In difficult financial times, it's hard to justify money spent on public art, decorative lighting and plants.
But when street upgrades come with increased pedestrian safety as well, these improvements are easier to support.
That's why it's a no-brainer to get behind the beautification of Pinetree Way as part of a $14-million package to make the Evergreen Line more attractive.
There is no question that the overhead guideway can be both obstructive and ugly, and efforts to beautify it will be important as City Centre is the city's urban jewel. But equally important are plans to make the area safer for pedestrians and to add washrooms.
One thing we learned from building the Expo Line almost 30 years ago is that attention to detail is critical to integrating rapid transit into settled communities. Little was done to make the Expo line attractive, except the provision of a bike and walking path beneath. It sticks out like a sore, badly bandaged thumb.
When the Evergreen Line comes through Coquitlam, expect to see many improvements as a result of lessons learned with earlier transit lines.
