The hill, the river and how streets behave
The city rises from the Fraser River up a steep slope toward Royal Avenue and Uptown, with Queensborough lying low on its island to the east. Hillside streets are narrow and steep in places, parking is tight, and the Pattullo Bridge and Highway 91A bring through traffic.
On the slope, rain runs downhill into the lots below, and old retaining walls and steps often show the effects. On low ground near the river, the water table can sit close to the surface, so base preparation differs between neighbourhoods.
Walking the street at different times shows how water and traffic really behave.
