2024 Summer pilot engagement summary available now

In July and August of 2024 we transformed Water Street and Maple Tree Square into a vibrant pedestrian zone with public seating, expanded patios, artwork courtesy of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, live performances, and other installations.

The Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot was a chance to learn about the experience of pedestrianizing Water Street and will help shape a long-term vision for pedestrianizing Water Street, as part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan. It will also help to plan future pedestrian zones. You can read the Council Report (PDF, 3MB) here.

This past summer, City staff gained feedback through:

1. An online survey

We received 1824 community survey responses about people’s experience of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot.

2. Community Pop-Ups

We hosted four pop-ups on Water Street this past summer with over 225 interactions providing an opportunity to chat with staff, take our community survey in-person, and learn more about the Gastown Public Spaces Plan and Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot.

3. Design Workshops

We hosted two workshops on July 30 and August 1 to explore future design approaches for pedestrianizing Water Street and improving Gastown’s public spaces. Learnings will inform future pedestrian zone pilot planning and the Gastown Public Spaces Plan.

4. Business-specific survey

We received 89 business survey responses about Gastown’s businesses’ experience and impact of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot.

5. Interviews with businesses and stakeholders

In addition to door-knocking efforts, staff hosted over 27 stakeholder meetings with local organizations, Gastown businesses and property owners.