Downtown Vancouver Alleys

[delboy]

Here's a email response I got from Dave Jones at DVBIA about the laneway dumpster issue:

The DVBIA and other BIA's were not able to move past a lengthy set of obstacles from the private sector. However, as often happens several businesses got together and have a trial program going in their lane where they share a tote service provided by one hauler who appears to be willing to step out of the dumpster mode and try new things. They have managed to reduce waste, cost and keep dumsters out of lanes. We are hoping to see more nearby businesses build on this success during this year. The social enterprise issue was not an impediment, nor was it the reason this did not move forward as quickly as the BIAs would have liked.

[Spork]

Was there ever a reason stated for why the city won't enact a bylaw?

[jlousa]

I can't speak on behalf of the DVBIA, my understanding is the process was supposedly sabotaged by the trash haulers. They placed the trial out to tender and interesting no one was interested. I'm sure the DVBIA would be much more diplomatic in the assessment though. It was a shame as there was almost no down side to a trial.

[ozonemania]

delboy thanks for looking into this and posting your experience.

And yes, it does seem like the dumpster haulers want to maintain the status quo. Why would they want to change anyway? There is no incentive.

What needs to happen is either have a new entrant that starts up servicing these isolated dumpster-less laneways and have them grow their business lane by lane... or,

the city has to enact a framework that provides incentive for waste management companies to see dumpster-less waste removal as at least as good for business.

That's where I'm hoping things like the alleyway cafes might actually help move this forward. Perhaps if there's commercial benefit to clean alleys, you just might start seeing this happen.

[s211]

This is sounding more like garbage haulers that are averse to change.

Want to know how to exert change? Do like what was done during the Olympics: tell them that they can only do their runs at certain hours. This is what happened at our condo and the haulers had zero choice.

[flight_from_kamakura]

a follow up to my comment on the sf alleys, with a bit of insight into how vancouver might get these babies up and running in various parts of town:
http://www.examiner.com/x-434-SF-Arc...-Up-your-alley

[trofirhen]

Although not the most pressing social or infrastructure issue in the city, I admit; whatever happened to the discussion of future use of alleyways? I say this because I notce that Paris has almost no alleyways used only for dumpsters and utility vehicles. The alleyways here - albeit designed in a different epoch and with a different schematology - are often charming, vine-covered passageways, with restaurants and cafés.

The infrastructure of Vancouver rather prevents this, simply due to size, shape, and function, but there surely ARE alleyways in the central city that could be converted into retail passageways and such, all of which is not only nice for the city, but good for tourist revenue.$$

[SpongeG]

from SSC

Melbourne - seems people don't mind eating close to dumpsters...

flickr piero.damiani

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

from SSC

Melbourne - seems people don't mind eating close to dumpsters...

Good entry! Shows the pertinence and feasability of bringing alleys to life. Thanks SpongeG!

[mr.x]

That's Melbourne? That alleyway (except for the graffiti and the, well, white people) looks incredibly like Asia.

[duener]

It would be cool if the owners of Judas Goat or another Blood Alley facing restaurant just set up lots and lots of tables and chairs. Throw a jazz band into the mix on Friday and Saturday nights and BAM! It would be a cool spot to hang out in.

I can see the liquor licensing being a bigger problem. It would be great if the whole of Blood Alley could be licensed without the need for the railings (like the ones around patios).

[tayser]

Originally Posted by mr.x

That's Melbourne? That alleyway (except for the graffiti and the, well, white people) looks incredibly like Asia.

the lane's called Centre Place and leads into the Centre Arcade which fronts Collins Street:



google images: http://www.google.com.au/images?q=Ce...ed=0CDkQsAQwBA

[vancityrox]

Ugh, Im dieing to visit Melbourne! or maybe live there. Looks like such an amazing place.

[Delirium]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

from SSC

Melbourne - seems people don't mind eating close to dumpsters...

the dumpsters in Yaletown are just as close. i guess we don't mind either.

[TwoFace]

Interesting concept/idea, although I’m not sure how the logistics would work with the current Vancouver alley set up.
And is it even worth the $$$ upgrades for a dozen extra tables of seating. Me thinks not.

Being an avid street photographer, here’s a sample…

[KeyPlan]

[Spork]

Love that alley. Went into the Tapa Bar one time - it was quite good.

[SpongeG]

was down in blood alley today - it stunk so gross - like urine really strong smell

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

was down in blood alley today - it stunk so gross - like urine really strong smell

That's the problem with Gastown being located cheek-by-jowl with the DTES.

[AlexYVR]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

That's the problem with Gastown being located cheek-by-jowl with the DTES.

and with it being surrounded by bars. Kids come out and piss in alleys at night. It's gonna be an issue anywhere there are drunks and dark spots. Blood Alley is a great little space but it always smells bad.