Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Update March 10, 2022: This week Mayor and Council endorsed the final Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan, and staff were directed to:

  • Invite Squamish Nation to work with the City, in recognition of the park location next to Eslha7an
  • Bring forward names for Council's consideration regarding Kings Mill Park to better reflect the area
  • Thank members of the Kings Mill Walk Master Plan Task Force for their significant contribution to the new park plan

You can review the Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan. With Council’s endorsement, we’re now moving forward and working to create a detailed design for the park. Park closure and construction is scheduled to start in summer 2024.


Update September 9, 2021: Thank you for your interest in the Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan project. Our survey and community discussion forum is now closed.

You can review what we heard from the summer phase of public engagement: KMW Park Master Plan – What We Heard Report Summer 2021.


This spring, we reached out to the community with a draft design concept, vision, and guiding principles for Kings Mill Walk Park. Kings Mill Walk Park is a waterfront park located adjacent to the Harbourside Development in the southwestern section of the City. Improvements to the park are required as part of the Harbourside Development, and our design goal is to create a space that serves both current and future residents.


What We Heard

During the spring engagement, we heard from many community members, received input on the proposed design concept, and learned what’s most important to you. After reviewing all the feedback received, we've revised the proposed design concept for Kings Mill Walk to better meet the needs of the community,

Based off of what we heard during the spring, we've identified four re-occurring questions that the community asked. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more and view our answers.


Revised Design

In response to community and stakeholder feedback, we've:

  • More than doubled the proposed off-leash dog area from 750 square metres to 1,600 square metres.
  • Updated the All Ages Play Zone with parkour and adult fitness stations.
  • Relocated the washroom facilities to a central location between the off-leash and play area.
  • Planted buffer and more space between off-leash and play area.
  • Added a lawn area at the top of the bank and covered picnic shelters.
  • Added a volleyball court on the west side of the park.

The revised concept design and renderings are shown below. We’ve also summarized feedback from Phase 1 into five main themes. Under each theme, we’ve identified what we heard from you, and how that feedback has been reflected in the design revisions.

click to view larger


What We Heard:

  • Balance habitat enhancement with other park activities (e.g. walking opportunities, passive open space, places to sit, picnic).
  • Maximize useable park space for the existing park users and the new residents that will be moving to this area.
  • Enhance access to the water.


How We're Responding:

  • Creating clearly defined habitat protected zones, access points, and people zones.
  • Providing compatible park activities adjacent to habitat areas.
  • Ensuring new plants and trees will be added to provide shelter and food for birds and animals.
  • The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority manages the water directly in front of the park, which is not intended for public access. Learn more in our questions about shore and water.

click to view larger

What We Heard:

  • We like that the existing dog area has accessible paths, fencing, seating, and access to water.
  • Incorporate nature into the off-leash dog area.
  • The proposed off-leash dog area is too small.
  • Create additional off-leash areas in other locations in the City.


How We're Responding:

  • Increasing the proposed size of the off-leash dog area to more than double, from 750 square metres to 1,600 square metres.
  • Creating separated fenced spaces for shy/small dogs.
  • Providing amenities to improve the experience and enjoyment of the off-leash area.
  • Providing accessible and flat paved walking paths.
  • Adding more trees and buffers to create a natural feeling space.
  • Commencing a City of North Vancouver Dog Strategy later this year.

Give your feedback on the proposed off-leash dog area amenities.

View of off-leash dog area and viewing deck.

What We Heard:

  • Space is needed for benches, picnic tables, and lawn.
  • People enjoy parking along Harbourside Place.
  • Too many activities included in the plan - flexible space is important.


How We're Responding:

  • Adding covered seating and park picnic shelters.
  • Creating lawn areas at the top of the bank.
  • Providing a temporary parking lot near the proposed off-leash dog area. In the future, parking for park visitors will be available along Harbourside Place, and underground within the Harbourside Development.
View of beach volleyball court, intertidal wetlands and the Spirit Trail pedestrian path.

What We Heard:

  • Create more space dedicated to active use, including for adults.
  • Concern over removal of volleyball courts.
  • Separate the children's play area from the off-leash dog area.
  • Washrooms are essential and must be accessible.
  • Integrate nature into the plaza area.


How We're Responding:

  • Integrating one volleyball court into the west side of the park.
  • Adding fitness equipment and parkour to create an 'All Ages Play Zone'.
  • Increasing the buffer between the children's play area and the off-leash dog area by using plants, pathways, and the washroom building.

Give your feedback on the proposed park amenities.

View of the All Ages Activity Zone, including a children's playground, parkour course, and all ages fitness station.

What We Heard:

  • Keep trails inclusive and accessible.
  • Existing trails and paths are congested.
  • Support for separating cyclists from pedestrians for safety.


How We're Responding:

  • Ensuring all trails and pathways are accessible.
  • Implementing speed control and way-finding measures on East and West ends of the site to reduce conflict and congestion on the Spirit Trail.
  • Permitting on-leash dogs throughout the park. This includes the accessible pathways and lawn areas.
  • Creating a separated bike lane on Harbourside Drive.
  • Separating cyclists from pedestrians on all pathways along the busy shoreline.
click to view larger


Update March 10, 2022: This week Mayor and Council endorsed the final Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan, and staff were directed to:

  • Invite Squamish Nation to work with the City, in recognition of the park location next to Eslha7an
  • Bring forward names for Council's consideration regarding Kings Mill Park to better reflect the area
  • Thank members of the Kings Mill Walk Master Plan Task Force for their significant contribution to the new park plan

You can review the Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan. With Council’s endorsement, we’re now moving forward and working to create a detailed design for the park. Park closure and construction is scheduled to start in summer 2024.


Update September 9, 2021: Thank you for your interest in the Kings Mill Walk Park Master Plan project. Our survey and community discussion forum is now closed.

You can review what we heard from the summer phase of public engagement: KMW Park Master Plan – What We Heard Report Summer 2021.


This spring, we reached out to the community with a draft design concept, vision, and guiding principles for Kings Mill Walk Park. Kings Mill Walk Park is a waterfront park located adjacent to the Harbourside Development in the southwestern section of the City. Improvements to the park are required as part of the Harbourside Development, and our design goal is to create a space that serves both current and future residents.


What We Heard

During the spring engagement, we heard from many community members, received input on the proposed design concept, and learned what’s most important to you. After reviewing all the feedback received, we've revised the proposed design concept for Kings Mill Walk to better meet the needs of the community,

Based off of what we heard during the spring, we've identified four re-occurring questions that the community asked. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more and view our answers.


Revised Design

In response to community and stakeholder feedback, we've:

  • More than doubled the proposed off-leash dog area from 750 square metres to 1,600 square metres.
  • Updated the All Ages Play Zone with parkour and adult fitness stations.
  • Relocated the washroom facilities to a central location between the off-leash and play area.
  • Planted buffer and more space between off-leash and play area.
  • Added a lawn area at the top of the bank and covered picnic shelters.
  • Added a volleyball court on the west side of the park.

The revised concept design and renderings are shown below. We’ve also summarized feedback from Phase 1 into five main themes. Under each theme, we’ve identified what we heard from you, and how that feedback has been reflected in the design revisions.

click to view larger


What We Heard:

  • Balance habitat enhancement with other park activities (e.g. walking opportunities, passive open space, places to sit, picnic).
  • Maximize useable park space for the existing park users and the new residents that will be moving to this area.
  • Enhance access to the water.


How We're Responding:

  • Creating clearly defined habitat protected zones, access points, and people zones.
  • Providing compatible park activities adjacent to habitat areas.
  • Ensuring new plants and trees will be added to provide shelter and food for birds and animals.
  • The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority manages the water directly in front of the park, which is not intended for public access. Learn more in our questions about shore and water.

click to view larger

What We Heard:

  • We like that the existing dog area has accessible paths, fencing, seating, and access to water.
  • Incorporate nature into the off-leash dog area.
  • The proposed off-leash dog area is too small.
  • Create additional off-leash areas in other locations in the City.


How We're Responding:

  • Increasing the proposed size of the off-leash dog area to more than double, from 750 square metres to 1,600 square metres.
  • Creating separated fenced spaces for shy/small dogs.
  • Providing amenities to improve the experience and enjoyment of the off-leash area.
  • Providing accessible and flat paved walking paths.
  • Adding more trees and buffers to create a natural feeling space.
  • Commencing a City of North Vancouver Dog Strategy later this year.

Give your feedback on the proposed off-leash dog area amenities.

View of off-leash dog area and viewing deck.

What We Heard:

  • Space is needed for benches, picnic tables, and lawn.
  • People enjoy parking along Harbourside Place.
  • Too many activities included in the plan - flexible space is important.


How We're Responding:

  • Adding covered seating and park picnic shelters.
  • Creating lawn areas at the top of the bank.
  • Providing a temporary parking lot near the proposed off-leash dog area. In the future, parking for park visitors will be available along Harbourside Place, and underground within the Harbourside Development.
View of beach volleyball court, intertidal wetlands and the Spirit Trail pedestrian path.

What We Heard:

  • Create more space dedicated to active use, including for adults.
  • Concern over removal of volleyball courts.
  • Separate the children's play area from the off-leash dog area.
  • Washrooms are essential and must be accessible.
  • Integrate nature into the plaza area.


How We're Responding:

  • Integrating one volleyball court into the west side of the park.
  • Adding fitness equipment and parkour to create an 'All Ages Play Zone'.
  • Increasing the buffer between the children's play area and the off-leash dog area by using plants, pathways, and the washroom building.

Give your feedback on the proposed park amenities.

View of the All Ages Activity Zone, including a children's playground, parkour course, and all ages fitness station.

What We Heard:

  • Keep trails inclusive and accessible.
  • Existing trails and paths are congested.
  • Support for separating cyclists from pedestrians for safety.


How We're Responding:

  • Ensuring all trails and pathways are accessible.
  • Implementing speed control and way-finding measures on East and West ends of the site to reduce conflict and congestion on the Spirit Trail.
  • Permitting on-leash dogs throughout the park. This includes the accessible pathways and lawn areas.
  • Creating a separated bike lane on Harbourside Drive.
  • Separating cyclists from pedestrians on all pathways along the busy shoreline.
click to view larger


CLOSED: This discussion has concluded. Thank you.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Concerned about adequate parking, not easily seen on these plans. Many aged/infirm have no other place to enjoy the waterfront....what is the total number of spaces for parking at the south side of property??

    Fritzi.46 asked almost 3 years ago

    The parking options in the area will increase in the short and long term. Local streets will have parking plus more with the new developments. A large temporary surface parking will open for the public located on private property next to Bodwell school soon. In addition to the existing lot, there will be 59 public stalls, 179 stalls for construction workers (which convert to public stalls after hours and on weekends). This temporary surface parking lot will be in service for approximately 8+ years.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What will be the downtime for construction on this area? How long will it take to build? Will the spirit trail continue to go through the area while KMWP is under construction?

    asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. There will be two construction timelines that will impact public access to the park and Spirit Trail.

    1. Adjacent development site construction will start in June 2021. The development site east of Fell Avenue will temporarily relocate the Spirit Trail to Harbourside Drive and down Harbourside Place into Kings Mill Walk Park. Fell Avenue will be closed south of Harbourside Drive and access to Kings Mill Walk Park will be from Harbourside Place. 
    2. Park construction is anticipated in 2022 after the master plan is revised, finalized and detail design is complete. The park will    be closed to the public during construction with the Spirit Trail temporarily relocated on Harbourside Drive. The construction period is expected to continue over two years and the redeveloped park could open in 2024. The draft master plan proposes that the Spirit Trail is located in the park with more separation for bicycles and pedestrians.

          

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Hi. Will the size of the off leash dog park be reduced? Please don’t!

    Alex of North Van asked almost 3 years ago

    There are a number of considerations that have an impact on the proposed park master plan and the allocation of space for various park activities (including the off-leash area).  The Harbourside area will under go some major changes over the next ten years with the development of new homes, offices and retail spaces. One challenge for the park master plan is to understand the needs of many new residents and workers that will be adjacent to the park.   Our aim is to create a park with diverse activities for both new neighbours and existing park users.  In order to accommodate these new park uses, we needed to look at reducing the size of the existing off-leash area.   

    The current off-leash access to the shoreline cannot be accommodated within the new park plan for several reasons.  The Port of Vancouver manages the active port area to the south of the park.  It has authority over the water and any changes to the shoreline. The Port has clearly communicated to the City that dogs and people are not to access the water.  Currently, the off leash area occupies most of the space in the park along the ocean facing shoreline. The draft plan suggests to move the dog off leash area away from the sensitive shoreline and Mackay Creek habitat area and into the active part of the park towards the eastern access points. One of the main design directions is to have more active, busy and noisy areas on the east side of the park with quieter, more natural spaces on the west side. It should be noted that most of these western habitat enhancement areas will be accessible to the public including on-leash dogs.

    Future impacts of climate change and storm surges are also taken to account in this proposed plan. The park and neighbourhood will be protected with the changes to shoreline and by raising sections of park area by 1.5m.   These measures have a significant impact on the current layout of the off-leash area and necessitate the relocation and it’s reduction in size.

    We recognize that there is a demand for off-leash areas in the City.  The number of dog off-leash areas in the City have been doubled over the last two years so that more people can walk to a dog area within their neighbourhood.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Looks fantastic! Will on-leash dogs be welcome on the newly proposed pedestrian pathways through the habitat enhancement areas?

    vbur asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comment and question.

    Yes, on-leash dogs will be welcome on all pedestrian pathways throughout the park.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The community space looks pretty social. Are you planning on having food or drink vendors onsite, at least during the warmer months?

    salPre asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback and question. The draft master plan considers the needs of the growing neighbourhood and demand for a variety of outdoor gathering places. We are not planning for any vendors in the park like a concession. There is opportunity for food trucks and markets to set up on the adjacent roadway - Harbourside Place to service the park.

Page last updated: 29 Aug 2023, 12:06 PM