New parking spaces, better way-finding signage and pedestrian access are some of the safety improvements District of North Vancouver will carry out at the entrance of the Lynn Canyon Park.
The first phase of safety improvements is now underway in the upper parking lot.
Every year, nearly one million people visit the Lynn Canyon Park, and visitor counts to the park can peak at upwards of about 2,500 vehicles during peak times.
Public safety for pedestrians and vehicles has become a key concern, DNV says, as the original roadways and parking areas are ill-equipped to accommodate the rush.
The DNV Fire and Rescue Services also receive many rescue calls to Lynn Canyon Park each year, making it crucial that the parking lot provide quick and easy access for emergency responders and large rescue vehicles.
The improvements, DNV says, will address safety issues, relieve congestion and create a better traffic flow. “Public safety is our primary concern and the motivation for making these upgrades,” said Courtenay Rannard, the DNV communications director.
As part of the improvements, DNV will create 11 new parking spaces. Four accessible parking spots will be added in the upper lot near the Ecology Centre besides seven regular parking spots.
Eliminating blind spots by improving sight lines, making accessible pathways into and throughout parking areas, new signage for traffic and way-finding, and storm water infiltration to improve water drainage are some of the other improvements being planned.
The district also plans to create safer drop-off zones for buses and groups visiting the Ecology Centre. There are also plans to improve entry area for vehicles and access for first responders.
“We have heard from residents that they’d like to see implementation of other initiatives to address the high demand for access to Lynn Canyon, such as pay parking, alternative parking areas and shuttle buses from key transit hubs,” Rannard said.
To enable construction of the safety and road access improvements, 52 trees will be removed and replanted at a 4:1 ratio. “Through speaking with residents and a number of changes to the design, DNV staff have worked to minimize the number of trees removed as part of this project that prioritizes safety and accessibility,” Rannard said.
As part of the restoration plan, 210 trees will be planted over eight different areas at Lynn Canyon.
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