Granville Island redevelopment eyed by Feds
The federal government launched an initiative this month to have the public, merchants and others weigh in on what they want Granville Island to look like by 2040.
The goal of the exercise is to establish development plans for the soon-to-be-vacant Emily Carr University buildings, potential revitalization of the public market and improvements for the arts and culture industry on the island.
The addition of housing is also a possibility.
“It’s a plan to articulate and to look at the future of Granville Island for the next 25 years,” said Dr. Hedy Fry, Liberal MP for Vancouver-Centre, who made the announcement last Friday.
In her opening remarks from a patio at Bridges Restaurant, Fry described the island under the Granville Bridge as a jewel in Vancouver’s crown, having transformed 40 years ago from a gritty abandoned industrial area into a vibrant, accessible multi-use public space.
“Everything has to change. I’ve talked many times to the stakeholders who live here, who work here and they have huge dreams for this place,” said Fry.
An advisory board and the Granville Island Trust will help guide the process and decisions of the plan, which will also determine the best governance structure for the island.
–Mike Howell, Vancouver Courier
Downtown Vancouver down to just one gas station
For now, the Downtown Vancouver peninsula has only one gas station.
While the Chevron on West Georgia Street east of Denman is closed for renovations, the Esso on the southwest corner of Burrard and Davie streets is serving a population that was estimated at almost 55,000 in 2011.
Chevron spokesman Adrien Byrne said May 17 is the estimated date for completion of construction. The station is slated to reopen the next day.
“Chevron is replacing the underground fuel storage tanks with new tanks, including the ability to supply our customers with diesel fuel from this location,” Byrne said. “Fuel line and electrical upgrades are also being undertaken at this stage, as well as the installation of more efficient LED lighting and aesthetic store renovations.”
Esso did not appear to be exploiting its exclusivity. Its $1.19.9 per litre price for regular gasoline on May 4 before 10am was a penny more than some Chevron, Petro-Canada and Shell locations elsewhere in the city, but in-line with most reported on GasBuddy.com.
–Bob Mackin, Business in Vancouver
