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City looking for ‘Arbutus Champions’ to collaborate at its ‘design jam’

Vancouver residents invited to help design Arbutus Greenway
greenway
The city is inviting residents to apply for one of 100 spots to help shape the future design of the Arbutus Greenway. Photo Jennifer Gauthier

Vancouverites can have their say on the future design of the Arbutus Greenway.

The city is inviting residents to apply for one of the 100 “Arbutus Champion” spots in the upcoming Arbutus Greenway Design Jam this fall. The four-day collaborative workshop will bring participants together to develop a draft design for the future Arbutus Greenway.

“The Arbutus Greenway is a profound boost to Vancouver’s public space and green transportation networks – the Design Jam is a historic opportunity to shape how people use this space,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “I encourage creative Vancouverites to join the workshop and unleash their big ideas as we take this extraordinary stretch of public land to the next level.”

The greenway has proved popular since opening earlier this year. The nine-kilometre corridor connects False Creek to the Fraser River. The current pathway is temporary, giving residents a chance to familiarize themselves with the route while plans to create a permanent pathway are under way.

The route currently includes an all-weather hard surface that is divided for walking and cycling, a bark mulch path for walking and jogging, washrooms, benches and Mobi bike share stations. Following the official opening last month, the city counted 2,000 cyclists and 700 pedestrians along the greenway.

The “design jam” is the next step in a multi-phased engagement process to plan the future of the greenway. The aim of the event is to get detailed public input into all aspects of the future design of the corridor with the ultimate goal of designing a vibrant public space for walking, cycling, public transportation, public art and community space.

The design jam will take place over two weekends in October.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to apply to be an Arbutus Champion. Participants will be randomly selected by location, age and gender to ensure representation across the city.

No experience is required, but applicants must be available for all four days of the design jam — Oct. 20 and 27 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Oct. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The city will also be gathering additional public input through open houses and online surveys.

To apply to be an Arbutus Champion, call 604-873-7470 or visit vancouver.ca/arbutusgreenway.

jkerr@vancourier.com