Sapperton Pump Station & Cumberland Point Green Space

Transcription

1 December 15, 2015 Sapperton Pump Station & Cumberland Point Green Space ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 1 About the Project... 1 A Parallel Process... 1 WHAT WE DID: PUBLIC & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT... 2 Outreach and Communications... 2 Engagement Activities... 3 WHO PARTICIPATED... 4 WHAT WE HEARD: SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK... 5 Sapperton Pump Station... 5 Cumberland Point Green Space... 8 NEXT STEPS APPENDIX A: LIST OF STAKEHOLDER ORGANIZATIONS APPENDIX B: QUESTIONNAIRE ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT

3 INTRODUCTION About the Project Metro Vancouver is replacing an existing pump station in the Sapperton area and developing green space on neighbouring Cumberland Point. Both projects will help to meet the needs of a growing population. The projects leverage an essential infrastructure upgrade to create new public green space and restore valuable habitat. Located next to one another in the industrial area at the foot of Cumberland Street and along the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway, the sites are connected by a bridge. The replacement Sapperton Pump Station project is being led by the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVSDD), while the Cumberland Point site is being led by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. When finished, both projects will include public open space, trails and facilities, and will extend the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway to link Sapperton Landing to the Braid Skytrain Station. Throughout September and October of 2015, Metro Vancouver engaged the public and key stakeholders to get their input and comments on these projects. This document provides a summary of the feedback received through this process. A Parallel Process Figure 1: Site Location & Context GVSDD had submitted a voluntary application for a Development Permit from the City of New Westminster. City staff provided input on the consultation process and attended public meetings related to the project. As the Sapperton Pump Station project is closely linked to the Cumberland Point Green Space project, Metro Vancouver took the opportunity to engage the community in the design for Cumberland Point in conjunction with the Sapperton Pump Station consultation. While Cumberland Point is not part of the Development Permit, staff felt that both projects would be easier for the public to understand and provide comment if presented jointly. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 1

4 The two projects are being developed in parallel but on different timelines. Construction of the Sapperton Pump Station is expected to start in 2016 and construction of Cumberland Point is expected to start in Figure 2: Proposed Project Timelines WHAT WE DID: PUBLIC & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Outreach and Communications Metro Vancouver invited participation and input from the public, local business and other interested stakeholders. First Nations were engaged through a separate process. Outreach and promotional activities included: Notification letters and invitations to meet one-on-one with adjacent landowners Invitations to key stakeholders and organizations (see Appendix A) Development of a project webpage at Delivery of flyers within a radius of approximately 500 metres of the project site, totalling 600 neighbouring residences and businesses Meeting with New Westminster s Parks and Recreation Commission (September 30, 2015) ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 2

5 Engagement Activities Metro Vancouver hosted the following activities to share information about the project and collect input from the community with a focus on trails and open space design, public facilities, and heritage. Stakeholder Meetings: Metro Vancouver met with the McBride-Sapperton Residents Association on September 22 to present information on the project, promote the engagement activities, and collect feedback on the replacement Sapperton Pump Station and Cumberland Point Green Space projects. Riverfest Event Booth: Metro Vancouver hosted a booth at the annual Riverfest event at the New Westminster Quay on Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At this family-oriented event, people learned about the project, asked questions and provided feedback by talking to staff or participating in our interactive mural we asked participants to take a photo or draw a picture of themselves on a large mural of the site to show us how they would use the new public space. Staff spoke with approximately 150 people and received 21 written comments on the mural. Public Open House: Metro Vancouver hosted a Public Open House on Tuesday, September 29 at the Inn at the Quay. The drop-in event ran from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a brief presentation and Q&A session at 6:30 p.m. Ten people attended the event. Questionnaire: A public questionnaire was available from September 15 to October 6 (see Appendix B). Paper copies were provided at the Residents Association Meeting, Riverfest booth, and Public Open House and an online version was available through Metro Vancouver s website for those unable to attend the in-person events. A total of 37 responses were received (including 34 online and 3 paper copies). Riverfest booth and displays Public Open House Q&A Session ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 3

6 WHO PARTICIPATED We asked questionnaire participants to tell us where they lived. The majority of respondents (68%) were from New Westminster with most of these participants (60%) living in Sapperton. Results for other survey questions did not appear to vary significantly based on where respondents lived. Where do you live? New Westminster 25 Vancouver 7 Burnaby 2 Surrey Port Moody Coquitlam If you live in New Westminster, which neighbourhood are you from? Sapperton 14 Downtown Queen's Park 3 3 Glenbrooke North 2 West End Brow of the Hill Uptown ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 4

7 Interactive mural from Riverfest WHAT WE HEARD: SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK A summary of qualitative comments has been provided below with similar comments grouped together. Quantifiable feedback received through the questionnaire is illustrated in graphs and charts. This feedback has been reviewed by staff and is being used to inform the design of the new Sapperton Pump Station and Cumberland Point Green Space. Sapperton Pump Station What do you think about the building design and public facilities for the pump station site? A total of 20 written comments regarding the Pump Station building design and public facilities were received through the questionnaire, primarily through online responses. Several comments and questions were also recorded during the in-person events. The majority of comments were supportive of the Pump Station development and site features. Several comments expressed concerns or questions about the building or site design and several others made suggestions to improve the design. General comments on the pump station site: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Building design fits in well with the surrounding industry and will improve the existing area Washrooms will be a benefit in the area Additional green space is desirable The bridge over the water and the greenway is a nice feature Windows that allow people to look inside are good to include I like the large sign on the roof that is visible from the SkyTrain and street Response from Metro Vancouver Metro Vancouver staff are pleased that these features are considered desirable and intends to include them in the final design ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 5

8 Clarifying questions and concerns: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Dislike building colour scheme (too much contrast) Would think the green building would use green and blue colours rather than brown and beige Response from Metro Vancouver The building colour scheme is not finalized, and further improvements to the colour scheme (more muted colours) will be made. Would prefer more direct interpretation of heritage (i.e., Sawmill, industry) The roof features have too many things protruding Building looks large, is there any way to reduce the size? What will happen to the pump station in an earthquake or flood? Curious about how loud it will be Consider safety and security as this is a remote area Interested in district energy connection between New West and the pump station Concerned about people parking on Cumberland and having to cross the street to access the park wasn t clear if the parking shown would be for public use? The building is modelled with a form and mass that reflects past industrial use, and in particular the former sawmill on the site. The site may include interpretive signage that could be used to help explain this linkage. The protruding roof features house ventilation and electrical equipment that cannot easily be housed under the roof without increasing the size of the structure. The size is determined by the size of the equipment and has already been minimized (while reflecting budgetary constraints). The pump station is withstand earthquakes in accordance with the BC Building Code ( post-disaster ) and the ground floor has been designed to account for flooding based on both current flood risk and future flood risk associated with climate change. During operation, any noise that may be heard outside the building would be from ventilation. It should be significantly quieter than background noise from nearby vehicles and other sources of sound in general users of the green space will not hear the facility. Safety and security have been carefully considered in the design. Metro Vancouver has a policy in place that supports the provision of heat for district energy systems. If the City chooses to pursue this as an energy source Metro Vancouver will continue to collaborate with City staff. The design includes 40 publically accessible parking stalls. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 6

9 Suggestions for improvement: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Would like to see less car parking instead use part of this space for covered bike racks, car-share parking and more green space Incorporate a green roof a great opportunity to demonstrate sustainability Glass can cause bird deaths. Incorporate design elements to reduce risk to birds Enhance bird habitat by installing nesting boxes on the pump house (where they cannot be vandalized or reached by predators such as rats) Incorporate First Nations culture into public art and structures to celebrate the history of the site Could you include a bicycle maintenance station? Maybe a café or space for food trucks and outdoor tables and chairs? Looks neat but could be more creative with the tower (electrical mast) on the roof Add more seating by the water Response from Metro Vancouver This area will be a major staging point for visitors who want access the Brunette Fraser Greenway and parking capacity needs to account for future demand (population growth). Metro Vancouver reviewed the potential for a green roof on this project. While these are desirable in certain applications, construction cost and staff time for maintenance are barriers to including this feature. Given these challenges, resources were focused on the green space on the site which includes many features that demonstrate sustainability. Metro Vancouver will work with the architect to explore how to mitigate risk to birds from collision with clear glass surfaces. Bird boxes will be included in the site if feasible. Success of the bird boxes is contingent on commitment of long term volunteer stewards of the boxes. Metro Vancouver is conducting archaeological assessments to learn about any potential previous First Nations uses of the site and will consider this as potential thematic input in the public art process. Due to theft of metal objects in the area a bicycle maintenance station is not considered appropriate for this site. The number of visitors to the site will not likely provide sufficient demand for on-site food services but there will be picknicking opportunities. Metro Vancouver will explore creative opportunities for the 69kV electrical mast design process. The volume of seating is appropriate to the expected volume of users in the space. Not all of the seating is obvious as some of it is natural seating that does not look like street furniture. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 7

10 Cumberland Point Green Space How important are these features for the green space? Questionnaire respondents were asked how important certain features such as enhanced fish habitat, education/interpretation opportunities, accessible fishing and large open spaces were for the Cumberland Point Green Space. All 37 respondents answered these questions. The majority of respondents felt all of the opportunities were somewhat or very important; however, enhancing fish habitat was ranked as the most important of these features. This feedback was consistent with other feedback received through the various engagement activities. Enhanced Fish Habitat Education/Interpretation Opportunities Very Important 62% Very Important 43% Somewhat Important 30% Somewhat Important 41% Neutral 5% Neutral 8% Somewhat Unimportant 3% Somewhat Unimportant 5% Not Important 0% Not Important 3% 0% 50% 100 0% 50% 10 Accessible Fishing Larger Open Space Very Important 32% Very Important 27% Somewhat Important 54% Somewhat Important 43% Neutral 11% Neutral 14% Somewhat Unimportant 3% Somewhat Unimportant 11% Not Important 0% Not Important 5% 0% 50% 10 0% 50% 100 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 8

11 Which type of space would you prioritize at this site? (choose only one) Questionnaire respondents were then asked about their priority for either naturalized/habitat space or space for public passive recreation as the final design for the site may need to emphasize one over the other. All 37 respondents answered the question and the majority preferred a naturalized space for the Cumberland Point Green Space. 6% 24% 70% Naturalized/habitat space Public passive recreation space I don't know What do you like or dislike about the Concept Designs and why? We also asked participants to tell us what they liked or disliked about the features in Concepts 1 and 2 (open ended question). A total of 30 questionnaire comments were received for this question as well as 21 written comments from the Riverfest event and a number of verbal comments from the Riverfest event and Sapperton Residents Association meeting. Participants were generally pleased about having more green space in the area, access to the river, and further walking/cycling connections along the regional greenway. Comments stressed the importance of enhancing fish habitat as well as providing family-friendly play spaces. Overall the majority of comments for the open-ended question favoured Option 1, suggesting the enhanced fish habitat and natural spaces provided for the environment as well as recreational users and families. Those who preferred Option 2 noted that they liked the landscapes and thought they would provide good play spaces for kids. Many suggestions for improvement focused on enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Other suggestions addressed design issues or recommended additional elements. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 9

12 Comments on Options 1 and 2 for Cumberland Point: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Enhancing fish habitat is very important Both options are great, like the aesthetics of both, would be a great improvement to the area Family friendly play spaces and picnic tables are great Like the area for kayak pull-out and fishing in both options Like the open and inviting spaces Prefer more natural space and minimal hardscapes, good to see log benches Interface zones where public can reach the water are important for kids to learn about nature Access to the water is most important, fishing is secondary Like option 1 because of fish habitat enhancement Option 1 is more interesting/natural due to better recreation and education opportunities and more natural play spaces for kids (like logs to climb on) Option 2 has more interesting, family-friendly play spaces Development in the area (i.e., new Brewery District) will create significant demand for green space, this would be a great natural area for future residents Response from Metro Vancouver Both designs have an objective to improve habitat for fish and other wildlife. MV will endeavour to create a design that reflects these values and features. Comment noted. We hope that this area will benefit existing and future residents. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 10

13 Comments on the greenway component of the project: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Love the greenway extension, great that this will get connected Would like a paved surface i.e. stroller-friendly Would be great to have a temporary detour around/through the site before the greenway construction is complete Would like the greenway connection to be fast-tracked to connect Sapperton to the rest of New Westminster Add a greenway connection to the Quayside path to make the area safe and more accessible for cyclists Response from Metro Vancouver Comment noted. Our goal is to make the space accessible. Further study will determine the level of accessibility and consider all material types for pathways. We are considering how to provide temporary detours as we move into detailed design. Metro Vancouver is working with our New Westminster partners to realize a connection to the Quay. However, this is a long term plan - there are many challenges to be considered. Comments and suggestions for improvement related to Cumberland Point: Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Concerned the fish habitat enhancements will not be successful unless the flow to the mouth of the Brunette River is restored this would be a shame as significant work has gone into the upper reaches of the Brunette River Ensure it functions well, the side-channel in Sapperton Landing acts as a debris trap Consult further with the stewards of the Brunette River There are plenty of parks nearby with passive public recreation, don t think it s important for this space, would rather see waterfront habitat area that is accessible to the public this is rare and special Response from Metro Vancouver Metro Vancouver is exploring options to increase water flow to the mouth of the Brunette. The main challenge is in finding a way to do so without creating flooding issues upstream. Comment noted. Metro Vancouver will continue to consult and work with interested stakeholders with regard to fish habitat restoration, such as Sapperton Fish and Game Club or Fraser River Discovery Centre. The design will incorporate naturalized space and improved habitat, additional feasibility testing is required before the design can be finalized. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 11

14 Public Comment, Issue, or Concern Would like to see a small playground in this space Incorporate more access/viewpoints to the water (but don t interfere with habitat) Consider bird nesting boxes on the site similar to Sapperton Landing on 8x8 posts along the water edge with aluminum shrouding below the boxes Would like to see a third option that is almost entirely habitat space and would like to see a list of species that would benefit from this space Provide a gazebo/covered area for shade and shelter from the rain Add more seating Is there a need for a kayak pull-out in the green space as well as the boat launch (on the old wharf)? Concerned about project feasibility and budget overruns if there is significant site contamination Concerned about accessing from the surrounding neighbourhood dangerous traffic, train tracks, etc. Could access be provided from Spruce Street? Why is there no access from Sapperton SkyTrain Station? Response from Metro Vancouver Regional Parks do not develop typical playground features. Open space and natural elements such as logs and boulders could be included in the site design to provide a variety of functions. Comment noted. Bird boxes will be included in the site if feasible. Success of the bird boxes is contingent on commitment of long term volunteer stewards of the boxes. The site is adjacent to and part of the Brunette Fraser Greenway an important corridor for habitat and a means of connecting people with nature. One design objective is to manage access of people and allow for habitat space. The site is isolated and there are concerns about safety and vandalism with such structures. The volume of seating is provided is based on the expected volume of users in the space. Not all of the seating is obvious as some of it is natural seating that does not look like street furniture. The idea is for ground oriented access for boats that don t require structures like a dock. The next phase of the project will be undertake further feasibility testing prior to finalizing a design for the site. A future connection to Spruce street is possible. Metro Vancouver is working with our New Westminster partners to realize safe connections to local streets. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 12

15 NEXT STEPS Sapperton Pump Station: Overall, participants commented favourably on the green space and liked the integration of public space and amenities such as washrooms. Some comments on the building have led to design changes, such as more muted colours and improving safety for birds. These suggestions will be incorporated into the design where feasible. Moving forward, Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Services staff will continue to improve the design of the Pump Station and will continue to work with the City throughout project development. Once the Development Permit is approved, a building permit will be applied for and construction can start in late Cumberland Point: Participants generally supported the concepts for the Cumberland Point Green Space as well as the extension of the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway. A majority of respondents preferred Option 1 over Option 2 and emphasized the importance of enhancing fish/wildlife habitat and providing natural spaces. There was also significant support for additional passive recreation space given expected residential growth in the area. Several participants expressed concern that the project would not successfully improve habitat for juvenile salmon unless flows to the mouth of Brunette River could be improved this is an ongoing action for Metro Vancouver staff. While it was not the focus of this project, comments and conversations with participants at events and meetings emphasized the importance of extending the greenway between Sapperton Landing and downtown New Westminster this is a priority for residents who spoke to Metro Vancouver during this process. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff will continue to work with City of New Westminster staff as they develop a preferred design concept. ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 13

16 APPENDIX A: LIST OF STAKEHOLDER ORGANIZATIONS Metro Vancouver directly invited the following stakeholders/organizations to provide input on this project. Other stakeholders and members of the public were also encouraged to participate. 1. Adjacent Landowners a. TransLink b. Royal City Automotive c. Columbia Auto Repair Brake & Muffler d. De Vellis Auto Centre e. Marcelo Auto Repair Inc. f. Golden Gate Auto Sales g. G & G Auto Centre h. New Westminster Parks and Recreation Commission 2. Nearby Residents/Landowners a. McBride Sapperton Residents Association b. Sapperton Business Association c. Royal Columbian Hospital d. Quayside Community Board e. New West Downtown Residents Association f. Braid Street Business Association g. Queen s Park Residents Association h. Brow of the Hill Residents Association i. Queensborough Residents Association j. Glenbrooke North Residents Association k. Moody Park Residents Association l. Massey Victory Heights Residents Association m. West End Residents Association n. Connaught Heights Residents Association 3. Other Stakeholder Groups a. Sapperton Fish and Game Club b. Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) c. HUB d. Brunette Creek Fisherman s Wharf Society e. Sapperton Old Age Pensioners Association f. Burnaby Lake Park Association ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 14

17 APPENDIX B: QUESTIONNAIRE ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT 15