Three Vancouver projects were recognized at the 22nd Annual Brownie Awards, which provide recognition and celebration of brownfield projects, people and policies across the country.
These renewed residential and commercial projects contribute to the growth and resilient recovery of healthy cities and communities. The Brownie Awards are presented by the Canadian Brownfields Network.
RENEW
Development at the Community Scale
Historical North Vancouver Shipyards (photo above)
Activities from historical use as a shipyard produced metal and hydrocarbon contamination on a waterfront site in North Vancouver which required a multi-year environmental clean-up to bring the brownfield site up to numerical standards with removal of contaminated soil and risk assessments to protect human health and the environment to prepare the site for redevelopment. The area has transformed into a vibrant residential area around the site and residents are able to utilize the various restaurants, cafes, shops, and public spaces that offer outdoor seating and year-round programming.
REACH OUT
Communications, Marketing and Public Engagement
Arbutus Greenway Design Vision and Implementation Strategy
The Arbutus Greenway Design Vision envisions the transformation of a 9km decommissioned rail corridor compromising 42 acres of open space into a destination which fosters movement and rich social interaction inspired by nature and the stories of the places it connects. By planning for a streetcar, the greenway makes way for future transit investment and transit supportive land uses in some of Vancouver’s lowest density neighbourhoods. When the design vision is realized, the greenway will make space for native planting, songbird and pollinator habitat, rainwater management, rolling and walking, and a series of public space destinations.
BEST SMALL PROJECT
Richards Complete Streets
Richards Street is Vancouver’s first example of a blue-green system, an eight-block system that incorporates rainwater tree trenches and permeable pavement alongside an all ages and abilities separated bike lane. This blue-green system adds more than 100 new street trees that help manage and treat 15 million litres of rainwater runoff annually, diverting 11 million litres of urban rainwater from the sewers each year.
