You, Yes You, There, Wearing Pants, You Can Have Your Say in How False Creek is Going to Develop

From CTVbc.ca

The Vancouver Parks Board is seeking public input into its plan to give the concession stand at English Bay a major facelift.

The Board is planning to convert the existing facility into a modern bistro with both table service, takeout, and patios looking onto the beach.

An open house is being held Thursday night at the Parks Board office at 2099 Beach Avenue from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to showcase the concept plans, and let the public meet with architects and project managers.

People are invited to fill out a questionnaire about what they'd like to see happen with the renovations.

"We're very interested to see what people think," says Parks Board Carol D'efina.

"This is still a proposal but we want residents to be a part of the process from start to finish," says D'efina.

The West End Residents Association agrees public input is crucial.

"We want to make sure its something that fits into the neighbourhood and is a good fit," says Director Aaron Jasper.

"At the end of the day if the response is an overwhelming 'no' we hope the Parks Board will honour that."

Thursday's open house is a part of a two-month public consultation process with area residents and business owners before the plan goes ahead.

The proposed new bistro, which is expected to cost between $5 million and $6 million, would be built adjacent to the bath house near Davie and Denman Streets.

The issue of affordability is one thing West End residents are worried about.

"There are plenty of high end restaurants in the area, but we're hoping its something the average person in the neighbourhood can use," says Jasper.

"We want concrete promises to make sure whatever contract comes down it's in there in black and white that it is affordable."

The 387-square-metre restaurant and concession would seat 118 outdoors and 75 indoors, and occupy roughly the same footprint as the existing facility.

The overall plan for the development was approved two years ago, roughly the same time as the Board replaced the old facility at Kits beach with the new Watermark restaurant.

Both renovations are aimed to provide a higher level of service and quality than what is offered through the current "aging concession system."

The concept plan will also be available for viewing on Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. adjacent to the existing English Bay Concession.

The English Bay Bistro concept plan can be viewed on the Park Board web site. Visitors are also encouraged to submit comments.