Salt Lake City leaders seek vitality in Vancouver

[J. Will]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54...#disqus_thread

How about a little bit of Vancouver right here in Salt Lake City?

The dazzling city on British Columbia’s coast is known for its inviting public places and emphasis on walking and biking.

To that end, a troop — about 30 — from City Hall flew to Vancouver recently to see firsthand how the Canadians have made their community a standout in livability.

What the Salt Lakers came back with were ideas big and small that would add to the Utah capital’s vitality on topics such as transportation and housing. But much of the trip was devoted to observing Vancouver’s active public spaces and how they bring vibrancy to the city of 600,000 (2.3 million in the metro area).

Salt Lake City officials will use what they learned during the Vancouver look-see to draw residents to gathering spots here by making them more comfortable and interesting with the caveat that it will cost little. "Lighter, quicker, cheaper" is the mantra chanted by those returning from the field trip.