Gastown Public Spaces Plan

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Help us make Gastown’s unique streets, laneways and public spaces more vibrant and people-friendly!

Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an important heritage district and popular destination in Vancouver. Many of the streets and public spaces in Gastown are in need of repair and rehabilitation, and we are exploring pedestrianizing areas of this neighbourhood to support vibrant public life.

In response to Council direction [PDF, 0.2MB], staff are creating a plan that will guide how to:

• Establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown with enhanced gathering places, streets, and laneways to support a range of activities.
• Pedestrianize Water Street, seasonally or year-round, starting with a pedestrian pilot in summer 2024.
• Improve the street network, including walking, cycling, transit and vehicle connections and consideration of Cordova as a two-way street.
• Advance Reconciliation with the local Nations and support their visibility on their lands.
• Evolve and deepen the unique heritage feel of the area, including improved street materials and amenities.
• Identify phased project timing and funding.

Read the backgrounder [PDF, 8MB] to learn about why we are making a public spaces plan and the draft objectives.

The first phase of engagement for the Gastown Public Spaces Plan closed on Sunday, November 19.

We anticipate returning for a second phase of engagement in Spring/Summer of 2024. To stay up to date on future opportunities to get involved sign up for our mailing list to get updates directly to your inbox (see top-right of webpage).