Seawall enthusiasts have reason to rejoice!
After approximately seven months of construction, the Stanley Park seawall is set to reopen completely by the end of April.
Since summer of last year, runners, pedestrians and cyclists have been forced to detour onto gravel paths and to share lanes, making the whole seawall workout experience somewhat less inspiring.
Barb Floden, Vancouver Park Board communication coordinator,
Pedestrians stroll along a newly repaved section of the Stanley Park seawall on the north side of the park.
said overall the project has run smoothly.
“There were some weather delays earlier in the project, last fall, but everything has run smoothly since then,” Floden said. “We’ve been getting compliments about [the completed sections]. It’s new and it’s smooth.”
Floden acknowledged they received complaints about noise from night construction work necessitated by the tides, but said measures have since been taken to muffle the din, allowing people in neighbourhood buildings to sleep soundly.
Stanley Park seawall
At the end of January, construction on the south side of the Stanley Park seawall wrapped up and the reconstructed pathway opened to the public.
But on the north side of the park, fences remain in place at the lookout point facing the North Shore, blocking visitors’ views and pushing bikes, rollerbladers and pedestrians onto the same narrow sidewalk. Floden said the northern lookout point is due to open by the end of April.
Tall fences still block off the viewpoint that looks out over the North Shore. The work at this site is expected to be completed by April.
English Bay seawall
Reconstruction work on the English Bay seawall from the stone Inukshuk statue east to approximately Jervis Street is ongoing.
“The northern lookout point and English Bay sections will be open by April,” said Floden.
Currently, fencing and detours are in place to direct cyclists and pedestrians
Work is ongoing on the section of seawall between the Inukshuk statue and Jervis Street, but should be completed by April.
around the work zone. The construction team will remove the existing concrete and granite stones, and the Park Board said most of the granite would be reused elsewhere in Stanley Park.
As of Feb. 18, significant progress has been made on the project:
- Excavation and demolition: 100% completed
- Dowel installation: 100% completed
- Concrete seawall: 95% completed
- Granite facing: 50% completed
- Backfill: 60% completed
An ideal outdoor workout
The newly paved sections of seawall are smooth and a little wider than before, ideal for rollerblading, cycling, running or walking.
While it can be crowded on warm sunny days, the seawall is the cheapest way to burn some calories and breathe in fresh air. Bring a camera and snap some shots: herons can often be found wading in the shallows, and the northwest side of the park has beautiful views of the North Shore.
If you haven’t been for a while, check it out! The park has a lot to offer.
Everyday Adventures 