April 2026 - Council approves people-first vision for Gastown

On April 22, 2026, Council unanimously approved the Gastown Public Spaces Plan [PDF, 45.5 MB], a holistic vision and a framework to guide future investment and renewal of Gastown’s streets and public spaces.

Review the Council report, meeting minutes and presentation.

About the Gastown Public Spaces Plan

The plan sets a long-term vision to strengthen Gastown as a welcoming, people-first neighbourhood that supports local businesses, daily life, cultural expression and public events.

It was developed in response to Council direction [PDF, 212 KB] and further direction [PDF, 262 KB] and was informed by public engagement in 2023 [PDF, 18.5 MB], learnings from two summer pilot programs testing pedestrian zones on Water Street and other improvements (2024 [PDF, 3 MB] and 2025 [PDF, 25.7 MB]), ongoing partnership with the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and close collaboration with the Gastown Business Improvement Society.

What’s next

The City will engage with the community on future improvements as projects advance. More information about the Gastown Public Spaces Plan is available at vancouver.ca/gastown.