Construction of new seawall path expected to end in May: City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver says a new seawall path between the Cambie Bridge and Hinge Park will be done by early May.

Officials have said the section of seawall was closed for public safety earlier this year. The stretch along the Seaside Greenway towards the south of False Creek between the bridge and park has been shut for repairs since January of this year.

However, the city now says it’s putting a detour in place.

“Due to the deterioration of this section of the seawall, for public safety, seawall users were being re-routed to West 1st Avenue between Columbia and Spyglass Place,” a spokesperson said in an email Friday.

“To facilitate construction of the new pathway, there will be some changes to the detour that has been in place. Pedestrians and cyclists will be directed to travel down Columbia Street, rather than through Hinge Park. This new detour will be in place until the new pathway has been completed.”

This comes after frustrations were raised in recent weeks by people trying to enjoy the seawall. Many people had been pushing through the fencing and walking through blocked areas to avoid a longer detour.

Traffic safety advocate Lucy Maloney with Vision Vancouver has said the seawall is popular with residents and tourists for recreation purposes.

“It’s a really important cycling route for us to safely access different parts of the city,” she said.

“Incredibly well used by Vancouverites looking to go out for a walk and get their exercise and make friends. I think it’s important that we do put a priority on one of Vancouver’s most amazing assets.”

Maloney says she appreciates the detour and thinks that the stretch should be closed off for cars permanently.

“That’s a really important thing to do whenever any important cycling and walking route is disrupted by construction works or an emergency,” she said.

-With files from Angela Bower.