The Vancouver Sun from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada • 12

A 12 VANCQUVSRtUN: APRIL 29, 197S CONFERENCE sources 'must bo South Shore False Creek BOSTON (CP) Stressing its concern that the energy problem is "rear and immediate." a confer- ence of academics and gov 35 mwiM atatti Is ernment and industry representatives Friday recommended that the five eastern Canadian prov Iff inces and six New England states take immediate steps to "place the highest tf spMatrar nils priority on renewable sources of energy." The conference urged the provincial premiers and the governors to set up 'MS a committee to study the idea of subsidies and sub- stantial incentives to con-i sumers and the fledgling renewable energy indus- try. It started in 1971, when city officials and selected consultants began to prepare specific development ideas, designed to create a novel mix of homes, waterfront walkways, parkland, marinas, schools, shops and commercial offices. Along the way, much public discussion has taken place, much has been written about it, architects and planners from all over the world have come to see False Creek take shape. Now, the first phase of this imaginative and ambitious program is no longer a dream but a living reality. r-t The recommendations s-were among several offer- ed in the final reports of four conference workshops held Thursday and Friday.

They will be presented to political leaders at their next annual meeting In I had no idea False Creek was like this June in New Hampshire. The conference was -sponsored by the provinces and states. More than 200 persons attended, includ ing New Brunswick Premi with one of those small European villages by some shoreline, chances are you'd feel right at home in False Creek. Because this neighbourhood concept, new to North America, owes much to the charming old ways of Europe. er Richard Hstfield, co- acres of public pedestrian streets and plazas.

Do it sometime soon False Creek is an ideal place to take a walk through, and you'll discover how well the whole neighbourhood concept has come together. If you've ever fallen in love 'chairman of the premiers' tand governors' energy committee. Hatfield, chairman of the final plenary session here, said in an interview he believes the conference has come up some realistic and practi- Funny thing about False Creek is that everybody has heard about it. driven by on 6th Avenue, or got a glimpse from a distance. But few people have actually turned off at Heather, parked their car and taken a walk through the place.

When they do, the reaction is always the same: "This is beautiful -1 had no idea False Creek was like this!" Because sheltered behind the landscaped abutment along 6th Avenue (it wards off the traffic noise and makes False Creek a very quiet place) the area now boasts a whole range of beautifully designed features which you'll only see when you actually take a good walk along the seawall, stroll across the 1 7 acre Charleson Park, past the waterfall, around the Leg-In-Boot Square and by the Marinas, and through the various neighbourhoods with the II cal recommendations. But he says the various governments would be reluctant to set up the subsidies recommended and would prefer to reduce current subsidies to other forms of energy. Dr. Lewis Conta, author of a conference review which will be presented to the June meeting, said the fundamental issue is the yet the design screens the noise and you see the magnificent skyline audits reflection in the Harbour and the mountains beyond, a constantly changing panorama from sunrise to sunset. Perhaps the most memorable impressions of False Creek are the spectacular views from its walk ways, windows and balconies, and the feeling of peace and quietness.

Here, you're just minutes from downtown diminishing supply of oil "In a decade or two, or less," he said, North America will no longer have enough oil to heat lake a stroll along the seawall. homes and other buildings. He predicted oil will be reserved for essential uses only farm transportation and chemical products and space heating will have to be provided by other forms srT ii ILi i-i "Si of energy. Several people in one workshop said wood might meet a major portion of the False Creek is a place designed for people, children can walk to school or to play without crossing a single street. All traffic has been kept to the perimeter, and when you want to explore False Creek you had best turn off 6th Avenue at Heather and leave your car in the designated visitors' parking.

As you stroll through the Leg-ln-Boot Square towards the Heather Marina, the walkways curve westwards along the seawall. At the Marina you'll probably notice the In- Here what the residents have to say. Of the some 850 homes comprising Phase I. about 700 are already occupied, while the remainder are being offered for sale now. We've talked to a good many residents and their comments about False Creek are exemplified by the following: continent's energy needs.

East-West prisoner 'I, swap set WASHINGTON (AP) The United States and East rfi MffS Germany have agreed to exchange two prisoners, thing you'd expect to see around a sunny European plaza. There will be a fountain in the square of course, a variety of small stores and restaurants, bank and bistro, dry cleaners and delicatessen. Around the square itself and to the east of it, medium-rise concrete apartments feature split-level townhouses with big living rooms and built-in window planters together with other original and attractive design concepts not found in conventional highrise blocks. To the east of the square are medium and low-rise rental apartments. In short.

False Creek offers a perfect mix of homes and offices, shops and restaurants, pubs, parks, plazas and people, all of which contribute to the special cosmopolitan flavour which is the mark of a mature community. And this is only the beginning- The completion of Phase I of the rede velopment of City lands on the south shore of False Creek has already achieved what many long considered impossible the rescue of the city's most picturesque waterfront playground from years of neglect. Within the next few years, the entire waterfront from Heather Street to Granville Island and beyond to Bur-rard Bridge' is destined to become a residential and recreational showpiece without equal in North America. but the timing and other To the west, the Spruce Neighbourhood conies the closest to single family housing. All units are in two and three storey frame buildings with small gardens and large, private balconies.

Including the 40 liveaboards in the water subdivision, it comprises 410 units arranged in three clusters and accommodating an estimated population of about 1,000. Immediately adjoining are the elementary school, the playground and the playing field. Approximately 50 of the Spruce units are expressly planned for families with younger children. Two-thirds of all the homes in the neighbourhood are for purchase by owner-occupants; the remainder are rental units. At the eastern end of the development, separated by the 17 acre Charleson Park, lies the -Heather Neighbourhood, whose four clusters of homes cater to two other distinctive lifestyles.

The area to the west of Leg-In-Boot Square contains family-oriented townhouses and apartments. The individualistic, largely custom designed units in three storey frame structures are intended primarily for young families and childless couples. They make up about one third of all units in the neighbourhood. The Mediterranean flavour of the community is particularly evident in Leg-ln-Boot Square which fronts on the Heather Marina where you'll find every- details of the deal are still being kept secret. Dorothy Romalis Writer Bertha Clark Society thoroughly enjoy walking along the seawall.

I feel like I own a piece of 1 the waterfront when I do Marianne Kotch Teacher "This is the first lime I've lived in a neighbourhood where I've met friends and was reall part of a community." Tom Staniszkis Architect. Heather Condominiums "The general ambience is very much like that of a European cilyWe feel a big pan of it it makes us feel at home." The state department confirmed Friday that an agreement has been reach 1 This Sunday "come fly a kite." formation Centre, where you can obtain a free visitors' Guide to False Creek, which features a map and details on all the neighbourhoods. There's also a 14-minute film on view, (weekdays 1-8 p.m., weekends 12-6 p.m., closed Fridays) which is well worth seeing, as is the 9 feet long model of False Creek, which shows not only the present Phase but gives an idea of how False Creek will extend through the next years. So pick up a copy of the Tour Map and -start to explore the delightful seawalk, the park, with lookout point above the small lake. Don't miss the waterfall, and if you bring your children they'll have a great time at the Adventure You'll find False Creek is not only a friendly haven in the heart of the city, in many ways it is safe and -secluded from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.

A choice of different lifestyles. There's a great deal more to making a place your home than just the house and the ground it i sits on. You'll consider the neighbourhood. The surrounding environment. The total community.

And, of course, the future, False Creek offers a lot more than a lot to live on. Its incomparable location and choice of lifestyle reflects as nearly as possible, the social mix of the city in which it is set There is something here for every age and station in life, every size and type of household including singles, couples, families, senior citizens and the handicapped. The community even offers fully serviced facilities for people to live on board their boats. All are built on the "doughnut cluster" principle, which ensures that every unit enjoys both sunlight and a view through one or more of its windows. The "hole" in the "doughnut" provides semi-private outdoor space for the occupants of the individual enclaves in the cluster, which are interconnected with pedestrian walkways.

Tomorrow, starting around noon. False Creek's Charleson Park will see some of Vancouver's inveterate kite flying specialists at work. Hopefully, they'll be joined by many others, young and City of Vancouver The conversion of City lands on the south snore of False Creek into an exciting and innovative residential and public recreational asset is a landmark in inner city redevelopment and has attracted the attention and praise of many North American and foreign experts. Particularly noteworthy is the range, quality and affordable nature of the housing. Designed for young families as well as singlet, couples, mature families ami the elderly.

False Creek provides an ideal living environment within easy reach of the City and all its amenities. All this has been achieved in the impressive setting of an easily accessible public park which, with its contoured seawall, interesting pathways and play areas, offering unexcelled view of the Harbour, city skyline and the mountains beyond. With the first phase now completed, the City, under the direction of Development Consultant E.D. Sutcliffeand the False Creek Development Croup are now commencing with the next two phases. This, together with the redevelopment by CMHC of Granville Island and the development now underway of B.C.

Central Credit Union and National Harbours Board properties to the west, will complete the program for the renewal of the south shore of False Creek. Our sincere thanks go to all those talented individuals and groups, without hose dedication and hard work this ambitious redevelopment project would not have been accomplished. old. who like to bring their Since False Creek is always kites and give it a try. blessed with a breeze from English Bay (which keeps the air fresh and clean, summer and winter) it should be quite a spectacle, to see the colorful kites soaring above the park.

Come along and join the fun! ed that will allow Robert Thompson, who is in a U.S. prison on espionage charges, to be exchanged for Alan Van Norman, who has been held by the East Germans since February, 1977. Thompson, a former air force intelligence clerk convicted of passing secrets to the Soviet Union, Is serving a 13-year sentence in a federal prison In Lewisburg, and was soon to have been released on parole. Van Norman, of Wisdom, is serving a 2tt-year sentence in an East German prison after being convicted of trying to smuggle a German doctor, his wife and son to the West The exchange was negotiated Thursday between an East German lawyer, Wolfgang Vogel, and Representative Benjamin Vogel played a key role in the 1962 swap of U-J pilot Francis Gary Powers for Soviet spy Rudolf AbeL He also helped arrange the release last weekend of Myron Marcus, 24, an Israeli, citizen detained in Moiambiquesince 1978. Gilman's aide said the two men also discussed Soviet dissident Anatoly Shcharansky, who is being held in the Soviet Union, and Lawrence Loot, a former Central Intelligence Agency employee being held in Cuba.

The model displayed at the Information Office will give you some idea of the exciting extension of False Creek. If you're interested in more details, send your name and address to: The False Creek, Development Group 1405 805 West Broadway. Vancouver V5Z I I or simply fill in this coupon, for a free copy of False Creek South Shore. I Please send me a free copy of the 16 page colorful r.i rdiw vivch aiuiii jiiuic iiiigcu.mc I Name Address I I Jack Volrith Mayor Postal Code.