But there’s still no clear decision on final use for the west-side railway land
Maurice Bridge
Sun
GLENN BAGLO/VANCOUVER SUN Ryan Booth and golden retriever Edwin stroll along the Arbutus Corridor. The courts have affirmed the city’s right to enact its development plan for the land.
GLENN BAGLO/VANCOUVER SUN A section of the Arbutus Corridor near 33rd Avenue is used for recreation by residents.
The City of Vancouver won the battle of the Arbutus Corridor in the Supreme Court of Canada Thursday, but everyone involved in the situation cautioned there is still no clear decision on a final use for the land.
The court affirmed the city’s right to enact its Arbutus Corridor official development plan, effectively killing a proposal by CP Rail, which owns the 11-kilometre west-side corridor, to sell or develop the land for commercial or residential use.
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan, currently in Turin for the conclusion of the Winter Olympics, hailed the victory in a news release.
“We are very pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the powers of the city to enact the Arbutus Corridor ODP and preserve the Arbutus Corridor,” said Sullivan. “We strongly believe the Arbutus Corridor should be preserved as a whole, to be used in the future for transportation and greenway uses.
“Preserving the corridor for the benefit of Vancouver residents has been a long-standing council policy, and contributes to the livability of the city.”
A CPR representative noted the court’s decision does not change the current status of the property as a rail-freight corridor, nor does it provide for the corridor to become public land.
Paul Clark, vice-president of communications and public affairs, said a change in use would require a change in ownership, and he did not rule our restarting rail service on the line, which has not been used since 2001.
He said a public discussion is needed to determine the best use of the land.
“That public discussion should go on to say what it is that we could do here, because simply having it sit there as a rail line with suspended operations is not bringing great value to the communities along the line,” he said.
The court’s decision drew sharp criticism from the Vancouver-based Urban Development Institute, whose executive director termed it “intolerable.”
“What a terrible time to be sending such a signal to the investment community when we are inviting the world to come for the Olympics and we are trying to attract investment,” said Maureen Enser.
“We work hard to purchase our property, to build our homes. We work hard in business to get ahead, but all of that can be for naught if the city decides it wants your property [for other purposes].”
Vancouver city Councillor Suzanne Anton called the UDI position “a gross overreaction.”
© The Vancouver Sun 2006
