First thing first, in case you aren’t aware, the View Cone Policy safeguards against the loss of beautiful views in cities where buildings are making it increasingly hard to spot the sky. And, on Wednesday, the Vancouver City Council eased up the policy. As expected, the move has triggered a round of outrage among city dwellers.
The View Cones Policy also called the View Protection Guidelines, was passed in 1989. In line with the policy, a number of views from various Vancouver locations were identified to be preserved. In order to achieve the same, developers need to construct their projects in such a manner so the view is not obstructed. In some cases, construction at such a spot is entirely avoided by the developers.
City staff stated in a report to Council, “Vancouver’s protected public views, often referred to as ‘view cones,’ are considered a defining element of Vancouver’s brand. For residents, visitors and newcomers, these views maintain a vital connection to nature and shape the city’s unique identity.”
As the city grapples with a housing crisis, sticking to view cones is becoming increasingly difficult. The same issue has been brought up across various City administrations.
On Wednesday, City staff introduced new Public Views Guidelines. Out of the 38 pre-existing view cones from 18 origin points, 14 view cones and two origin points were eliminated, bringing the number of view cones down to 24. In addition, 11 view cones also got an upgrade, which means they have either been narrowed, relocated, or redefined.
Here are the 11 view cones:
A – Alder Terrace
E2.1 – Cambie Bridge
G1.1 – Olympic Shipyard Pier
G1.2 – Olympic Shipyard Pier
J1.1 – Creekside Park
J1.2 – Creekside Park
9.1 – Cambie Street
9.2.1 – Cambie Street
20.1 – Granville Street
21 – Commercial Drive
22 – Main Street
13 retained view cones:
B1 – Charleson Seawall
B2 – Charleson Seawall
D – Heather Bay
H – Olympic Village Plaza
K – Drake Street
3.2.1 – Queen Elizabeth Park
3.2.2 – Queen Elizabeth Park
3.2.3 – Queen Elizabeth Park
3.2.4 – Queen Elizabeth Park
10 – Granville Island
12.2 – Granville Bridge
27.1 – Trout Lake
27.2 – Trout Lake
14 eliminated view cones:
C1 – Laurel Landbridge
C2.1 – Laurel Landbridge
C2.2 – Laurel Landbridge
E1 – Cambie Bridge
E2.2 – Cambie Bridge
E3 – Cambie Bridge
F1.1 – Choklit Park
F1.2 – Choklit Park
F1.3 – Choklit Park
12.1 – Granville Bridge
3.1 – Queen Elizabeth Park
3.2.4a – Queen Elizabeth Park
9.2.2 – Cambie Street
20.2 – Granville Street
As per Josh White, GM of Planning, Design, and Sustainability, “These changes will allow important public views to evolve with the city, balancing development with the preservation of natural elements to maintain a healthy and attractive urban environment.”
