New North Shore Seabus Terminal + Whistler-Squamish Train Station?

Rusty Gull · #1 Posted **Dec 2, 2007, 2:40 AM**

According to an article in a North Shore lifestyles magazine called Theblock, the North Vancouver architect Michael Green of MG+B Architecture has designed a master plan for a new North Shore Seabus Terminal.

Green -- whose firm takes credit for Ottawa International Airport, Chicago's Abraham Lincoln National Airport, and Canadian Rockies International Airport -- said the following to the magazine.

"We... proposed moving it (the terminal) to the bottom of Lonsdale. We determined where a commuter train would go to connect to Squamish and Whistler. Corridors for Vancouver are changing, and Squamish is becoming much more important. This is the last site that could accomodate it."

The article goes on to describe some of the design and amenities associated with this project plan -- including a green roof and indoor garden playground -- and describes it as "stunning".

I wonder if a) this was commissioned by the City of North Vancouver or TransLink, and b) if this is connected at all to the recent proposal at Site 8/Foot of Lonsdale?

vanman · #2 Posted **Dec 2, 2007, 12:22 PM**

That would be an awesome idea. Hopefully it was a request by some form of authority and not just an architects pipe dream.

Nutterbug · #3 Posted **Dec 2, 2007, 7:32 PM**

Would the train run to North Vancouver in the morning and back to Squamish/Whistler in the evening for the convenience of Vancouver area commuters, or vice versa for the convenience of skiers?

SpongeG · #4 Posted **Dec 2, 2007, 8:09 PM**

perhaps both

Nutterbug · #5 Posted **Dec 2, 2007, 8:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpongeG

perhaps both

Unlikely, with their stinginess with commuter rail systems.

Do they even have track that can handle two way traffic?

officedweller · #6 Posted **Dec 3, 2007, 2:55 AM**

Why does "green roof" mean "underground bunker" to me for the useful spaces below? Scratch a cathedral train shed ceiling.

Distill3d · #7 Posted **Jun 30, 2008, 7:34 AM**

i wouldn't suppose this would serve the interests of MG+B because their offices are located a stones throw from the current SeaBus Terminal?

SpongeG · #8 Posted **Jun 30, 2008, 9:58 PM**

can anyone find the station ion north vancouver?

its so out the way and barely noticeable

I remember we went on that tourist day trip to squamish in the 80's once and the station was hard to find

Rusty Gull · #9 Posted **Jun 30, 2008, 10:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distill3d

i wouldn't suppose this would serve the interests of MG+B because their offices are located a stones throw from the current SeaBus Terminal?

Well, I can't find fault them for trying to address it. Heck, given their work on the Prince George Airport (which is award-winning, by the way), I think they could do a world-class job on an integrated Seabus/train/streetcar station.

fever · #10 Posted **Jun 30, 2008, 11:01 PM**

Did the Henriquez proposal for site 8 (the ship) include a provision for a future platform? This isn't the first time I've heard of this.

Here's at least a mention of it from 2001: http://www.cnv.org/c/DATA/1/156/2001%2012%2005.DOC i can't find much more info on the city's website though.

The existing train station is at the foot of Pemberton. It's in an industrial zone and not within walking distance of any bus route. The Whistler Mountaineer includes coach service from Downtown Vancouver to the North Vancouver station

officedweller · #11 Posted **Jul 1, 2008, 1:09 AM**

I think the Site 8 ship proposal did have provision for a rail station

Pinion · #12 Posted **Jul 1, 2008, 1:32 AM**

What would they do with the giant space under ICBC then? That's a pretty inconvenient walk if the bus loop remains there. The south side is already bad enough in that way.

Can't wait for the new site 8 plan. I didn't like the old proposal much but would love to see some renewal there.

fever · #13 Posted **Jul 1, 2008, 1:35 AM**

There is a proposal/plan to fix up the Toronto-esque Lonsdale Quay bus loop. I'll try to find the link when I get some time.

Distill3d · #14 Posted **Jul 1, 2008, 8:14 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Gull

Well, I can't find fault them for trying to address it. Heck, given their work on the Prince George Airport (which is award-winning, by the way), I think they could do a world-class job on an integrated Seabus/train/streetcar station.

i don't disagree that they wouldn't do an amazing and world class job even updating the existing facilities for the SeaBus/Bus Loop area given the chance. the place is so unworthy of Vancouver, it make us look like..well..Calgary.

Rusty Gull · #15 Posted **Dec 24, 2008, 8:01 PM**

There's a bit of an update here. It looks like the City or North Vancouver and TransLink are looking to refurbish what they call the "Seabus Gateway", which is going to be a $20 million project.

You can find out more by downloading the city's q4 waterfront update, published this December.

Nothing too exciting... mostly improvements to lighting, wayfinding, seating and appearance.

David · #16 Posted **Dec 25, 2008, 1:27 AM**

this is such a good idea, its basically a no brainer

jlousa · #17 Posted **Dec 26, 2008, 2:02 AM**

No sure if it's been announced yet or not but VIA will be the firm doing the design on the new Seabus terminal, they've done a pretty good job on other stations. Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

vansky · #18 Posted **Dec 26, 2008, 2:35 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distill3d

i don't disagree that they wouldn't do an amazing and world class job even updating the existing facilities for the SeaBus/Bus Loop area given the chance. the place is so unworthy of Vancouver, it make us look like..well..Calgary.

i just came back from calgary...

going out of vancouver showed me how vancouverites are highly arrogant sometimes,

this city needs to be more reserved.

Distill3d · #19 Posted **Dec 26, 2008, 3:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by vansky

i just came back from calgary...

going out of vancouver showed me how vancouverites are highly arrogant sometimes,

this city needs to be more reserved.

LOL

i'm a Calgarian...i just live in Vancouver. i find most Vancouverites to be fairly laid back people. i mean, seriously, we could be voted best place to live for all time and i don't see anyone being cocky or arrogant about it. if Calgary was voted best place to live ever, then we would never hear the end of it.

Rusty Gull · #20 Posted **Dec 26, 2008, 3:34 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlousa

No sure if it's been announced yet or not but VIA will be the firm doing the design on the new Seabus terminal, they've done a pretty good job on other stations. Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

Thanks for that info, JLousa. Via's involvement is certainly great news for the Seabus terminal.

For those interested, you can check out Via's previous transit projects (including stations for the Canada and Millennium Lines) at their website.