Index:
7.1 Context
Burnaby has an extensive and diverse range of parks and public
open spaces that are key defining features of the City. Major natural landscapes
and resources conserved within the established parks and open space system include
river estuary, marine foreshore, mountain and ravine forest, and fresh
water lakes and rivers. Other parks and open spaces include neighbourhood and
district parks, school play grounds, sports fields, golf courses, bicycle and
walking trails, urban plazas, and botanical gardens.
Open space can meet a neighbourhood need, provide contrast to the built environment, preserve environmentally sensitive areas, retain or create visual connections and be a means of circulation. The fact that the City was the 1996 recipient of the Communities in Bloom award for Canadian communities with populations between 100,000 to 300,000 is testimony to the importance of the City's open space and park network.
In 1997, Burnaby had over 150 parks and public open spaces covering an area of
about 5,500 acres. This equates to about 24 percent of the total area of the City.
7.2 Parks and Public Open Space Goals
The provision of parks and public open space opportunities needs to be responsive to a number of trends expected to affect the nature, form and extent of parks and open space plans into the future. These include:
- an increased emphasis on sound environmental management, preservation and enhancement of park and natural areas;
- continuing growth and overall gradual aging of the population;
- an increasing ethnic and cultural diversity within the population;
- an increasing demand for expanded leisure services from all age groups as a choice for healthy living;
- the increasing complexity of social and recreational needs for families and youth arising from more diverse urban growth; and
- the fiscal challenge of providing for expected recreational facilities and services within the economic means of the City.
The provision of the comprehensive mix of parks and public open spaces is to be guided by:
- providing for the appropriate amount, type and location of open space, parks, and facilities to meet the existing and future requirements of the City's growth;
- protecting and enhancing the quality of Burnaby's environmentally sensitive areas;
- undertaking the design of park and recreational facilities in context with the special, natural and developed features of the City, and in response to local and Burnaby wide community needs;
- co-operating with the Burnaby School Board in the joint use of school/park sites; and
- striving for an equitable distribution of parks and open spaces throughout
the community.
One of the fundamental strategies of the adopted Livable Region
Strategic Plan is the designation and protection of Green
Zone lands intended to protect Greater Vancouver's natural
assets, including major parks, ecologically important areas and agricultural areas.
The City has designated its Green Zone lands which are consistent with the adopted
Livable Region Strategic Plan, with the exception of one minor boundary adjustment
reflecting a conditional decision of the Agricultural Land Commission.
As part of the City's initiatives to protect major open space elements, contemporary management plans are under preparation for the Burrard Inlet Foreshore Area, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake Park and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park.
The City, in partnership with other estuary managers (North Fraser Harbour Commission, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Environment Canada) entered into an Agreement on 1993 May 10 establishing detailed Area Designations under the auspices of the Fraser River Estuary Management Program. These Area Designations establish categories of land and water uses for both upland and foreshore areas acceptable to all parties. They provide a guide to the "best use" of the Estuary, based on its natural attributes and suitability for human activities. The agreement provides a framework for development and conservation.
The City is the principal owner of the Green Zone lands outside
of the Agricultural Land Reserve. This has occurred and continues through approved
Park Acquisition Programs. Protection of watercourses will continue through ownership,
easements and other regulatory tools as more specifically outlined in Section
10.4.
The preservation of natural assets, coupled with the development
of park facilities and programs, has long been a City priority. As the Region's
and the City's populations increase, the open space system will become even more
important and is, therefore, incorporated as a permanent element of the Official
Community Plan. Recognizing this fact, the City will ensure the permanent preservation
of major parks and public open space areas under City ownership through public
referenda dedication. Over the past twenty years, 2,849 acres of parks and public
open space areas have already been dedicated through this process.
| Goal: Connectivity of Parks and Public Open Spaces |
| To provide a system of pedestrian/cycle trails and other greenways to connect the major park and open space areas of the City with each other and other strategic components of the City and adjacent municipalities. |
Major elements of the City's
parks and open space system extend from Burrard Inlet in the north to the
Fraser River in the south. In between are Town Centres, residential neighbourhoods,
community centres, industrial areas, ravines and other features. Their connection
through a system of pedestrian/cycle ways and natural greenways is as proposed
in the adopted Urban Trail Network (updated to 1997) and Trail Development Program
(1986). Refinements are underway in the preparation of the Burrard Inlet Master
Plan and the Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake Management Plans.
7.3 Directions
Basic directions underlying the Park and Open Space Framework include the recognition that:
- the creation, preservation and development of parks and open space is a desirable and necessary function of City government for the overall health of individuals and the community as a whole;
- parks and open space play an essential role in the conservation, protection and enhancement of our natural environment;
- in addition to their conservation and recreational value, parks and open space are an important supportive element for the overall planning and development of the community;
- over time, the park and open space needs of the community will change as the general profile of the community changes;
- a range of neighbourhood, district, major parks and open spaces, trails and urban plazas are necessary to meet the needs of Burnaby residents;
- it is essential that appropriate portions of Burnaby's significant natural and heritage landscapes, features and ecosystems be protected and conserved as irreplaceable assets of the community;
- the size, location and nature of future parks and open space are more precisely determined by projected community needs, available opportunities, and existing and future active and passive recreational facility requirements in the community, rather than solely by general acreage standards based on population; and
- there is a need to ensure the use of proper urban design principles to preserve,
enhance and reinforce the special natural and developed features of the City.
7.4 The Framework
The Parks and Open Space Framework for Burnaby is based on three inter-related
elements:
- 7.4.1 Major City/Regional Parks
Burnaby has been blessed by nature with Burrard Inlet, Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby Lake, Deer Lake, the Fraser River and Central Park. These natural features are considered as major open space components in the City's overall land use concept. Park standards are generally used as the base from which a park system is developed. Irrespective of these standards, however, the City is committed to protecting unique regional and municipal natural features as heritage assets for permanent public use and enjoyment.
A number of major parks, each with a key natural element, are incorporated within the framework. These include the following:
- Barnet Marine Park
A 2 1/2 mile stretch along the City's eastern Burrard Inlet foreshore is being developed to provide salt water access for Burnaby citizens. This park is to be connected to the City's urban trail system.
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and Conservation Area
The City's most prominent natural feature is Burnaby Mountain, situated in the northeast quadrant. The City has recently added to its consolidated holdings on the mountain and now has ownership of 1,423 acres of the 1,729 acres in the designated park and conservation area. Gradual acquisition of the few remaining private holdings in the assembly program will continue as they become available.
- Capitol Hill Conservation Area
These lands are situated on the north face of Capitol Hill and are upland from the Burrard Inlet foreshore. This area occupies 105 acres, of which 100 acres are under City ownership. Gradual acquisition of the remaining 5 acres under private ownership will occur as the properties become available.
- Still Creek - Brunette River Basin
This area occupies the central area of the City and includes Still Creek, the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex and conservation lands, Deer Lake, Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park and the Brunette River conservation lands. Collectively, these lands occupy about 1,717 acres, including 484 acres of lake area.
- Central Park
150 acres of this 220 acre park are retained in native forest and located within the eastern edge of Metrotown. Central Park is to retain its general forest nature while accommodating more active recreational uses on its periphery.
- South Slope Ravines
There are 13 ravine parks in the City, with the six largest generally between
Rumble Street and Marine Drive.  The
parks are mostly under City ownership and are conservation area components of
the parks and open space system. Collectively, these lands make up about 231 acres.
The City has a policy of acquiring additional top of bank property as it becomes
available, consistent with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Ministry of
Environment, Lands and Parks guidelines.
- Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park
The Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park incorporates 2.8 miles of foreshore and will be connected to the urban trail system at three major points. A key component of the park is a 40 acre habitat expansion area designed to re-establish rearing habitats for fish and other wildlife. It is an objective to expand this habitat expansion area as conditions permit. As a longer term objective, it is also the intention to obtain public foreshore access along the Fraser River foreshore from Boundary Road through to the New Westminster boundary to the east.
The six largest key natural elements of the major parks system
collectively cover an area of 3,763 acres. These areas and their elements are:
Central Park (forest), Burnaby Mountain (mountain), Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park
(river), Burnaby and Deer Lake (lake), and Barnet Marine Park (marine).
- 7.4.2 Neighbourhood & District Parks
District
and neighbourhood parks are provided in relation to the residential development
they are intended to serve. For parks planning purposes, the City is divided into
the 4 park district sectors and 37 neighbourhood planning areas. Presently there
are 14 district parks and 84 neighbourhood parks encompassing about 955 acres.
Burnaby traditionally has used the following acreage standards in assessing neighbourhood and district park requirements.
These standards have been applied in a flexible manner and modified to meet individual situations. For example, a district or major park located in a neighbourhood serves a neighbourhood park function and can decrease the need to acquire more neighbourhood park land. This is true in the Metrotown area where Bonsor Park and Central Park are recognized as also serving a neighbourhood function and thus diminish the need for an increase in neighbourhood park acreage.
Acreage standards vary among cities, but in most cases, the standard is simply a reference point and not the sole criterion for establishing park space needs. The size, location and nature of parks are more precisely determined by considering the community's needs for active and passive recreational facilities and associated space. Consideration must be given to existing and projected neighbourhood district and municipal users. This approach recognizes that needs may well differ from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and from district to district given variable land use and demographic conditions.
Within the context of existing and new residential areas currently
being completed, the existing district and neighbourhood park framework, along
with planned acquisitions
to complete some park areas, is considered adequate to meet current residential
needs. A comparison will be undertaken of the expected distribution of planned
residential growth to 2006 and projection estimates to 2021 with the current framework
of district and neighbourhood parks. The findings will be used to identify needed
future changes to the Parks Master Plan and Park Acquisition Program. These findings,
along with the review of the parks acreage standards, will define areas of focus
for future park expansion and development to appropriately meet future needs.
In addressing future park expansion needs, efforts will be made, wherever possible,
to locate neighbourhood and district parks adjacent to elementary and secondary
school sites. This practice will strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship
amongst the uses.
- 7.4.2.1
Neighbourhood Parks
A neighbourhood is generally considered to be an area served
by one elementary school. Its population can vary from 2,000 to 10,000. Both elementary
schools and neighbourhood parks are
intended to be located within walking distance of households in the neighbourhood.
As such, wherever possible, it is desirable to locate parks and playgrounds adjacent
to elementary schools in order to permit the joint use of the facilities and grounds.
Currently, 84 neighbourhood parks serve elementary school catchment areas, for
a total of 398 acres.
The open space associated with elementary school sites is considered to be neighbourhood open space, and is combined with neighbourhood park acreage when calculating neighbourhood parkland requirements. The school soccer fields and softball diamonds are the primary locations for meeting organized and casual youth needs in these sports. There are 44 elementary and community school sites in Burnaby, with a total playground and passive space of 196 acres.
Wherever possible, parks and playgrounds should be located
adjacent to elementary schools so facilities can be used jointly. Generally, a
neighbourhood park includes playgrounds for preschoolers and older children, open
grass areas for informal sports and an area for recreation by people of all ages.
- 7.4.2.2
District Parks
The City has four district park quadrants, each containing a grouping of neighbourhood park planning areas. District park needs are related to active recreation needs for play, sports and other participation activities, and passive recreation needs for amenity areas, walking, and picnicking. Thus, each quadrant provides for play fields and other facilities, as well as attractive settings and places for passive recreation to meet the needs of quadrant residents.
District parks incorporate both active and passive uses. The active areas include space for play, sports and other participation activities, while the passive areas provide amenity areas for general activities such as relaxation, walking and picnicking. Each residential quadrant is provided with district play fields and district parks intended to meet the needs of quadrant residents. In some instances, the scale and/or use of the district park is such that it provides a city-wide function.
The district park also provides an attractive setting and a place for quiet passive recreation for people of all ages living in the quadrant. Generally at least 10 acres in size, district parks may range to 25 or even 50 acres. District parks are often developed in combination with community leisure centres.
Many advantages are obtained by locating district facilities,
particularly play fields, near or adjacent to secondary school sites. This provides
an opportunity for school use of these park facilities as part of regular school
programs. At the same time, additional community benefits can be derived from
having school facilities in close proximity which can be allocated for community
use when not needed by the schools. Examples include fields, gyms, theatres or
other venues. Cost sharing on such items as lighting and other support facilities
can also be mutually advantageous. The total acreage for the existing 14 district
parks is 557 acres.
- 7.4.3 Special Purpose Park Areas
7.4.3.1
City Trail System
The provision of trails provides for the option of walking or cycling between housing, shopping, businesses, parks and other community facilities and amenities. Currently, the City has 215 km (134 miles) of trails and paths. Of these, 14.5 km are part of the Urban Trail System, and 14.5 km (9 miles) are provided for equestrian use.
A comprehensive description of Burnaby's trail development
program can be found in the adopted Burnaby Trail Study (1980) and the Burnaby
Trail Inventory
and Development Program (1986). The Urban Trail System, adopted by Council in
1990 and updated to September 1997, is fully integrated with the previously approved
trail system, providing for a comprehensive City-wide trail system for Burnaby.
The Urban Trail System provides for a major network of trails to serve all areas of Burnaby on a relatively equitable basis. The system consists of four major trails running in a west-east direction, and three major trails running north-south. The resulting network of urban trails provides for about 75 km of major trails to accommodate both walking and cycling for transportation and recreation purposes. The urban trails are to be developed to an 'arterial' standard relative to other trails in Burnaby, and ideally would be separated from vehicle traffic, have a paved or concrete surface, and provide for minimal and safe crossings of roadways.
The primary, secondary, and tertiary trails adopted by the City serve an important role in providing more local access from neighbourhood and district areas to local amenities and services, with connections to the City wide Urban Trail System. The trails are primarily for pedestrians, however, some areas are also geared towards cyclists and equestrians. Provision is also made for smaller scale nature trails and walking paths to link major natural features and focal points, which may also be environmentally sensitive, to the system of major urban trails.
Other feature trails form part of the overall planned City
trail system. These trails may serve a particular function or have a unique identity
within Burnaby. 
They also may continue across City boundaries to adjacent areas. The B.C. Parkway
is part of an important regional east-west trail system provided along the SkyTrain
right-of-way in south Burnaby. The Parkway comprises 51 acres along its total
length and accommodates pedestrians and cyclists. The Trans Canada Trail is intended
to follow a route through north Burnaby and forms part of a national trail being
pursued across Canada. The Rivers, Lakes and Mountain Trail will provide a single
route for recreational walking and cycling that would link together Burnaby's
significant natural features (i.e., the Fraser River, Central Park, Deer and Burnaby
Lakes, Brunette River, Burnaby Mountain and Burrard Inlet). This trail will incorporate
sections of Burnaby's trail system along with other extensions and linkages to
form a continuous single feature trail. The conceptual trail links along the Burrard
Inlet and Fraser River foreshores will need to reflect the operational and safety
needs of existing industries. The final trail alignments and specifications will
need to be determined through detailed planning involving dialogue with the affected
property owners.
7.4.3.2 Golf Courses
The City has developed two regulation public 18 hole golf
courses - Burnaby Mountain Golf Course on the south slope of Burnaby Mountain
and Riverway Golf Course in the Big Bend Area. The City has also developed two
pitch and putt golf courses at Central Park and Kensington Park. The two regulation
golf courses occupy approximately 302 acres. No additional golf courses are provided
for in the OCP.
7.4.3.3 Urban Plazas and Open Space
As the City continues to urbanize, the provision of strategically
located and designed urban plazas and other public open spaces will become more
important within the four designated
Town Centres. These plazas will provide a focus for Town Centre activity and a
sense of community place, a location of relative tranquillity and a contrast to
the surrounding built environment. As such, these plazas will assume a greater
role in the City's parks and open space system. Wherever possible, these should
be under public ownership.
While the City has acquired lands for public use such as the
Robert Prittie Library and Metrotown Civic Square, other lands have been acquired
from private developers through the rezoning process. Plans associated with the
development of the four Town Centres anticipate the application of this latter
approach.
7.5 The Future
Park and open spaces serve an essential role in preserving our natural environment and ecosystems, meeting community needs for recreation and leisure activities, and supporting the quality of life in Burnaby. As Burnaby's population and urban areas continue to grow, parks and open spaces will become increasingly valuable community assets. As such, it is important that Burnaby continues to acquire and protect lands that contribute to its Parks and Open Space Framework. In addition, greater emphasis will need to be placed on the planning and management of parks and open spaces to protect environmental attributes, meet community recreation needs, and appropriately support projected urban development.
To date, the City has achieved considerable success in setting
aside lands for parks and open space purposes. It is expected that expansion of
our parks and open space system will be required to support the continued growth
of the City. In particular, it is expected that acquisitions for park land will
focus on 1) the protection and enhancement of natural features and ecosystems,
and 2) the provision of neighbourhood and district parks and urban plazas to address
the needs of our increasingly urban community. The specifics of these required
changes are being developed in the context of an updated Parks Master Plan and
Parks Acquisition Program. They will be incorporated within the next proposed
review of this Official Community Plan.
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