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2 Sunset Community Vision

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Vision HighlightsSunset TodaySunset is located on Vancouver’s sunny southern slope. Residentsappreciate Sunset’s pleasant single-family neighbourhoods and culturaldiversity. Parks and recreational facilities, such as Memorial Park Southand the Sunset Community Centre are well-used by families in the area.The busy shopping areas along Fraser Street and Main Street are thecommercial centres of the community, providing a range of shops andservices. These are just some of the valued aspects of the communitythat the Sunset Vision seeks to maintain.

At the same time, the Vision identifies issues that need to be addressed:littering and garbage overflow along streets, lanes and in parks; trafficimpacts along major streets; public safety and crime; and the inadequacyof area parks, recreational programs and facilities to meet the needs ofthe resident population, especially young people.The Vision supportsinitiatives that will make Sunset cleaner, safer, and greener along itsbusy main streets and within its residential neighbourhoods, providemore and improved parks, recreational programs and facilities andensure that as new housing is added it will be of a scale that fits with theexisting predominantly low scale.

Clean-up the EnvironmentThe Vision suggests a range of actions to improve the environmentincluding expanded education and voluntary action as well as regulationand enforcement. Greater co-operation between residents, businessesand the City will help keep Sunset’s streets and shopping areas clean.Special pick-up of hazardous and bulky items should be instituted,along with more garbage bins on streets and in parks. Recycling,composting and water conservation should be promoted througheducation geared to a range of ages and languages. Walking, cycling andtransit should be encouraged to reduce air pollution.

Tame Arterial TrafficSunset has some of the city’s busiest streets: Knight, 41st, Marine andMain. The Sunset Vision calls for these arterials to be upgraded forpedestrians, cyclists and transit users through improved crossings,better design of intersections, more street trees and landscaping; andenforcement of traffic regulations, particularly for trucks. Traffic calmingshould be provided where needed in residential areas.

Improvements for Walking, Biking and Public TransitPlanned routes for City Greenways and Bikeways should be imple-mented as soon as possible, along with general improvements forcommonly-used walking and biking routes within Sunset. Speed andease of transit use should be improved on all routes through transitpriority measures like bus bulges and signal priorities for buses. Limited-stop express service should be added on high volume routes, and thetransit “experience” improved for people waiting for or riding ontransit.

3Sunset Community Vision

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Index PageMore Community InvolvementSunset residents should have greater and more timely input into deci-sion-making concerning changes in their community, involving matterslike provision of facilities and services, development projects, street andtraffic changes and park design.

Improve Services and FacilitiesMore facilities and services are needed to serve Sunset’s growing anddiverse population, especially young people. This can be done by creat-ing more community centre space and adding a skateboard park, waterspray parks, playgrounds and an indoor pool. Services should be im-proved for seniors, preferably at Sunset Community Centre. All commu-nity programs and services should encourage the participation of new-comers and non-English speakers.

Greener NeighbourhoodsParks and school grounds should better meet the recreational needs of agrowing and diverse population. More parks and neighbourhoodgreenways should be developed, especially in underserved areas. Thereshould be more greening of streets and lanes, including planting andprotecting street trees; encouraging residents to plant in yards, onboulevards and in traffic circles; and mini-parks along the Fraser River.The community should be involved in park design and stewardship.

Better Shopping Areas on Main and Fraser StreetThe Main Street and Fraser Street shopping areas should be strengthenedto reflect their role as neighbourhood retail centres and communityplaces. They should continue to offer a range of local serving shops andservices. A safer, more attractive pedestrian environment should beencouraged through clean and uncluttered sidewalks, traffic controls,street trees and convenient parking. Efforts should be made to ensure asupermarket continues to be in the Fraser Street shopping area. Businessassociations and BIA’s should be supported and encouraged.

More Focus on Safety and Crime PreventionThe Sunset Vision calls for individuals, businesses, community and theCity to strengthen their crime prevention efforts. Individuals should takeactions like joining Block Watch, getting to know their neighbours, andburglar-proofing their homes. Ongoing funding of Community PolicingCentres should be secured to improve the stability and effectiveness ofthese volunteer-based programs. More police patrols should be added,particularly in high crime areas of the community. Public safety should beconsidered in the design and maintenance of parks.

New Housing ChoicesFuture demand for additional housing in Sunset should be met with infilland duplex housing that is compatible with the existing low neighbour-hood scale. Design controls should ensure attractive design, good land-scaping, and adequate parking for these new housing types as well as fornew single-family housing. Adequate community services and facilitiesmust be provided for the additional population. Developments forseniors should be considered near parks, shopping and transit.


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Index PageAn Overview Of The CommunityVisions Program

This Vision is based onCityPlan:Directions for Vancouver,which was adopted in 1995 as anoverall vision for the city. In July1996 Council approved theCommunity Visions Program as away of bringing CityPlan’s city-widedirections to the community leveland reaching all communitieswithin several years. The programTerms of Reference describe theground rules and process forcreating a Community Vision. Theprogram asks each community toimplement CityPlan directions in away and at a scale and pace thatsuits the community. Dunbar andKensington-Cedar Cottage (KCC)were selected through a publicforum, and endorsed by Council,as the two pilot project areas forVisions. Sunset and Victoria-Fraserview/Killarney were the nexttwo areas to complete theirvisions.

Vision BackgroundWhat Is This Vision?This Vision describes the kind of community that people who live and work inSunset want it to become over the next 10 to 20 years, and how CityPlan directionsshould be implemented in Sunset. It identifies what people value and want topreserve, what improvements are needed, and how change should occur. It will beused at City Hall to help set priorities for capital projects, direct City programs andservices, and make decisions affecting this community. It is also an opportunity forcommunity organizations and individuals to act on programs that the community hasendorsed.

How Was This Vision Created?The Vision Directions were developed by people who live and work in Sunset. Theprogram began in Spring 1999 with community outreach and a weekend Visions Fairin March 2000. The heart of the process was a series of intensive public workshopsin Spring 2000 where over 342 people spent many hours developing ideas andoptions on a variety of topics. From these sessions, Vision Directions were createdand published in the Community Vision Choices Survey, distributed to all house-holds, businesses, and property owners. In addition, a special random sample withthe same survey was done. Over 1600 people responded to the survey to create ashared Vision for the future. In December 2001 the Vision Directions that weresupported by the survey were approved by City Council.

A Community Liaison Group, which was composed of a wide range of communityvolunteers, provided continuity throughout the process, served as a “watchdog” ofthe process to ensure that community input was carried through, and advised staffon community outreach and other matters.


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Index PageThe following CityPlan

Directions provide a checklistfor Community Visions:

Strengthen neighbourhoodcentres

Provide shops, jobs, and servicesclose to home, and create safe,inviting public places to meet andsocialize.

Improve safety and better targetcommunity services

Identify ways to increase safety; tobetter provide community services;and to use arts and culturalactivities to support communityidentity and participation.

Reduce reliance on the carMake it easier to get around onfoot, by bike, and by transit.

Improve the environmentSuggest ways to improve airquality, conserve water andenergy, and reduce waste.

Increase the variety andaffordability of housingFind ways to help meet thehousing needs of communityresidents of all ages and incomes.

Define neighbourhood characterDefine what aspects of neighbour-hood character, heritage, andappearance to retain, and decidethe character of new development.

Diversify parks and publicplacesMeet park needs, and identify avariety of designs, activities, andlocations for all kinds of publicplaces, from play areas togreenways and gathering places.

Involve people and redirect

resourcesFind new ways to involve peopleand to redirect resources to bringCityPlan Directions and theCommunity Visions to life.

Making The Vision HappenThe Community Vision sets broad Directions for the future. Some of these Directionswill happen almost immediately, others over many years.

Implementing the Vision can be done without increases to the City budget. The Cityhas a wide variety of tools and programs that can be used to implement the Vision,like capital plans, zoning, traffic calming, business improvement area assistance,bikeways, and greenways. The Vision will help to set priorities and to direct funds toprograms which achieve the Vision over time.

Continued community involvement will be necessary, to set priorities and as VisionDirections are translated into actions and projects through more detailed planning— for example, to identify specific locations and design of new types of housing, andto design improvements to community shopping areas. Combined action by the Cityand the community is needed to make the Vision happen.


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Vision DirectionsIntroduction

This section presents the Vision Directions grouped into eight themes, with direc-tions for 29 specific topics. Different types of information are provided:

Background InformationIntroductory material for each theme and topic provides information on the existingsituation and on existing City policies and practices.

Vision DirectionsThe Survey asked people to respond to draft Directions on a range from StronglyAgree to Strongly Disagree. Below each Vision Direction is noted the percentageagreement it received in the general and random survey. Complete statistics andsurvey methodology are available in a separate publication Report on the Generaland Random Surveys.

Most Directions received enough agreement to become “Approved” -- 50% or morefrom the general survey respondents, and 55% from the random respondents.

When a Direction did not receive the necessary level of agreement, but agree votesstill outweighed disagree votes, the Direction is marked as “Not Approved (Uncer-tain)”. Comments are made about its future role. If a Direction has more disagreevotes than agree votes, it is noted as “Not Approved (Non-Support)”.

Some questions asked people to select from a list of options, rather than indicatelevel of agreement. Because respondents could select as many or few options as theywished , the results do not add up to 100%, and indicate relative preferences ratherthan “Support” or “Non-Support”.

People’s IdeasFor many Directions, there were specific ideas generated at the community work-shops, and these are listed. They are for information and future reference but arenot part of the formally approved Directions.

Topics Not Included In The Vision DirectionsThe Vision Directions cover the topics that were identified at the community work-shops as important for the community.

For some topics that were not addressed at the workshops, there are city-widepolicies already in place that will continue to apply in Sunset. Examples are policieson non-market housing for lower income households, special needs residentialfacilities, and heritage preservation. These are described in “sidebars” within thisdocument. Where rezoning is required, community consultation takes place on aproject specific basis.

For any other topics not included in the Vision Directions, the City will still need toconsult before major changes are made in the community.


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Traffic andTransportation

Traffic and its impacts are major issues in Sunset. Sunsethas some of the City’s busiest streets – in terms of bothcar and truck traffic. Knight, 41st, Marine, and Main

carry more than 25,000 vehicles per 24-hour period. Knightis also the City’s most heavily-used arterial for truck travel,followed closely by 41st and Marine. Knight, along with 49thand Marine, has some of the most dangerous intersections inthe city (e.g. Knight and 49th had 59 crashes in 1995, themost recorded in the city).

This Vision addresses a number of transportation issues anddirections for Sunset, including improvements for pedestri-ans, cyclists, and transit riders, and general safety. (Otherdirections related to streets are in SHOPPING AREAS orGREENING PARKS, STREETS, AND LANES.)The specific streets identified as priority are:• the busiest streets in Sunset (Knight, Main, 41st, and

Marine)• less-busy streets where pedestrians, bicycles and transit

should be encouraged (Fraser and 49th)• a street which should be removed from the arterial system

(57th Avenue).


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Index PageTypes of Streets

Primary arterials: serve throughtraffic and provide access to theregion’s major roads. Theygenerally have two or more movinglanes of traffic in each direction,high traffic volumes, traffic signals,and rush hour parking or turningrestrictions. Most are truck andtransit routes.

Secondary arterials: also servethrough traffic but they aregenerally narrower and less busythan primary arterials (althoughsome, like 12th, have high trafficvolumes). They may not be bus ortruck routes.

Collector streets: provide aconvenient route through aneighbourhood linking local streetsto arterials. Traffic volumes shouldbe lower than for secondaryarterials and they should not bedesigned to serve through trips.

Local streets: provide access tohomes. They are generallybordered by residential uses andused primarily by residents of theneighbourhood. Traffic volumesare low.

Truck routes: provide throughroutes for large trucks (generallytrucks with three or more axles) ondesignated primary and secondaryarterial streets. These trucks musttravel on truck routes except whentheir origin or destination is not ona truck route—then they must takethe shortest route to the closesttruck route.

Knight Street: truck route needs speed control,safer crossings, more planting

1 Knight Street

Knight is, and will continue to be, one ofthe busiest streets in the city. It is thecity’s major north-south truck routelinking the Knight Street Bridge to theport. This makes it a difficult street tolive on, walk along, or cross. The Trans-portation Plan calls for a study of thewhole Knight/Clark route, responding tothe need to maintain truck access whileimproving conditions for those who liveon or near the street.

1.1 Knight StreetApprovedThe conditions and safety along Knightfor residents, pedestrians, and transitusers should be substantially improvedby:• improving pedestrian crossings• more enforcement of traffic rules and

regulations

• making intersections safer

• further regulation of trucks

• adding trees, other plantings, andpublic art

Percent agree 81%/84%

People’s Ideas…• restrict hours of truck use, trucksuse middle lanes only, no use ofengine brakes

• shorten waiting times at pedes-trian-activated signals

• synchronize lights and add warn-ing that lights are about to change toreduce ‘red-light running’

• add left-turn bays or signals atbusy intersections to reduce short-cutting through neighbourhoods(e.g. 49th and Knight, 57th andKnight)• use cameras to enforce speedlimits and reduce ‘red-light running’(e.g. 49th and Knight, 41st andKnight)

• restrict traffic to fewer lanes (thenextend sidewalks, or create a me-dian refuge or use for bike or buslane), or retain on-street parking atall times

• support trip reduction plans (e.g.‘walking school bus’: encourageparents to take turns walkinggroups of neighbourhood childrento school)

• provide trees and planting to helpcontrol air and noise pollution,create a visual barrier between carsand sidewalk, and slow down cars

2 Main, 41st, and Marine

Main, 41st, and Marine are primaryarterials, and will continue to be used bytraffic travelling across the city andregion. They are all transit and truckroutes. Traffic volumes and vehiclemixes make them difficult streets to liveon or cross. Main has special needs forpedestrian movement among its retailstores (see SHOPPING AREAS).


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Marine: regional route needsmore enforcement of trafficregulations

The City’s Transportation Plan

The City’s Transportation Plan wasapproved by City Council in May1997. The Plan’s most importantdirections include:• not expanding the existing

network of arterial roads in thecity

• improved transit and expandedcycling

• better conditions for pedestri-ans, especially in communityshopping areas

• traffic calming to protectneighbourhoods from throughtraffic

• improved truck access formoving goods

• future growth in commuter tripsto the downtown to be served bytransit, instead of creating morecar trips.

The proposals developed byworkshop participants support theTransportation Plan, applying thePlan’s directions more specificallyto situations in the community.

Fraser: secondary arterial needs increased priorityfor pedestrians, bicycles, and transit

The Vision suggests these busy streetsshould be made safer and more attrac-tive for pedestrians.

2.1 Main, 41st, and MarineApprovedMain, 41st, and Marine should have theconditions and safety for residents,pedestrians, and transit users substan-tially improved by:• improving pedestrian crossings

• more enforcement of traffic rules andregulations, including parking regula-tions





People’s Ideas…• shorten waiting time for pedes-trian-activated signals (e.g. 45th andMain, Marine and Main, Ross andMarine, 43rd and Main)

• consider grade-separated cross-ings, refuge medians, and/or curbbulges

• synchronize lights and add warn-ing that lights are about to change toreduce ‘red-light running’• add left-turn bays or signals atbusy intersections (e.g. 49th andMain, 57th and Main, Main andMarine)

• use cameras to enforce speedlimits and reduce ‘red-light running’

• restrict traffic to fewer lanes (thenextend sidewalks, or create medianrefuge or use for bike or bus lane),or retain on-street parking at alltimes

• restrict hours of truck use, trucksuse inside lanes only, no use ofengine brakes

• add trees and planting to help tocontrol air and noise pollution,create a visual barrier between carsand sidewalk and slow down cars

• prevent people from using sidestreets to avoid congestion at 41stand Main

3 Fraser and 49th

Fraser and 49th are secondary arterialsand designated in the TransportationPlan as having potential for ‘increasedpriority for pedestrians, bicycles, andtransit. Fraser is a truck route with along commercial area, which createsproblems for pedestrians.

3.1 Fraser and 49thApprovedThe conditions and safety for residents,pedestrians, and transit users alongFraser and 49th should be substantiallyimproved by:• improving pedestrian crossings• more enforcement of traffic rules and

regulations, including parking





People’s Ideas…• shorten waiting times for pedes-trian-activated signals (e.g. 49th andWindsor, 61st and Fraser)

• consider grade-separated cross-ings, refuge medians, and/or curbbulges

• synchronize lights and add warn-ing that lights are about to change toreduce ‘red-light running’

• add left-turn bays or signals atbusy intersections (e.g. 49th andFraser, 57th and Fraser)• use cameras to enforce speedlimits and reduce ‘red-light running’(e.g. Fraser and Marine, 49th andFraser)


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Index PageCurrent Traffic CalmingApproaches

Neighbourhood-wide trafficcalming plan: needed whencalming on one street would diverttraffic to other residential streets.This approach can take two tothree years to complete, involvingmany public meetings, openhouses, and surveys.

Property-owner initiated circles

or bulges: owners agree to payfor a traffic calming device.Enough residents must vote for theinitiative, and then all residentscontribute to the cost of theimprovement.

Criteria-based traffic calming:used for an individual problemstreet or street segment. Theprocess starts with a residentrequesting calming on a street.City staff evaluate the requestusing criteria which measure theextent of the problem. The criteriaused by the City include:• high traffic volumes and/or

speeds• proximity to schools, play-

grounds, and other pedestrian/traffic generators

• proximity to a Greenway orBikeway

• area subject to City-initiatedprojects

• recent increases in traffic due tonew development or other trafficchanges.

Based on the evaluation, eachrequest is placed on a priority listof streets to be calmed. Each yearthe City pays for traffic calming onthe highest priority streets. Streetsnot funded in one year are carriedover to the next year’s list.

57th: redesignate as collector

• restrict traffic to fewer lanes (thenextend sidewalks, or create medianrefuge or use for bike or bus lane),or retain on-street parking at alltimes

• restrict hours of truck use, trucksuse inside lanes only, no use ofengine brakes

• add trees and other planting tohelp control air and noise pollution,create a visual barrier between carsand sidewalk and slow down cars

4 57th Avenue

57th is a secondary arterial which carriesrelatively low traffic volumes and passesthrough predominantly residentialneighbourhoods. The TransportationPlan proposes, and Vision Directionsupports reclassification to a neighbour-hood collector. As a neighbourhoodcollector 57th would continue to givelocal traffic access to arterial roads but itwould not be widened or improved toincrease the amount of traffic it carries.

4.1 Redesignate 57th AvenueApprovedIn accordance with the proposal in theTransportation Plan, the City shouldredesignate 57th as a neighbourhoodcollector to ensure the street is notwidened or changed to accommodateincreased traffic volumes or speeds.Percent agree 61%/59%

4.2 Conditions and Safety along57th

ApprovedConditions and safety for residents,pedestrians, and transit users along 57thshould be improved by:• improving pedestrian crossings

• reducing speed limits

• more enforcement of traffic rules andregulations (perhaps with cameras)



People’s Ideas…• shorten waiting times for pedes-trian-activated signals (e.g. 57th andRoss, Main, Knight, Fraser,Sherbrooke, and Prince Edward)

• consider grade separated cross-ings, refuge medians, and/or curbbulges

• synchronize lights and add warn-ing that lights are about to changeto reduce ‘red-light running’

• add left-turn bays or signals atbusy intersections (e.g. 57th andMain, Knight)• remove on-street parking for peakperiods (e.g. within a block of majorintersections).

5 Traffic Calming on Residential Streets

Local streets should carry low volumesof local traffic travelling at moderatespeeds. The Transportation Plan recom-mends lowering the speed limit on localstreets to 40 km/h. In some cases,through and/or speeding traffic consist-ently occurs on local streets. Trafficcalming reduces the speed or volume oftraffic on these streets to increase safetyand livability. Traffic calming mayemploy traffic circles, speed humps,corner bulges, traffic diverters, stopsigns or other types of signs, streetclosures, street narrowing, raisedcrosswalks, and pedestrian islands/refuge areas (sometimes planted).Traffic calming can be put in place usingone of three approaches (described inthe sidebar):


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Speed table; raised pedestrian crossing to slowcars

Bus bulge: helps bus priority,more boarding space

• neighbourhood-wide traffic calmingplan

• property owner-initiated and fundedcircles or bulges at intersections

• city-funded traffic calming on streetswith problems confirmed by measur-able criteria.

5.1 Traffic CalmingApprovedSunset residents should take advantageof the City’s traffic calming programs.Traffic calming measures should beprovided in residential areas in Sunsetwhere needed, in consultation with localresidents.Percent agree 75%/69%

5.2 Innovative Traffic CalmingMeasuresApprovedIn addition to the traffic calming meas-ures listed above (i.e. traffic circles,speed humps, etc.) the city shouldconsider using the following:• 40 km/h speed limit

• ‘chicanes’ (i.e. street wiggles)

• textured pavement to slow traffic

• public art/fountains

• encourage street-reclaiming with blockparties and street festivals organizedby residents

• ‘woonerf’ or street layouts whichallow walking, playing, parking, andtraffic movement to equally share thestreet (maximum speed is pedestrianspeed)

• other innovative measures


6 Public Transit

The Transportation Plan recognized thatmuch of future growth in trips must beaccommodated by emphasizing transitusage on the existing road system(supplemented with rapid transit).Control of transit has recently passedfrom the provincial level to a regionalbody named TransLink which plans,finances, and operates the system.Within Vancouver, the City owns theroads the buses operate on and isresponsible for bus shelters, whethertraffic signals give priority to buses, andhow the streets are designed for buses.The Transportation Plan recommendsthat the City also work within theRegion to create:• better bus stops, bus shelters, and

boarding areas (e.g. with timetablesand maps)

• more frequent buses

• measures to give transit priority overcars on streets (e.g. bus bulges)

• community mini-buses

• a city-wide network of express busroutes (including 41st) and rapidtransit.

The Vision Directions address ways tomake transit use more attractive.


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Index PageGreenways

Streets and routes enhanced tocreate an interesting and safeenvironment for walking andrecreational cycling. TheVancouver Greenways Plan wasdeveloped with public consultationand approved in 1995. It identifiestwo kinds of Greenways: CityGreenways which have beenplanned to create a city-widenetwork (the Ridgeway route isnearing completion along 45th/37th); and NeighbourhoodGreenways which are intended tocreate pleasant local connections,are smaller in scale, and areinitiated by neighbourhood groups,who receive technical and fundingsupport from the City.

Bikeways

Bike routes which cross the city onlocal streets which parallelarterials. These streets havefeatures that make them ‘bicycle-friendly’. For example, trafficcircles can be installed to slowcars but not bikes, and cyclist-activated crossing signals can beprovided where a Bikeway crossesa busy street.

Transit Priority on Main and FraserA City Council-approved study of various‘transit priority measures’ on Main andFraser is underway. These may includesignal priority for buses (reducing delaysfor buses at traffic signals) and busbulges (extending the sidewalk into thecurb lane to reduce the distance forpedestrians to cross the street and toavoid the need for buses to move out ofand merge into traffic when picking uppassengers). The study is seeking toimprove transit travel times and reliabil-ity, in line with directions set out in theGVRD’s plan and the City’s Transporta-tion Plan.

6.1 Bus Priority MeasuresApprovedThe speed and ease of boarding of busesshould be improved on all routesthrough transit priority measures suchas signal priority and bus bulges startingon major routes like Main and Fraser.Percent agree 69%/69%

6.2 Limited Stop Express ServiceApprovedLimited stop express service should beadded on high volume routes.Percent agree 73%/75%

People’s Ideas…• reduce the number of bus stopsduring peak hours along majorroutes like 41st and 49th to reducetravel times

• add more express routes to getpeople to work on time

• have express buses on Main andFraser

• improve travel time to downtown

6.3 Improve the ‘Transit Experience’ApprovedThe ‘transit experience’ (the comfort,convenience, and efficiency experiencedby users as they wait for or ride thesystem) should be improved in order toattract riders.Percent agree 73%/70%

People’s Ideas…• post bus timetables and routemaps (consider enlarging print)

• improve boarding areas (e.g.weather protection, lighting andsecurity, bike racks, keep cleaner)

• provide washrooms at majorlocations

• increase transit promotions likecheaper bus passes• keep buses cleaner

6.4 Increase Bus CapacityApprovedTransLink’s efforts to increase thecapacity of the bus system should besupported.Percent agree 70%/70%

People’s Ideas…• increase bus size or frequency toreduce overcrowding

• quicken connections betweenroutes (e.g. 49th and Knight)

• provide more buses on Mainbecause they are always over-crowded• add articulated buses, lesscrowded and better ventilated

• expand bus hours of service (e.g.on Main and Marine)

6.5 Shuttle Bus South of 49th

ApprovedTransLink’s proposal to improve busservice through the use of a communityshuttle bus serving the areas south of49th should be implemented as soon aspossible.Percent agree 59%/54%

People’s Ideas…• use ‘taxi-buses’ with flexible,demand-responsive routes toconnect to the regular city bussystem and for use in non-peaktimes (reducing gas consumptionand air pollution)• provide mini-buses on Ross


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City-wide greenway: Ridgeway

Neighbourhood greenway: 19th and Fleming

Bikelanes

Narrow marked areas for bikes onsome arterial streets. This is arelatively new idea for Vancouver,introduced by the TransportationPlan.

The City is currently planning theOntario Street Greenway. It will bethe second city-wide Greenwayand will follow the existing OntarioBikeway linking False Creek to59th, connecting all of the schools,parks, and community centresalong the way. The goals of theOntario Greenway include: makingwalking and biking moreinteresting, reducing the impact ofthe car, and enhancing specialplaces on the route.

7 Greenways and Bikeways

Greenways, bikeways, and bikelanes areroutes designed to improve the experi-ence of walking and cycling within thecity. Work is underway through variousCity programs:• greenways, to provide much-enhanced

walking and cycling routes

• bikeways and bikelanes to providemore functional routes specifically forbikes.

7.1 City Greenway and BikewayRoutesApprovedThe planned routes for City greenwaysand bikeways should be implemented assoon as possible, including along 59thand the Fraser River. New bikewaysshould link major destinations withinand outside of Sunset (e.g. SunsetCommunity Centre) and should providesafe crossings at major streets. In addi-tion to the routes already planned by theCity, there should be:• a bikeway running east-west along

45th

• a bikeway running north-south alongPrince Edward

• a clear priority for bikes over cars at allnon-arterial intersections on bikeways.



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Bike parking in commercialareas

7.2 General Walking and BikingImprovementsApprovedThe frequently-used pedestrian andbiking routes within Sunset shown onthe map should have additionalgreening and other types of improve-ments:• better pedestrian and bike crossings of

arterials

• improved walking around parks,schools, and playgrounds

• beautification of walking routes (e.g.landscaping, benches)

• a cleaner environment in which towalk.


People’s Ideas…• build sidewalks along PrinceEdward

• make it easier for pedestrians andcyclists to cross Main and Marine

• improve lighting along Main andKnight

• improve difficult pedestrian andcyclist access to Superstore• divert more car traffic frombikeways

• clean-up Main and Fraser commer-cial areas

• improve parking lot behind Fraserthat is congested with pedestrianand car traffic

• 37th between Knight and Fraser iswell done

7.3 Bike Parking and RacksApprovedBike parking and racks should be morereadily available in Sunset, particularlyat major destinations.

People’s Ideas…• provide bike parking and lanes incommercial areas and at majortransit stations

• make bike racks available onbuses on all major transit routes


7.4 Bike Access for Fraser andMain Commercial AreasApprovedBike access to and through the Fraserand Main commercial areas should beimproved, including consideration ofbikelanes as part of a city-wide com-muter network (this would be consid-ered as part of a more detailed plan, tosee if it fits with improvements forpedestrians, shoppers, and transitusers).Percent agree 58%/60%


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Sunset has a large and diverse population with manylanguages, ethnic backgrounds, and income levels. Thepopulation has been growing and becoming more

diverse at a faster rate than the city as a whole. Almost equalshares of its population have English, Chinese, and Punjabi asa mother tongue. These factors create challenges to provid-ing the safety, recreational, and social services that peopleneed.

Most health and social services are funded by the Province,and provided either directly by Ministries or through variousagencies. The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board is responsi-ble for health and community care services, including manyfor seniors. Sunset is served by the South Community HealthOffice, one of five health units in the city. It is now located atKnight and 48th but the Board has actively considered relo-cation.

Two major immigrant service groups have offices in Sunset.SUCCESS provides a range of services to immigrants from itsoffice at 5838 Fraser Street. PICS provides employment assist-ance services to the Indo-Canadian community and Canton-ese speakers; their office is at 8161 Main Street.

Out of the broad range of services and service providerswithin Sunset, the Vision concentrates on services which areeither provided directly or partly funded by the City.

Safety,CommunityServicesandFacilities


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Index PagePaying for Services and FacilitiesThe City pays for many of the servicesand facilities involved in policing,recreation, libraries, and so forth, mainlythrough property taxes. Some newsources of funds — user charges andDevelopment Cost Levies — are nowbeing pursued by the City. The CityPlandirection on City finances is to continueto be cautious about increasing spend-ing. Generally speaking, new serviceswould need to be paid for by redirectingfunds now spent on other items or inother areas. There are also usually morerequests for new facilities than can befunded in any one period, so there isoften a waiting period of years before afacility is expanded or rebuilt.

8 Community Safety

Sunset’s overall crime rate is above theaverage for local areas in the city. In1998, the rate of property crimes inSunset ranked near the middle of therates found in the city’s local areas. Therate of crimes against people (‘violentcrimes’) at 15 crimes per thousandpeople was fifth highest among the city’stwenty-two local areas.Community Policing Centres (CPCs)have been created to improve commu-nity involvement in crime prevention.Sunset is covered by the South Vancou-ver CPC, although its office is locatedoutside the local area.Vision Directions address three compo-nents of crime prevention: individualactions, community initiatives, andpolicing approaches.

Special Needs ResidentialFacilities

The term ‘Special NeedsResidential Facilities’ (SNRFs)refers to various types of grouphousing for people who need someform of support or assistance intheir living place. People whobenefit from this housing includethe frail elderly, people with severephysical disabilities, batteredwomen, children in care, peoplewho have a mental illness, peoplewith developmental delays, peoplewho need emergency shelter,people under the supervision ofCorrections, and the terminally ill.The City’s zoning permits SNRFsin all residential zones. WithinSunset there are 9 SNRFs with 49beds. This represents 1% of theSNRF beds in the city. This islower than Sunset’s share of thecity’s population (6%). Many othercity neighbourhoods have at leastone large community care facilityfor frail seniors. Sunset has noseniors’ facilities, and the 9existing SNRFs serve a variety ofgroups in facilities with 4-9 beds.


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Index Page8.1 Individual Actions to ImproveSafetyApprovedIndividuals should take responsibility forreducing the likelihood they or theirproperty will be affected by crime.Possible actions include making theirhomes more burglar resistant, getting toknow their neighbours, joining BlockWatch, and using ‘street proof’ proce-dures when outside their homes.Percent agree 86%/88%

People’s Ideas…• report crimes and suspiciousactivities

• smile at and get to know yourneighbours, have block parties, andkeep an eye on each other

• join Block Watch, Park Watch,Speed Watch, and Safety Patrols

• keep valuables out of sight anddon’t leave valuables in cars

• seek out information on makingyour home and car more theftresistant, use motion sensitive lights• learn techniques to reduce riskwhen outside the home such as walkwith a companion, be alert whenwalking, avoid dangerous locations,etc.

8.2 Community Actions to ReduceCrimeApprovedCommunity Policing Centres shouldhave some on-going funding to ensurestability. CPCs, the City, the PoliceDepartment, residents, and businessesshould strengthen crime preventionefforts, including more citizen patrols,improved lighting in high crime areas,and wider use of crime prevention andeducation programs in schools.Percent agree 88%/93%

People’s Ideas…• establish ‘park watch’, ‘schoolwatch’, and ‘pooch patrol’ to reportillegal activity and prevent vandalism

• partner with ICBC for auto speedand theft reduction programs

• start crime prevention, and drug/alcohol programs as early as elemen-tary school

• attempt to get the CPC back intoSunset: organize volunteers, seekfunds, and provide space in thecommunity centre for a police office

• provide accessible (translated)material on how to identify andreport crimes including growoperations and drug dealing

• set up support groups for parentswho suspect their kids are involvedin criminal activities

• offer ‘house checks’ to assess theneed for security improvements• require youth to clean up graffitias punishment for vandalism

• paint murals to discourage graffition problem walls

8.3 Police Services MoreResponsive to Community NeedsApprovedPolice services should be more respon-sive to local concerns and needs. Thereshould be more patrols by police on footand bicycle, particularly in areas of thecommunity with high crime rates.Percent agree 89%/95%

People’s Ideas…• increase bike and foot patrols onMain and Fraser

• address problem of prostitution inthe back lane behind Fraser

• provide more frequent patrols• improve availability and role ofthe Police Department’s schoolliaison officers

• provide a police presence in parksin evenings

• address problem of public drunk-enness along Fraser Street

Community Policing Centres

There are 18 Community PolicingCentres (CPCs) operating indifferent neighbourhoodsthroughout the city. They arededicated to helping to reducecrime through crime preventioneducation, public awareness, andcommunity involvement. They arestaffed mainly with localvolunteers. Every office has aneighbourhood police officerassigned to work with the localpopulation. These organizationsseek to enhance community safetyby providing visible and accessibleservices that are sensitive to theneeds of the neighbourhood. Thecentres rely on support andcooperation from the AttorneyGeneral’s Office, local residents,businesses, the police, and theCity, although City Council policy isnot to provide on-going fundingafter a start-up period. Sunset isserved by the South VancouverCPC which recently moved fromFraser Street to the new LondonDrugs development on Victoria justnorth of 41st.

South Vancouver Community Policing Centre


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Index PageThe City’s Drug Prevention PolicyAfter a city-wide discussion, City Councilhas recently approved a comprehensivechange in approach to the drugproblem. Despite enforcement efforts, alarge share of crime in the city is relatedto drug use and the drug trade. The Cityhas proposed a ‘four pillar approach’which supplements enforcement withprevention programs to reduce thenumber of new users, harm reductionto decrease the damage suffered by drugusers, and enhanced treatment to helpusers to address their dependency. Theapproach recognizes that drug issues arenot restricted to one area of the city andrecommends community-based facilitiesfor treatment and needle exchange.Implementation discussions with thefederal and provincial governments andtheir agencies, particularly the healthboard, began in late 2001.

8.4 Public Consultation on theLocation of Treatment FacilitiesApprovedWhen the City and VRHB begin to planfor the number and location of localtreatment centres, needle exchanges,and other facilities, they should includeextensive consultation with the localcommunity.Percent agree 79%/82%

9 Recreational Facilities and

Services Provided by the CitySunset Community Centre, Moberly ArtsCentre, and South Hill Gym serve theSunset local area’s population of 30,000.The Park Board goal is to provide acommunity centre for approximatelyevery 20,000 people. These facilitiesprovide sport, recreation, art, and socialprogramming for a wide range of resi-dents from infants to seniors.

Sunset Community Centre, opened in1950, includes an ice rink and an out-door pool and is located on the north-western side of Sunset. Moberly ArtsCentre is a small satellite facility with amore central location. South Hill Gym is

located on the northern edge of thecommunity and is programmed throughKensington Community Centre.

The workshop participants felt thatmore facilities and programs wereneeded to serve the growing populationof young people. The need for anindoor pool was frequently raised.Vision Directions address opportunitiesto substantially enhance the area’srecreation services, especially for youngpeople.

9.1 Provide More Space for IndoorRecreationApprovedThe Park Board should create morecommunity centre space in Sunset byadding to existing facilities, building anew centre, or creating new satellitefacilities.Percent agree 76%/77%

People’s Ideas…• rebuild Sunset Community Centrebecause it is old and needs to bereplaced• expand Sunset Community Centrebecause it has a poor range offacilities and space relative to othercentres in the city

• build a new community centrewith a café like Riley Park Commu-nity Centre

• use Memorial Park Fieldhouse forpublic programs and communityspace

• expand Moberly Arts Centre spaceand programming

• create a satellite facility in a schoolin southern Sunset

• improve rooms under the gym inthe Community Centre, too noisynow

Aquatic Facilities Review

The current Park Board policy is toprovide an indoor pool forapproximately every 50,000people. There are nine indoorpools to serve the city’s populationof about 550,000 people. Mostpools are rapidly reaching the endof their practical service life and adecision will soon be requiredabout their replacement. ParkBoard is currently doing a majorstudy of existing pool facilities andfuture options. The study looks atthe capital/operating costs andcommunity service implications ofdifferent approaches to providingpool services. The choice rangesfrom rebuilding existing indoorpools through to closing someindoor pools and replacing themwith one or two larger, centrallylocated facilities which may includesome features of a ‘destination’pool such as waterslides, a wavegenerator, etc. The study includesprovisions for extensive publicconsultation.

Sunset Community Centre


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Index Page9.2 Build an Indoor Pool in SunsetApprovedSunset should be provided with eitheran indoor community pool to bettermeet the needs of residents or a largerindoor pool which draws users from alarger area.Percent agree 72%/70%

People’s Ideas…• build an outdoor pool with aretractable roof for poor days/winter

• construct the indoor pool thecommunity needs

• build a Maple Grove style warmwading pool for the little ones

• fund a new indoor pool throughcorporate sponsors, a lottery, anduser fees

• retain and improve the wateractivities at Sunset CommunityCentre

9.3 Locations for a New Indoor PoolIf a new indoor pool is built in Sunset, itshould be located: (note: respondentscould support none, any, or all of thefollowing options, so the responses donot add up to 100%)a. as a replacement for the existing

outdoor pool at Sunset CommunityCentre 53%/54%

b.on the Park Board Nursery site closeto Main 33%/34%

c. in another location in Sunset 23%/24%

9.4 Facilities and Programs forYouthApprovedMore facilities for children and youthshould be provided such as a skateboardpark, water spray parks, and play-grounds. Programs for youth should beenhanced through a Park Board initia-tive, coordinated with other agencies.Percent agree77%/77%

People’s Ideas…• organize more drop-in basketball,‘talent’ nights

• develop more child-orientedprogramming at better times

• add tennis courts south of ice rink

• improve and expand after-schoolprograms

• add more clubs (photography,metal/woodwork)

• start nature and science programsfor youth

• establish mentoring and otherinter-generational activities

• teach youth conflict resolutionskills and self-esteem• upgrade the Sunset toddlerplayground to be like the one atRiley Park

9.5 Seniors’ CentreServices should be improved for seniorswith a variety of linguistic and culturalbackgrounds. The enhanced servicesshould be offered in:(note: respondentscould select none, any, or all of thefollowing options, so responses do notadd up to 100%)a. Sunset Community Centre 53%/56%

b.Moberly Arts Centre 27%/29%

c. a larger dedicated seniors’ centreserving all South Vancouver which maybe located outside of Sunset 39%/34%

People’s Ideas…• eliminate barriers to seniors’participation in activities (e.g.language, noisy rooms)

• increase seniors’ activities atMoberly Arts Centre (at least threetimes a week)• enhance ESL programs, languageexchanges for seniors

More facilities needed for youth

Moberly Arts Centre


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Index PageChild Care

The City partners with seniorgovernments, the private sector,the community, and parents todevelop and maintain anaffordable, high quality, andcomprehensive child care systemin Vancouver. The City helpssupport child care by:• providing grants toNeighbourhood Houses andFamily Places for services tofamilies with small children• working with community centresto support child care• providing grants to supportnonprofit child care services• leasing land at reduced rates tononprofit child care societies• using development cost levieson new development to supportdaycare• negotiating for child care inlarger projects as part of theirrezonings• creating a society to manageCity-owned child care facilities.

The Vision does not proposechanges in the City’s approach tohelping provide child care.

9.6 Inclusive ProgramsApprovedAll recreational programs should encour-age the participation of newcomers andnon-English speakers.Percent agree 76%/73%

People’s Ideas…• hire more community centre staffwith language abilities

• increase the number of programswhich help people integrate

• ensure culturally sensitive pro-grams

• provide more meaningfulintercultural and intergenerationalprograms

10 Library Facilities and Services

The Vancouver Public Library operatesthe South Hill Branch Library on Fraser.There are currently no plans to move orexpand this branch.

10.1 South Hill Branch LibraryApprovedIf the South Hill Branch Library were toexpand or rebuild it should remain at ornear its present location.Percent agree 83%/80%

People’s Ideas…• need a larger library with greaterselection of books and an enlargedreading space

• locate the library where people go

• provide more parking• integrate the library into a largerpublic service venue (such as SunsetCommunity Centre)

10.2 Improve Library ServicesApprovedThe services of South Hill Branch Libraryshould be modified to better serve thepublic based on a review of factors suchas opening hours, collections, transla-tion of instructions, and availability ofInternet access.Percent agree 79%/77%

People’s Ideas…• make open hours longer and/ormore compatible with needs ofresidents (more evenings)

• provide more opportunities forInternet access

• add Punjabi newspapers fromIndia

• make the library more userfriendly• partner with high school library toincrease materials available

• integrate the library with theSouth Hill Education Centre

11The City provides a range of services.Workshop participants felt more effortshould be put into making these servicesmore widely known in the communityand more easily accessible to residents.

11.1 Information about CityServicesApprovedThe awareness of City services should beimproved through initiatives to makeinformation on these services moreconsistently available within the commu-nity in locations, forms, and languageswhich are convenient for residents andbusinesses.Percent agree 74%/70%

People’s Ideas…• send out material on a regularbasis (e.g. at certain times of theyear) so people can learn to expectit

• use a single, distinctive colour forall city information sent to homes orbusinesses

• provide more information aboutCity services in the Leisure Guide atat the front of the yellow pages

• use flyers, community newspa-pers, and community kiosks to letpeople know about availableservices

South Hill Branch Library

ImprovingAwareness andAccessibility ofCity Services


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• simplify the City website, toocomplicated now

• provide ads/information onservices in bus shelters

• translate information on servicesinto Punjabi, Hindi

11.2 Community Services in or nearShopping AreasApprovedWhenever community services such ascommunity centres, neighbourhoodhouses, health centres, etc. are consider-ing new facilities or relocations,locations in or near the shopping areasshould be given strong considerationdue to their accessibility and highcommunity profilePercent agree 74%/73%

11.3 Welcoming NewcomersApprovedNewcomers to the community should beprovided with information on thecommunity including communityfacilities, programs and events; parksand sports; shopping areas and commer-cial services; and cultural and religiousorganizations.Percent agree 71%/69%

People’s Ideas…• start classes on area’s history andorganizations for newcomers• develop ways to better integratenewcomers into the community

• provide more ESL classes

Improve services for seniors


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Most of Sunset is single family housing. This Visionrecognizes that these single family areas areimportant to the character and stability of Sunset.Existing

SingleFamilyAreas


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12 Single Family Houses and Rental Suites

In almost all of Sunset, the current RS-1Ssingle family zoning allows any house tohave a rental suite. (There are only a fewblocks with RS-1 zoning, which does notpermit a rental suite, but still allows afamily suite). This was based oncommunity consultation that occurredabout 10 years ago.

12.1 Maintain Most Single FamilyAreasApprovedIn order to retain the basic character ofSunset, most of the area that is nowsingle family (including areas whererental suites are allowed) should be keptthat way (exceptions would only occurwhere the community supports newhousing choices as described in Sections16 - 21).Percent agree 79%/76%

13 Design of New Single Family Houses

New houses frequently replace olderones. Currently the single family zoningin Sunset controls the height, yard sizes,total floor space, and garage size of newhouses. It does not control their visualappearance or character, nor does itrequire landscaping.

The city has single family zones (RS-5, 6,and 7) that include some level of designreview for new houses and their land-scaping. In the past 5 years, whereneighbourhood groups could showthere was sufficient interest, the Cityundertook detailed surveys to determinewhether there was support for zoningthat included design review. Now abouta third of the single family areas inVancouver have zoning with some formof design review. Although there was notsignificant interest from Sunset at thattime, workshop participants felt Sunsetresidents should be offered the choice ofwhether to pursue design review.

13.1 Design Review for New SingleFamily HousesApprovedThe design of new single family housesshould be improved through putting inplace one of the design control zonesthat the City has already developed, ifthere is sufficient support within anarea.Percent agree 67%/65%

People’s Ideas…• encourage pitched roofs; avoid‘wedding cake’ forms (second floornarrower than the first)

• reflect traditional character ofexisting houses

• control only the design featuresthe neighbourhood finds mostunattractive

• don’t repeat same house designover and over

• reduce garage width• require more and better landscap-ing; low, transparent fences in frontyards (like picket fences)

Rental Suites Enforcement

Since suites have been permitted,relatively few owners have madetheir suites legal by taking out apermit. The City plans to reviewthe building code standards andenforcement practices related tosecondary suites to remove,wherever appropriate, barriers tobringing more suites into legalconformity and to develop a moreeffective enforcement strategy andcapability.

More Planning and ConsultationBefore Changes

Vision Directions 13.1 and 14.1would require rezoning. Moredetailed planning with communityinvolvement would take placebefore any zoning changesoccurred.

Design Review

Every new house requires adevelopment permit. Designreview means the City takeslonger and charges a larger fee toprocess a development permit.Based on current experience,Option A takes about 2 weeks and$700; Option B 4-5 weeks and$840; Option C 12-14 weeks and$1500.

Typical single familystreetscape

New house: full design review example

New house: no design review example

New house: no design review example


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14 Older Character Buildings and Heritage

Residential and commercial develop-ment in Sunset started in earnest in theearly 1900, and most of the Sunset areafilled in before 1930. About 18% ofSunset’s existing buildings were con-structed before 1940. Buildings fromthis era are usually thought to have‘character’. They are scattered through-out the area, but in greater numbersnorth of 50th. However, there are veryfew block faces where pre-1940 build-ings still predominate.The Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR)lists pre-1940 buildings that have par-ticular historical or architectural signifi-cance. Their owners can take advantageof some zoning relaxations which maymake it easier to keep and renovatethem. Sunset has 22 houses listed on theVHR, and 6 other buildings includingvarious parts of John Oliver School, HolyResurrection Church, and Memorial ParkSouth Fieldhouse.

14.1 Retaining CharacterBuildingsApprovedIn order to encourage retention of‘character’ (e.g. pre-1940) houses andother buildings, there should be incen-tives to renovate and/or disincentives todemolish.Percent agree 68%/64%

People’s Ideas…• allow additional density, suites,relaxations to building code require-ments

• promote the opportunity to beincluded on the VHR• charge higher fees for demolition

• allow more transfers of density(allowing an owner preserving asmall house to sell some of thedensity which is not used on thatsite to the owner of another site)

14.2 Memorial Park SouthFieldhouseApprovedMemorial Park South Fieldhouse is animportant heritage building. It shouldbe better maintained, and made avail-able for community-oriented activities.Percent agree 75%/73%

People’s Ideas…• create a facility like South Vancou-ver Family Place which could beused for social/recreational pro-gramming, or an event space forrent with cooking facilities andwashrooms

14.3 Recognizing More of Sunset’sHistory in Other WaysApprovedThe area’s history should be recognizedby incorporating artifacts and interpre-tive information in parks, streets, andcommercial areas. Various types of areahistory — social, ecological, aboriginal,agricultural, industrial — as well asbuilding heritage should be remem-bered.Percent agree 69%/66%

People’s Ideas…• commemorate Ross Creek inMemorial Park South and alongproposed Ross Street bikeway

• use ‘South Hill’ name more

Design Review in Single FamilyZones

The RS-1/RS-1S zones whichcover the single family areas ofSunset only control the uses, size,and placement of the building, withno controls on design at all. TheRS-6 and RS-7S single familyzones include regulations on somebasic design aspects such aslimiting the types of materials usedor requiring trim around windows.They also have some basicguidelines for landscaping. TheRS-5/RS-5S single family zonesprovide the option of no designreview or full design review. Fulldesign review is based on designguidelines that address style orcharacter, massing, entry design,materials, details, andlandscaping. Projects agreeing todesign review get to build slightlymore floor space than a non-design review project. Designreview means that it takes longerto process the development permitand a higher processing fee ischarged.

The City Tree By-law controls theremoval of larger trees (over 8”diameter) in all single family zones.For new development, removal isonly permitted under certainconditions. Owners of existinghouses may obtain a permit toremove one tree a year. In bothcases, replacement trees arerequired.

Memorial Park South Fieldhouse

Older character houses


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15 CD-1 Developments

Some developments in Sunset are onlarge parcels zoned CD-1 (Comprehen-sive Development) - ‘tailor-made’zonings for a specific site. Since the ‘80sCD-1 regulations have included a lot ofdetailed requirements, but earlier CD-1regulations were often quite vague andgeneral. Many older CD-1 sites are builtto densities lower than common today,and are being redeveloped. Examplesinclude Arbutus Gardens at Arbutus and33rd, and Champlain Mall in Killarney.The City has generally required changesto developments on CD-1 sites toundergo a rezoning process,culminating in a public hearing. How-ever, in some cases, the nature of oldCD-1’s regulations have led to significantredevelopment being approved withouta rezoning process.

15.1 Process for CD-1 Zoned SitesAnywhere in SunsetApprovedWhen anything other than a smallchange is proposed to a development ona site zoned CD-1 — whether in itsbuildings or uses — the City shouldundertake a rezoning process in orderto ensure appropriate communityconsultation and to provide the Citywith the ability to deny or imposeconditions on the development.Percent agree 74%/69%


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NewHousingTypes

V ision participants looked at the future housingneeds of Sunset residents, ranging from youngsingles and couples to families with kids, to seniors.

Some, like singles and couples, prefer apartments or rentalsuites in houses. Families with children want the features ofsingle family homes with bigger units, private yards, andindividual front doors — but at an affordable price. Manycouples whose children have left home also want thesefeatures and continue to stay in their single family homes.

By 2001 Sunset’s existing residents will have created thedemand for about 2,800 (30%) more households — today’schildren will grow up and have their own families; somecouples will separate and become two households. Somewill move away, but others will want to stay in Sunset.Besides the increased housing demand from existingresidents as they age, people will also move to Vancouverfrom elsewhere and some will settle in Sunset.

There are limited opportunities to meet this demand formore housing in Sunset. No additional single family lots areavailable. Under existing zoning, there could be someapartments above stores in the commercial areas, a fewduplexes on Main and Fraser, and rental suites in singlefamily homes. In total the capacity stands at about 1,900units, with about half the capacity in apartments above storeson Main and Fraser.

Participants considered various types of housing and createdoptions for providing new, mainly ‘ground-oriented’,housing.

Combining various options for new housing types results inthe potential for different numbers of new units. The table atthe end of this section provides statistics on both thedemand for housing and the number of units which wouldresult from the different choices.

Note that some Directions did not receive the necessaryagreement in either survey to be classed as supported.However, when agree and neutral votes substantially out-weigh the disagree votes the Direction is classed as Uncer-tain. Uncertain directions remain topics for more publicdiscussion should planning on this topic occur in future.


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16 Infill

Infill describes a smaller second buildingon a lot, usually behind the main house.‘Coach house’ or ‘granny flat’ are othernames for this type of unit. Normally, thegarage is on the main floor with thedwelling above. An infill unit may beadded to a lot with an existing home orbuilt in conjunction with a new house.On larger lots (50 foot frontage or more)it is possible to build infill units whilekeeping the existing home. However, onsmaller lots an existing house rarely hasa wide enough side yard to provide therequired fire-fighting access. As a result,small lot infill is not feasible unless it isbuilt in conjunction with a new mainhouse. Infill units may be strata-titled orrented.

16.1 Infill as a New Housing TypeApprovedHousing variety should be increased inSunset by allowing some infill develop-ment provided that the units are:• designed to fit into the single family

area, with good landscaping

• constructed with adequate on-siteparking

• provided with adequate communityfacilities (parks, schools, etc.) andservices for the additional population.


People’s Ideas…• infill should reflect design of mainbuilding

• ensure infill does not overwhelmthe main building

• consider privacy and access tosunlight of infill unit and neighbours

16.2 Possible Locations for InfillInfill housing which meets the condi-tions in Direction 16.1. should beconsidered: (note: respondents couldselect none, any, or all of the followingoptions, so responses do not add up to100%. Percentages below are only forrespondents agreeing to 16.1)

a. throughout single family areas 53%/52%

b. throughout the single family areas butnot along main roads 43%/42%

c. none of the locations above. 13%/13%

17 Duplexes

A duplex provides two units on a parcelof land. Each unit can be individuallyowned, usually by strata title. The unitsmay be side by side, front-to-back, or up-and-down.

17.1 Allow Additional DuplexesApprovedMore housing variety should be pro-vided in Sunset by allowing duplexes inmore areas, provided that the duplexeshave:• roughly the same height and the same

size front and rear yards as singlefamily homes

• designs which are attractive and fitinto the neighbourhood, with goodlandscaping

• adequate on-site parking• adequate community facilities (parks,

schools, etc.) and services for theadditional population.


More Planning and ConsultationBefore Changes

If the community supports a VisionDirection on a new housing type, arezoning would be required beforethe new housing type could bebuilt. More detailed planning withcommunity involvement wouldtake place before the rezoningoccurred. This planning would dealwith precise boundaries, phasingthe development over time, trafficand parking impacts, fire-fightingaccess, needs for additionalservices and facilities (includingparks), developer contributions forcosts, etc.

Non-Market Housing

New housing that is built in thenormal development market —‘market housing’ — is usually notaffordable to lower incomehouseholds, regardless of the typeof housing it is. The City assists inproviding more affordable ‘non-market housing’ for lower incomehouseholds in a number of ways:• directly funding affordablehousing with money approved inCapital Plan plebiscites• leasing City land, in some casesat substantial discounts, to non-profit housing sponsors who buildhousing funded by the B.C.government• using housing agreements withdevelopers, where they includelower cost or guaranteed rentalsuites in their market projects inreturn for additional density• using funds from DevelopmentCost Levies to assist in buyingland or paying for housing unitsdirectly.

These non-market projectsgenerally require a site specificrezoning, with communityconsultation taking place in eachcase. Additional non-markethousing Directions were notsuggested.

Infill example

Duplex example


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Possible Locations for New Housing Types(general locations referred to in Directions 16.2, 17.2, 18.2 & 19.2)

Along Marine Drive

Adjacent to Some Parks Behind Commercial/Mixed Use Areas

Along Main Roads


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Index PagePeople’s Ideas…• require more traditional styles inareas with older buildings, moremodern styles elsewhere

• look of neighbourhood is impor-tant, don’t let duplexes change itsappearance

17.2 Possible Locations forDuplexes in SunsetDuplexes which meet the conditions inDirection 17.1 should be considered:(note: respondents could support none,any, or all of the following options, soresponses do not add up to 100%.Percentages below are only forrespondents agreeing with 17.1)a. throughout the single family areas

62%/62%

b. throughout the single family areas butnot along main roads 36%/34%

c. none of the locations above. 9%/11%

18 Rowhouses

Rowhouses are defined as a series ofattached housing units which do nothave side yards. Traditional rowhouseshave a single row of units with front andrear entrances; they usually have indi-vidual garages or parking areas. Court-yard rowhouses are grouped around acommon open space; they have under-ground parking and are usually ar-ranged as two rows of units facing eachother across a courtyard. Courtyardunits may be rented, ownedcooperatively, or strata-titled. Traditionalrowhouses are usually individuallyowned.

18.1 Allow Additional RowhousesNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inSunset by allowing some rowhouses,provided they are:• designed to be compatible with single

family neighbourhoods and adjacenthomes, with good landscaping

• located in select areas and built assmall projects rather than as a wide-spread replacement for existinghousing types

• provided with adequate on-siteparking

• provided with adequate communityfacilities (parks, schools, etc.) andservices for the additional population.


People’s Ideas…• allow either a traditional designstyle or a site specific style which iscompatible with adjacent houses

• keep height in line with surround-ing neighbourhood

• maintain off-street parking

• do not allow too many as it willmake the area too dense• provide more greening andusability of public streets tocompensate for increased density

• avoid monotony in design

• require underground parking orinnovative parking solutions likepods of parking, tandem parking,etc.

18.2 Locations for RowhousesRowhouses which meet the conditionsin Direction 18.1 should be consideredin single family areas: (note: respond-ents could select none, any, or all of thefollowing options, so responses do notadd up to 100%. Percentages below areonly for respondents agreeing to 18.1)a. along main roads 46%/43%

b.adjacent to some parks 52%/53%

c. behind commercial/mixed use areas42%/45%

d.throughout single family areas butonly on corner lots 21%/19%

e. none of the locations above 5%/6%

Traditional rowhouses

Rowhouse example

Duplex example


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19 Low-rise Apartments

Apartments generally provide smaller,lower cost units which appeal to avariety of household groups, particularlypeople just entering the housing marketand seniors who are no longer willing orable to maintain single family homes.They may be rented, ownedcooperatively or strata-titled. Visionparticipants suggested a number ofoptions for 3 to 4 storey apartmentswith landscaped yards or courtyards.

19.1 Allow Additional Low-riseApartmentsNot Approved (Uncertain)Housing variety should be increased inSunset by allowing some low-riseapartments with a maximum height offour storeys, provided that they are:• designed to be compatible with single

family neighbourhoods and adjacenthomes, with good landscaping

• located in select areas and built assmall projects

• provided with adequate on-siteparking

• provided with adequate communityfacilities (parks, schools, etc.) andservices for the additional population


People’s Ideas…• create new parks to compensatefor apartments; intersperse greenspace

• require underground parking orinnovative parking solutions likepods of parking, tandem parking,etc.

• provide more greening andusability of public streets to com-pensate for increased density

• locate close to transportation andservices

• make Sunset Nursery available fordevelopment

19.2 Locations of Low-riseApartmentsA few low-rise apartments which meetthe conditions described in Direction19.1 should be considered in singlefamily areas: (note: respondents couldselect none, any, or all of the followingoptions, so responses do not add up to100%. Percentages below are only forrespondents agreeing to 19.1)a. along Marine Drive 49%/46%

b.adjacent to some parks 38%/40%

c. behind commercial/mixed use areas46%/46%

d.none of the locations above 7%/7%

Development Cost Levies

In January 2000 the City begancollecting an interim DevelopmentCost Levy (DCL) on a city-widebasis. Each market housing unit inprojects with more than four unitsand each square foot of newcommercial or industrial spacenow pays a fee to help finance theparks, daycare, and affordablehousing needed to serve anincreasing population andemployment base. Studies areunderway to determine what thefinal levy should be and how therevenue should be distributed tocover the costs of growth.

Low-rise apartment example


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The existing C-2 zoning in the commer-cial areas along Main and Fraser allowsdevelopment of mixed residential andcommercial buildings up to four storeyshigh (Section 26 in SHOPPING AREAStalks about the design of thesedevelopments). Vision participantsproposed a new form of mixed usedevelopment for consideration. Theground level would still be commercialrunning across the full site frontage.There would be 4 to 6 storeys of resi-dential above the commercial in more ofa tower form. Overall density wouldprobably be somewhat higher thanpermitted by C-2 zoning.

20.1 4–6 Storeys of Residentialabove CommercialNot Approved (Uncertain)Buildings with four to six storeys ofresidential above a commercial levelshould be considered for sites whichfront onto arterials and which arelocated within a few blocks of theintersection of two arterials, providedthat the buildings have:• adequate on-site parking

• adequate community facilities (parks,schools, etc.) and services for theadditional population


20 4–6 StoreyResidential Overa CommercialPodium

4-6 storeys of residential abovecommercial


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Abbeyfield House example

Seniors’ housing example

21 Seniors’ HousingWorkshop participants looked at hous-ing options which would allow seniorsto stay in the community when they areno longer able or willing to look after asingle family home. Options includeadditional traditional apartments andsmaller seniors’ homes. The participantsalso proposed an ‘aging in place com-plex’ made up of two or more buildingsdesigned to allow residents to staywithin the complex as their needschange from independent living to fullcare. These projects would be purpose-built for seniors and some would pro-vide for different levels of care.

21.1 Allow Some Seniors’ HousingApprovedSome developments designed forseniors should be considered nearparks, shopping, and transit to allowseniors to stay in the community as theirhousing needs change.Percent agree 84%/86%

21.2 Types of Seniors’ HousingThe forms of seniors’ housing whichshould be considered include (respond-ents could select none, any, or all of thefollowing options, so responses do notadd up to 100%. Percentages below areonly for respondents agreeing to 21.1):a. small projects such as Abbeyfield

Houses 48%/48%

b. low-rise apartments (up to 4 storeys)47%/46%

c. higher apartments (6-12 storeys) 13%/15%

d.an aging in place complex with allbuildings less than 4 storeys 37%/41%

e. an aging in place complex whichincludes buildings higher than 4storeys 12%13%

People’s Ideas…• permit Abbeyfield Houses (6-8unit projects with individual bed/sitting rooms, a shared kitchen andeating area, and staff to providemeals)

Seniors’ Housing Rezonings

If the community supports VisionDirection 21.1, it would lead toindividual ‘site specific’ rezonings.That means that when a group thatis organizing housing for seniorsfinds a site, they would apply forrezoning to permit their project.Each rezoning would requireconsultation with neighbours priorto being approved.


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Housing DemandThe Demand for New Housing in Sunset by 2021New households from existing residents 2,800New households from in-migration 900Total new households looking for housing 3,700

The Potential Supply of New Housing in SunsetNew housing units allowed by existing zoning 1,900

Shortfall in Housing UnitsDemand minus Potential Supply 1,800

Low-rise apartment

Duplex example

Rowhouse example

Infill example

Vision Direction Location Option

Added Housing Units from Option

16.2 Possible Locations for Infill a 1,540b 1,330c 0

17.2 Possible Locations for Duplexes a 3,535b 3,085c 0

18.2 Possible Locations for Rowhouses a 540b 240c 140d 460e 0

19.2 Possible Locations for Low-rise Apartments a 1,405b 2,135c 1,190d 0

20.1 4-6 Storeys Residential above Commercial 3,475

Possible Housing Supply


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The Vision participants identified the key communityshopping areas in Sunset as Fraser Street and the MainStreet ‘Punjabi Market’. For these areas, the Vision sets

out ways to make both areas more convenient, safe, comfort-able, and enjoyable places to shop. It also has Directionsabout controlling additional major malls and ‘big box’ stores;the role of business associations; and the design of new fourstorey mixed use buildings along shopping streets.

ShoppingAreasShoppingAreas


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22The Fraser Street shopping area is theoldest and largest neighbourhoodshopping area, and the one catering tothe broadest range of residents. Itsassets include a wide range of storesincluding a supermarket, large streettrees, a good stock of shared publicparking, a historical identity as ‘SouthHill’, and some older characterbuildings. The Vision addresses theseassets, as well as some problems includ-ing a major litter and garbage dumpingissue, a low level of attractiveness ofstorefronts and public sidewalks, and alow level of involvement among busi-ness owners in actively caring for andpromoting the area.

22.1 Important Shopping AreaApprovedThe shopping area on Fraser from 41stto 51st should be strengthened as amajor neighbourhood shopping areaand special community place.Percent agree 87%/87%

22.2 Shops and ServicesContinuousApprovedIn the shopping area, shops and servicesshould be continuous along the groundfloor of buildings. Ground floor frontageshould not be interrupted by driveways,drive-throughs, parking lots, or buildingfronts and uses that are not ‘pedestrian-friendly’.Percent agree 83%/79%

22.3 A Range of Shops andServicesApprovedThere should continue to be a widerange of local-serving shops and servicesin the shopping area. Additional auto-oriented services (e.g. gas stations, autorepair) should be discouraged.Percent agree 79%/78%

People’s Ideas…• encourage bookstore, theatre,coffee places, hardware

• encourage merchants to keep upwith changing customer needs anddesires

• encourage the City and landlordsto consider ways to make new retailspace more affordable to local shopsand services; and/or to retain older,low rent space

• encourage residents to supportlocal shops and services by usingthem

22.4 Retaining a SupermarketApprovedThe Buy-Low supermarket at 45th andFraser is an important anchor for theshopping area. The ability to upgradethe building and/or expand is limiteddue to a number of factors including thesite size and parking requirements.These factors may eventually lead to thesupermarket leaving. The City, inconsultation with the neighbourhood,should work with supermarket ownersto help ensure a conventional supermar-ket can stay on Fraser in the currentlocation or on another site.Percent agree 87%/87%

People’s Ideas...• relax parking requirements

• provide shared parking

• create a mixed use developmentthat includes a supermarket on alarger site

Fraser StreetShopping Area(‘South Hill’)

Fraser Street shopping area(‘South Hill’)

Local shops and services


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Index Page22.5 Keeping SupermarketOpportunities OpenApprovedIn the past, supermarket owners haveoften closed stores and put restrictivecovenants on the sites that do not allowa new supermarket or grocery store tooccupy the site. While this benefits thesupermarket chain by reducing competi-tion, it acts against having a viableshopping area. The City should act toprevent such covenants from beingplaced on sites.Percent agree 81%/80%

22.6 Pedestrian SafetyApprovedOf the 10 intersections between 41stand 51st (which are short blocks), 7have traffic signals. There are enoughtraffic signals to make it safe for pedes-trians to cross Fraser, but other pedes-trian improvements should occur.Percent agree 77%/74%

People’s Ideas...• shorten pedestrian waiting times• add curb bulges to shorten thecrossing, make pedestrians morevisible, and let drivers know they’rein a shopping area

22.7 Control Sidewalk MerchandiseApprovedMerchandise displays on the sidewalkare a good thing, but should be limitedin the amount of sidewalk they take up.They should leave enough room forpedestrians (including wheelchairs andstrollers) to pass each other, and shouldleave more sidewalk space at bus stopsand crosswalks where more peoplegather. The limit should be enforced.Percent agree 84%/82%

People’s Ideas...• health concern that produce isdisplayed amidst trash on thesidewalk

22.8 Protect and Enhance ExistingStreet TreesApprovedThe existing street trees along Frasermake the street more attractive, andprovide shade and colour. These treesshould be kept and properly main-tained.Percent agree 88%/90%

22.9 Weather ProtectionApprovedThere should be continuous weatherprotection for shoppers in the form ofcanopies or awnings along the fronts ofbuildings.Percent agree 72%/73%

People’s Ideas...• ensure awnings reinforce ratherthan detract from ‘South Hill’character

22.10 A More Attractive, UsablePlaceApprovedThe shopping area’s appearance shouldbe improved, and a distinctive ‘SouthHill’ character created, through beautifi-cation by private owners, the BIA, andthe City.Percent agree 83%/85%

People’s Ideas…• add outdoor patios and places torelax; benches; attractive plantingsin corner bulges, mini-parks, and/oralong the curb; banners, flags,murals, public art, sculpture; adistinctive entry sign or landmark;special lighting; bike racks; publicnotice boards, directory to the area;special paving; drinking fountains;improvements to front of South HillAdult Education Centre and SouthHill Branch Library

• improve on awning design toreflect heritage


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Index Page22.11 Keeping Character BuildingsApprovedThe South Hill School, Fraser Hall, and afew other buildings date from the earlypart of the area’s history. These older,character buildings add to the unique-ness of the area, and should be retained,if possible.Percent agree 73%/72%

People’s Ideas…• transfer unused density fromthese buildings to other projects

• provide plaques and otherinterpretive information on thehistory of the area

• use the old buildings as a themefor the newer ones

22.12 A Cleaner PlaceApprovedSidewalks, gutters, lanes, shared publicparking lots, storefronts, garbage areas,and loading bays should be kept cleanerand maintained better by both privatebusinesses and the City.Percent agree 94%/95%

People’s Ideas…• add more sidewalk trash cans,emptied more often• encourage merchants to cleantheir store fronts and sidewalksregularly

• provide more education/informa-tion on what to do with trash

22.13 Convenient ParkingApprovedConvenient short-term parking shouldbe available for customers to help keepthe retail viable. Curbside parkingshould be maintained. Shared publicparking located on City-owned lots westof Fraser should be maintained, withtheir appearance and pedestrian links toFraser improved.Percent agree 92%/92%

People’s Ideas…• enforce current curbside parkingtime limits better

• keep shared parking lots moretidy and attractive

• address congestion and circula-tion problems

22.14 Future of the SharedParking LotsApprovedIf in future some of these public parkingsites are developed (e.g. for housing), atleast an equal number of replacementparking spaces should be built in aconvenient, safe location to continue toserve Fraser Street retail.Percent agree 86%/88%

23 Main Street Shopping Area (‘Punjabi Market’)

Main Street around 49th has beenknown as the ‘Punjabi Market’ for manyyears. It has experienced an expansionin the number and types of businessescatering to residents with Indo-Canadianand related backgrounds. The Visionaddresses this area’s assets and opportu-nities, as well as problems, such as litterand garbage; lack of basic amenities likestreet trees and good sidewalks; and apoor parking situation.

Shared public parking behindFraser St. commercial

Main Street shopping area (‘Punjabi Market’)


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Index PageComments: A number of proposedVision Directions for the Main StreetShopping Area did not receive highenough levels of agreement in either thegeneral or random survey (or both) tobe considered Supported but still hadmore agree than disagree responses.They are classed as Uncertain, andremain on the table for future consid-eration and public discussion whenadditional planning occurs for the MainStreet Shopping Area.

23.1 Important Shopping AreaApprovedMain from 48th to 50th should bestrengthened as a major neighbourhoodshopping area and special communityplace.Percent agree 64%/64%

23.2 Northward Expansion ofShoppingNot Approved (Uncertain)The shopping area should expandnorthward, by extending commercial/mixed use zoning for one or two moreblocks.Percent agree 44%/42%

23.3 Shops and ServicesContinuousApprovedIn the shopping area, shops and servicesshould be continuous along the groundfloor of buildings. Ground floor front-age should not be interrupted bydriveways, drive-throughs, parking lots,or building fronts that are not ‘pedes-trian-friendly’.Percent agree 74%/72%

People’s Ideas…• improve appearance of theexisting gas station

23.4 Special Indo-Canadian FocusNot Approved (Uncertain)The Indo-Canadian focus of the areashould be strengthened by havingmainly Indo-Canadian retailers andrestaurants. In this special role of‘Punjabi Market’, the area should serveboth local residents and people fromelsewhere in the Vancouver area.Percent agree 50%/50%

23.5 A Range of Shops andServicesApprovedWhile having an Indo-Canadian focus,the area should also meet the basicneeds of all local residents. Additionalauto-oriented services (e.g. gas stations,auto repair) should not occur.Percent agree 70%/69%

People’s Ideas…• add banks, ATMs, drycleaner,corner stores, drug store, coffee/teashop

• encourage merchants to keep upwith changing customer needs anddesires

• encourage the City and landlordsto consider ways to make new retailspace more affordable to local shopsand services and/or to retain older,low rent space

• encourage residents to supportlocal shops and services by usingthem

23.6 Supermarket Not NeededNot Approved (Uncertain)There is no conventional supermarket inthe Main Street shopping area. Thisneed is met by two nearby supermar-kets: Real Canadian Superstore onMarine Drive and Buy-Low on Fraser at45th. Provided these supermarketsremain, there should be no actions toadd a conventional supermarket in theMain Street shopping area.Percent agree 56%/53%

Local shops and services


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Index Page23.7 Pedestrian SafetyApprovedIt should be easier and safer for pedes-trians to cross Main Street, so they canconveniently shop on both sides of thestreet.Percent agree 74%/75%

People’s Ideas…• add pedestrian signals at 48th sopeople don’t have to walk back to49th

• shorten pedestrian waiting times

• add corner bulges to shortencrossings and make pedestriansmore visible

• address prostitution in the backlane

23.8 Control Sidewalk MerchandiseApprovedMerchandise displays on the sidewalkare a good thing, but should be limitedin the amount of sidewalk they take up.They should leave enough room forpedestrians (including wheelchairs andstrollers) to pass each other, and shouldleave more sidewalk space at bus stopsand crosswalks where more peoplegather. The limit should be enforced.Percent agree 81%/80%

23.9 Street Trees and SidewalkImprovementsApprovedStreet trees should be planted on MainStreet and the sidewalks should beimproved by repairing cracked andcrooked slabs and by filling in areaswhere the sidewalk does not extend tothe curb.Percent agree 84%/87%

23.10 Weather ProtectionApprovedThere should be continuous weatherprotection for shoppers in the form ofcanopies or awnings on buildings.Percent agree 64%/67%

23.11 A More Attractive, UsablePlaceApprovedThe shopping area’s appearance shouldbe improved, and a distinctive ‘PunjabiMarket’ character enhanced, throughbeautification by private owners, busi-nesses, and the City.Percent agree 74%/79%

People’s Ideas…• add outdoor patios and places torelax; benches; attractive plantingsin corner bulges, mini-parks, and/oralong the curb; banners, flags,murals, public art, sculpture; adistinctive entry sign to the area;special lighting; bike racks; publicnotice boards, directory to the area;special paving; drinking fountains

23.12 A Cleaner PlaceApprovedSidewalks, gutters, lanes, storefronts,garbage areas, and loading bays shouldbe kept cleaner and maintained betterby both private businesses and the City.Percent agree 93%/95%

People’s Ideas…• provide more sidewalk trash cans,emptied more often

• encourage merchants to cleantheir store fronts and sidewalksregularly

• provide more education/informa-tion on what to do with trash

Main Street: improvementsneeded

Possible improvements: more planting, more pedestrian comfort and safety


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Index Page23.13 Convenient ParkingApprovedConvenient short-term parking, includ-ing curbside parking, should be avail-able for customers to help keep theretail viable and reduce impacts onneighbours.Percent agree 82%/87%

People’s Ideas…• enforce parking time limits better

• maintain curbside parking onMain Street

• review the parking situation,including: turnover in curbsideparking, available parking in privatedevelopments, all-day use of parkingspaces by Langara students and staff

• if necessary, build shared publicparking within a mixed use develop-ment

23.14 Group Bus ParkingApprovedThe Punjabi Market is visited by groupsof schoolchildren and tourists. Parkingspace for school and tour buses shouldbe provided in such a way as to mini-mize impacts on shoppers andneighbours.Percent agree 65%/68%

23.15 Sunset Community CentreConnection to Main StreetApprovedAs long as they remain in their currentlocations, the Sunset Community Centreand Ice Rink should have more of apresence on Main through bettersignage, a public art piece or othersymbols.Percent agree 71%/68%

23.16 Sunset Nursery MoreInteresting from MainApprovedAs long as the Park Board Sunset Nurs-ery stays in its current location, it shouldcontribute more to street interest.Percent agree 68%/65%

People’s Ideas…• make some of the nursery activi-ties and buildings visible from thestreet

23.17 If Sunset Nursery Moves orDownsizesApprovedIf, in the future, Sunset Nursery movesor is reduced in size, there should bebroad community consultation aboutthe use and design of the site.Percent agree 77%/74%

People’s Ideas…• relocate/expand communitycentre facilities; add housing; retail

• build shared parking for theshopping area

• create a park

• build retail above parking on Main

24Shopping malls are clusters of stores inone development where the stores faceinside instead of onto a public street.Malls come in various sizes and may beon one or several levels. Under currentzoning, internal malls can theoreticallylocate anywhere in the C-2 zoning thatlines the city’s arterial streets.

Big box retail: Real CanadianSuperstore

Big Box Storesand ShoppingMalls


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Index PageThere are also different types and sizesof ‘big box’ store. Some are very largeand sell a wide range of goods. Othersspecialize in particular types of goods,and are smaller. The large ‘big box’stores have sought to locate on large,cheap industrially-zoned sites. The Cityhas permitted some big box stores(usually through rezonings), but hasrecently adopted policies that restrictthese rezonings to Grandview Highwayand the part of Marine Drive frontagebetween Yukon and Chester. If thestores are to sell food or clothing, aretail impact study is required. Somesmaller specialty ‘big box’ stores haverecently fit into existing C-zoned areasalong major streets.

Participants in the Vision process, whileacknowledging that existing malls and‘big box’ stores provide shoppingchoices for consumers, were concernedthat additional projects would workagainst keeping strong neighbourhoodshopping on Fraser and Main.

24.1 Additional Major Malls or BigBox StoresApprovedAdditional major shopping malls, and‘big box’ outlets which sell groceries,clothing and other daily needs, shouldnot be permitted to locate where theywill harm the economic health of theFraser and Main shopping areas.Percent agree 66%/65%

24.2 Specialty Big Box StoresApprovedSome smaller specialty ‘big box’ outlets(e.g. electronics, toys, pets) might act aspositive anchors or attractions if theylocated within Sunset’s existing commer-cial areas. They should be considered ifthey are designed to fit properly.Percent agree 61%/67%

People’s Ideas…• locate any big outlet mainly on theupper level, with small retail outletson the street level (e.g. Future Shopon West Broadway)• provide parking underground, notin front

25

Business associations are formed bybusiness and property owners in shop-ping areas. They can also apply to theCity to become a Business ImprovementArea (BIA). Through a BIA, each com-mercial property owner pays into a fundthat is administered by the BIA and usedto benefit the shopping area throughpromotion, crime prevention, beautifica-tion, etc. In Sunset, a BIA was approvedfor Fraser Street in 2000 and the MainStreet Punjabi Market area is consideringa BIA.

BusinessAssociations orBusinessImprovementAreas

Zoning

The Zoning and DevelopmentBylaw is the main way that the Citycontrols new development. TheCity is divided into a number ofdifferent zoning districts, labelledby letters and numbers (e.g. RS-1,C-2). Each type of district, or‘zone’, has regulations that controlwhat kind of activities (‘uses’) maytake place (e.g. various kinds ofoffice, retail, dwelling,manufacturing). Zones also haveregulations that control themaximum height of buildings, theposition of buildings on the lot(‘yards and setbacks’), the amountof total development (‘floor space’or ‘density’), the amount of parkingrequired, and other quantitativeaspects. Beyond these regulations,some zones also have designreview, based on written designguidelines. (See Section 13 formore information on design reviewin single family areas.)


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Better mixed use design: upper setbacks,breaking up scale, small shops, awnings

Recent mixed use projects onarterial streets

26 Mixed Use Development

In the C-2 zoning along Main and Fraserand other arterials city-wide, a numberof 4 storey projects have been built withground floor commercial and threestoreys of residential above. This iscalled mixed use development. CurrentC-2 zoning regulations and guidelinesfor these projects govern uses, limitdensity and height, require certainsetbacks, and require parking to be atthe rear or underground. The guidelinesalso deal with some aspects of livability— privacy, daylight, and so forth — butdo not address character and appear-ance.

Vision participants in the Visionworkshops supported the housing thatthese projects provide, but had someconcerns over their design.

26.1 Design ImprovementsApprovedThe design of mixed use developmentshould be improved.Percent agree 79%/75%

People’s Ideas…• make appearance less bulky andboxy from the street

C-2 Zoning Review Underway

In response to similar concernsfrom various communities, CityCouncil has already approved areview of the C-2 zoning todetermine what, if any, changesshould be made. The Review, nowunderway, includes publicconsultation, and is expected toresult in zoning revisions in 2002.

25.1 Business Associations or BIAsApprovedBusiness Associations and BIAs shouldbe encouraged, with organizationalassistance from the City. They should beinvolved, together with residents, inpromoting shopping in their areas andorganizing services and activities toattract shoppers.Percent agree 75%/74%

People’s Ideas…• help encourage new retailers

• help merchants understandconsumer needs

• cooperate in clean-up, mainte-nance, anti-graffiti, and security

• organize special events andfestivals

• undertake beautification

• reduce impact on single family (orother) neighbours

• add more planting in setbacks, onbuilding terraces, in common spaces

• encourage more attractive designbut still have a variety of architec-tural styles

• require higher quality materialswith greater sense of permanence


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Vision participants noted that the green borders ofstreets, trees, parks, and the private gardens ofhouses all contribute to an overall natural character

for Sunset. Vision Directions below deal with parks,school grounds, streets, and public views. (VisionDirections in Section 13 cover landscaping on privatesites.)

GreeningParks,Streets,and Lanes


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27 Greening Parks, Streets, and Lanes

ParksThis Vision recognizes that parks arevery important for recreation, beauty,and refreshment. Sunset has one largepark, Memorial Park South, and fivesmaller neighbourhood parks. Togetherthey total 25 hectares (61 acres), whichgives Sunset .79 hectares of park perthousand residents, lower than the Citystandard of 1.1 hectares per thousand.There are also significant areas of Sunsetwhich are beyond a 400 metres(approximately 1/4 mile) walkingdistance from a neighbourhood park.School grounds totalling 8.7 hectares(21 acres) are also important publicspaces.

StreetsStreets and lanes typically make upabout 30% of a community’s land area,and are an important part of the imageof an area. The City provides andmaintains street trees and has a programto plant them in all suitable locations.The City has also instituted a ‘GreenStreets’ program which encouragesresidents to landscape traffic circles andcorner bulges that are installed for trafficcalming.

Public ViewsIn 1989, the City began to protectselected public views whichdevelopment threatened to block. Theprotected views are mainly from withinthe downtown outward, or from theCentral Broadway and False Creek areaover the downtown. There is noprotection for public views elsewhere inthe city.

27.1 More Usable Parks and SchoolGroundsApprovedPark design, appearance, and activitiesshould be more varied in order to servea more diverse population. Specifically,Moberly Park and Memorial Park Southshould be reviewed and upgraded withcommunity input. Parks should be bettermaintained. School grounds should alsobe transformed into attractive, usablecommunity spaces.Percent agree 88%/88%

People’s Ideas…• provide more natural/nativelandscaping; more flower plantings;more community gardens; walkingroutes around and through parks;wheelchair/stroller accessibility;interpretive and directional signage;heritage artifacts; daylighting of oldstreams; restrooms; covered picnicareas; play areas for toddlers as wellas older kids; water play; shade treesand picnic tables for play areas;more benches; garbage bins;barbeques; drinking fountains forpeople and dogs; special bins fordog waste; more public art; longerwashroom hours

27.2 More Park Space inUnderserved AreasApprovedThere should be more parks andneighbourhood greenways, especially inthe underserved areas of Sunset.Percent agree 81%/80%

People’s Ideas…• use mini-parks and street parkswhen larger sites are not available

• provide additional park spacewhen new, denser housing is built

School grounds: greeningopportunity

Enhanced picnic and play areas Water play areas for children

Cleaner parks


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Index Page27.3 Parks on the Fraser RiverApprovedThere should be mini-parks on the streetends at the Fraser River with access tothe water, even in areas where industrialuses will remain. If any land along theriver is taken out of river-relatedindustrial use, redevelopment shouldinclude a continuous waterfrontwalkway, with parks located along it.Percent agree 87%/85%

27.4 Safety in and around ParksApprovedPark design and maintenance shouldtake account of safety. Accessing parksacross arterials should be easier andsafer.Percent agree 92%/92%

People’s Ideas…• add night lighting; resilientsurfaces in play areas; pedestriansignals to cross arterials; barriersbetween park areas and arterials

27.5 Community Involvementin ParksApprovedPublic involvement in the design andstewardship of parks should beencouraged.Percent agree 81%/81%

People’s Ideas…• encourage clean-up days;community planting

• use Sunset Nursery as aneducational resource

• educate about plants and wildlife

• create a park rules enforcementgroup

27.6 Greening Public StreetsApprovedStreets should continue to be pleasantgreen links that connect theneighbourhood, through:• protecting existing boulevards and

street trees, and planting new treeswherever possible

• encouraging residents to extendprivate gardening into boulevards

• encouraging residents to landscapetraffic circles and curb bulges throughthe ‘Green Streets’ program.


Community gardens

Fraser River: create more street-end parks

Green Streets Program: landscaped corner bulge

Street trees: protect and plantnew trees wherever possible


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Index Page27.7 Greening LanesApprovedMany lanes in Sunset are unattractiveand not environmentally friendly. Thereshould be alternatives to fully pavedlanes, to allow for more greenery andmore permeability for stormwater, andall the alternatives should be offered tohomeowners when they vote on lanepaving.Percent agree 77%/76%

People’s Ideas…• encourage narrower asphalt area;setbacks for garages; ‘guerillagardening’ or scattering seeds toimprove unattractive locations

Scenic view: Moberly Park

Greener lane

27.8 Public ViewsApprovedViews to the north shore mountains,Cascades, Mount Baker, and the FraserRiver from public places, like parks andstreets, should be protected and view-points made more enjoyable.Percent agree 87%/84%

People’s Ideas…• identify, map, and protect the keypublic views

• make viewpoints more accessible,and provide benches (e.g. on 51stbetween Community Centre andJohn Henderson School; MoberlyPark; along Fraser River)

Paved lane


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Vision participants identified many environmentalissues, including a concern that many residents andbusinesses are unaware of City programs which pro-

mote a healthier environment.

This Vision contains a number of Directions to improve theenvironment. Some are in this section; others are inGREENING PARKS, STREETS AND LANES (garbage and trees),and in TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (encouraging non-auto modes of travel). Many directions include changes toindividual behaviour which combine to improve the environ-ment. Others are additions to current City programs, whichhave expanded as environmental issues have assumed moreimportance to the public.

Recycling, Composting, and GarbageThe City collects garbage from residential properties with lessthan four units. The weekly garbage can limit for single familyproperties was lowered from three to two cans to encourageresidents to reduce waste and use recycling and compostingprograms. The City collects paper, plastic, and metal forrecycling from houses and apartments if the residents sepa-rate and set out the materials. Large items can be recycled atthe Vancouver South Transfer Station on West Kent AvenueNorth. The City also provides regular yard waste collectionfrom single family properties and subsidizes backyardcomposters and indoor worm compost bins. These programshave reduced the amount of residential garbage sent to thelandfill by about 35%.

Water Quality and ConservationVancouver has higher per capita water consumption thanmost North American cities with similar climates. The Citysupports public and school education programs on waterconservation, restricts lawn watering in summer, sells barrelsto store rain water for yard irrigation, and requires watersaving fixtures and devices in new buildings. These initiativeshave reduced water consumption by 20% since summerwater shortages in 1990 and 1992.

EnvironmentEnvironment


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Index PageAir QualityThe (1990) City of Vancouver Task Forceon Atmospheric Change was created byCity Council to study climate change asit relates to global warming and ozonedepletion. It recommended somespecific actions that the City couldundertake to reduce its contribution tofactors causing climate change. Amongthe actions taken was the developmentof the City’s Transportation Plan, whichsets out a long-term strategy to findtransportation alternatives to the single-passenger automobile. City initiativeslike Greenways and Bikeways, whichencourage walking and cycling, combinewith better public transit (throughTransLink) to support the plan.

28 Environment

28.1 Garbage ControlApprovedThere should be a greater effort to keepthe Sunset area clean, including:• more co-operative efforts by residents

and the City to identify and resolvegarbage problems

• increased enforcement and penaltieswhere co-operative actions fail toresolve a problem

• more education of residents about thegarbage services offered by the City

• special pick-up of hard-to-dispose-ofitems

• more garbage bins and pick-up of binsin parks and public places

• separate dog waste disposal units inparks.


People’s Ideas…• encourage residents to purchasestickers from the City to dispose ofextra cans of garbage if regulargarbage service is inadequate

• encourage neighbourhoodbusinesses to sweep up the sidewalkmore often, and clean-up the lane atthe back of their businesses

• publish information pamphletsabout City garbage disposal servicesin multiple languages (e.g. English,Punjabi, and Chinese)

• more garbage cans — includingdog waste bags — and more fre-quent pick-up in city parks

• designated one day pick-up ofhard-to-dispose-of items

• create neighbourhood pride todiscourage dumping of garbage inthe community

28.2 Recycling and CompostingApprovedMeasures should be taken to increaserecycling and composting. They shouldinclude:• the City and community further

encouraging residents and businessesto recycle

• the City encouraging other levels ofgovernment to promote recycling andcomposting.


People’s Ideas…• provide school programs thatpromote recycling and composting

• publish information pamphlets inmultiple languages (e.g., English,Punjabi, and Chinese)

• highlight responsibilities ofresidents and businesses to keep theneighbourhood clean and promotea healthy environment

Problem dumping in lane


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Index Page28.3 Water Conservation and WasteWaterApprovedReduced consumption of water andproper disposal of waste water shouldbe encouraged through:• more public education and promotion

of individual actions which improvewater conservation

• developing City regulations, programs,and practices which encourage waterconservation

• the City encouraging other levels ofgovernment to promote waterconservation.


People’s Ideas…• encourage people to use lesswater when watering their gardensand lawns or cleaning their cars,and collect water in rain barrels forthese purposes

• encourage greater use of water-saving devices in the home, like low-flow toilets and shower-heads, andrain barrels• meter water use to create a user-pay system

• publicize permeability controls toreduce water run-off

28.4 Air QualityApprovedMeasures should be taken at thecommunity and city level to improve airquality in Sunset, addressing issues ofair pollution, including:• encouraging non-auto transportation

alternatives, like walking, cycling, andpublic transit

• developing City regulations, programsand practices which promote better airquality

• the City encouraging other levels ofgovernment to promote better airquality.


People’s Ideas…• encourage people to reduce thenumber of trips they take by car,and use alternative ways to get towhere they’re going, like walking,

biking, car-pooling, car co-oping, ortaking the bus

• continue to test older vehicles forexcessive pollution and requireadequate vehicle maintenance

• plant more trees and expandgreen space to improve the localclimate

• monitor industrial emissions andeducate residents about appropriatefuels to burn in their fireplaces

Recycling and yard waste collection


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Environment The City currently provides information to, and consults with,residents and groups on many different types of decisions, inmany different ways.

Examples of current processes include:• local improvement petitions for new curbs and sidewalks• a referendum on each three year Capital Plan

• public processes for planning programs and rezonings

• special surveys such as the Framework for Action survey in early2001

• public task forces like the Bus Impact Task Force

• advisory committees to City Council like the BicycleAdvisory Committee and the Seniors Committee

• notification letters on development proposals

• the City’s homepage on the Internet

CommunityInvolvementin DecisionMaking

CommunityInvolvementin DecisionMaking

Public input is important to the City. Its Public Involvement Reviewis now developing:• new initiatives (such as a Newcomers Guide to City Services and

an expansion of the City’s website to give the public moreinformation)

• improvements to various City processes (such as notificationsconcerning development/rezoning proposals, liquor licenseapplications, or traffic management initiatives)

• increased translation of City communications

• improved structures for City Council’s advisory committees

While recognizing these practices, this Vision suggests improve-ments: people could be made more aware of the opportunities toparticipate; the timing of input could be improved; and the inputcould have more influence on the decisions which are made.

29.1 Community Involvement in Decision MakingApprovedCommunity residents should have greater, and more timely, inputinto decision making about changes in their community, involvingmatters like provision of facilities and services, developmentprojects, street and traffic changes, transit changes, and park design.Percent agree 91%/92%

29 Community Involvement inDecision Making


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Rezoning PolicyFollowing the Sunset Community Vision

1. About Zoning in General1.1 How Zoning WorksThe Zoning and Development Bylaw is the main way the City controls development— new buildings, additions to existing buildings, or changes in the use of buildingsand land.

There are different zoning districts, labelled by letters and numbers. For example,RS-1S covers most of Sunset’s single family areas, and C-2 covers the shopping areas.Every lot in a district is governed by the same regulations and guidelines.Theregulations are contained in a District Schedule. They control the kinds of activities(uses) that may take place, such as office, retail, dwelling, or manufacturing. DistrictSchedules also control various quantitative aspects of the development, including:the maximum height of buildings, the position of buildings on the lot (yards andsetbacks), the amount of total development (floor space or density), and the amountof parking required. In addition to the District Schedule with its regulations, somezones also have design review, using Design Guidelines. Design review looks at themore qualitative factors such as style or character, the materials used, or thelandscaping. Legally, districts with design review are structured to have two types ofprojects: those that may go ahead without design review (often called “outright”);and those that are subject to design review (often called “conditional” or“discretionary”), because they receive additional density, or approval of a conditionaluse, in return for meeting the design guidelines.

Another type of district is the CD-1 or Comprehensive Development district. Many ofthese are tailored to a specific site, such as Britannia Community Services Centre andthe Broadway campus of Vancouver Community College. Others cover a broad area,such as First Shaughnessy or the Downtown. This tool is used where a typicalDistrict Schedule and Guidelines approach is not suitable.

1.2 How Zoning is ChangedAnyone may apply to alter the zoning — property owner, resident, or the Director ofPlanning. However, only City Council may actually adopt or change zoning orguidelines. Staff do the analysis and processing of applications, and make arecommendation to Council. During processing there is always public notificationand some consultation, and a formal Public Hearing is always required at the end ofthe process before Council decides.

Because rezoning is time-consuming and expensive, City staff usually advisepotential applicants before they make an application whether or not staff would“consider” the rezoning (that is, fully process it), rather than quickly reporting it toCouncil with a recommendation to refuse the application. Staff give this advicebased on existing City plans and policies, including Community Visions.


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Index Page2. Rezoning Under the Sunset Community VisionMaking some of Sunset’s Vision directions happen will require rezoning, oramendments to zoning. For most, additional area planning would be requiredbefore any zoning changes would be considered, and individual rezonings wouldnot be considered prior to this planning (section 2.2). However, there are somecases where individual rezonings could be considered without additional planning(section 2.1). Note that “considered” refers to being taken into the system forprocessing; it does not necessarily mean that the application will receive supportfrom staff or approval from City Council.

2.1 Additional Planning Not Required Before RezoningRezoning applications for the types of projects listed below could be consideredwithout additional planning, because they further adopted city-wide policies, or arenormal practice in the public interest. Most are “site specific” rezonings onindividual sites. There would be community consultation in each case. Inconsidering these rezonings, staff would look at not only the needs of the project,but also how it relates to its existing surroundings, and to the future of the area asdescribed in the Community Vision.

Table 2.1: Additional Planning Not Required Before Rezoning

Type of Project That Could be Considered For Site Specif ic Rezoning Comments

Heritage retent ion projects- invo lv ing re tent ion o f bu i ld ings on the VancouverHer i tage Reg is te r

C i ty -w ide po l icy toencourage re tent ion o fher i tage resources.

Socia l or a f fordable housing projects- non-prof i t pro jects ; housing agreement pro jects , specia lneeds res ident ia l fac i l i t ies (SNRF)

Note on Def in i t ions:Hous ing agreement : a cont rac t be tween the C i ty anddeveloper to guarantee a por t ion o f the hous ing un i ts asrental or low income, etc.SNRFs: hous ing and suppor t se rv ices fo r peop le w i thspec ia l needs inc lud ing the e lder ly , ch i ldren in care ,menta l l y o r phys ica l l y hand icapped, peop le w i thsubs tance abuse prob lems, e tc .

C i ty -w ide po l icy toencourage hous ing fo rlower i ncome and spec ia lneeds res iden ts .

Hous ing demons t ra t ion p ro jec ts (HDP)- in order to be considered as an HDP, a pro ject : "mustdemonst ra te new hous ing fo rm in the ne ighbourhood,improved a f fo rdab i l i t y , and a degree o f ne ighbourhoodsuppor t ; any increase in land va lue , beyond the normalpro f i t a l lowed by the C i ty 's s tandard bonuss ing process ,be conver ted in to improved a f fordabi l i ty . " (January 3 ,1996 Counci l report )- in add i t ion , in Sunset , any HDP proposa ls wou ld needto conform to Vis ion direct ions about type, locat ion, scale,etc.

C i ty -w ide po l icy to permi tdemonst ra t ion o f newhousing types

Inst i tu t ional usesPro jects focuss ing on expans ion, downs iz ing, or reuse o fpubl ic ly owned or non-prof i t inst i tut ional , cul tural ,recreat ional, ut i l i ty, or publ ic authori ty uses

Normal Ci ty pract ice

Housekeep ing amendments ; zon ing t ex t amendments- in i t iated by the Director of Planning to update, correct , ormake minor rev is ions to Dis t r ic t Schedules or Guidel ines Normal Ci ty pract ice

In Sunse t : Sen iors Hous ing-as per V is ion Direct ion 21.1 and 21.2 Sunset Communi ty V is ion


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Index Page2.2 Additional Planning Required Before RezoningThe Sunset Community Vision directions listed below require additional planningstudy before rezoning occurs. For some directions, the study would cover a portionof Sunset; others might be city-wide in scope. The types of things that would bestudied could include the size, height, location and design of development; trafficand parking; parks and green space; service needs; development contributions tocosts; phasing and so forth. Planning studies would be initiated by the City, butmight be undertaken by City staff, consultants, community members, or a combina-tion. In all cases, there would be community consultation throughout the study.

Timing priorities for these studies, as well as other aspects of implementing theVision, will be determined with community input, as well as through Council consid-eration of available resources and competing work priorities. Individual siterezonings will not be considered in advance of the planning, other than as noted inSection 2.1.

Table 2.2: Additional Planning Required Before Rezoning

Sunset Vision Direction Possible types of additional planning study

13 Design of New Single Family Houses13.1 Design Review for New Single FamilyHouses

Mini-program to make design review zoning availableonce more to interested areas

14 Older Character Buildings and Heritage14.3 Retaining Character Buildings

Specific planning study on feasibility fo this in Sunsetand other Vision areas

16 Infill*16.1 Infill

More detailed planning either broadly throughoutSunset, or for specific areas

17 Duplexes*17.1 Duplexes

More detailed planning either broadly throughoutSunset, or for specific areas

26 Mixed Use Development26.1 Design Improvements

City-wide C-2 zoning review (already underway)

*As noted in Table 2.1, an individual Housing Demonstration Project may be consid-ered under certain conditions.

2.3 OtherThe sections above provide guidance for most rezoning inquiries. However, theremay be rare sites for which development under the existing zoning would involvethe loss of features which the community, in its Vision, views as assets. The primeexample is trees and landscaping, but in some cases buildings or structures may alsobe valued (but not qualify as heritage). In these cases, rezoning that would maintainthe assets may be considered. Further, this will apply only to large sites that were insingle ownership at the time of the Vision adoption. Finally, achieving Vision direc-tions would remain the focus of consideration of the rezoning.

Note: Zoning policy described in this section comes from:Rezoning Policy - Before and During CityPlan Neighbourhood Visioning, adopted byCity Council January 18, 1996 and Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision,adopted by City Council on July 21,1998.


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AcknowledgementsThe Sunset Vision Team would like to thank the residents, employees, and businesspeople in Sunset who attended the many meetings, workshops and other events. Wemet many of you and appreciated the time you took to consider the future of yourcommunity.

The team also wishes to thank the Community Liaison Group and the CityPerspectives Panel for their dedication over the course of the program, and theirefforts in advising staff, participating in workshops, and reviewing drafts.

Community Liaison GroupKelvin ChiuNancy CuddefordSurinder DhillonKen DodgeBill DraperMaxine DraperPatrick Faehndrich-FindlaySusan Faehndrich-FindlayTom HolmesDoug HutchinsonCarol HutchinsonCarol JelicAnne JudgeLorna KemptonJim LloydLillian MahLisa MonteiroMakota Musha

Howard NormannReena ParharChris ParksHelen PatersonMunna PrasadPeggy PrasadIan PriceGwyn RowlandsAman SanghaWalter SchultzDianna SmithLiza WelshTimothy WelshDean WilsonKester WongWilliam WongEdmund Yeung

City Perspectives PanelDavid CadmanDarren ChungMarguerite FordJudith GlickJames LeeShane SimpsonSuzanne Strutt


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Index PageFull and part-time support from Planning Department staffSunset Vision TeamPeter BurchWesley JoeJag Senghera

Community Visions TeamSusan AndersonCathy BuckhamJoanne FrankoTrish FrenchRonda HowardAngela KoMichelle LarigakisAnn McAfeePaul NowlanMarlie Oden, Bridge CommunicationsRay SchulteTed SebastianNancy Wormald

Support from other departments,agencies and consultantsMing Berka (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.)Ivana Cappelletto (Cappelletto Design Group)Cliff Caprani (Printing)Doug Doyle (Engineering)Tilo Driessen (Parks)Rajpal and Darshan Kohli (EEO)Ken Low (Engineering)Mike Nishi (Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church)Preet Pandher (South Vancouver Neighbourhood House)Gurnam Singh Ranu (Indo-Canadian Senior Mens Group)Paul Raynor (Housing)Dianna Smith (Sunset Community Centre)


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Sunset Community Vision Highlights

January 2002

City of Vancouver Land Use and Development Policies and Guidelines Community Services, 453 W. 12th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4 F 604.873.7344 fax 604.873.7060 [email protected]

50¢

SUNSET COMMUNITY VISION Adopted by City Council on January 15, 2002

The following information has been extracted from 2 sources: the Sunset Community Vision and a report adopted by Council on July 27, 2000 on conditional use applications in visioned areas. For a complete set of Council-approved Vision Directions for Sunset, please refer to the “Sunset Community Vision” document which is available free from the internet at vancouver.ca/visions or from the Planning Department (604.871.6126) at a cost. 1 COMMUNITY VISION: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Sunset Community Vision applies to the area outlined on the map below.

The Sunset Community Vision describes the kind of community people want Sunset to become over the next 10 to 20 years. The Vision illustrates how CityPlan directions (adopted by City Council in 1995), should be implemented in Sunset. Over 90 Vision Directions cover topics like: transportation; new housing; shopping areas; safety and services; and greening and garbage.

The Sunset Community Vision will be used by City Council and staff to help guide future planning, to set priorities for capital projects, to direct City programs and services, and to make decisions affecting the community.

City of Vancouver January 2002 Sunset Community Vision Page 2

2 REZONING POLICY For the most part, additional area planning will be required before any zoning changes will be considered. Individual rezonings will not be considered prior to this planning, except in the following circumstances: heritage retention projects, social or affordable housing projects, institutional uses, and seniors low-rise housing or small scale projects like Abbeyfield. Please refer to page 51 of the Sunset Community Vision for more information.

3 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS UNDER EXISTING ZONING

Generally, development is anticipated to continue under existing zoning regulations, with development applications processed as usual, since such development will not significantly contradict adopted Vision Directions.

The exceptions are some conditional uses in C-2 zones located in two neighbourhood shopping areas identified by the Vision as areas for active, pedestrian-friendly shops and services. (See map and notes below.) Conditional uses in these zones that provide auto access from the street frontages and/or parking facilities in front of buildings, and/or buildings without storefronts, would, if permitted at grade along the shopping area street frontages identified below, contradict these policy directions. The C-2 regulations require that, in considering conditional uses, account be taken of “all applicable policies and guidelines” adopted by Council. Consequently, new proposals of conditional uses in these locations that are inconsistent with the Vision Directions, while they will be considered individually, will generally not be supported. Prospective applicants are encouraged to seek early advice from the Community Visions Implementation team.

SHOPPING AREAS IDENTIFIED IN THE SUNSET COMMUNITY VISION

Relevant Vision Directions for these areas may be found in the Sunset Community Vision in the following sections:

Section 22 - Fraser Street Shopping Area; and Section 23 - Main Street Shopping Area.

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