May-October 2007 Consultation is now closed
Please be advised that a draft long term plan for Granville Island is now being written, using the input that has been received through the Speak-Up public consultation process.
Thank-you for your input during this process, and please feel free to view or download final versions of Island Insight studies, plus summary reports of various Speak-Up! open house events, topic-specific workshops, and roll-ups of on-line and printed feedback from surveys that are attached to this website.
Stay tuned for notice of the final round of public consultation beginning in early 2009, where we will be bringing back the draft long-term plan for your review and comment.
Granville Island - it's an experience like no other. This exciting blend of art galleries, schools, studios, theatres, restaurants and shops is beloved by locals and by visitors from all over the world. It's a winning combination, and no-one wants to see that change.
But changing nothing and doing nothing are two different things. The Island's infrastructure and layout is now 25 years old, and it's time for a tune-up.
Think of your own home; it may be perfect when you move in. But over time, as a responsible home owner, you might fix the roof, upgrade the wiring or refresh the paint. It's the right thing to do.
It's the same for Granville Island. But the Island is a "home" that millions of people share. Before we make any plans, we need to hear from them. We need to hear from YOU.
Speak Up! is a public consultation initiative supporting the Island Insight project. It's designed to introduce you to the Island Insight studies and encourage you to contribute your ideas and become part of the process. Now that the first round of public consultation is complete, you will see the results of various workshops, open house events and surveys reflected in the Progress Updates section of this website. Also included below are guiding principles that reflect, in a summarized way, what participants told us during the Speak Up! process:
Key Principles from the Speak Up! Process
New Development / New Public Spaces
- Redevelopment should be incremental and appropriately scaled
- Land uses must enhance the Granville Island experience and contribute to the Island’s unique character
- The Island is a people place, therefore the quality of the pedestrian experience is paramount
Transportation / Access
- While all modes are welcome, Granville Island relies far less on vehicle access, with attractive transportation options available for pedestrians, cyclists, ferries and public transit
Economic / Community / Environmental
- Granville Island should be a leader in environmental sustainability
- The Island is economically self-sufficient but not necessarily profit driven
- Preference must be given to locally-made goods and services
- The Island continues to be a place to nurture, try out new ideas, and experiment
- Granville Island should become the city’s primary arts and cultural neighbourhood
The Planning / Design / Development Process
- Policy decision-making is inclusive, open and transparent
- The community continues to have meaningful input into the Plan
