Frequently asked questions

The purchase of the northeast corner property creates more space for existing and additional park features and allows the entire block to be dedicated to public space. We have made other adjustments to the final proposed concept plan based on community concerns about sound from the skateboard and small-wheels spot, desire for green space, interest in a larger off-leash area, and the need to preserve quieter areas like the pollinator garden.

The revised layout preserves the size and footprint of the park features included in the draft concept plan, except for the skateboard and small‑wheels spot* which has been reduced slightly, and the pollinator gardens and off‑leash area, which have been expanded.

• The skateboard and small-wheels spot has moved to the northern edge of the park and is enclosed by a treed hill to the south and dense tree and shrub plantings to the east and west.
• We made the pollinator gardens the key feature of the western park edge, creating a quiet retreat away from the most active areas of the park.
• The reshaped lawn now has a hill on the north edge, which provides a comfortable slope to sit on and creates a natural sound barrier.
• We selected additional equipment for the playground based on what we heard, including a seesaw, universal spinner, and swing set.
• The off-leash area is about 30% larger and has additional trees on its south edge to provide shade.
• We added a fitness area with workout equipment beside the lawn, and a treed entrance from the northeast corner.
• The multi-purpose mini plaza has been relocated to the active hub of the park near the skate spot and off-leash area.

* The earlier draft concept plan called this feature a ‘skatepark’. It’s now described as a ‘skateboard and small wheels spot’ because with its new smaller size, that term better matches the categories used in the Skateboard Amenities Strategy.

To learn more, you can view the updated concept plan (PDF, 15.4 MB).

Yes, the Park Board has acquired the final parcel of land on the block, allowing us to create a larger park. The updated concept plan includes the property at W 5^th Ave and Fir St. Feedback received throughout our engagement process has informed the proposed programming for that area.

The Burrard Slopes Park is located where the Granville Connector and the Arbutus Greenway meet. These are two of the most important regional walking and cycling connections. Pine St will also connect the Arbutus and Seaside Greenways. The City is working to coordinate transportation upgrades with the park development. For more information, a summary of future nearby transportation changes is available here.  

The City is working to make the connection between the Arbutus and Seaside greenways (via Pine Street) safer to walk, bike, and roll. For more information, visit vancouver.ca/pine-street or email bikeupgrades@vancouver.ca.

To support the Park Board’s Skateboard Amenities Strategy (PDF, 10.4 MB) and reflect popular activities identified in earlier public engagement, the park design includes a skateboard and small-wheels (including BMX bikes, roller and inline skating, and scootering) spot. During Round 2 engagement, we heard both enthusiasm for the skate area and concerns about sound affecting nearby homes and other park areas.

In response, the skateboard and small-wheels spot has been relocated to the northern edge of the park, farther from residential buildings. It is now positioned behind a green hill, which serves as a natural sound barrier.

The skateboard and small-wheels spot will face West 5th Ave and be mostly hidden from view within the park. Its footprint is slightly smaller than in the previous design, with a narrower shape that supports linear circulation and makes it safe and easier for multiple users to share the space. New direct entrances to the skate area will help minimize congestion and improve circulation around the park.

To learn more, view the information boards (PDF, 15.4 MB).

The Pine Street Community Gardens will remain at the existing location and there will be no change to the garden spaces in the future park.

Yes, there is a dog off-leash are (OLA) included in the final proposed concept plan.

The People, Parks and Dogs Strategy (PDF, 6.0 MB) identifies underserved and densely populated areas where more dog amenities are needed. With the addition of the new off-leash areas at Granville Park and Heather Park, Burrard Slopes Park is no longer in an underserved region, however, the area’s high – and increasing – population density means there is demand for an OLA at Burrard Slopes.

We heard the importance of having a place for off-leash dogs in Round 1 engagement. The OLA will provide space for dogs to play that is separate from the lawn and garden areas.

The updated design incorporates the newly added northeast corner parcel, allowing the OLA to expand from 466 square metres shown in the draft concept to 646 sq. m.

The project currently known as Burrard Slopes Park will provide much-needed additional green space for two rapidly growing neighbourhoods.   

The park provision analysis undertaken for VanPlay found that Fairview has one of the city’s lowest scores, with under 0.6 ha of park space for every 1000 residents. Kitsilano also has a low score at 0.6-0.9 ha. 

Both Fairview and Kitsilano have a high population density compared to the rest of the city, as well as a larger percentage living in high-density housing, making access to public greenspace critical. With the implementation of the Broadway Plan over the coming decades, the area will further increase in resident, worker, and visitor numbers.  

The new park at Burrard Slopes will: 

• Serve as a place for the community to gather, play, experience culture, and seek respite in the bustling neighborhood 
• Enhance the livability of the area and improve access to nature 
• Help us achieve VanPlay’s 10 Goals to Shape the Next 25 Years including Goal 1: Grow and renew assets

The Broadway Plan, approved by City Council in 2022, focuses on opportunities to integrate new housing, jobs, and amenities (including parks, arts and culture, community gardens) around the new Broadway Subway, from Vine Street to Clark Drive and 1st Avenue to 16th Avenue. 

Burrard Slopes Park falls within the Broadway Plan study area. While the Broadway Plan is a 30-year plan that covers housing, jobs, and amenities around the Broadway Subway, Burrard Slopes Park is one specific project happening within that area. The Broadway Plan, along with other policies and feedback gathered through the Burrard Slopes Park planning process, will guide design decisions for the park. 

To learn more about the Broadway Plan Public Realm and Streetscape work visit shapeyourcity.ca/broadway-public-realm.

For further information on the Broadway Plan and various implementation projects visit vancouver.ca/broadwayplan.