Mayor Sullivan Unveils Plan for Olympic Line Modern Streetcar Service in 2010
On Tuesday I announced that the City of Vancouver and Bombardier Transportation will provide a modern streetcar demonstration service to Vancouver residents and visitors during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The Downtown Streetcar 2010 Demonstration Project is a state-of-the-art, accessible and sustainable transportation project that will connect Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station during 60 days of celebration between January 21 and March 21, 2010.
The City of Vancouver has also received permission from the International Olympic Committee and VANOC to name the streetcar service The Olympic Line – Vancouver’s 2010 Streetcar for the duration of the 2010 demonstration project.
As part of the partnership agreement, Bombardier Transportation will bring two modern streetcars on loan from Belgium to Canada. Bombardier will operate and maintain the vehicles during the demonstration project.
As Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver is delighted to partner with Bombardier to offer a modern transportation experience. This sustainable transportation showcase is an important first step in realizing our vision for the future of the streetcar – a clean, sustainable public transit option for which we believe the day has once again come.
Vancouver is investing $8.5 million to replace the deteriorating rail infrastructure – creating the opportunity to demonstrate modern low-floor streetcar technology during in 2010 – while ensuring the continued future operation of the heritage railway after 2010.
It is our hope that this demonstration project will lay the groundwork for the completion of a the streetcar line to Science World, Chinatown and the new Convention Centre – as the Skytrain demonstration did during Expo 86.
More background: Vancouver Sun
More Social Housing, Electric Vehicles & 2010-related Items Approved by City Council
Yesterday at City Council, we approved a number of important initiatives to support the goals of Project Civil City, EcoDensity and preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Electric Vehicles
City Council has approved a new policy that will allow electric vehicles to access more streets in Vancouver. This initiative compliments our green building strategy to make sure more homes and businesses have electric vehicle plug-ins.
Video stories:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P-G-3z07GM (CTV BC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELQFG8Q3veo (Global BC)
Social Housing
City Council has agreed to advance development on three more social housing sites in Vancouver. We have given the green-light to over 250 new units at 1050 Expo Boulevard, 1601 West 7th Avenue & 188 East 1st Avenue.
In addition to forgiving property taxes, the City of Vancouver will contribute over $10 million to support these social and supporting housing developments for people with drug addition and mental illness.
2010 Related Items
Yesterday, City Council supported measures to help Vancouver prepare for 2010, including:
- Upgrades to the Expo Deck
- Robson Square improvements
- $8.5 million contract for construction of streetscapes in the Athlete’s Village.
The following locations have also been approved for 2010 related public art projects:
- Stanley Park – Georgia Street entrance
- Library Square
- Southeast False Creek Olympic Plaza
- Hillcrest Community Centre
- Southeast False Creek Community Centre
- Olympic Live Site corridor
On Thursday, City Council will consider further expansion of ambassador services to various Vancouver neighbourhoods including Mount Pleasant, Chinatown, Kerrisdale, Robson Street & Strathcona.
EcoDensity Implementation – Have You Say & View Councillor Anton’s YouTube Video
Now that City Council has unanimously supported the EcoDensity initiative, how would you like to see these principles implemented in the City of Vancouver? Do you want to see more housing options such as laneway housing? Do you want more walkable neighbourhoods and local shopping to get you out of your car? Have your say tell us your ideas by taking a few minutes to fill out our online survey at www.samsullivan.ca.
A short YouTube video is now available, narrated by Clr. Suzanne Anton, that describes what EcoDensity could look like, and the choices we face moving forward. Watch it by visiting this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c3jcAFtvzI
Send us your feedback by emailing mayor@vancouver.ca.
Yours truly,
Sam Sullivan
Mayor of Vancouver
