The City of Vancouver did not need to look far to find a replacement for Brent Toderian, the city planner fired six months ago. The city has hired Brian Jackson, former Richmond's director of development, as the city's new general manager of planning and development.
One of Jackson's first tasks may be helping the city decide whether to remove the Georgia and Dunsmuir street viaducts – the subject of a council meeting Tuesday.
The reason for Toderian's firing was never made clear, although it was said that he was not liked by local developers.
Over the past four years, Jackson has been involved in the development of Richmond's city centre area plan, which focuses growth along transit lines, and has overseen plans for $4 billion worth of development, including hotels, retail, office and over 12,000 residential units.
"We are very pleased Brian Jackson has agreed to join the city team to take on this key leadership role in planning and development services," Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a press release.
"He is keenly aware of the challenges we face and we look forward to him working with our local neighbourhoods, businesses and not-for-profit communities to implement our vision for the future of Vancouver."
One of those challenges is what to do with the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. The city has been considering whether to remove them for two years now, and Robertson indicated Tuesday that the city is in no hurry to make a decision.
"The future of the eastern core and the viaducts is a major decision for the city, and it will impact how we grow and connect communities like Chinatown, Strathcona, and Grandview Woodlands," Robertson said. "It is a key decision and it can not be rushed – we need to take the time to hear neighbourhood concerns and ensure they are addressed before we make a decision."
At a council meeting Tuesday, staff presented a report that says removing the viaducts would increase parks and open space by 13%.
Not everyone is in favour of removal. The Vancouver Taxi Association says the viaducts are a major thoroughfare for the east side of Vancouver and that their removal would have a major impact on traffic in and out of the city. [email protected]
