Originally begun in July 2004, the planning process for the 308 acre False Creek Flats industrial area is still ongoing. As per the Planning Department's website, the district is 'bounded by Main Street to the west, Clark Street to the east, Prior/Venables Streets to the north, and Great Northern Way to the south.'
According to this brief history (pdf), the Flats were once a tidal basin that reached as far inland as Clark Street. In 1913 the Great Northern Way, which was initially a railway, was extended out over the flats into the False Creek area via piles and low trestles. Between 1916 and 1917 much of the area was filled in, and by the 1920s 'the rail presence in the flats was firmly established.'
Today, although many of the properties are vacant, roughly one third of the businesses in the area are in the warehouse-wholesale industry, while a little more than 20% are either retail or manufacturing firms.
The most recent land use guideline (pdf), which was drawn up by the city in 2002, calls for the creation of greenways and parks, as well as the extension of the Millenium Line Skytrain line beyond the VCC station. Indeed, one of the key initiatives for the Flats is to 'increase accessibility for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles throughout the area'.
Another related proposal is to include the False Creek Flats, Southeast False Creek and North False Creek neighborhoods as part of an 'Energy Precinct' that aims to develop the remaining lands according to high standards for energy conservation and smart growth. Such development would serve as a model for other cities in North America.
Among some of the specific projects that have been proposed for the area include the creation of a technology park, the relocation of Saint Paul's Hospital, and the construction of the new Whitecaps Stadium.
One of the few projects that have actually been realized is the Rocky Mountaineer train station - a revitalized CN locomotive maintenance building - which makes the False Creek Flats the principal Vancouver gateway for tourists arriving in by rail from the Rockies.
