‘Habitat islands’ to combat rising seas levels proposed for Vancouver waterfront

Vancouver's West End waterfront could be transformed to help combat rising sea levels as part of a proposed revitalization project.

Vancouver's West End waterfront could be transformed to help combat rising sea levels as part of a proposed revitalization project.

The Vancouver Park Board and the city released their ‘Imagine West End Waterfront’ design concept that stretches 95 acres from English Bay to the Burrard Street Bridge.

The concept includes a pair of man-made islands offshore from the base of Chilco Street.

The “habitat islands” are said to be constructed to address wave-induced flooding. Over the next 80 years sea levels will rise by about one metre while predicting more frequent coastal storm surges, according to the design proposal.

Along with the islands, the design will include raising and extending the beaches in English Bay and Sunset Beach to adapt to the sea level change.

Aside from climate-proofing the shoreline, the draft concept outlines additional park activities, facilities, amenities and road configurations.

Stanley Park to Guilford Street could have an elevated boardwalk with a viewing deck of the ocean, while also making Beach Avenue west of Denman Street a two way street.