St. George Rainway
St. George Rainway is a green rainwater infrastructure and sustainable transportation project that aims to re-imagine the street to support nature, mobility, community and learning.
What is happening?
The St. George Rainway was first envisioned by a group of community volunteers who wanted to add urban nature back into the streetscape while creating opportunities for artistic expression, education activities, and community gathering. In 2020, City of Vancouver began public consultation to make this project a reality. The Rainway will use green rainwater infrastructure to:
- Reduce street flooding
- Treat rainwater pollutants from roadways
- Reduce combined sewer overflows into local waterways
- Enhance climate resiliency
- Increase biodiversity
- Cool the neighbourhood during summer heat
The project will also provide safety and comfort improvements for those who walk, bike and roll down St. George Street.
We have just completed our final phase of engagment of the Rainway concept design. A summary of the survey results are available here. What we hear in this final phase of public engagement will help city staff to develop a detailed design and construction drawings for the Rainway. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2023.
Stay involved
Throughout this year, we will be running a citizen science campaign using iNaturalist to measure biodiversity along the Rainway. Learn more by visiting our citizen science page. The Rainway will have other opportunities for involvement too as the project gets implemented. To stay up to date, please sign up for our mailing list on the top right side of this page.
St. George Rainway community mapping
Use this map to tell us what makes your neighbourhood unique. Share pictures and stories of:
- Biodiversity: What kind of birds, insects, and animals do you often see in your neighbourhood? We will use this information to help us decide what plants to use in the rainway to enhance biodiveristy
- Water ponding: Are there places in the neighbourhood where water tends to pond or pool? Tell us where.
- Special places: What are some of the special things about your neighbourhood?
- Opportunities: What ideas do you have for improvements to St. George Street?
St. George Rainway videos
What is Green Infrastructure?
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Green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) is an approach to rainwater management that uses a combination of engineered and nature-based solutions to protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Rainwater running off of hard, impermeable surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and rooftops is captured, stored, and filtered. The water then rejoins the water cycled by absorbing into the ground, returning to waterways and/or the surrounding atmosphere. GRI is both a drainage infrastructure tool as well as a method to manage and enhance urban water and natural systems. When integrated with grey infrastructure (traditional sewage and pipe systems), GRI can provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Contact us
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Email raincity@vancouver.ca
