Planning principles for the port-city interface

• Main Author: Colin, Lindsay John
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Vancouver Port Corporation; Harbors > British Columbia > Vancouver; Terminals (Transportation) > British Columbia > Vancouver; Vancouver (B.C.) > Planning
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/7623

The once close physical, functional, economic and cultural solidarity between ports and cities has diminished as a result of changes within both ports and their surrounding urban areas. Spatially, ports and cities have become separated as port structures have grown and evolved to meet the demands of trade and shipping technology over the past few decades. This separation is exacerbated by changing social priorities in the use of urban waterfront space and heightened interest in quality of life issues. As the pressures affecting the urban waterfront continue to grow, the port-city relationship has become strained. This paper is concerned with how the relationship between ports and cities can be improved to support the complementary development of the port with its urban region and, at the same time, maintain the quality of life city residents have come to expect. More specifically, this study seeks out the appropriate planning principles, strategies and approaches that can effectively address the problems and land use conflicts at the port-city interface. The study begins by exploring the literature of structural and societal changes that are affecting port city waterfronts and the conflicts that result between ports and cities in their planning for the waterfront. In a number of cases, these challenges are being met by the separate actions of ports and cities; however, given port-city linkages in many issues it is revealed that there is much to be gained through the effective coordination of efforts based on shared planning principles. A review of the Vancouver cityport confirms the port-city challenges suggested by the literature and interviews with municipal and port representatives lend support to the concept of port-city planning principles. The major conclusions of this study are that ports and cities can benefit from increased collaboration on the basis of agreed planning principles and a shared approach to waterfront planning that recognizes each party's needs. The challenge to be borne by city and port planners is one that seeks reconciliation, balance and the re-building of a synergistic relationship.