False Creek, Vancouver – Field Trip

False Creek, Vancouver – Field Trip This tour of False Creek in central Vancouver highlights the redevelopment of the inlet over the course of the past century. Originally extending almost a kilometre to the east of Main Street as a mudflat, False Creek has been in- filled and redeveloped several times as the city has grown from a small sawmill town into a global city. The second map gives a visual summary of the history of in-filling, or “reclamation” of this area of Vancouver. This field trip is a walking tour and will take about 4-5 hours to complete, depending on pace. WE WILL MEET OUTSIDE OF THE MAIN FRONT DOORS OF PACIFIC CENTRAL STATION AT 12PM ON MARCH 13. WE WILL FINISH AT THE SAME LOCATION JUST BEFORE 5PM. There are several opportunities to eat, drink, and rest along the route. As we walk, look at the many signs detailing the history of the area. Take note of significant dates of buildings and events that are indicated. Try to place what you see into the broader context of what you have learned / are learning about the historical-geographic development of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada. The following is background information on each of the 17 sites noted on the first map above. 1) Vancouver Pacific Central Station. Main hub for incoming public transport (train, motor coach). This spot and to the east are part of the “reclaimed” mudflats that were filled in by 1928. The filled in area was meant to provide industrial lands for the growing city. 2) Science World. Built for Expo 86 (The 1986 World’s Fair, or Exposition). The Expo site covered the entire north side of False Creek, with Science World at the eastern boundary and the Granville St. Bridge at the western boundary. Hosting the event has been identified as a key moment in the city’s emergence as a globally recognized city. 3) Olympic Village Redevelopment. The southeast area of False Creek was the last to be transformed from industrial uses that dated back to the late-19th and early-20th centuries (sawmills, marine works, warehouses). After sitting derelict for decades, redevelopment was spurred by the City’s hosting of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This area was the main Athlete’s Village during the Games. The arrangement with the City stipulated that following the Games, the apartment units would be sold off (most at market value, some as social housing) with the profits going to the City to cover its investment in the Games. The financial benefits have been slow to come to the city, and the area is only now beginning to gain a vibrant community feel. 4) Ecological Restoration Project. An interesting attempt to regenerate an ecosystem and habitat that hasn’t existed in this polluted urban waterway for more than a century. 5) Housing Redevelopment. To the west of the Athlete’s Village, from the Cambie Street Bridge to Granville Island, is the site of one of Vancouver’s most ambitious redevelopment projects. In the 1970s and 1980s, industrial lands were cleared and cleaned up and high density, pedestrian-friendly communities were built. Sites 6 and 7 on the map show different stages of this redevelopment. 8) Granville Island. Redeveloped along with the residential projects mentioned above, this area is a key recreation / shopping / entertainment spot in Vancouver for locals and tourists alike. Take some time to explore. The market, restaurants, community centres, cafes, and studios make for a very vibrant social mix. 9) Ocean Cement Plant. An industrial survivor of redevelopment. This is a purposeful blending of industrial land use into an otherwise non-industrial space… kinda cool. 10) False Creek Ferries. If feasible, hop on one of the little ferries going to David Lam Park. There are schedules and fares posted at the ferry dock. If you can’t get a ferry, simply turn around and retrace your steps back to Central Station. As you do this, look to the north side for the next sites. 11) Redeveloped Expo 86 site. The lands on the north side of the inlet were the site of Expo 86. National pavilions, rides, theatres, and restaurants were built on the former industrial lands for this event. Following the Exposition the fairgrounds were dismantled and private developers redeveloped the area once more, this time into a high density, pedestrian-friendly residential area. Sites 12 and 13 are part of the same area. 14) Plaza of Nations. One of the few remaining physical reminders of Expo 86, this area has long been under- used and is currently adjacent to a casino (the enlargement of which has been opposed by local residents). There will likely be a redevelopment scheme along soon for this area. 15) Final Piece of Undeveloped Land. Slated for development soon, this area in the northeast of the inlet is the last piece of the False Creek redevelopment. Mostly parking lots for the last few decades, it was the site of Molson Indy auto racing in the 1990s. 17) (Sorry – skipped 16 in making the map!) BC Place. Built in the 1980s, and renovated in the last few years, this building is owned by the BC Government and is home to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. It was also the stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Games were held. 18) Rogers Arena. Built in the 1990s, this privately owned arena is home to the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. .

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