An exploration of the opportunites to improve the ecological function of the shoreline at Northeast False Creek

This report explores the opportunities to improve the ecological function of the shoreline at Northeast False Creek (NEFC) with an emphasis on habitat restoration and human activity by reviewing local and global precedents to inform the Park Board of design options. Vancouver’s policy framework provides a strong justification to improve the ecological function of the shoreline at NEFC. More importantly, the necessity to mitigate climate change obligates policy makers to work in the interest of the planet and future generations by seeking innovative and challenging solutions. This report provides a review of urban shoreline restoration projects in Vancouver, Seattle, Staten Island, and Amsterdam and explores how these cities employed creativity and innovation to improve habitat, reintroduce species, reduce contamination, and partake in placemaking for people. Meetings and email correspondence with experts provided valuable insights into the design process and implementation of these projects. The decision to remove the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts has presented the City of Vancouver with an unprecedented opportunity to create a natural haven for wildlife in the heart of downtown, restore species that were lost during our industrial past, and create a world-class space for people. Policy makers are obliged to future generations to make our city more livable for all living beings and the City must invest in this new green space for its people and the planet. • Construct one or more habitat compensation islands and/or an inlet to increase the area of intertidal and terrestrial habitat • Target the keystone species Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) for reintroduction through an education and volunteer habitat restoration program • Construct an environmentally-focused fieldhouse on site or at nearby Science World to contribute classroom and wetlab space for environmental education, interpretation, storage space for water-based recreation activities, and sustainable wastewater capture and conversion • Encourage human interactions with nature through design; use light penetrating surfaces when the Seawall passes over aquatic habitat and boardwalks in intertidal habitat • Extend upland habitat to the Skytrain guideway and new Pacific Boulevard to maximize the area of productive habitat and encourage commuters’ interactions with nature • Ensure flexibility is incorporated into the design and implementation process to foster creativity and anticipate new knowledge • Work with Concord Pacific to build a model sustainable community of the highest green standards adjacent to the park and encourage connections between park and neighbourhood systems This project provides a theoretical orientation, situates the project within City of Vancouver Policy, outlines precedents from Vancouver, Seattle, Staten Island, and Amsterdam, and describes the above recommendations in detail.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofUnreviewedGraduat