As previously mentioned in Part 1 and Part 2, Vancouver is unique in its development. The geography of the city has played a major role in the city's development plan, from the mixed-use design to the stunted building heights, these are the results of urban planners adapting to the city's natural surroundings. Those of us fortunate enough to spend time in Vancouver know that the touch of nature within and surrounding the city lifts the spirit. The mountains serve as an excellent backdrop to a picturesque skyline, ensuring a little green everywhere you look, and this is no accident. Vancouverites today certainly associate themselves with sustainability, nature, and being "green" as efforts are being made to make Vancouver the "greenest city in the world". However even in the late 70's, the connection to nature was important to those who lived here. Thats why in 1989 the City of Vancouver protected the view corridors of 27 locations, blocking the development of high rise towers to intrude the space. This was important as (we previously mentioned) the limited available land for development meant growing upwards, blocking the views. The City has successfully preserved these views, despite constant pressure from architects and developers who would like to build higher and create more residences. The increasing population in Vancouver has created a large demand for downtown condos, meaning each new tower is leaving money on the table for each floor that is deemed too high by the City. While those that wish to make more money dislike the idea of the view corridors, there are plenty that issue high praise and wish to emulate Vancouver. It is certainly a unique concept that defines Vancouver, both past and present, shaped by its surroundings.
The History of the View Protection
From the City of Vancouver website:
"In 1978 and 1979 the City conducted two surveys to capture the public's goals for Vancouver. In the surveys, residents identified their highest priorities including preserving the views of the shoreline, the downtown skyline and the North Shore.
In the late 1980s, the City began plans to develop in the south side of downtown and along the north shore of False Creek. It was possible that - without a structured approach to building height limits and location - views of the downtown, the mountains and the False Creek waters could be blocked by buildings.
In 1988, the City began the Vancouver Views study to better understand the public's perspective. The study resulted in a proposed view protection policy and established the City's protected view corridors."
Since then the policy has protected the view of the north shore mountains, the downtown skyline and False Creek from a number of public view points along the south shore of False Creek, arterial roadways, and from the Granville and Cambie bridges. A number of new buildings have been added to the downtown skyline since the policy implementation. The location and design of each building was determined in part with the view corridors, resulting in changes in order to preserve panoramic and narrow views downtown.
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| Proposed Building Simulation for View Protection |
What are the elements of a view corridor?
View Sub-sections - Some are divided into sub-sections to work with existing building heights, each sub-section allows for a different maximum bldg height
View Origin - The view point that the average (5'-6" tall) person would have of the corridor
Where are they located?
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| Examples of the View Corridors at work |
You can check out some of the view corridors here or see below for a map and list of view corridor locations.
To match with the map above:
12.1.1 – Granville Bridge above Granville Island to Crown/Grouse Mountain
12.1.2 - Granville Bridge at mid-point to Crown/Grouse Mountain
12.1.3 - Granville Bridge above north shore edge to Crown/Grouse Mountain
12.2 - Granville Bridge at mid-point to Mount Seymour
A – Alder Terrace viewing platform below Lamey’s Mill Road to Mount Seymour
B1 – Charleson Seawall below Charleson Park to the Lions
B2 - Charleson Seawall below Charleson Park to Crown/Grouse
C1 – Laurel Landbride (north end) to the Lions
C2 – Laurel Landbridge (north end) to Crown/Grouse (includes C2.1 & C2.2)
D – Heather Bay water’s edge at Leg in Boot Square
E1 – Cambie Bridge from mid point to Crown/Grouse
E2 – Cambie Bridge above the south shore of False Creek to Mount Seymour
(includes E2.1 & E2.2)
9.1 –Cambie Street between 10th and 11th Avenues to North Shore Mountains
9.2 –Cambie Street at 12th Avenue to North Shore Mountains (includes 9.2.1 & 9.2.2)
3.1 –Queen Elizabeth Park viewing area north of conservatory to Downtown Skyline
3.2 -Queen Elizabeth Park viewing area north of conservatory to North Shore Mtns.
(includes 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.4a & 3.2.4b)
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| View Corridor from False Creek - Mountains becoming less visible |
The Value of the View Corridors:
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| One of the "narrow" view corridors |
The view corridors themselves truly distinguishes the city. The relationship they harbour between the city skyline and the picturesque mountain setting is signature Vancouver. The backdrop of the mountains behind Vancouver's skyline signifies the city's connection to nature and aligns with its goals around sustainability. The city is fighting to protect the beautiful natural environment around us with its green motives, while protecting our ability to see it through the view corridors. Vancouver's meticulous urban planning has created an environment and society that the people enjoy. The view corridors bring in the surrounding nature and give the habitants room to breathe, rather than be smothered by the concrete, steel and glass of high-rise cities. Vancouver's unique geographical location, nestled between the mountains and ocean, has shaped the way the city was built. Out of necessity "Vancouverism" was developed to utilize the small land available and out of appreciation for the surrounding nature the view corridors were created. The results are a unique city with natural beauty that is unmatched worldwide.
What are you thoughts on view corridors? Keep them or develop higher to reduce demand in the housing market?
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