Bute Greenway

Since Phase 1 engagement concluded in December 2021, we have reviewed the survey responses and Big Ideas as well as feedback received via email.

You can now view our detailed Phase 1 Engagement Summary (External Link) or look at our Engagement Highlights (External Link) for an overview of what we heard.

In 2022, we have been using community feedback to create different design approaches for how a future greenway on Bute St might take shape, and hosting discussions with partners. We are also working on a potential design for a permanent Bute-Robson Plaza, and exploring options for public space improvements on the Bute Greenway at Robson St.

We are aiming to launch a second phase of public engagement in late 2022. Phase 2 will:

• Share refined project goals.
• Review design options for delivering the greenway, showing how we can achieve these goals and the trade-offs associated with different approaches.
• Present the Bute Greenway in different ‘segments’ from shore-to-shore.
• Show a permanent Bute-Robson Plaza design, taking it from conceptual to proposed design.

We expect updated information and an online survey to accompany our Phase 2 launch in late 2022.

Phase 2 gives us a great opportunity to test different ideas and determine design priorities ahead of presenting a ‘preferred design option’ for a future greenway on Bute St in Phase 3. We look forward to hearing from you then.

The City of Vancouver is developing a new permanent plaza design at Bute-Robson, to build on the success of trial and interim phases of the plaza, and help address the need for “social” public spaces in the Downtown area. Based on the previous feedback, we have developed a draft conceptual design for the future permanent plaza. Your input will help us develop a detailed design. There will be opportunities to provide feedback on the recommended design next year.

Background

In summer 2017, the City of Vancouver implemented a trial pavement-to-plaza on Bute Street south of Robson Street, in partnership with the Robson Street Business Association by re-purposing road space. The addition of street furniture such as seating with umbrellas, a piano, playful elements and planters, invited people to stop and stay, which resulted in strong support for the plaza.

In November 2017, with strong community support, Council voted unanimously to approve a permanent plaza and extend the current trial as an interim plaza until a final plaza is designed and constructed.

Public engagements for trial and interim phases of Bute-Robson Plaza include:

• Series of workshops with youth, seniors and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for public space and walking, cycling and rolling improvements along Bute Street.
• Pop-up engagement through Places for People Downtown Strategy to learn what’s working what can be improved at Bute-Robson Plaza and big ideas for Bute Greenway.
• Staff used this input to create draft project goals for Bute Greenway and develop a draft concept for a permanent design of Bute-Robson Plaza.

Over the years, in partnership with the local Business Improvement Association, the City has tested different layouts, measured traffic impacts, observed behavior in the space, and asked for input from community members.

This project is supported by the Transportation 2040 Plan, West End Community Plan, 2019-2022 Capital Plan, and Places for People Downtown Strategy, all of which encourage the creation of public plazas and gathering spaces across Vancouver.

The Bute Greenway project complements new housing options, community facility and public realm projects and aligns with Parks Board initiatives such as Imagine West End Waterfront, all the while helping meet our Climate Emergency Action Plan targets.

In addition, Bute Street has been identified as a key walking, rolling and cycling route with additional pedestrian priority measures and public realm improvements in the:

• 2013 West End Community Plan and Public Benefits Strategy
• 2020 Places For People: Downtown Public Space Strategy
• 2018- 2022 Five-Year Cycling Network
• 2018- 2022 Capital Plan

Find these plans and policy documents under "Important Links" tab.

If you are unable to provide feedback online, please email us your feedback at butegreenway@vancouver.ca.

• Paper copies of the surveys are available at community locations: West End Community Centre, Coal Harbour Community Centre and Vancouver Aquatic Centre.
• Download a PDF of Bute Greenway - Phase 1 Survey

How to submit the paper copy?

• Drop-off the paper survey at one of the community locations mentioned above.
• You can scan and email us at butegreenway@vancouver.ca.
• Mail us the paper copy at the address mentioned on the last page of the paper survey.