Capilano Suspension Bridge and Green Cities Revitalization Paper Example

Part One: Capilano Suspension Bridge in Northern Vancouver, British Columbia

Metro Vancouver has many landscapes that vary in sizes. The monuments are landmarks for the city and a display of peoples culture, values and tastes. They are a pillar of the societies` way of life. The also beautify Metro Vancouver and are a source of attraction to tourists from all walks of life. One of such landscapes is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This is one of the most magnificent landscape features in Metro Vancouver. Therefore, this paper describes and analyses the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a world-famous masterpiece in North Vancouver with an estimate of 2.200 visitors per day ("Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park," 2018). The Bridge is an old attraction that has been in existence since 1889 which was originally built by George Grant Mackay. It is in a 27-acre park that spreads 137m (450 ft) and 70m (230ft) above Capilano River ("Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park," 2018). Previously, the bridge had ropes and cedar poles. Now, the bridge is more secure after its new construction in 1956.

It also hangs above two other Vancouver landmarks. The Treetop Adventure which comprises seven footbridges hangs between old growth Douglas Fir trees and the New Cliffwalk. It is a wobbly bridge that offers a great view of the rainforest and Capilano Canyon. The landscape is breathtaking to visitors who visit the location. In addition to the site, the weather is fresh with a cool breeze. Capilano Suspension Bridge is an excellent getaway from the noise and pollution in the cities.

Currently, the running and maintenance of Capilano Suspension Bridge are by Nancy Stibbard. She is an indigenous Vancouverite with a passion for the landmark and the environment around it. The Capilano group strives to offer an excellent experience to guests. In addition to delighting the visitors, the group maintains utmost safety by having regular maintenance of the bridge.

The Origin of Capilano Suspension BridgeThe name Capilano comes from the Kia`palano meaning beautiful river. Its origins are from the Squamish Nation. It was the name of the Chief in the area in the early 1800s (Dempster & Mahon, 1988). In 1888, George Grant Mackay purchased 6,000 acres of forest land in Capilano ("Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park," 2018). In 1889 he suspended a footbridge. He also built a cabin in the property. The ownership of the Capilano Suspension Bridge has changed hands eventually since its inception. The subsequent owners include Edward Mahon, Mac Eachran, Henri Aubeneau, Rae Mitchell, and its current owner is Nancy Stibbard ("Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park," 2018). Over the years, the once footbridge made of hemp rope and cedar planks has become one of the most significant First Nation`s landmarks in Vancouver.

How Humans Have Altered Capilano Suspension Bridge

Before, the Capilano area only had the river and the rainforest. Entrepreneurs over the years have changed the outlook of the place. Initially, the region inhabitants were the First Nation, and there was no development at the time. Now, the region has become a park with several tourist attraction sites. In addition to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the other improvements from the Capilano Group include the Treetop Adventure and New Cliffwalk. The Capilano Group manages the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the properties around it. Others include a well-stocked gift shop with Canada merchandise and homemade fudge.

The Capilano Group are keen on conserving the environment. They not only do this as a means of regulatory requirements but also as a way of preserving the culture and habitats of the First Nation. The areas consist of the most extensive private collection of totem poles. The group also engages in other initiative aimed at conserving the environment.

The site had a composting and contracted service for organic waste. This conserves the area from waste pollution by recycling the garbage for a useful purpose. In 2007 the group conducted a light audit which led to shifting to the most power saving light and ballast. In conserving wildlife, the management has partnered with Raptor's Ridge, which has led the enhancement of wildlife in the area. The group is also keen on maintaining the rainforest. It planted approximately 2000 tree and shrubs in the last three years in the rainforests ("Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park," 2018).

How Capilano Suspension Bridge Reflects the Values of the Nothern Vancouver PeopleThe Northern Vancouver is an Island in British Columbia which is rich in tradition and culture of First Nations. The population is low with most of its area covered by forests and vegetation. People only occupy 5% of Northern Vancouver Island. The communities are coastal with their favourite social-economic activities being fishing, beach walks, kayaking and canoeing, scuba diving, swimming, and camping.

First Nations are the aboriginals of Canada. A deep-rooted culture characterizes the population. The First Nation has for years lived and conserved the areas natural features. Their culture has influenced the rest of Canada in efforts of conservation of the environment.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a landmark that has attracted tourists to Northern Vancouver for over a decade. Thick rain forest covers the area that the under the bridge. The woods have been in existence for very many years. Since the indigenous people are concerned with the conservation of the environment, the Capilano Group has facilitated these efforts. The team has been planting of trees and shrubs in the rainforest. Since Capilano Suspension Bridge is an instrumental tourist attraction, the region`s flora and fauna have remained intact.

Civilization and industrialization are threatening the existence of the First People of North Vancouver and Canada as a whole. Most of the indigenous people have embraced education and modernization. However, there are those who still hold indigenous culture, language and social systems that have been instrumental in moulding modern Canada. Therefore, to ensure that the ways of the people of the indigenous are not affected, conservation of their habitats is paramount. In North Vancouver, Capilano Group is ensuring that the forest and vegetation are not tampered with by the people.

Capilano Suspension bridge attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. They not only come to cross the bridge but also to experience the rich culture of the local people. The First Nations usually entertain them with songs, dances, indigenous foods, and costumes. Also, the visitors learn about the history of the bridge and the park as well as get entertained with stories from the locals. The tourists also to take photos at the Totem Park with the Capilano Trumps. These activities enhance the preservation of the culture of the locals and also act as a source of income. Therefore, since the Capilano Suspension bridge is much more than a tourist attraction, the government should ensure that the area and the indigenous people continue to get protection from extinction.

Part 2: Green Cities Revitalization Through Urban Landscape Proposal

Background

Today many people live in cities. Migration to the cities has led to an influx of persons in towns. Employment and housing are increasingly becoming scarce with the rise of population. Hence, the society has embraced industrialization and housing development to manage the jobs and housing shortage. However, manufacturing has led to an increase in pollution from industrial wastes, noise, and wastewater (Kahn, 2006). Also, the modernization and population growth have led to an increased need for housing, shopping malls, more roads, and other social amenities.

Therefore, green cities are on the verge of extinction. Human activities affect the presence of a clean environment, fresh air, and serene resting places in the towns, and freshwater (Kaplan, Wheeler, & Holloway, 2014). There is a risk of an increase in diseases like respiratory ailments due to air pollution. Also, the people lack an open area where they can relax with friends and families. Therefore, this proposal aims at the shedding light on issues in green cities revitalization through the urban landscape.

Area of investigation

The Study will take place in Vancouver since it the most densely populated city in the British Columbia Province. The town is ideal since it is experiencing rapid growth as compared to other cities in the region due to modernization.

Approach

This research will use literature specific to Green Cities revitalization around the globe. The secondary data will cover the significant variables that affect green cities rejuvenation. Issues on environmental pollutants will be of paramount in the study. Moreover, the paper will focus on the literature on the effects of the emergence of cities and population growth to green cities. The proposal will also concentrate on the means of lessening the impact of industrialization on green cities. These include reducing wastes, engaging in recycling, increasing housing density to have more open space, lowering air pollutants by managing emissions from industries and vehicles and encouraging people to participate in sustainable activities in businesses and leisure.

References

Dempster, E., & Mahon, M. (1988). The laughing bridge: A personal history of the Capilano suspension bridge. Maple Ridge, B.C.: Impressions in Print Enterprises.

Kahn, M. E. (2006). Green cities: Urban growth and the environment. Washington, DC: Brookings Inst. Press.

Kaplan, D. H., Wheeler, J. O., & Holloway, S. (2014). Urban Geography, 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons.

Our History | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.capbridge.com/our-story/history/

Picture of the Day: The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. (2018). Retrieved from https://twistedsifter.com/2012/05/picture-of-the-day-the-capilano-suspension-bridge-in-vancouver/