New temporary path to open next month around False Creek's seawall closure | Daily Hive

New temporary path to open next month around False Creek's Expo decks seawall closure

The closed segment of the seawall on the Expo decks south of Science World. (City of Vancouver)

By the end of May 2025, a new shorter temporary detour path for the seawall route within Southeast False Creek should be ready for pedestrians and cyclists.

In early February 2025, the City of Vancouver suddenly closed the popular decks of the seawall, situated between Science World and Olympic Village, that were originally built about 40 years ago for the Expo ’86 World’s Fair.

At the time, the municipal government had indicated this move was done as a precaution due to the deteriorating condition of the structure that sits on pilings over water. Prior to the closure, planning was already underway for the possible demolition of this segment of the decks, potentially beginning in 2027/2028 and finishing in 2032.

Seawall route through the Expo decks south of Science World closed in early February 2025. (City of Vancouver)

However, the closure of the decks since the winter has created an inconvenient gap in the continuous seawall route, necessitating a lengthy detour along Quebec Street, Switchmen Street, and Ontario Street.

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Today, the City announced construction has begun on a new compacted gravel path that hugs the fenced-off area of the closed decks, creating a new shorter detour that is much closer to the water when walking or cycling between Science World and Creekside Community Centre at the Olympic Village neighbourhood.

This project built within the grassy area will actually provide two paths — separated side-by-side paths for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the City, it will be similar to the seawall’s gravel path at Vanier Park.

southeast false creek seawall detour expo decks

City of Vancouver

It should be emphasized that the Expo decks wrapping around Science World and extending to the north toward Concord Pacific Place remain open and are not affected by the closure.

But there are also bigger questions on the permanent solution for this seawall segment south of Science World over the longer term.

“Once constructed, the new path will remain in place while the City continues long-term planning for the future of the Expo Deck,” reads the City’s bulletin today.

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South deck from Expo ’86 next to Science World. (Google Maps)

false creek deck science world demolition

Condition of the Expo-era deck and piles next to Science World. (City of Vancouver)

In November 2024, the Vancouver Park Board approved the long-term permanent design of the Olympic Village’s new East Park — immediately south of the closed decks.

A future phase of planning will determine the design of the park space adjacent to the water, as well as the permanent alignment of the seawall route. However, the Park Board’s earlier preliminary designs for this waterside area have drawn controversy, as they show no intention to construct new replacement decks that bring people over the water despite the popularity of this public space over the decades. Instead, the proposed permanent seawall would be set significantly farther inland, with the current deck footprint repurposed as an intertidal zone and marine habitat.

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