CNV to Close Section of Grand Boulevard West to Expand Park Space
The City of North Vancouver is taking a bold step toward enhancing public green space and active transportation infrastructure. On July 14, city council voted to permanently close a portion of Grand Boulevard West—specifically, the segment between 13th and 15th streets—to vehicle traffic.
The move will allow city planners to merge the adjacent greenspace with Ray Perrault Park, effectively creating a larger, continuous urban park corridor in the heart of the city. This decision is part of a broader vision to make the neighbourhood more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly while reimagining the use of underutilized roadway space.
A New Vision for Urban Green Space
Currently, this stretch of Grand Boulevard West only allows southbound traffic, while the northbound lane is designated for cycling and active modes of transport. City staff determined that this 1,000-square-metre portion of roadway holds limited transportation value and could serve the community better as part of the park system.
By closing it off to cars, the city will also simplify the nearby intersections at 13th and 15th, potentially improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Traffic counts on this section are relatively low, and staff noted that Grand Boulevard East can absorb any traffic impacts caused by the closure.
Potential New Recreational Facilities
Alongside the road closure, city council also directed staff to explore the feasibility of adding two tennis courts and a multi-use sports court in the newly connected park space. These amenities could provide much-needed recreation options for the neighbourhood, though the proposal wasn’t unanimously supported. Some council members expressed concern about concentrating too many park resources in one area, and suggested other parts of the city could benefit more from investment.
Part of a Larger Active Transportation Plan
This park expansion ties into the city’s long-term strategy to develop an "eastside connector", an active transportation route stretching from Grand Boulevard West to the Casano-Loutet overpass, which is currently under construction. Plans are in place to extend the corridor along 17th Street East, creating a safer and more accessible connection between neighbourhoods for cyclists and pedestrians.
Public engagement for this broader corridor plan is expected to begin this fall, giving residents a chance to weigh in on the project’s final design.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
While the road closure passed narrowly, the discussion highlighted differing opinions on traffic impact, park investment equity, and the level of public consultation to date. Some council members called for more engagement with nearby residents before moving forward with construction or committing funds to new recreational amenities.
Nonetheless, the approved road closure marks a significant shift in how North Vancouver is prioritizing public space and sustainable mobility. Residents can expect more details and opportunities for feedback in the coming months as the city continues shaping its urban landscape for a greener, more connected future.