Imagine
Try to imagine Vancouver without Stanley Park, Kits beach, Spanish Bank, the waterfront of the Endowment Lands, and English Bay. The iconic images of Vancouver are of those of the public waterfronts. Vancouverites treasure these invaluable spaces. They are places for relaxation, to meet friends, to enjoy the spectacular mountain and ocean views. For those who live in small spaces the public waterfront is their "living" room. Throughout its history Vancouver has always recognized the importance of public waterfront and has acted to preserve it. No other waterfront is more spectacular than the Central Waterfront - it must be saved as a public space and kept in public hands.
Developers often view land in terms of costs and profits. Communities understand value.
What is the value of the Central Waterfront?
- rare greenspace east of downtown
- a nationally significant historical site: the birthplace of Vancouver and the location of a traditional portage that connected the harbour and false creek
- a place to remember and heal: the location of the memorial to the Missing Women
- the only wetland in central Vancouver: nesting and feeding habitat for numerous bird species
- the only waterfront childern's play ground serving Gastown, Downtown and the Downtown Eastside.
- a public space for community gatherings and events
- a year-round living room for all Vancouverites
