“The conservation value of setting aside a land parcel will depend on whether there is other conserved land nearby. On the economic side, the value of land for development may be enhanced by being adjacent to conservation land that cannot be developed.” - Polasky, 2006
Waterfront Land Use & Planning
Golden does not need to blaze a trail into the frontier of riverfront development. There are many pioneer communities that have come to this same situation in the past and succeeded. This section is dedicated to sharing some of the lessons learned.
"In addition to incorporating specific elements into community planning frameworks, in order to develop a vibrant and attractive waterfront, key best practices should be kept on the forefront of decision makers' minds.
"In addition to incorporating specific elements into community planning frameworks, in order to develop a vibrant and attractive waterfront, key best practices should be kept on the forefront of decision makers' minds.
- Secure the quality of water and the environment
- Encourage diversity in terms of land use, activities and built form
- Foster physical continuity and connectivity
- Creative Reuse
- Develop a community vision
- Initiate year-round activity
- Encourage the preservation of important view corridors
- Focus on the public realm and urban design - guidelines relating to various elements of the public realm, including streets and plazas, signage and public art"
Waterfront Planning in Golden
A fall 2016 article in Kootenay Business magazine outlines some of the challenges and plans for the Town of Golden, who "has been designated by the province as the diking authority."
Better Practices
Riverfront and urban planning has been critical to civilizations for thousands of years. From Craig Curtis’ Transforming Downtown:
"The ancient Athenians administered an oath to new citizens of their city/state that seems especially relevant as urban places become the dominant habitat of humanity:
‘We will ever strive for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many. We will unceasingly seek to quicken the sense of public duty. We will transmit this city, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.' – Athenian Oath"
From the City of Barrie’s 2012 Waterfront Plan Update:
“Contemporary waterfront planning is tailored to each local circumstance, while applying common principles that have proven effective, including that waterfronts should be connected, publicly accessible, mixed use, multi-modal and dynamic. Additional principles are often identified to reflect local circumstances, most often with regard to ecological sustainability, recreation, economic development and tourism. Overall, waterfront planning approaches reflect contemporary planning and urban design which focuses on the pedestrian experience, while considering the unique qualities of waterfronts that arise from their historical and natural role in shaping the city.”
Once a riverfront plan has been created, a community could follow the lessons from the "Waterfront Trail: Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway," where they recommend:
"The ancient Athenians administered an oath to new citizens of their city/state that seems especially relevant as urban places become the dominant habitat of humanity:
‘We will ever strive for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many. We will unceasingly seek to quicken the sense of public duty. We will transmit this city, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.' – Athenian Oath"
From the City of Barrie’s 2012 Waterfront Plan Update:
“Contemporary waterfront planning is tailored to each local circumstance, while applying common principles that have proven effective, including that waterfronts should be connected, publicly accessible, mixed use, multi-modal and dynamic. Additional principles are often identified to reflect local circumstances, most often with regard to ecological sustainability, recreation, economic development and tourism. Overall, waterfront planning approaches reflect contemporary planning and urban design which focuses on the pedestrian experience, while considering the unique qualities of waterfronts that arise from their historical and natural role in shaping the city.”
Once a riverfront plan has been created, a community could follow the lessons from the "Waterfront Trail: Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway," where they recommend:
- complete the riverfront, trails and greenway,
- market the waterfront trail to both residents and visitors and
- encourage ongoing regeneration of the riverfront.
Examples
Better practices of riverfront planning are found around the world and they all take their local geography, hydrology, community and culture into account.
Spokane, Washington, USA
Starting with the lead up to the World's Fair, Spokane has been developing its waterfront for decades and is now a local and regional tourist destination with 12 themes. From a gigantic Radio Flyer wagon and slide, to amusement park, gardens, clock tower, pulsed gondola and shops, Spokane's riverfront is constantly evolving, attracting visitors and residents.
Napa, California, USA
After over a hundred years of flooding issues and riverfront development attempts, "[d]owntown Napa finally began to recover and emerge from a long economic slumber in the 2000s, triggered by a significant growth in Main Street restaurants and hotels. The redevelopment of the Napa Mill complex and construction of COPIA helped to stimulate investments along the Napa riverfront." - Napa, Wikipedia, 2013)
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Munich, Germany
This 'standing' wave creates a natural place for surfers to drop in and ride as long as they wish. Situated just down stream from a bridge, there are often crowds watching the riders taking turns.
Golden, Colorado, USA
"A $170,000 whitewater park in Golden, Colorado has had an estimated $1.7 - 2.2M per year impact on the local economy. Similar estimates have been made for our parks in Breckenridge and Vail, Colorado. Another project, a two channel whitewater park on the Truckee River at Wingfield Island in Reno, Nevada, has transformed a neglected and denuded section of downtown into a revitalized urban greenway
with walking paths, shaded riverside seating, !and picnic areas all surrounded by world class whitewater that has already hosted major national competitions. " - RFP's Preliminary Design Report, 2009. San Antonio, Texas, USA
Founded in 1968, the Paseo del Rio Association is a non-profit organization created to "promote, protect and preserve the San Antonio River Walk, the number one tourist attraction in Texas. The Association accomplishes this through the production of special events along the River Walk throughout the year and through the publication of Rio Magazine, a monthly visitor magazine. The Association serves as an advocate, facilitator, and moderator among the business, civic, and governmental communities on matters concerning the River Walk." - The San Antonio River Walk website, 2013.
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Photo Gallery of Waterfront Projects Around the World
Above Photos: These images were collected from the above mentioned 'better practice' riverfront communities around the world, including Spokane, WA; Napa, CA; and Munich, Germany.
