Frequently asked questions

The Portside Greenway is a 7 km route following the city’s northern edge along the east Vancouver waterfront, spanning between the heart of Gastown and the city’s eastern boundary where it links with Burnaby’s path system as well as the North Shore. 

Much of the route exists today in the form of local street bike routes and multi-use paths of varying quality. From west to east, it generally follows Alexander Street, the Powell Street Overpass, Wall Street, and Bridgeway Street. There is a major gap in the route between McLean Drive and Lakewood Drive.

Map of the current Portside Greenway route and gap

There are five project goals:

1. Make walking, biking and rolling accessible, safe and comfortable for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
2. Provide direct and intuitive connections to destinations and the city's broader walking and cycling networks
3. Create a great overall experience that increases public spaces and celebrates views, provides moments for rest and play, responds to local community needs, and respects and draws inspiration from local stories and histories
4. Provide opportunities to connect with nature and improve rainwater management
5. Accommodate motor vehicles, ensuring efficient transit and emergency access, and considering neighbourhood circulation

Much of the route exists today as a local bike route or shared multi-use path of varying quality. There is also a protected lane section on the Powell Street overpass. However the route has a number of issues, for example:

• The route is not continuous, with a major cycling gap between McLean and Lakewood Drive
• Some sections have narrow or missing sidewalks, or lack accessibility features such as curb ramps
• Some areas are uncomfortable for many people to roll or cycle on, for instance because of motor vehicle volumes or speeds or narrow shared paths.
• Some areas lack public gathering areas, parks, green rainwater infrastructure, seating, or other greenway amenities

There are unique sections along the greenway, each with different challenges and opportunities. Refer to the information boards (PDF, 20.6 MB) to learn more.

The Portside Greenway has been identified in numerous city and regional plans over the years, including the Greenways Plan (1995) (PDF, 7.6 MB), Transportation 2040 (2012), Metro Vancouver Regional Greenways 2050 (2020), the TransLink Major Bike Network (2021), and Vancouver Plan (2022). It is included in the 2023-2026 Capital Plan and will support key civic priorities including equity and climate action in an underserved part of the city.

Much of the Portside Greenway already exists as a bike route; however, amenities are limited, some sections are of low quality, and there are major gaps and safety concerns for people who walk, bike and roll. 

Greenways are car-light to car-free all ages and abilities (AAA) active transportation corridors that serve as high-quality continuous public spaces.

Learn more about our vision for greenways in Vancouver Plan.

The project will be delivered using a phased approach with construction beginning as early as late 2024. Staff will coordinate implementation with other utility upgrades and street restoration in the area to minimize disruptions.

Following the first phase of engagement, each section may advance at a different pace. Minor improvements could be delivered quickly, while major changes could take more time. Interim designs may be put in place where permanent designs must be coordinated with other work in the area (e.g. utility upgrades).

Yes, the Portside Greenway is included in the City's 2023-2026 Capital Plan.

There will be several phases of public engagement.

• Phase 1 (goals, ideas, concerns, experiences – April/May 2023) is now complete. During this phase, we invited the public to discuss project goals and how they use the greenway today, and share any specific ideas and concerns. Staff are using this input to advance design concepts for various sections of the greenway.
• In phase 2 (initial concepts – early 2024), the public will learn what was heard in Phase 1, and offer feedback on early concepts. Staff will use this input to further evaluate and refine option(s).
• In phase 3 (refined concepts – late 2024), the public will learn what was heard in Phase 2, and offer feedback on more detailed design(s). Staff will use this input to further refine and evaluate remaining option(s), and make final recommendations.

The project has different segments, each with unique challenges and opportunities. After Phase 1, different segments may advance at their own pace, and could be delivered on different timelines.

For each phase, there will be open houses and online surveys. Online workshops and site tours may be offered to allow for deeper engagement with stakeholders and other interested members of the public.

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