February 13th, 2024

The Northeast False Creek (NEFC) Plan, adopted in 2018, is a self-funded framework to guide the redevelopment and transformation of the northeast end of downtown’s False Creek waterfront over the next 20 years. Taking advantage of the opportunity to replace the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts with a new street network, the Plan reconnects the downtown, Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, Hogan’s Alley, and Citygate to a new waterfront. Implementation of the Plan will create:

• Homes for 10,000–12,000 new residents, including affordable housing for approximately 3,300 people;
• 32 acres of new and renewed parks and open spaces;
• A pedestrian-friendly waterfront that will support socializing, important special events and festivals as part of our city’s events and entertainment district;
• New employment space with the capacity to accommodate 6,000-8,000 jobs;
• Restoration of two city blocks on Main Street, now under the viaducts ramps, including the development of affordable housing and other community benefits;
• A new resilient street network that replaces the aging, seismically vulnerable viaducts;
• A wide variety of other public benefits and amenities, including several childcare facilities, a community centre including a seniors centre and ice rink, non-motorized boating facility, cultural centre providing a focal point for the Black community, and upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre.

The Plan is anticipated to be implemented over ~20 years through development, partnerships and City initiatives. Delivery of the key elements of the Plan, including the new street network and public amenities such as parks, is dependent on funding generated by the redevelopment of sites owned by several landowners within the Plan area. These projects have not progressed as quickly as envisaged when the Plan was adopted in 2018. Nevertheless, the City and Park Board remain committed to realizing the Plan and have been advancing various work streams towards that goal.

More information can be found on the City’s website at vancouver.ca/nefc.