Media Release - Exciting initiatives being considered for Ambleside Revitalization
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, West Vancouver, BC – With the goal of revitalizing the Village of Ambleside and the Ambleside waterfront, District of West Vancouver Council is moving forward with a number of projects contained in the Ambleside and Ambleside Waterfront Activation report. District staff presented the report to Council last night, including a proposal for extensive public consultation.
“This is an exciting time for West Vancouver,” says Mayor Michael Smith. “We are fortunate to be in a position where the community can come together and see tangible progress on the waterfront through meaningful, on-the-ground projects to revitalize Ambleside. These initiatives are based on years of thoughtful planning and a community-wide aspiration for a vibrant and dynamic waterfront that has something for everyone.”
The report tasks staff with creating a plan to gather public input in the new year. Public consultation will be key to these and other proposed initiatives:
• Conduct a Commercial Market Strategy to examine commercial options in Ambleside.
• Consider converting newly-acquired properties at 1468 and 1472 Argyle Avenue into ocean-front restaurants.
• Consider expanding the successful food services programs to include food carts/trucks.
• Consult with restaurant operators, the Chamber of Commerce and the Ambleside Business Association to allow sidewalk dining.
• Consider community uses for the newly acquired waterfront house at 1528 Argyle Avenue.
• Develop a business case for a new Arts Centre on the 1600 block of Bellevue Avenue.
• Explore ideas on how to retain the Hollyburn Sailing Club at its current location while considering complementary potential uses in a new facility.
• Consider more closures of Argyle Avenue to vehicle traffic for other opportunities.
• Test a new location for the highly successful farmers’ market at 14th Street between Marine Drive and Bellevue Avenue.
• Consider upgrades to the Silk Purse Gallery to create a more usable outdoor space.
• Seek proposals for new food services at concessions in Ambleside Park.
• Secure funding and move forward with building a new playground at John Lawson Park.
• Consider the Streetscape Project, which aims to improve sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, bike connections and other open space elements in Ambleside Village.
• Continue with Spirit Trail construction and connect two existing West Vancouver segments via a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Capilano River.
The District will encourage members of the public to have their say about these proposals early in 2013. Please monitor westvancouver.ca in the coming weeks and months for opportunities for the public to get involved in the revitalization of Ambleside and its waterfront.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Michael Smith and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contact
Jeff McDonald Director of Communications
c: 604-396-3692 | d: 604-925-4736 | e: jmcdonald@westvancouver.ca