Key Decision Due Over Fate of Vancouver's Viaducts

The movement to dismantle the twin viaducts that hover over Vancouver's downtown reaches a crucial milestone today, as the City Council votes to fund the study of how to transform "the last, large, under-utilized area close to the city’s core."

1 minute read

June 26, 2013, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"The bold proposal to tear down Vancouver’s twin viaducts, which have carried traffic to and from the downtown for more than 40 years, is gaining significant steam," reports Rod Mickleburgh. "Council is expected to vote Wednesday to give city planners a green light to proceed with serious studies and public consultation for the project, with once-loud opposition increasingly muted as the idea takes hold."

“'This is a turning point, not just a small step,' said senior planner Brian Jackson, as he discussed details of a comprehensive staff report outlining the many benefits of demolishing the busy, elevated structures."

"The decision would free up five city blocks for renewal, providing space for increased parkland and as many as 1,000 new housing units, including 300-400 subsidized apartments," notes Mickleburgh. "It would also re-connect neighbourhoods to False Creek and revitalize a section of Main Street lost when the viaducts went up."

In an opinion piece for HuffPost British Columbia, Brent Toderian, the city's former Director of City Planning and long-time advocate of viaduct removal, urges the Council to "approve the removal 'in principle' subject to the further work outlined in the report, rather than the recommended up-to-two-year delay in decision-making."

"Ultimately," he says, "this powerful decision isn't about cars or concrete. It's about making a more connected, sustainable, resilient downtown and city."

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 in The Globe and Mail

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

4 hours ago - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business