Linear Infrastructure in Vancouver

Last month Lytton Advisory visited Vancouver, the largest city in Western Canada.  A coastal city with an extensive natural resources hinterland, it has long been a hub for trade and a gateway for travellers to and from Asia.  

Unsurprisingly, linear infrastructure has been been a factor in its progress. The scope of this is shown by key examples such as:

1. Lions Gate Bridge (picture above): This bridge connects the North Shore of Vancouver with downtown and is a key transportation link for both vehicles and public transit. Without this 1938 link Vancouver would simply not be the city it is today. A shrewd investment by the Guinness family, which speculated on the land on the northern shore before providing the funding. An example of a possible PPP.
2. SkyTrain: Vancouver’s rapid transit system, which includes the Expo and Millennium Lines, provides residents with fast and reliable transportation to key destinations throughout the city.
3. Stanley Park Causeway: This roadway provides a direct link between Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver, making it easier for residents and visitors to access the city’s largest park.
4. Trans Mountain Pipeline: This pipeline carries crude oil and petroleum products from the Alberta oil sands to the West Coast of Canada, where it is then exported to international markets.
5. Burrard Street Bridge: This bridge is a major transportation link for vehicles and cyclists, connecting downtown Vancouver with the city’s residential neighborhoods to the south.
6. Stanley Park Seawall: This popular greenway provides a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians around Stanley Park and is a key feature of the city’s green infrastructure. Highly recommended cycling through an extensive urban park.

These examples are a few of the key linear infrastructure facilities that support the city of Vancouver and contribute to its quality of life and economic growth. The diversity of investment in this kind of infrastructure hints at the different needs to create the kind of distinctive city that is Vancouver.