September 3 2024 –
After a lively summer that transformed sections of Gastown into a vibrant, people-first destination with shared seating, expanded patios, and artwork courtesy of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot has now concluded.
City crews will be on-site throughout this week wrapping up and removing the pilot furniture, seating, signs, planters, and traffic barriers. Temporary curbside patios and merchandise displays that were part of the pilot will also be removed to ensure sidewalks have safe, adequate clearance for pedestrians and the roadway remains accessible for vehicles.
Temporary traffic changes will be in place throughout the week to accommodate removal activities. Please follow all detours, plan ahead and expect delays.
Full vehicle access to Water Street will be restored by end of day September 6 and the #50 bus will return to its regular route on September 7.
“This summer’s Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot has been a great opportunity for us to implement a unique, people-first street in Vancouver,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “A big thank you to all the businesses for their participation, to the event organizers for creating such engaging experiences, and to the thousands of visitors who helped turn this iconic destination into a vibrant, welcoming community space for everyone to enjoy.”
Throughout the pilot, City staff closely monitored public space use, traffic flow and access to the pedestrian zone, while gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors through surveys, workshops, emails, and one-on-one conversations.
Additionally, the City is conducting an economic impact study to assess the pilot’s effects on local businesses, and staff will continue observing public life to compare it with data collected during the pilot.
“This summer’s pedestrian zone pilot has been a valuable learning experience for the City,” says Lisa Parker, City of Vancouver Director of Public Space and Street Use. “Our staff are currently analyzing the feedback and data gathered during this process, and we will present our findings in a report to Council later this fall. As we conclude the pilot, I want to express our sincere gratitude to all our community partners, Mission Possible, Destination Vancouver, Embers, Goodnight Out, HelloYello and the Gastown BIS patrol team for their efforts in keeping the pedestrian zone lively, clean, safe, and well-maintained.”
Background
In spring 2023, Council directed staff to proceed with urgent, interim repairs to Gastown streets and sidewalks, develop a Public Spaces Plan to guide investments and planning for the future of public spaces in Gastown, and explore pedestrianizing Water Street to support vibrant public life. The Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot ran July through August 2024, included car-free and car-light sections, and prioritized walking, local businesses, culture, community-building, biking and rolling.
For more information, or to sign up for updates on Gastown related projects, visit vancouver.ca/gastown.