By Raynee Novak

The City of Vancouver is looking for input on its long-term plans for the West End waterfront.

Imagine West End Waterfront is a 30-year plan for the city’s coastal beaches and parks between the Burrard Bridge and Stanley Park. The design includes English Bay, Sunset Beach Park, Morton Park, Alexandra Park, and Beach Avenue.

The planning process is an opportunity to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, while also preparing for a growing population and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The West End waterfront is part of the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is a place of great cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance, and a key amenity for Indigenous Peoples living in Vancouver. An equitable plan will guide how the future West End waterfront can support traditional Indigenous practices.

The plan will also aim to improve access, mobility, and on-site accessibility, and provide safe, comfortable, and equitable connections for walking, cycling, and transit to and through the area.

The public is invited to review the design plan and tell the City how the proposal might meet the needs of the community over the next few decades. The plan is due to go to the Vancouver Park Board and City Council for a decision in spring 2024.

To get involved, share your feedback and ideas in the online survey until November 26. Or take part in two open house events: UBC Robson Square on November 18 from 2 to 5pm and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre lobby on November 16 from 5 to 8pm.