new forms to take advantage ofdirect access from the side street ratherthan only from the lane (corner lots)

• limit the total amount of change insingle family areas

• make the location of change predictable• leave large areas in single family use• provide new housing in locations

which Vision participants felt would beattractive to families with children,working couples, and seniors who stillhad cars.

16.4 New Housing Types on Siteswhich Incorporate Large Lots orCorner LotsNot Approved (Uncertain)New housing types should be permittedon sites which incorporate large lots orcorner lots throughout Hastings-Sun-rise, subject to detailed planning andimpact mitigation.Percent agree 52%/48%

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support in therandom survey to be classed as ‘ap-proved’. In the random survey the agreevotes out numbered the disagree votes bya ratio of 2 to 1. As a result, new hous-ing types on sites which incorporate largeor corner lots remains a topic for morepublic discussion if additional housingplanning occurs in the community.


New Housing Types AroundElementary SchoolsElementary schools can be an importantfocal point for a community. Youngerchildren are generally escorted toschool. Parents tend to be more in-volved in elementary school events thantheir children’s activities in high school.Vision participants developed theoption of locating new family housingwithin a few blocks of elementaryschools. These locations would:• provide direct access to elementary

schools from more housing suitablefor families with children

• make walking to school a more viableoption

• ensure play grounds are accessiblewithout crossing busy arterials

• support existing schools• leave some areas in single family use.

16.5 New Housing Types AroundElementary SchoolsNot Approved (Uncertain)New housing types should be permittedaround elementary schools in Hastings-Sunrise, subject to detailed planningand impact mitigation.Percent agree 56%/48%

Comment: This Direction receivedmajority support in the general surveybut did not receive enough support inthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. In the random survey theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes by a ratio of 2 to 1. As a result,new housing types around elementaryschools remains a topic for more publicdiscussion if additional housing plan-ning occurs in the community.

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

d

Hwy

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Comm

issi

oner

Around elementary schools

Commercial/mixed use zones

N

Around Elementary Schools


New Housing Types ScatteredThroughout the Single Family AreasThe final location proposed by Visionparticipants was a broad option: permit-ting new housing variety throughoutthe single family areas. This option wasnot intended to replace all existingsingle family homes but rather to allownew housing forms to be scatteredwithin generally single family areas,provided that the new housing wasdesigned to be compatible with adjacentsingle family homes. The new housingcould be limited to ‘clumps’ as small asone half block. The option:

• allows more affordable housing in awide variety of locations

• permits some existing owners toredevelop their properties with ahousing form which would allowthem to stay in their community

• lets neighbourhoods determine thetypes of housing which are suitable

• provides housing in locations attrac-tive to families with children, workingcouples, and seniors.

16.6 New Housing Types ScatteredThroughout the Single Family AreasNot Approved (Uncertain)New housing types should be permittedin scattered locations throughout thesingle family areas of Hastings-Sunrise,subject to detailed planning and impactmitigation.Percent agree 47%/40%

Comment: This Direction did not receiveenough support in either the general orthe random survey to be classed as‘approved’. However, in both surveys theagree votes out numbered the disagreevotes. As a result, new housing typesscattered throughout the single familyarea remains a topic for more publicdiscussion if additional housing plan-ning occurs in the community.

Single family with rental suites allowedSingle family with design review and rental suites allowedOther zones or parks

N

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

LougheedH

wy

Com

mission

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Throughout Single Family Areas


Support for New Housing Types inAt Least One Possible LocationThe Directions above identify locationswhich Vision participants felt madesense for new housing to accommodatethe changing needs of Hastings-Sunriseresidents as they age. In order to get aclear picture of how many peoplesupported new housing in any of thelocations, this Direction asked if therespondent supported at least one ofthe possible locations in Directions 16.1– 16.6.

16.7 Support for New Housing in AtLeast One Possible LocationDid you support at least one of thepossible locations for new housingidentified in Directions 16.1 – 16.6above (Adjacent to Commercial Areas,Along Arterials, At the Intersection ofArterials, On Large Lots or Corner Lots,Around Elementary Schools or ScatteredThroughout the Single Family Area)?Percent supporting at least onelocation 85%/86%

Comment: This Direction is not classedas ‘approved’ because it refers to theprevious Directions rather than asking aspecific policy question. For futureplanning purpoes, it is interesting that ahigh proportion of respondents in thegeneral and random surveys supportedat least one location for new housingtypes in Hastings-Sunrise.

Meeting Future Demand

The Demand for New Housing in Hastings-Sunrise by 2021

New households from existing residents 2,500New households from in-migration 800Total new households looking for housing 3,300

Today’s Potential Supply of New Housing in Hastings-Sunrise

New housing units allowed by existing zoning(apartments, suites) 3,000

Today’s ‘Shortfall’ in Housing Units

Demand minus Supply 300

Additional Housing Possible with Different Type and Location Combinations

Low: (infill, duplexes, small houses) + Adjacent to Commercial Areas 300

Medium: (cottages) + Along Arterials 850High: (sixplexes) + Around Elementary Schools 3,000


Housing Affordability

The affordability of markethousing was a significant concernof Vision participants. Theydeveloped Vision Directions thatinclude proposals for additionalsuites, infill, cottages, duplexes,sixplexes, rowhouses, and low-riseapartments. These Directionswould allow housing that meetsthe changing housing needs ofexisting residents as they age.The additional homes should bemore affordable than new singlefamily homes because they usethe land more intensively andthey are usually smaller. Anincreased supply of housing mayalso help to moderate priceincreases.

New housing that is built in thenormal development market —‘market housing’ — is usually notaffordable to lower incomehouseholds, regardless of thetype of housing it is. The Cityassists in providing moreaffordable ‘non-market housing’for lower income households in anumber of ways:• directly funding affordable

housing with money approvedin Capital Plan plebiscites

• leasing City land, in somecases at substantial discounts,to nonprofit housing sponsorswho build housing funded bysenior governments

• 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 unitsdirectly.

These non-market projectsgenerally require a site specificrezoning, with communityconsultation taking place in eachcase. New non-market housingDirections did not emerge fromthe Vision process but participantsdid want to reinstate seniorgovernment funding for non-market housing.

17 HousingAffordability

Housing affordability is a major concernin Hastings-Sunrise. Participants wereconcerned that housing is becomingunreachable for many in the community.This applies to all housing from rentalapartments to single family housing.People are worried for themselves, thatthey could be forced to leave thecommunity if their income falls. Theyare also worried that higher housingprices will start to erode the rich textureof incomes, backgrounds, and occupa-tions that characterize the communitytoday.

17.1 Housing AffordabilityApprovedThe City should urge senior govern-ments to reinstate programs that fundnon-market housing and to developnew initiatives that make housing moreaffordable for low income households.Percent agree 71%/64%

People’s Ideas…• more affordable housing (weshould all advocate for this)• urge the province to put morefunds into affordable housing• mix market rental and subsidizedhousing in the same area• allow deduction of mortgageinterest from income tax as in U.S.


Shopping area

Possible new housing

Other commercial/mixed use zones

N

McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

d

Hwy

Cambridge

Tran

sCanada

Hw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

NeighbourhoodCentres

Vancouver’s CityPlan contains directions to develop ‘neigh-bourhood centres’ to serve as the ‘heart’ of a community.Neighbourhood centres are places where people can find

shops, jobs, neighbourhood-based services, public places that aresafe and inviting, and places to meet with neighbours and join incommunity life. Centres may also cluster new housing for variousages and incomes. All this will help the environment by reducingthe need to travel long distances from home to jobs and services.

The Vision identifies key shopping areas in Hastings-Sunrise:Hastings Sunrise/North; First and Renfrew; and Vancouver Heights.It sets out ways to make these areas more convenient, safe, comfort-able, and enjoyable places to shop and visit. The Vision also hasDirections about limiting additional major malls and ‘big box’stores and supporting the role of business associations.


18 Hastings Sunrise/North

The section of Hastings from Semlin toRenfrew (Hasting Sunrise/North) is animportant neighbourhood shoppingarea and potential neighbourhoodcentre. Assets include several popularsmall supermarkets and produce stores;London Drugs; the Hastings BranchLibrary; and many local-serving shops.The Vision addresses various problemsincluding traffic speed and volumealong Hastings, the narrowness ofsidewalks, and the ‘unfriendly’ appear-ance of some buildings which faceHastings.

18.1 Important Shopping AreaApprovedThe ‘heart’ of the Hastings Sunrise/North shopping area, from Garden toSlocan, should be strengthened as themajor neighbourhood shopping areaand should be the focus for improve-ments and investments in thestreetscape. The area from Garden toSemlin needs more continuity andshould be more pedestrian-oriented.The area from Slocan to Renfrew shouldaddress and take advantage of theimportant pedestrian connection itprovides to Hastings Park.Percent agree 84%/81%

People’s Ideas…• concentrate investment in the‘heart’ to make it really work andcreate a positive spillover effect foradjacent areas• improve the connection with thelibrary to make it feel part of thecore• ‘book end’ the main shoppingarea with attractive commercial usesto the east and west• encourage mixed use develop-ments here, 2 - 3 storeys aboveretail, not higher (fits with themedium density residential aroundit)• fill in the gaps in the streetscape• address non-inviting non-pedes-trian appearance of some stores(razor wire at top of fence, service/storage yards adjacent to the street)

• place more emphasis on thepedestrian, not cars (e.g. don’tallow visible parking lots)• add community notice boards andkiosks (like in the West End)

Hastings Sunrise/North shopping area

18.2 Shops and ServicesContinuousApprovedIn the shopping area, shops and serv-ices should be continuous along theground floor of buildings. Groundfloor uses should be ‘community-friendly’ as well as ‘pedestrian friendly’Percent agree 83%/84%

People’s Ideas…• discourage additional auto-oriented services• discourage businesses that don’thave friendly fronts — need visibil-ity and connection to the sidewalk• require offices to present anopen, friendly street face• barred windows are unattractiveand unfriendly — they discouragepeople from frequenting the busi-ness (prefer roll-down grates thatyou can see shop displays through)• discourage ‘predatory’ businesses,such as cheque-cashing services thatscreen their interior from the street

18.3 Sidewalk Safety and ComfortApprovedSidewalks should be made safer forpedestrians by: creating widersidewalks; prohibiting sidewalk cross-ings to parking lots or drive-throughs;discouraging parking lots fronting thestreet; and improving the condition ofsidewalks.Percent agree 81%/80%


People’s Ideas…• require setbacks for new buildingsfor sidewalk widening• keep parking exits to side streets/lanes• landscape existing front-facingparking lots to create a visual bufferfrom the sidewalk• repair sidewalk surface, it is inbad condition, unattractive• provide grates around trees whichare level with sidewalk

18.4 Support Local Shops andServicesApprovedBusinesses moving into the area shouldserve the surrounding community andbe similar in scale to existing businesses.Percent agree 77%/74%

People’s Ideas…• variety of shops should reflect themake-up of residents of Hastings-Sunrise• need additional shops and serv-ices: clothing; books (with outdoorgathering space nearby); hardwarestore; health clinic; meat and fish;leisure sports; live music; neigh-bourhood pub (with outdoorseating but no parking); restaurants;health food store; mid-size super-market; cafes with moderate prices;‘fun’ upbeat cafes or gatheringplaces (no alcohol) with loud/livemusic to attract youth; lumber store• discourage certain businessesfrom locating on Hastings: hairsalons, dollar stores, fast foodoutlets

18.5 Discourage LargeSupermarketsNot Approved (Uncertain)Large supermarkets should be discour-aged from entering the Hastings Sun-rise/North shopping area.Percent agree 52%/49%

People’s Ideas…• maintain medium-sized supermar-kets as anchor stores in the area• may be good to have a largersupermarket to meet the diverse

shopping needs of different peoplein the community (medium super-markets cater to different needsthan large supermarkets)

Comment: This Direction did not receivesufficient support in the random surveyto be categorized as ‘approved’ but therandom survey did have more thantwice as many agree votes than disagreevotes. As a result, this Direction willremain a topic for public discussionduring any future planning for the area.

18.6 Pedestrian SafetyApprovedIt should be easier and safer for pedes-trians to cross Hastings Street.Percent agree 76%/76%

People’s Ideas…• provide better lighting atcrosswalks• need more time to cross the street• provide additional pedestriancrossing at Garden• consider restricting hours forloading and unloading from thestreet• need to slow traffic down using avariety of traffic calming measures• retain parking on Hastings as abuffer for pedestrians

18.7 Encourage SidewalkMerchandise DisplaysApprovedMerchandise displays on the sidewalkadd interest and vitality to the street, butthe amount of sidewalk they take upshould be limited. They should leaveenough room for pedestrians (includingwheelchairs and strollers) to pass eachother, and should leave more sidewalkspace at bus stops and crosswalks wheremore people gather. The limit shouldbe enforced.Percent agree 64%/61%

People’s Ideas…• sidewalk displays great exceptwhere bikeracks/other street furni-ture compete for pedestrian space

Local shops and services


• do not allow sandwich boards toblock sidewalk or replace them withsigns that hang from storefronts• control appearance and neatnessof goods displays• set back new development atground level to provide morepedestrian/display space

18.8 Encourage Street Trees/GreeningApprovedThe existing street trees contribute tothe experience of the street. More treesshould be planted in areas where theyare missing, such as Garden to Semlin,and in new corner bulges on sidestreets. Trees should not have invasiveroots. Use a variety of strategies toincrease the ‘greening’ of commercialareas.Percent agree 85%/82%

People’s Ideas…• plant big trees on Hastings togreatly enhance the street andreduce the perceived impact oftraffic• green all empty lots• plant flower baskets on lamp postsor on new bollards separatingsidewalk from road• create small plazas on cornerbulges on side streets with benches,washroom, pavers, planters, publicart, and maybe kids play area• ensure street trees do not haveinvasive root systems — existingtrees on Hastings are pluggingsewers and lifting sidewalks

18.9 Provide Continuous WeatherProtectionApprovedThere should be continuous weatherprotection provided by canopies andawnings. Awnings and canopies shouldbe designed to be interesting and toensure the sidewalk doesn’t becomedark and uninviting.Percent agree 64%/68%

People’s Ideas…• solid canopy of the ex-Wool-worths store creates a dark anduninviting pedestrian space, modifyto allow more light to street• break up the awning/signagestyles on large developments sothey are interesting instead ofboring• keep eclectic/organic character ofexisting signs and awnings

18.10 Improve the Area’sAppearanceApprovedThe appearance of the Hasting Sunrise/North shopping area should be im-proved through efforts of privateowners, the BIA, and the City (e.g.street furniture, murals, public art,sculpture, bike racks, public noticeboards, directory to the area, drinkingfountains). Special streetscape treatmentand ‘branding’ should be implementedto enhance the identity, cultural herit-age, and viability of the shopping area.Percent agree 83%/79%

People’s Ideas…• provide special, ornate pedestrianlights, sidewalk treatment, treegrates, hanging baskets, banners,benches, and garbage cans• establish identity — build onspontaneous momentum of Hast-ings Sunrise/North, or link withhistory• discourage ugly security bars instore windows, replace with rolldown grates which provide securitybut still let people see windowdisplays when they are shut• more bus shelters — develop adesign which decreases the amountof sidewalk space taken by integrat-ing the bus shelter with the front ofbuildings• use flags, projecting signs, ban-ners below awnings, and iconicsigns (those where shape hasmeaning)

Weather protection


18.11 Building CharacterApprovedNew buildings and renovations shouldfollow design guidelines developedspecifically for Hastings Sunrise/North.Percent agree 76%/72%

People’s Ideas…• store buildings should be attrac-tive; City should provide tax breaksto business owners for up-keep• develop distinct styles for this areawith uniform colour and buildingheight• allow 3 to 4 stories maximumheight• encourage unique characteristicsof individual stores• require each store to repaint andupdate storefront, awnings, andsigns every 3 to 4 years (Singaporehas such a program)• encourage variety of signs: neon,projecting or blade type — signswhich are distinguishable from ablock away

18.12 A Cleaner PlaceApprovedSidewalks, gutters, lanes, parking lots,storefronts, garbage areas, and loadingbays should be kept cleaner and main-tained better by both private businessesand the City.Percent agree 95%/92%

People’s Ideas…• provide several garbage recepta-cles on each block• City and BIA should encourageand enforce cleanliness of streetsand storefronts• make individual shop ownerresponsible for the upkeep of thearea outside their store• address graffiti problems morequickly• follow Toronto’s use of 3-partcontainers for cans, newspapers,and rubbish which allow on-streetseparation of recyclables

18.13 Better Utilize WideSide StreetsApprovedThe extra wide (100') road allowancesof side streets (such as Kamloops,Penticton, Slocan, Kaslo) are a majoropportunity to create public spaces, tobring greater amenity and greening tothe area, and to provide a respite fromthe noise of Hastings. Emphasis shouldbe placed on the development of theseas public spaces, rather than seekingpublic space in larger developments.Percent agree 75%/66%

People’s Ideas…• create green public space withstyle and amenities• close street to vehicles in someplaces• make Garden a ‘green street’linking the shopping area with thepark, greenways, and mini-parksthat already exist further north onGarden• maximize use of sunny areas, usedifferent paving; use plantings toseparate people from traffic• build corner bulges to narrow thecrossings (on side streets andHastings); have benches and plant-ing in bulges• allow businesses to open onto theright-of-way (recent McDonald’soutdoor area is well done)

18.14 Parking on Some WideSide StreetsApprovedSome of the extra wide (100') roadallowances of side streets should beused for some small scale, convenientparking areas.Percent agree 68%/67%

People’s Ideas…• allow perpendicular or diagonalparking, with trees and landscaping• replace lost parking on Hastingswith small parking squares on 100'wide side streets• provide Granville Island likeparking areas with trees betweenthe spaces

Sidewalk merchandise


18.15 Convenient ParkingApprovedThe convenient short-term parking lotand on-street parking should be pre-served and enhanced to help keep retailuses viable and limit parking pressureon neighbouring streets. The parkinglot behind the London Drugs is a majorasset that should be better advertised,better connected to the street, en-hanced as a public space, and designedas a better neighbour to homes acrossFranklin.Percent agree 84%/82%

People’s Ideas…• need signs on Hastings alertingpeople to London Drugs parkinglot; create a passage between storesto Hastings near the middle of theblock to link the lot to the street• introduce trees to the parkingarea, add green space, small park-like areas• create pathways within the lot andespecially along the lane for peoplewho have left their cars (no clear orattractive paths now)• enforce 2 hour limit and handi-capped parking• look at buffer treatments toreduce the impacts of the lot onhouses across Franklin• have more parking lots availablebehind shops on Hastings like onFraser Street and in Burnaby

18.16 A Neighbourhood Centrewith HousingApprovedHastings Sunrise/North should becomemore of a neighbourhood centre.Additional housing is important tosupport shops and services, it couldrange from apartments above stores onHastings to more ground-orientedhousing within walking distance ofHastings. Any new housing should be inkeeping with the character and scale ofthe neighbourhood.Percent agree 66%/61%

People’s Ideas…• generally support the idea ofneighbourhood centre for HastingsSunrise/North shopping area

• allow more duplexes to be builtto the south and north of HastingsSunrise/North shopping area withina 15-minute walking distance• consider focusing new housingon the 100' wide side north-southstreets because they connect directlyto the shopping area and provideopportunities for a green outlook• new buildings should be compat-ible with the scale of existingbuildings, no overwhelming mass• build rowhousing; heritage styleduplexes, triplexes; small projects,small frontages — not big develop-ments• consider residential developmenton lane at back of commercial alongHastings

19 First andRenfrew

Participants saw First and Renfrew asanother important neighbourhoodcentre. Traffic and accessibility to shopsare problems addressed in the Vision,along with the need for more parkingand a cleaner, better maintained neigh-bourhood centre.

Possible improvements: more planting, morepedestrian comfort and safety

19.1 Important Shopping AreaApprovedThe shopping area located at First andRenfrew should be strengthened as aneighbourhood shopping area andspecial community place.Percent agree 79%/75%


People’s Ideas…• community development stemsfrom community involvement inevents, parades, celebrations• provide better links to the newSkyTrain station — extend theshopping area southwards• spread shoppers out from T&Tshopping centre; too inward facing• make First and Renfrew a destina-tion shopping area, could make itmore ethnic; Chinese or Italiansimilar to Victoria and 41st• need support from local businessowners to attract a wider variety ofshops

19.2 Shops and ServicesContinuousApprovedIn the shopping area, shops and servicesshould be continuous along the groundfloor of buildings. Ground floor front-age should not be interrupted bydriveways, drive-throughs, parking lots,or building fronts and uses that are not‘pedestrian friendly’.Percent agree 73%/72%

People’s Ideas…• continue storefronts some dis-tance around corner (turn cornerpart way to lane)• avoid steps up or down to shopsto improve accessibility for agingpopulation• support mixed retail and whole-sale use

19.3 Pedestrian SafetyApprovedMake it safer and easier for pedestriansto cross at or near First Avenue.Percent agree 81%/79%

People’s Ideas…• provide marked crosswalks (e.g.on Renfrew at intersections ofGraveley, First, 2nd, and 3rd)• provide medians and cornerbulges on Renfrew as good ways toincrease opportunities for landscap-ing; improve safety for pedestrians

• provide no stopping signs nearthe intersections of Renfrew at First,Renfrew at Broadway• address jay-walking across Firstthrough the boulevard to get to theMall• need complete redesign of Firstand Renfrew: allow turns on left-hand turn signal only from First toallow safe crossing for pedestrians;add signs along Renfrew from Firstto 3rd indicating ‘slow down’/‘yieldto pedestrians’ in symbols that areclear to all language groups

19.4 Street TreesApprovedStreet trees contribute to the pleasantcharacter of the street, as well as bring-ing visual consistency. Trees should beplanted on Renfrew as well as in newcorner bulges and on side streets.Percent agree 80%/74%

People’s Ideas…• plant street trees along Renfrew(e.g. between Graveley and East 3rd )• need boulevard trees and shrubson First between Nanaimo andRupert

19.5 A More Attractive PlaceApprovedThe appearance of the shopping areashould be improved through beautifica-tion by private owners and the City.Percent agree 83%/78%

People’s Ideas…• area needs major ‘face lift’ paintjob or clean-up (currently ‘lookspoor’/‘unattractive’)• add bike racks (posts)• consider heritage character• fill-up empty buildings in area

19.6 Cleaner PlaceApprovedSidewalks, gutters, lanes, parking lots,storefronts, garbage areas, and loadingbays should be kept cleaner and main-tained better by both private businessesand the City.Percent agree 88%/83%

First and Renfrew shoppingarea


People’s Ideas…• need more litter receptacles: toomuch litter around shops and onstreets• more frequent pick-ups neededfrom bus stop receptacles• need a public bin for garbage onalleyway parallel to Renfrew be-tween First and 2nd (volunteerspicking up litter don’t have anyplace to put it)• residents and business ownerscould adopt a street or an area tokeep clean, be supplied withgloves, organize a group clean-upactivity 3 times a year

19.7 Convenient ParkingApprovedConvenient short-term parking, includ-ing curbside parking, should be avail-able for customers to help keep theretail viable and reduce impacts onneighbours.Percent agree 78%/75%

People’s Ideas…• strengthen the shopping area bymaking parking a first priority —lack of parking and high volume ofcar traffic discourage motorists fromstopping• provide parking off lane to serveshops• protect on-street parking onRenfrew• favour diagonal parking — easierto park; consider diagonal parkingplaced on side streets if spacepermits• encourage commercial businessesto share each other’s parking spaces• consider using width of Renfrewfor angle parking on one or bothsides

19.8 A Neighbourhood Centrewith HousingNot Approved (Uncertain)Consider adding new housing aroundFirst and Renfrew to help support thecommercial area. Try to promote andimprove the area around First andRenfrew (increase business, recrea-tional, and residential opportunities).Percent agree 63%/53%

People’s Ideas…• allow low scale housing for a fewblock radius around the commercialarea• allow mixed use buildings withretail/service shops on ground flooron Renfrew• consider buildings up to 4 storeysat or near First and Renfrew• allow for growth, prefer to go upfirst (consider buildings with a fewstoreys), then out• rezone in order to increase thenumber of residential units allowedabove commercial

Comments: This Direction did not haveenough support in the random survey tobe classified as ‘approved’. However,there was majority support in the gen-eral survey and there were more thanthree times as many ‘agree’ votes as‘disagree’ votes in the random survey. Asa result, this Direction will remain atopic for public discussion in futureplanning programs in this area.

20 VancouverHeights

Participants saw Vancouver Heights ashaving the potential to become asmaller-scale neighbourhood centre.There are significant problems toovercome: the area is not pedestrianfriendly (narrow sidewalks, stores with‘unwelcoming’ facades, and lots oftraffic). The area does come with someadvantages like the flanking streets with100’ right-of-ways and its proximity tothe Burnaby Heights commercial area.

Vancouver Heights shopping area


20.1 Important Shopping AreaApprovedThe shopping area on Hastings betweenCassiar and Boundary (VancouverHeights) should be strengthened as aneighbourhood shopping area andspecial community place.Percent agree 75%/73%

People’s Ideas…• consider the core shopping areato include all three blocks withSkeena to Kootenay being the‘heart’ because of central location,better topography, both corners canbe improved to look nicer• address challenges of connectionto Burnaby• provide tree-lined streets andbanners and attractive store fronts• take advantage of 100' wide sidestreets, encourage new retail to faceside streets, and create ‘villagesquares’ on Skeena and Kootenayintersections

20.2 Shops and ServicesContinuousApprovedShops and services should be continu-ous along the ground floor of build-ings. Ground floor frontage should notbe interrupted by driveways, drive-throughs, parking lots, or buildingfronts and uses that are not ‘pedestrianfriendly’.Percent agree 71%/71%

People’s Ideas…• may be occasional exceptions forlong-term services — these shouldbe ‘grand-fathered’• insist that Kootenay Loop fits in;disguise the asphalt or hide it a bit,without detriment to area safety• disguise ‘loop’ with a streetwallfeature; seek landscape improve-ments, and explore corner potential• build up the space in between —lots of empty lots

20.3 A Range of Shops andServicesApprovedThere should be a wider range of local-serving shops and services in the shop-ping areas. Additional auto-orientedservices (e.g. gas stations, auto repair)should be discouraged.Percent agree 73%/71%

People’s Ideas…• need bank, more or biggermarket, pharmacy, farmers market,book store, bakery, butcher/fish,stationary• need less competition — don’tdrive out ‘mom and pop’ stores• need strategy to get differentstores in and more shoppers• attract a medium-sized grocerystore as an attraction• conduct street festivals to increasebusiness for shops — creates vitalityand fun for customers• add drop-in centre to centresection; add BIA and CommunityPolicing to drop-in; add angleparking to the side streets; addtables for cafés on the side streets

20.4 Adding a SupermarketApprovedSupermarkets are important ‘anchors’for neighbourhood shopping areas. TheCity, in consultation with the neigh-bourhood, should work with supermar-ket owners to identify, assemble, andrezone an adequate site for a conven-tional size supermarket in a mixed usedevelopment, with adequate parkingprovided.Percent agree 61%/58%

People’s Ideas…• encourage Thrifty’s to locate inarea: B.C. owned and operated full-service supermarket• may not be practical, we want tobe sensitive to smaller scale stores• like markets, not supermarkets

Smaller supermarket in mixeduse development


20.5 Sidewalk Safety and ComfortApprovedMake sidewalks safer and more attractivefor pedestrians by: creating widersidewalks; prohibiting sidewalk cross-ings to parking lots or drive-throughs;discouraging parking lots fronting thestreet; and improving the condition ofsidewalks.Percent agree 77%/79%

People’s Ideas…• maximize the walkability of thesidewalk• create space for trees• widen sidewalks where there arebus stops so there is enough roomfor circulation

20.6 Control Sidewalk MerchandiseApprovedMerchandise displays on the sidewalkadd vitality and interest to the street, butthe amount of sidewalk they take upshould be limited. They should leaveenough room for pedestrians (includingwheelchairs and strollers) to pass eachother, and should leave more sidewalkspace at bus stops and crosswalks wheremore people gather. The limit shouldbe enforced.Percent agree 63%/63%

People’s Ideas…• address problem with bus stoplocation, don’t have very muchsidewalk space, not much room fortrees, etc• do something positive with theextra space on the corners ofSkeena and Hastings• use weather protection fromstorefronts rather than bus shelters• limit displays, maximize thewalkability, consider weatherprotection where vegetable standson sidewalk

20.7 Plant Street TreesApprovedStreet trees contribute to the pleasantcharacter of a street, as well as bringingvisual consistency. Street trees should beadded on Hastings and side streets.Percent agree 78%/74%

People’s Ideas…• provide street trees on both sidesof Hastings between Cassiar andBoundary — may need to staggertrees with weather awnings to haveenough sidewalk space• put bulges on Skeena andKootenay — maybe just put trees onthe right-of-ways and get benchesand get more pedestrian friendlyareas, more flanking commercial

20.8 Weather ProtectionApprovedThere should be continuous weatherprotection for shoppers in the form ofcanopies or awnings.Percent agree 62%/56%

People’s Ideas…• minimum 5’ or 6’ over walkingcorridor for adequate clearance;especially near bus stops across fromMcDonald’s

20.9 A More Attractive PlaceApprovedThe appearance of the shopping areashould be improved through beautifica-tion by private owners and the City.Percent agree 81%/79%

People’s Ideas…• improve visual quality ofKootenay Loop• improve street wall appearance —less blank wall• group the services — bus stop,bike rack, telephone, etc. — aroundthe Skeena and Kootenay intersec-tions• provide neighbourhood focus inthe intersections of Skeena andKootenay — corner bulges,benches, etc. — to take advantageof the large right-of-ways andperhaps extend back to the streetsparallel to Hastings• make pedestrian friendly withstreet trees• landscape existing parking areas

Improve sidewalk safety andcomfort


20.10 A Cleaner PlaceApprovedSidewalks, gutters, lanes, parking lots,storefronts, garbage areas, and loadingbays should be kept cleaner and main-tained better by both private businessesand the City.Percent agree 87%/87%

People’s Ideas…• avoid recessed alcoves• prevent graffiti with better light-ing, better design, etc.• need garbage receptacles at busstops

20.11 Convenient ParkingApprovedConvenient short-term parking, includ-ing curbside parking, should be avail-able for customers to help keep theretail viable and reduce impacts onneighbours.Percent agree 76%/77%

People’s Ideas…• parking needed on the blockfrom Skeena to Cassiar• add angle parking to some of theside streets• remove the HOV lanes/introducestreet parking; retain typical surfaceparking

20.12 Better Utilize Wide SideStreetsApprovedThe 100' road allowance of side streetsshould be used to create attractivepublic spaces and additional parking inthe area.Percent agree 68%/67%

People’s Ideas…• take advantage of 100' right-of-ways on north south streets for amini-park at Kootenay• use some wide right-of-ways forangle parking

20.13 Neighbourhood Centres andHousingNot Approved (Uncertain)Consider increasing the residentialdensity around the Vancouver Heightsshopping area to include mediumdensity housing above storefronts alongHastings, new housing forms on the100' wide streets perpendicular toHastings, and duplexes across the alleyson either side of Hastings.Percent agree 58%/53%

People’s Ideas…• more residential across the lanefrom Hastings to attract morepeople, create a better area• take advantage of 100' wide sidestreets for proposed residentialunits behind Hastings and alongHastings• locate more residential abovestorefronts — but need to makeattractive to people — doubleglazing, high quality exterior walls,good ventilation. Density will bringin more local service stores• address concerns about mediumdensity because area has alwaysbeen single family and residentsmay feel uncomfortable; if mediumdensity, should have maximumheight of 3 or 4 storeys• discuss zoning for two familydwellings on the street that sharesthe lane with Hastings• could be a neighbourhood centrebut on a small scale, because it is asmall scale area

Comments: This Direction did not haveenough support in the random survey tobe classified as ‘approved’. However,there was majority support in the ran-dom survey and there were more thanfive times as many ‘agree’ votes as‘disagree’ votes. As a result, this Direc-tion will remain a topic for publicdiscussion in future planning programsin this area.

Burnaby Heights: an improvedside street


21 ‘Big Box’ Storesand ShoppingMalls

Shopping malls are clusters of stores inone development where the stores faceinside instead of onto a public street.Malls come in various sizes from quitesmall to very large and they may be onone or several levels. Under currentzoning, internal malls can theoreticallylocate anywhere in the C-2 zoning thatlines the city’s arterial streets

There are also different types and sizesof ‘big box’ store. Some are very large,and sell a wide range of goods. Somespecialize in particular types of goods,and are smaller. The large ‘big box’stores have sought large, cheap, indus-trially zoned sites. The City has permit-ted some ‘big box’ stores (usuallythrough rezonings), but has recentlyadopted policies that restrict theserezonings to parts of the GrandviewHighway and the Marine Drive front-ages. If the ‘big box’ stores are to sellfood or clothing, a retail impact study isrequired. Some smaller specialty ‘bigbox’ stores have recently fit into existingC-zoned blocks along major streets.

Participants in the Vision process, whileacknowledging that existing malls and‘big box’ stores provide shoppingchoices for consumers, were concernedthat additional projects would workagainst providing strong neighbour-hood shopping at Hastings Sunrise/North, First and Renfrew, andVancouver Heights.

21.1 Additional Major Malls or ‘BigBox’ StoresApprovedAdditional major shopping malls, and‘big box’ stores which sell groceries,clothing, and other daily needs, shouldnot be permitted to locate where theywill harm the economic health of theHastings Sunrise/North, First and Ren-frew, Vancouver Heights, or other localshopping areas in Hastings-Sunrise.Percent agree 66%/64%

People’s Ideas…• already have lots of malls and ‘bigbox’ stores nearby• no need to draw market fromfurther a field to support the area,would work against the localcommunity focus of the shoppingstreet

21.2 Specialty ‘Big Box’ StoresApprovedSmaller specialty ‘big box’ outlets (e.g.electronics, toys, pets) should not bepermitted to locate in Hastings-Sunrise’sexisting shopping areas (HastingsSunrise/North, First and Renfrew, andVancouver Heights) because they mayharm existing businesses.Percent agree 60%/57%

People’s Ideas…• would threaten the viability oflocal businesses in that specialty• protect the smaller stores, but addservices; maybe rezone the biggerlots if those stores close so we canhave a fallback plan• need complexity — different sizestores, etc. smaller frontages• no spill-over from these ‘big box’stores: people come, shop, andleave

22 Small CommercialAreas

Hastings-Sunrise has several smallcommercially zoned sites which areeither scattered in single family areas orlocated at the intersection of largerstreets. The C-1 zoning on these parcelsallows a mixture of commercial andresidential uses but it does not permitan all residential development. Onsome of these sites, businesses are notdoing well. Some Vision participantsfelt that the sites should continue torequire ground floor commercial usesto serve the surrounding residentialareas. Others felt they would be goodsites to consider different types of allresidential developments.

‘Big box’ grocery store


22.1 Future Development of SmallCommercial SitesNot Approved (Uncertain)Where commercial uses are strugglingon C-1 zoned sites in Hastings-Sunrise,the City should consider approvingtwo-family dwellings or small scalemulti-unit residential development, ifthe proposal is limited to the maximumsize permitted under the existingzoning and is designed to be compat-ible with adjacent residential uses.Percent agree 60%/49%

People’s Ideas…• allow cottages on the corner ofNanaimo and Charles becauselocation is on transit routes, closeto services• permit multi-family demonstrationprojects on small commerciallyzoned parcels located in neighbour-hoods where they are under uti-lized for commercial

Comment: This Direction did not receiveadequate support in the random surveyto be classified as ‘approved’, althoughit did receive three times as many‘approve’ votes as ‘disapprove’ votes.Since there are not enough of these sitesto warrant additional planning, futureresidential proposals will be consideredon a site by site basis, provided that theexisting commercial use is struggling andthe proposal has:• community support• a design compatible with adjacent

residential uses• a density limited to the maximum size

permitted under the existing zoningand consists of two-family dwellingsor a small scale multi-unit residentialdevelopment.

23 BusinessAssociations orBusinessImprovement Areas

Business 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 com-mercial property owner pays into a fundthat is administered by the BIA and usedto benefit the shopping area throughpromotion, crime prevention, beautifi-cation, etc. The Hastings Sunrise/Northarea has an active BIA but First andRenfrew, and Vancouver Heights do not.

23.1 Business Associationsor BIAsApprovedBusiness Associations and BIAs shouldbe encouraged, with organizationalassistance from the City. They should beinvolved, together with residents, inpromoting shopping in their areas andorganizing services and activities toattract shoppers.Percent agree 74%/63%

People’s Ideas…• need a Vancouver HeightsBusiness Improvement Area• BIAs can help in crime preventiontoo• Vancouver Heights should workwith Burnaby Heights businessesbecause Hastings Park creates toolarge a gap from the commercialarea to the west

Banners help to beautifyneighbourhood shopping areas


McGill

Dundas

E. Hastings

Nanaim

o

Renfr

ew

E. First

E. Broadway

Rupert

Boundary

Sem

lin

Loughee

dHw

y

Com

mis

sion

er

Cambridge

Tran

sCa

nada

Hw

y

Old streams

Parks

Park land now occupied by other uses

N

NEW

BRIGHTON

PARK

HASTINGS

PARK

HASTINGS

COMMUNITY PARK

ADANAC

PARK

RUPERT

PARK

THUNDERBIRD

PARK

SUNRISE

PARK

CLINTON

PARK

PANDORA

PARK

BURRARD

VIEW

PARK

CALLISTER

PARK

MCGILL

PARK

CAMBRIDGE

PARK

OXFORD

PARK

BATES

PARK

KASLO

PARK

TEMPLETON

PARK

GARDEN

PARK

CHARLES

PARK

DUSTY GREENWELL

PARK

Improving Parks,Streets, Lanes, andPublic Places

Vision participants noted that parks, trees, public places, greenareas bordering streets, and the gardens and landscapingaround homes all contribute to the overall character of

Hastings-Sunrise. The Vision Directions in this section deal withimproving parks, school grounds, streets, lanes, public views, andindustrial areas (Vision Direction 12.1 covers landscaping onprivate sites and Directions 18.8, 19.4, and 20.7 cover greening andstreet trees in commercial areas).


24 Parks, Streets,Lanes, and Views

Parks

The Vision recognizes that parks arevery important for recreation, beauty,and refreshment. Hastings-Sunrise isfortunate to have a variety of parkspaces, including naturalized areas,woodlands, shoreline, and more con-ventional play grounds and play fields.In total, Hastings-Sunrise has 19 parks,with a total area of 47 hectares (115acres) of neighbourhood park and anadditional 10 hectares (25 acres) of city-wide park. Hastings-Sunrise has 1.2hectares of neighbourhood park perthousand residents, which is higherthan the City standard of 1.1 hectaresper thousand. However, the apartmentarea west of Nanaimo does not haveenough neighbourhood park area toserve its population and other parts ofthe community do not have a neigh-bourhood park within easy walkingdistance. School grounds totaling 9hectares (22 acres) are also importantpublic spaces.

Streets

Streets and lanes typically make upabout 30% of a community’s land areaand make an important contribution tothe image of an area. The City providesand maintains street trees, and has aprogram to plant them in all suitablelocations. The City also has a ‘GreenStreets’ program which encouragesresidents to landscape traffic circles andcorner bulges that are installed fortraffic calming.

Public Views

In 1989, the City began to protectselected public views which develop-ment threatened to block. The pro-tected views are mainly from within thedowntown looking outward or from theCentral Broadway and False Creek arealooking over the downtown. Except forlimited views from Queen Elizabeth andJohn Hendry Parks, public views are notprotected elsewhere in the city.

Franklin Elementary: usable community space

24.1 More Usable Parks andSchool GroundsApprovedPark design, appearance, and activitiesshould be more varied in order to servea variety of ages and a more diversepopulation. School grounds should betransformed into attractive communityspaces usable by people of all ages,particularly in areas which areunderserved by neighbourhood parks.Percent agree 89%/85%

People’s Ideas…• provide more benches, coveredrest areas, decorated entrances,community gardens, and quiet spots• include more natural landscaping,and features such as gardens, plants,flowers, and trees• establish separate areas in parksfor different activities; includeseparate walking routes andbikeways; add landscaping at parkedges to better separate parks fromstreets and to reduce noise fromtraffic• provide facilities for all agesincluding picnic/barbeque areas,water play areas, skateboard parks,ball hockey and basketball courts,graffiti walls, and both structuredand unstructured play spaces forchildren and youth; add moreprogrammed activities in parks• incorporate multicultural themesinto the design of park facilities andstructures• allow for wheelchair accessibility;include more parking around parks;add more washrooms with longerwashroom hours

Play area: Sunrise Park


• treat school grounds as valuableopen space, make sure they areusable to a range of ages so they arenot wasted evenings, weekends,and all summer• grass all school grounds

24.2 Safety in and around ParksApprovedSafety concerns should be a moreimportant aspect of park use, design,and maintenance. Accessing parks acrossarterials should be easier and safer.Specifically, access to New Brighton Parkfrom the community should be im-proved.Percent agree 90%/89%

People’s Ideas…• add better night lighting; limitbush areas; add resilient surfaces inplay areas• encourage park partner programssuch as Pooch Patrol, Park Ambassa-dors Program, and Park Watch• provide pedestrian signals andcrosswalks to cross arterials; provideshuttle bus to New Brighton Park• stop naturalizing Hastings Park ifit is going to be swamped by prosti-tutes turning tricks and the home-less• New Brighton is more accessiblefrom North Van than from Hasting-Sunrise

24.3 Community Involvementin ParksApprovedMore public involvement in the designand stewardship of parks should beencouraged.Percent agree 81%/73%

People’s Ideas…• encourage neighbourhoodinvolvement in community gardensand beautification projects; morecommunity events in parks; encour-age clean-up days

24.4 Maintenance of ParksApprovedPark grounds, structures, and facilitiesshould be better maintained and ori-ented to serve park users.Percent agree 88%/84%

People’s Ideas…• improve maintenance of fieldsand bushes; leaves should be swept• add more recycling and garbagecontainers in convenient locationsthroughout parks• ensure regular upkeep of parkamenities such as play structures,pools, field houses, and washrooms

24.5 Dogs in Parks and PublicPlacesApprovedParks should have separate areas fordogs. Off-leash areas and off-leash timesshould be strictly observed. Moreshould be done to ensure dog ownersclean-up after their dogs and keep theirpets under control.Percent agree 75%/73%

People’s Ideas…• provide separate bins for dogwaste; provide plastic bag dispens-ers for disposal of dog waste• increase public education toencourage dog owners to pick upafter their dogs; include bettersignage at parks and in publicplaces• expand enforcement initiatives tomake sure off-leash areas are ob-served; ticket dog owners who donot clean up after their dogs

24.6 Public ArtApprovedThere should be more public art inparks and public spaces.Percent agree 68%/59%

People’s Ideas…• encourage community art projectssuch as mosaics, sculptures, statues,positive graffiti art, decorativefences and garbage bins• paint murals on industrial build-ings and the sides of commercialbuildings

Community art projectexample

Enhanced picnic and playareas


24.7 Greening and BeautifyingPublic StreetsApprovedStreets should continue to be pleasantgreen links that connect the neighbour-hood, including:• protect existing boulevards and street

trees, and plant new trees whereverpossible

• encourage residents to extend theirgardens into the space between thesidewalk and curb

• encourage residents to landscapetraffic calming devices (e.g. trafficcircles and corner bulges) through the‘Green Streets’ program

• provide amenities like benches forpeople to socialize and rest beforewalking further

• consider alternate, less expensivedesigns and materials for curbs

• improve landscaping of streets byadding medians and creating mini-parks.


People’s Ideas…• traffic circles need something bigand solid (e.g. big tree or boulder)• increase the variety of plants oncorner bulges (including big trees)• plant trees even where boulevardis less than one metre• Park Board should maintain trafficcalming devices where adjacent toparks• add street furniture on wideresidential streets (e.g. Charles)• more creative benches (e.g. publicart and design contests)• use wood curbs, gravel shouldersto cut down on costs and to in-crease permeability• create a central boulevard alongarterials like Nanaimo and Rupert• plant more flowers and trees• close side streets to vehicles insome places and make into mini-parks• more public art (e.g. graffitimurals, banners)

24.8 Greening LanesApprovedMany lanes in Hastings-Sunrise areunattractive and not environmentallyfriendly. There should be alternatives tofully paved lanes that allow for moregreenery and more permeability for rainwater. All the alternatives should beoffered to homeowners when they voteon lane improvements.Percent agree 80%/75%

People’s Ideas…• use lanes to offer alternatives forwalking• encourage ‘country lanes’ (pavingstrips with grass between and grassplanting on the borders)• underground all overhead wiring

‘Country Lanes’: alternative to paved lanes

24.9 Preserve ViewsApprovedViews of the water, North Shore moun-tains, downtown Vancouver, and otherpanoramas from public places, likeparks and streets, should be protected.Viewpoints should be made moreenjoyable.Percent agree 88%/83%

People’s Ideas…• provide benches and rest areas• regulate height of buildings;better maintenance of buildings inthe industrial areas, along water-front• create viewing gardens• make viewpoints to the waterfrontand North Shore mountains moreaccessible

Green Streets Program:landscaped corner bulge

Scenic view from NewBrighton Park


• views over the water, to themountains, and of port activitiesshould continue to be availablefrom parks, street ends, and adja-cent residences• objects that protrude into viewsshould be limited

25 Hastings Park

Hastings Park was originally granted tothe City by the province in 1888, withthe site to be used as a public park. Formost of the twentieth century, it washome to the Pacific National Exhibition(PNE) and a thoroughbred racetrack.Over the years, the site lost its parkcharacter as more buildings and parkinglots were constructed.

A Restoration Plan for Hastings Park wasprepared with neighbourhood residentsand approved by the City in 1997. Workbegan in the fall of 1997. Several com-ponents are now in place. The ‘Sanctu-ary’, 4 hectares (9.9 acres) containing apond and surrounding natural landscap-ing, was completed in 1999. The ItalianGardens, 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) thatincludes fountains, gargoyles, gardens,plus a children’s playground andskateboard park, was completed in2000. The Empire Fields, a 5.5 hectare(13.6 acre) section that includes sportsfields and a new fieldhouse on the siteof Empire Stadium, opened in 2003.The Capital Plan includes almost fivemillion dollars to be spent in 2003-2005on the next components of the restora-tion.

The Restoration Plan was based on theassumption that the racetrack wouldremain while the PNE would leave thePark. The racetrack is now pursuing anew operating agreement. The City hasalso committed to allow the use of theColiseum and the Agrodome as venuesfor the 2010 Olympics. However, theplanned relocation of the PNE to Surreywas been cancelled by the provincialgovernment.

The province also transferred the PNE(formerly a crown corporation) to theCity. A process was initiated in early2004 to determine if, and in what form,the PNE annual fair and/or Playlandcontinues in Hastings Park and howtheir future forms will fit within thecontinuing restoration of the park.

The existence of a recently adoptedRestoration Plan, a community steward-ship group (The Hastings Park Conserv-ancy), and the anticipated detailedconsideration of the future of the ‘PNE’in the park, all combined to limitdiscussion about Hastings Park in theVision process.

25.1 Public Consultation about theFuture of the PNE in Hastings ParkApprovedSignificant public discussion shouldprecede any decision on whether, andin what form, a ‘PNE’ annual fair and/orPlayland should remain in HastingsPark.Percent agree 80%/83%

25.2 Addressing the Impacts of anAnnual FairApprovedIf an annual fair and/or Playland con-tinue in Hastings Park, the impacts andopportunities associated with the fairshould be evaluated and resolved withthe community. This should include:• parking and traffic issues• noise and lighting impacts• opportunities for local hiring of fair

staff, etc.Percent agree 78%/84%

Vision Directions, HastingsPark, and the Port

The Vision process is designed toset long-term Directions for thefuture of Hastings-Sunrise. TheVision process is not capable ofresearching, negotiating, andconcluding the detailed workrequired for major initiatives likethe East Port Lands Plan and thefuture of an annual fair and/orPlayland in Hastings Park. Theseissues can only be addressed tothe satisfaction of the adjacentneighbourhoods with detailedsubarea plans. When concluded,these plans will combine withVision Directions to define thedesired long-term future ofHastings-Sunrise.

The Italian Gardens atHastings Park


26 Industrial/ResidentialInterfaces

Vision participants recognized theeconomic importance of industrialareas, particularly their role as jobgenerators. They also felt these areaswere important to the character ofHastings-Sunrise. They developedseveral ideas to improve the relation-ship between industrial areas andadjacent residential communities.

Industrial uses adjacent to homes

26.1 Improving Industrial/Residential InterfacesApprovedWhere industrial uses are adjacent toresidential areas there should be initia-tives to reduce conflicts including:• improved landscaping (e.g. landscape

buffers, street trees, etc.)• new building designs and uses which

respect adjacent uses (e.g. avoidheights and massing which are notsensitive to shading, views)

• standards of maintenance which keepindustrial buildings and streets fromlooking rundown

• regulations which reduce impactssuch as noise, odours, dust, etc.


People’s Ideas…• soften the industrial character andhard surfaces with trees, climbingvines on walls, etc.• include public art like murals onwalls• outlaw billboards and large signsfacing residential areas

• look for less expensive ap-proaches to curbing streets to makeit easier to improve the look ofindustrial area streets• solve the problem of horribleodours coming from industrial areas• require new residential develop-ment near industrial areas to havebetter acoustical shielding

Port Issues and Planning

Most of the waterfront bordering thenorthern edge of Hastings-Sunrise isadministered by the Vancouver PortAuthority (VPA). Proposals for newwaterfront uses have periodicallybecome major community issues. TheLafarge barge unloading facility andcement batch plant is a recent, highprofile example.

At the time the City was consideringinitiating a Vision process in Hastings-Sunrise, City staff met with leaders ofseveral community groups to discusswhether the Vision could proceed atthe same time as the Lafarge contro-versy. It was agreed that the Visioncould and should go ahead because itcovered a wide range of topics whichwould be beneficial to the communityas a whole. It was also agreed that theVision process was not designed todeliver either the level of detail or thebinding commitment required in a portlands plan that would be useful to theneighbourhood.

To address port/community issues, theCity and the VPA begin a port landsplanning process. An independentfacilitator worked with the VPA, the City,and area residents to establish mutuallyagreed definitions of the study’s finalproduct, process principles, participants’roles and responsibilities, program andschedule, and issue list. The final termsof reference were approved by the VPAand City Council in April 2003, with thefull study originally slated totake just over a year to complete.

Because of the satisfactory progresstowards establishing a comprehensiveport lands plan, the Vision process didnot consider (and the Choices Surveydid not ask about) port related issues.

A portion of the East PortLands


Environment

Vision participants identified many environmental issues,including the need for residents and businesses to be moreinvolved in actions which promote a healthier environment.

Participants also expressed concern that the community is largelyunaware of many City programs which already address environmen-tal issues. The Vision contains several Directions to improve theenvironment grouped into three categories — actions that start inthe home or business with City support, actions that require a jointcommunity/City effort, and broad actions that require co-ordinationwith other levels of government.

Other Vision Directions which would enhance the environment arefound in IMPROVING PARKS, STREETS, LANES, AND PUBLICPLACES (Greening Streets, and Dogs), and in TRAFFIC AND TRANS-PORTATION (Walking and Biking, and Traffic Demand Manage-ment).

Recycling, Composting, and Garbage

The City collects garbage from ‘single family’ residences, includingmost properties with up to four units. The garbage can limit forsingle family properties was lowered from three to two cans perweek in order to encourage residents to reduce waste and userecycling and composting programs. The City collects paper, plastic,metal, and glass for recycling from houses and apartments if theresidents separate and set out the materials. Large items, like oldfridges and hot water tanks, can be recycled at the Vancouver SouthTransfer Station on West Kent Avenue North. The City also providesregular yard waste collection from single family properties andsubsidizes backyard composters and apartment worm compost bins.These programs, combined with others in the region, have reducedthe amount of residential garbage sent to the landfill by about 48%.

Energy and Water Conservation

The City has adopted several policies aimed at reducing energy use.CityPlan and the City’s land use policies promote complete commu-nities with jobs close to home, thereby reducing fuel consumptionfor traveling to work. The Transportation Plan gives priority topedestrians, transit, and bicycles over the automobile. By-laws andregulations require buildings to be more energy efficient and treesto be retained or replaced during residential development. Theconversion of over 24,000 street lights to more energy-efficientlamps has also saved energy.

Vancouver has higher per capita water consumption than mostNorth American cities with similar climates. The City supportspublic and school education programs on water conservation,restricts lawn watering in summer, sells barrels to store rain waterfor yard irrigation, and requires water saving fixtures and devices innew buildings. These initiatives have reduced water consumptionby 20% since summer water shortages in 1990 and 1992.


27 Environment

At Home and at Work

Vision participants discussed manydifferent measures to improve environ-mental practices in their homes. Theseideas included increasing recycling andcomposting, conserving water andenergy, and encouraging the use ofenvironmentally friendly products.Almost all of these actions could also beundertaken by businesses.

27.1 Individual Actions to IncreaseRecycling and CompostingApprovedIndividuals and businesses should takethe initiative (with City support) toincrease the amount they recycle andreuse materials, reduce waste, andcompost. They should also use moreenvironmentally friendly products.Percent agree 90%/87%

People’s Ideas…• re-use shopping bags, waterbottles, containers, wood, tires, andsound building materials• talk to neighbours to educatethem about City recycling andcomposting programs• donate used clothes, shoes, andhousehold items• encourage proper disposal ofhazardous waste (e.g. paints);discourage use of pesticides• provide incentives and awards toindividuals and businesses• avoid purchasing products thatare harmful to the environment orhave excessive packaging• increase recycling and wastereduction by businesses

27.2 Individual Actions to ConserveEnergy and WaterApprovedIndividuals and businesses should act(with City support) to conserve waterand energy.Percent agree 89%/86%

People’s Ideas…• use water and energy savingdevices in the home (e.g. low-flowtoilets, shower-heads, and washers;energy efficient light bulbs)• use less water when wateringgardens and lawns, or washing cars• be more conscientious aboutelectricity use in homes (e.g. makesure lights are turned off when notin use, use less heat, use betterinsulation)• meter water use and create a trueuser-pay system

In the Community

Vision participants discussed a numberof ways the community and the City canwork together to create a healthyenvironment. These areas of collabora-tion include keeping the communityclean and working to conserve naturalwater courses.

27.3 A Clean CommunityApprovedThe community and the City shouldwork together to keep Hastings-Sunriseclean and litter free. These effortsshould include:• encouraging individual actions and

co-operative efforts by the communityto solve garbage, litter, and cleanlinessissues

• increasing enforcement and penaltieswhen co-operative actions fail toresolve a problem

• improving education of residents andbusiness owners about the recycling,composting, garbage, and disposal(hazardous waste) services offered bythe City

• recycling a broader range of items(e.g. plastic bags)

• picking-up hard-to-dispose-of itemson special days

• adding more garbage/recycling bins inparks, schools, and public places

• providing separate dog waste disposalunits in parks and public places.


Sustainable Development

The City is working to be moreenvironmentally responsible. In2002, City Council adopted adefinition of sustainability and aset of principles to evaluate Cityprograms, policies, and practices.These include being accountablefor individual and collectiveactions, using renewableresources fairly and reasonably,not compromising the choices offuture generations, and collaborat-ing with community and otherlevels of government. The Cityalso established an Office ofSustainable Development tofurther its commitment topreserve Vancouver’s uniqueflavour — its natural environ-ment, heritage, sense of design,and diverse communities — as akey component to Vancouver’sfuture success.

Recycling and yard wastecollection


People’s Ideas…• provide incentives for residents toreduce the volume of garbage theyproduce• provide needle and condomdisposal units in parks and publicplaces• promote information/reportinghotlines for graffiti and garbage inpublic places• encourage neighbourhoodbusinesses to sweep the sidewalkmore often and clean-up the lane atthe back of businesses, or hireresidents to do this cleaning• support community initiativeslike: block-cleaning parties, adopt-ing garbage cans, community clean-ups and recycling days, special daysfor disposal of large householditems, involvement of schools, andholding environmental workshops

27.4 Conservation of NaturalWater CoursesApprovedThe community and the City shouldsupport initiatives that improve thequality of community streams (TheSanctuary and Still Creek) and reducerainwater going into sewers.Percent agree 89%/87%

People’s Ideas…• discourage paving in parks andpublic places; use alternative meth-ods to maintain roads and lanes (e.g.country lanes, drought resistantplantings, ‘un-paving’ projects)• educate the public to dispose oftoxic substances properly, discouragethe use of pesticides and herbicidesto avoid polluting water sources• consider some daylighting of oldstreams which have been put inculverts

The ‘Sanctuary’ in Hastings Park

At the City and with Other Levels ofGovernment

While the City can play an importantrole in building a healthier environ-ment for its citizens, Vision participantsrecognized that senior governmentshold much of the power to change thelaws that would improve the environ-ment.

27.5 Working with Other Levels ofGovernmentApprovedThe City should provide leadership andpartner with the regional, provincial,and federal governments to preserveand enhance the environment, includ-ing:• incorporating more sustainable

practices within their own operations• adopting measures to increase water

and energy conservation• adopting measures to reduce noise

from vehicles, leafblowers, etc.• adopting tougher emissions standards

to improve air quality• promoting the development and use

of environmentally friendly products.Percent agree 82%/79%

People’s Ideas…• adopt building standards whichrequire environmentally friendlybuildings (e.g. R2000 [high insula-tion levels] and LEEDS [standardsfor sustainable construction of newbuildings])• encourage the development ofmore fuel efficient automobiles;consider new taxes on fuel andcars; more stringent emissionsstandards• test older vehicles and trucks forexcessive emissions and requireadequate vehicle maintenance• legislate against excessive productpackaging• add more trolley buses; plantmore trees along arterials to reduceair and noise pollution

Air Quality

The (1990) City of VancouverTask Force on AtmosphericChange was created by CityCouncil to study climate changeas it relates to global warming andozone depletion. It recommendedspecific actions that the Citycould take to reduce its contribu-tion to factors causing climatechange. A major implementationaction was the development ofthe City’s Transportation Plan,which sets out a long-termstrategy to find transportationalternatives to the single occupantautomobile. City initiatives likeGreenways and Bikeways, whichencourage walking and cycling,combine with better public transit(through Translink) to support theplan.

Tougher emissions standardswould improve air quality


CommunityInvolvement inDecision Making

The City regularly provides information to, and consults with,residents and groups on many different types of decisions, inmany different ways.

Examples of current processes include:• local improvement petitions for new curbs and sidewalks• referendums on the three year Capital Plans• public processes for planning programs and rezonings• advisory committees to City Council like the Bicycle Advisory

Committee and the Seniors Committee• on-going outreach to youth as part of the Civic Youth Strategy• notification letters on development proposals• the City’s homepage on the Internet• some park planning processes.

Public input is important to the City. The City’s recent initiative toimprove public involvement (the Public Involvement Review) hasresulted in:• new initiatives (such as a Newcomers Guide to City Services and a

Civics Manual for high school students)• Community Web Pages — an expansion of the City’s website to

give the public more information (www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/community_profiles/)

• improvements to various City processes (such as notificationsconcerning development/rezoning proposals, and/or trafficmanagement initiatives)

• improved structures for City Council’s advisory committees• multicultural outreach and translation guidelines.

While recognizing these practices, these Vision Directions call forimprovements: people could be made more aware of their oppor-tunities to participate; the ways of co-ordinating input could beimproved; and the input could have more influence on the deci-sions which are made. These improvements are especially impor-tant in Hastings-Sunrise because the community is not only dealingwith all the issues faced by other communities in the city but it alsomust engage in the processes around major decisions like thefuture of the PNE in Hastings Park and port lands planning.


28 CommunityInvolvement inDecision Making

28.1 Community Involvement inDecision MakingApprovedCommunity residents should havegreater, and more timely, input intodecision making about changes in theircommunity on matters ranging frommajor initiatives like the Port planningprocess and the future of the PNE inHastings Park to recurring decisionsrelating to street and traffic changes; theprovision of facilities and services; anddevelopment proposals.Percent agree 86%/85%

People’s Ideas…• want an efficient way of participat-ing in multiple planning processes• need a well organized way to getinput from the community• undertake decision making forHastings Park on a co-operative basis(e.g. decisions on land develop-ment or on-going operations inHastings Park which affect thecommunity must involve residents,the City, and the PNE or itssuccessor)• consult the public regardingindustrial development on thewaterfront, and in the Lougheedand Boundary area to ensure it issensitive to adjacent residentialareas• ensure the Port, CPR, and othersare better neighbours, especiallytheir willingness to tackle on-goingor recurrent operational problems— there should be a liaison personto call to get action on problems,regardless of jurisdiction• hold fewer resident meetings towork on projects like port planningand Hastings Park• develop a standing communityadvisory committee to City Council(combined residents and busi-nesses)

28.2 Community Decision MakingApprovedThe City should expand communitydecision making to include a range ofissues. The representative communitybody which makes the decisions shouldbe inclusive and accountable.Percent agree 81%/82%

People’s Ideas…• need more accountability fromCity government, community repre-sentation when decisions are made• the City should facilitate greatercommunity participation in planningor development decisions, with‘targeted’ involvement for interestedgroups• create some form of on-goinglocal panel or governing body tospeak for the community• different areas of the communityshould be represented when provid-ing facilities and services• bring back the Hastings-SunriseAction Council which had repre-sentatives from all community andschool groups and which looked atcommunity issues• need to proceed with ‘Portland-style’ planning

28.3 Community Capital GrantsApprovedThe City should establish a new pro-gram of annual community capitalgrants which would see a fixed sum ofmoney given to each community to bespent on community priorities.Percent agree 80%/78%

People’s Ideas…• each community should receive asmall sum of money annually forlocal improvements not currentlyfunded under existing City programs• make it easier to get money forneeds which are specific to thiscommunity and, as such, are notfunded in city-wide programs• need a ‘Seattle-style’ system ofgrants to communities• implementing some Vision Direc-tions would be easier if the commu-nity had money to spend on itsbiggest needs

Workshop participants


Rezoning PolicyFollowing the Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision

1. About Zoning in General

1.1 How Zoning Works

The 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, labeled by letters and numbers. For exampleRS-1 covers most of Hastings-Sunrise’s residential areas and C-2C zones cover thelarger shopping areas. Every lot in a zoning district is governed by the same regula-tions and guidelines. The regulations are contained in a District Schedule. Theycontrol the kind of activities (uses) that may take place, such as office, retail, dwell-ing, or manufacturing. District Schedules also control various quantitative aspects ofthe development including the maximum height of buildings, the position ofbuilding on the lot (yards and setbacks), the amount of total development(floorspace or density), and the amount of parking required.

In addition to the District Schedule with its regulations, some zones also havedesign review, using Design Guidelines. Design review looks at the more qualitativefactors such as style or character, the materials used, or the landscaping. Legally,districts with design review are structured to have two types of projects: those thatmay go ahead without design review (often called ‘outright’) and those that aresubject to design review (often called ‘conditional’ or ‘discretionary’) because theyreceive additional density, or approval of a conditional use, in return for meetingthe design guidelines.

Another type of district is the CD-1 or Comprehensive Development district. Manyof these are tailored to a specific site, such as Britannia Community Services Centreand the Adanac Village Co-op. Others cover a broad area, such as First Shaughnessyor the Downtown. This tool is used where a typical District Schedule andGuidelines approach is not suitable.

1.2 How Zoning is Changed

Anyone 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 then makerecommendations to City Council. During processing there is always public notifica-tion and some consultation. A formal Public Hearing is always required at the end ofthe rezoning process before City Council decides if the zoning will change.

Because rezoning is time-consuming and expensive, City staff usually advise poten-tial applicants before they make an application whether or not staff would ‘con-sider’ the rezoning (that is, fully process it), rather than quickly reporting it toCouncil with a recommendation to refuse the application. Staff give this advicebased on existing City plans and policies, including Community Visions.


2. Rezoning Under the Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision

Making some of the Hasting-Sunrise Vision Directions happen will require rezoningor amendments to zoning. For most, additional area planning will be requiredbefore any zoning changes would be considered, and individual rezonings wouldnot be considered prior to this planning (section 2.2 below). However, there aresome cases where individual rezoning could be considered without additional areaplanning (section 2.1 below). Note that ‘considered’ refers to being taken into thesystem for processing, it does not necessarily mean that the applications will receivesupport from staff or approval from City Council.

2.1 Additional Area Planning Not Required Before Rezoning

Rezoning applications for the types of projects listed below could be consideredwithout additional area planning because they further adopted city-wide policies,would further an adopted Vision Direction, or are normal practice in the publicinterest. Most are ‘site specific’ rezonings on individual sites. There would becommunity consultation in each case. In considering these rezonings, staff wouldlook at not only the needs of the project but also how it relates to its existingsurroundings, and to the future of the area as described in the Community Vision.

Table 2.1: Additional Area Planning Not Required Before Rezoning

Type of Project that Could be Considered forSite Specific Rezoning

Comments

Heritage Retention Projects- involving retention of buildings on the Vancouver Heritage Register (also Vision Direction 13.1)

City-wide policy to encourage retention of heritage resources

Social or Affordable Housing Projects- non-profit projects, housing agreement projects, special needs residential facilities (SNRFs)

Note on definitionsHousing agreement: a contract between the City and developer to guarantee some 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, the mentally or physically handicapped, people with substance abuse problems, etc.

City-wide policy to encourage housing for lower income and special needs residents

Housing Demonstration Projects (HDP)- in order to be considered as an HDP, a project ‘must demonstrate a 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, must be converted into improved affordability’ (January 3, 1996 City Council report)- in addition, in Hastings-Sunrise, any HDP proposals would need to conform to Visions directions about type, location, scale, etc.

City-wide policy to permit demonstration of new housing types

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

Normal City practice

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

Normal City practice

In Hastings-Sunrise:Change to Existing CD-1 Zones- as per Vision Direction 14.1Seniors' Housing- as per Vision Direction 15.11Adding a Supermarket in Vancouver Heights- as per Vision Direction 20.4

Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision


2.2 Additional Planning Required Before Rezoning

The Hastings-Sunrise Vision Directions listed below require additional planningstudy before rezoning occurs. For some Directions, the study would cover a portionof Hastings-Sunrise, others might be city-wide in scope. The types of things thatwould be studied could include the size, height, locations, and design of develop-ments, traffic and parking, parks and green space, service needs, developer contri-butions to cost, phasing, and so forth. Planning studies would be initiated by theCity, but might be undertaken by City staff, consultants, community members, or acombination. In all cases, there would be community consultation throughout thestudy.

Timing and priorities for these studies, as well as other aspects of implementing theVisions, will be determined with community input, as well as through City 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

2.3 Other

The 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 VisionDirections would remain the focus while considering the rezoning.

Hastings-Sunrise Vision DirectionPossible types of additional

planning study

Design of New Single Family Homes12.1 Design Review for New Single Family Houses

Mini-program to make design review available again in interested areas

Older Character Buildings and Heritage13.2 Retaining Other Character Buildings

13.3 Enhancing Character Areas

Specific planning study on feasibility of this in Vision areas

Follow-up if design review indicates a desire to add an option which requires compatibility with designs in a broader geographic context

Possible New Housing Types 15.1 Homes with Two Suites

Several Directions classified as 'Uncertain' identify housing types (15.2-15.4, 15.6, 15.8) or locations (16.2-16.6) which had more community support than opposition. These could be the subject of more community discussion.

More detailed planning for specific areas of Hastings-Sunrise

Detailed local planning and consultation of housing options in a City initiated process.

Possible Locations for New Housing16.1 New Housing Types Adjacent to Commercial Areas

More detailed planning for specific areas of Hastings-Sunrise

Hastings Sunrise/North Shopping Area18.16 A Neighbourhood Centre with Housing

More detailed planning for the area around Hastings from Semlin to Renfrew


Acknowledgements

The Hastings-Sunrise Vision Team thanks the residents, workers, volunteers, stu-dents, and business people in Hastings-Sunrise who attended the many meetings,workshops, and other events in the Vision process. We appreciate the time andenergy you contributed to considering the future of your community.

The team would particularly like to thank the Community Liaison Group and CityPerspectives Panel for their dedication, creativity, and positive help throughout theprogram including advising staff, participating in workshops, and reviewing drafts.

The Community Liaison GroupStewart AndersonJennie BaoGrace BardiSteve BardiPatricia BarnesDavid BornmanArt CaderShilin ChenSteve CheungKatherine DoyleJessie EnsKaren EppJames FletcherJoan FletcherAlbo GalliganiDebra GrahamBetty GreenwellEric HarmsSteve Hart

The City Perspectives PanelDarren ChungMarta FarevaagJudith GlickJames LeeAndrea RollsLouise SetoSuzanne Strutt

Sue Hollick-KenyonKai-Sing HuiDavid KalashnikovTanya KalashnikovMark LimTonya LouieEd MacAulayDiana MillarShannon MillerBarry MorrisPatrick MuellerJosie PadroRaj SihotaMarsha SimmonsEmil UdovichJoanne Van SnellenbergMike YoungJessie Wu


Full and Part-time Support from Planning Department StaffHastings-Sunrise Team

Joanne FrankoAngela KoTed Sebastian

Community Visions Support

Bonnie Allen (Bridge Communications)Susan AndersonPeter BurchEdna ChoTrish FrenchWesley JoeMichelle LarigakisAnn McAfeePaul NowlanMarlie Oden (Bridge Communications)Nancy Wormald

Support from Other Departments, Agencies, and ConsultantsIvana Cappelletto (Cappeletto Design Group)Michel Desrochers (Parks)Hastings Community Centre Board and StaffFrog Hollow Neighbourhood House StaffKiwassa Neighbourhood House StaffAndrew Mak (Engineering)Don Myler (Engineering)Paul Raynor (Housing)Thunderbird Community Centre Board and Staff

March 2004

City of Vancouver Land Use and Development Policies and Guidelines Community Services, 453 W. 12th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4 F 604.873.7344 fax 604.873.7060 [email protected]

50¢

HASTINGS-SUNRISE COMMUNITY VISION

Adopted by City Council on March 23, 2004

The following information has been extracted from 2 sources: the Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision and a report adopted by Council on July 27, 2000 on conditional use applications in visioned areas. For a complete set of Council-approved Vision Directions for Hastings-Sunrise, please refer to the “Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision” document which is available free from the internet at vancouver.ca/visions or from the Planning Department (604.871.6126) at a cost. 1 COMMUNITY VISION: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision applies to the area outlined on the map below.

The Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision describes the kind of community people want Hastings-Sunrise to become over the next 10 to 20 years. The Vision illustrates how CityPlan directions (adopted by City Council in 1995), should be implemented in Hastings-Sunrise. Over 90 Vision Directions cover topics like: transportation; new housing; shopping areas; safety and services; and greening and garbage. The Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision will be used by City Council and staff to help guide future planning, to set priorities for capital projects, to direct City programs and services, and to make decisions affecting the community.

City of Vancouver March 2004 Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision Page 2

2 REZONING POLICY For the most part, additional area planning will be required before any zoning changes will be considered. Individual rezonings will not be considered prior to this planning, except in the following circumstances: heritage retention projects, social or affordable housing projects, institutional uses, and seniors low-rise housing or small scale projects like Abbeyfield. Please refer to page 75 of the Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision for more information.

3 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS UNDER EXISTING ZONING

Generally, development is anticipated to continue under existing zoning regulations, with development applications processed as usual, since such development will not significantly contradict adopted Vision Directions.

The exceptions are some conditional uses in commercial zones located in three neighbourhood shopping areas identified by the Vision as areas for active, pedestrian-friendly shops and services. (See map and notes below.) Conditional uses in these zones that provide auto access from the street frontages and/or parking facilities in front of buildings, and/or buildings without storefronts, would, if permitted at grade along the shopping area street frontages identified below, contradict these policy directions. The zoning regulations require that, in considering conditional uses, account be taken of “all applicable policies and guidelines” adopted by Council. Consequently, new proposals of conditional uses in these locations that are inconsistent with the Vision Directions, while they will be considered individually, will generally not be supported. Prospective applicants are encouraged to seek early advice from the Community Visions Implementation team.

SHOPPING AREAS IDENTIFIED IN

THE HASTINGS-SUNRISE COMMUNITY VISION

Relevant Vision Directions for these areas may be found in the Hastings-Sunrise Community Vision in the following sections:

Section 18 - Hastings-Sunrise/North Shopping Area; Section 19 - First and Renfrew Shopping Area; and Section 20 - Vancouver Heights Shopping Area.

hastings-sunrise community vision - vision highlights · 2 hastings-sunrise community vision vision...

Documents